BlackBerry Playbook WiMax Specs Pricing & ProsCons Revealed

Introduction to BlackBerry PlayBook WiMAX

The BlackBerry PlayBook WiMAX was a groundbreaking device introduced by Research In Motion (RIM) aimed at targeting the high-end tablet market. Released in 2010, this tablet was designed to compete with other tablets of its time by offering a unique combination of features and connectivity options. Although it was eventually discontinued, its introduction marked a significant moment in the history of mobile computing devices.

Design and Build

The BlackBerry PlayBook WiMAX featured a sleek and sophisticated design. It came with dimensions of 194 x 130 x 10 mm and weighed 425 grams. With its slim profile and relatively lightweight body, the PlayBook was highly portable, making it easy for users to carry it around. The device was equipped with a robust aluminum chassis that provided excellent durability while still conveying a sense of luxury. The PlayBook was only available in black, which contributed to its professional aesthetic appeal.

Display Characteristics

The BlackBerry PlayBook WiMAX featured a 7.0-inch TFT screen. With a resolution of 600 x 1024 pixels and a 16:9 aspect ratio, the display offered sharp and vibrant visuals. It had a pixel density of approximately 170 ppi, which was sufficient for everyday usage and media consumption. The screen covered about 54.7% of the total body-to-screen ratio, offering a balanced amount of bezel.

Performance Powered by TI OMAP 4430

Under the hood, the PlayBook was powered by the TI OMAP 4430 chipset, which included a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU paired with PowerVR SGX540 GPU. This combination provided a decent amount of power for multitasking and handling a variety of applications. Though by today’s standards it might seem dated, at that time, this hardware setup delivered an efficient and responsive performance.

Memory and Storage Variants

The PlayBook came in three storage variants: 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB. All configurations were matched with 1GB of RAM, sufficient for running the BlackBerry Tablet OS smoothly. However, the device did not feature a card slot for storage expansion, which could be seen as a limitation for users requiring more space for apps, media, or documents.

Operating System and User Interface

The device ran on BlackBerry Tablet OS, which was tailored to deliver a seamless user experience on touchscreen devices. The OS supported multitasking and provided adequate support for applications. Additionally, it included Docu-to-Go which improved document management on the tablet. The presence of Adobe Flash support in the browser further enhanced its web browsing capabilities.

Connectivity Features Including WiMAX

While the PlayBook lacked cellular connectivity features like 2G or 3G, it included a comprehensive suite of wireless options. The device supported Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n and the distinctive WiMAX 802.16 e, which was a key feature at the time of its release. The inclusion of Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR further ensured users could connect to peripherals wirelessly.

Camera Specifications

The PlayBook was equipped with a 5 MP rear camera capable of auto-focus, allowing users to capture decent quality images and videos at 1080p@30fps. Additionally, it featured a 3 MP front camera, which was suitable for video calls and selfies. Despite being a tablet, the camera specs were competitive during its time of release.

Multimedia and Audio Capabilities

The BlackBerry PlayBook came with stereo loudspeakers that provided clear and balanced audio output, enhancing the multimedia experience. Additionally, it included a 3.5mm headphone jack, ensuring compatibility with various audio devices. Whether watching videos, listening to music, or conducting video calls, the PlayBook offered a commendable audio-visual experience.

Battery Life

The tablet was powered by a non-removable 5300 mAh Li-Po battery. This substantial battery capacity ensured that the PlayBook could last for several hours on a single charge, depending on usage patterns. Whether for work or entertainment, users could rely on the PlayBook for extended use without frequent recharging.

Conclusion

Although the BlackBerry PlayBook WiMAX was eventually discontinued, it remains a significant part of the evolution of tablets. With its distinct set of features like WiMAX connectivity, efficient performance, and multitasking capabilities, the PlayBook served as a precursor to the more advanced mobile computing devices of today. It marked BlackBerry's ambitious foray into the tablet market, representing both the potential and challenges the brand faced during that era.