Thread: On the Verge of Buying a Playbook

Alright so I've been in the market for a tablet for a long time and I think I might be getting the Playbook.

I like that it can play android apps now, I also like the build quality and the price. Even though it does not have a MicroSD card it seems that the 64gb version is around the same price-point as the 16gb nexus and have better battery life to boot.

Of course it doesn't have Tegra 3 and the screen is a little lacking compared to the Nexus 7, but everything else about the build quality looks very good. I almost pulled the trigger on a Nexus 7 until I read about the screen lifting problem that one video reported that 80% of users were experiencing.

I just have one question though, and that is regarding the playback of AC-3 audio. With all the latest patches can this thing seriously not play AC-3 audio? I'm sure I can easily find a way around it but it just seems like a pretty basic feature. At least it can play MKV files...

Anyway I haven't bought it yet so I would still be interested in others comments about the Playbook.

Hi Kevin and welcome to the best BlackBerry forum in the world. We have the best BlackBerry team members that has ever been assembled.

I have moved your thread to the PlayBook category so that all the PlayBook users will see your question and give you the best information so you can make an informed decision in your purchase of a tablet.
Good luck and welcome to BBOS.

Originally Posted by ghostryder

Hi Kevin and welcome to the best BlackBerry forum in the world. We have the best BlackBerry team members that has ever been assembled.

I have moved your thread to the PlayBook category so that all the PlayBook users will see your question and give you the best information so you can make an informed decision in your purchase of a tablet.
Good luck and welcome to BBOS.

Thanks, I didn't see the playbook section till right after I made the thread. To be honest this forum makes me want to get a playbook. So many amazing guides and resources here.

Originally Posted by Kevin Morris

Thanks, I didn't see the playbook section till right after I made the thread. To be honest this forum makes me want to get a playbook. So many amazing guides and resources here.

You're right, this site's owner, Joe, as built an impressive forum dedicated to and for BlackBerry users. As well as obtaining a team of writers, bloggers, and moderators that are easy to get along with and have a wealth of experience with RIM devices. Current and former team members have put together how-tos for everything that RIM devices can do and how to recove from any mistakes. You can't go wrong here.
I think that the PlayBook is the way to go, and there are several knowledgeable team members that own one as well.

Welcome to BBOS, Kevin!

You won't be disappointed in getting a PlayBook. Plus, remember that all PlayBooks will be getting the BlackBerry 10 update come January/Feb of 2013.

Originally Posted by ghostryder

You're right, this site's owner, Joe, as built an impressive forum dedicated to and for BlackBerry users. As well as obtaining a team of writers, bloggers, and moderators that are easy to get along with and have a wealth of experience with RIM devices. Current and former team members have put together how-tos for everything that RIM devices can do and how to recove from any mistakes. You can't go wrong here.
I think that the PlayBook is the way to go, and there are several knowledgeable team members that own one as well.

Yep, we have a great team. The best of any site out there.

Originally Posted by Joe Jerde

Yep, we have a great team. The best of any site out there.

It really seems to be an amazing site. I've owned a lot of various portable devices and it's forums like this that were essential for figuring certain things out. Jailbreaking my iPod touch, hacking my PSP and Wii, rooting my Galaxy S, ect.

I will probably go pick one up tomorrow as they are currently 20$ off at Stables and Best Buy.

Originally Posted by Kevin Morris

It really seems to be an amazing site. I've owned a lot of various portable devices and it's forums like this that were essential for figuring certain things out. Jailbreaking my iPod touch, hacking my PSP and Wii, rooting my Galaxy S, ect.

I will probably go pick one up tomorrow as they are currently 20$ off at Stables and Best Buy.

Sounds good. Check back here for the latest games and apps.

Can anyone tell me what the GPS capabilities are on this? Can I download the maps for my area and use GPU without wifi or data?

Hi Kevin, I've used the GPS function as it has Bing maps already installed and it was ok, but I found I needed to have it connected to my Torch, but I like you and a complete novice when it comes to BlackBerry perhaps someone can help us both here?

Oh and welcome, it's good to meet another Kevin Morris!

sir, i told my self to buy a PB4g but im confused bec, i have a postpaid plan for my BB phone, thing is, if i will buy a Pb4g, i find it not necessarry bec for PB wifi, we can just theter our BB phone to PB to use the internet. . .

Originally Posted by oneil1986

sir, i told my self to buy a PB4g but im confused bec, i have a postpaid plan for my BB phone, thing is, if i will buy a Pb4g, i find it not necessarry bec for PB wifi, we can just theter our BB phone to PB to use the internet. . .

That is what many others are thinking.

Originally Posted by Kevin Morris

Can anyone tell me what the GPS capabilities are on this? Can I download the maps for my area and use GPU without wifi or data?

The PlayBook does have GPS capabilities.

I have the 16gb Playbook. I got mine for £79 as I had a £50 voucher from a transaction that went wrong. I it's a bargain and just as good as the iPad2 which I also own.

Sideloading Android apps is very easy to do.

Gps function works. Give it time to locate outside. I installed the free OsmAnd to test and have purchased, for £5.00, the full version of Magellan. Our playbooks do not have internet except through tethering or wifi router, so I needed to be able to use maps that were installed to the memory. Everthing works ok, but the programme is not all that user friendly. Perseverance will overcome.

Regards

Ross