PlayPad vs. iPad.

Blackberry has recently announced the release of the PlayPad, their version of Apple's iPad. This "professional tablet" is targeted at business people and families alike that are looking for a convenient portable device to service the web, read a book, create a Powerpoint, or check email. Blackberry has strived to create a product that thrives on the failures of the iPad. This small compact device can be held in one hand and takes up little space. The PlayPad is able to multitask, has two cameras, supports Flash, can be synched with current Blackberry devices, and can support Microsoft Powerpoint and Word. 

I am curious to see how it will be received by the public and if it will be successful product launch on part of Blackberry. This idea does seem to make sense since many business people choose Blackberry for its capabilities and easy-to-use interface. However, I do not think that Blackberry established itself as a brand that has had much success with its touch-screen phones that it has released in the past. Unlike Apple, Blackberry does not use the same distribution methods of having particular stores to test products. This would force consumers to make specialized trips to service carrier locations in order to test the product, which may turn away potential customers.

This new medium has endless opportunities. It allows users to be completly interactive with their work and provides a convenient option to carrying around a heavy laptop. The introduction of this new product will create a potential media war between the PlayPad and iPad. Along with their similar names, both tablets have similar concepts and use the touch-screen interface. Now the question is how will Apple fire back? This media war will be interesting after the release of the PlayPad in early 2011. This product has recieved little media coverage in comparison to that of the iPad. The media that surrounds this new product will be a one of the deciding factors, as to whether this product is bound to be a hit or a miss.