The tech world has a new baby in the tablet style computers that have started hitting the market lately. Tablet computers are perfect for students or young business people and two of the biggest names in portable technology have released their versions of the tablet, with RIMs Blackberry Playbook and Apples iPad (and iPad 2). These big name contenders in the smart phone world have now begun the battle for tablet domination, but if you're like me, a “gig” is something a band plays, and memory is something you're losing slowly but surely. All these stats and tech terms just make your brain hurt, so here are a few simple differences to help you choose which tablet is for you.
While neither the iPad or the PlayBook could ever be considered heavy or bulky, the PlayBook is the smaller and lighter version of the two. The screen of the iPad is over 2 inches bigger then that of the PlayBook at 9.7 inches. The PlayBook measures in at 7 inches. (To measure a screen you measure diagonally from corner to corner.)
The iPad originally was made without a camera, however the iPad 2 boasts both a rear and front facing camera, as does the Blackberry PlayBook. The PlayBook has the superior camera with a 3 mega pixel camera on the front and 5 mega pixel camera on the back. The iPad 2 camera doesn't even come close to the PlayBook with a 0.92 mega pixel camera.
When Apples iTunes says `Theres an app for that` they aren`t lying. The iTunes app store has over 35,000 apps available and is growing daily. Chances of finding an app to do what you want for the iPad is high. Nothing to scoff at, Blackberry App World has somewhere between 2000 and 3000 apps for the PlayBook but not all of them are optimized for a touch screen since many of the Blackberry products use a mouse and pointer, so the apps were designed with that in mind.
Price wise the two tablets start out at the same manufacturers suggested retail cost of $499. The PlayBook however tops out at a MSR of $699, while the iPad 2 can soar up to a MSR of $829. Depending on the level of storage and features you are looking for the iPad can get a fair bit more expensive then the PlayBook.
These are just a few simple comparisons between the iPad and PlayBook. Your best option is always to decide what you want to use your tablet for and then consult friends, family and the retailer you plan on buying from. With a purchase of this size, research is your best friend. Ask questions, find answers and don`t jump to a speedy decision out of excitement.
By Jodi Sonoda
Jodi has been blogging for over 3 years, and is excited to currently be blogging with Nexxt for collegejobbank.com, realestatejobsite.com and educationjobsite.com. She is attached to the internet at the hip and enjoys the constant connection. She spends most of her offline time playing dolls and reading picture books with her two year old. You can also occasionally find her rocking the mic at karaoke night.
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