[April 28, 2011] BlackBerry tablet launches in US [Independent Television News Limited (UK)] Tweet (Independent Television News Limited (UK) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) The latest rival to Apple's iPad has hit the shops in the US with the launch of the BlackBerry PlayBook. Nobody has been able to match the iPad tablet computer thus far, but the PlayBook, the first effort from BlackBerry smartphone maker Research In Motion, has emerged as one of the strongest contenders. On the surface, the PlayBook looks similar to other iPad competitors: Its touch screen measures 17.5cm diagonally, smaller than the iPad's but comparable with those of others. It has front and rear cameras for snapping photos and video conferencing and a black rubberised plastic back and sides. What is different is the software powering the PlayBook. Most non-iPad tablets use Google's Android software; RIM developed its own, a smart decision, yielding a device that customers say is a pleasure to navigate. (c) 2011 Independent Television News Limited . All rights reserved. Provided by Syndigate.info an Albawaba.com company [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]