Laptop Thoughts: News & Reviews on Laptops, Netbooks, Slates, and More.

"For the record, the Maximum PC Lab keeps both feet planted squarely in the present tense. We don’t believe anyone should buy hardware based solely on its future potential. So what then to make of RIM’s nascent and decidedly half-baked Blackberry Playbook? Unless you’re 1) a Blackberry owner, 2) don’t care about apps or games, or 3) a devoted BB fanboy, the answer is: not much."

Not many positives in this article. Half-baked is the verdict, with much promised By RIM for future updates, like a standalone email client. In short, beta quality software along with some odd hardware choices, like the power switch location. And, no apps currently use the built-in front-facing camera. As for multitasking: there is a serious lack of applications, for example, no streaming video app, and no games. On the positive side, the processor screams, the UI feels "snappy," and the 1024x600 screen is rated as the best overall, even better than the iPad 2. This appears to be definitely a case of "wait for the next version." Starting at $500 for a 16GB version, the 32GB and 64GB versions cost $600 and $700 respectively, and this is for a WiFi-only version. Disappointing, to say the least.

"Apple just announced the iPad 2, and it adds some sweet features, including dual cameras, FaceTime, Photo Booth, and a faster dual-core processor. But how does this much-anticipated tablet stack up to other top tablets? For your spec-comparing pleasure, we’ve pitted what we know about the iPad 2 against three other top tablets that are already available or coming to market soon: the BlackBerry PlayBook, the HP TouchPad, and the Motorola Xoom."

Click to the full article for a detailed chart comparing the specs of each tablet. I've got to say that the iPad 2 is pretty compelling. The only thing stopping me from pulling the trigger is that I'd really like something in the 7 inch size. I also find it interesting that the iPad seems to have the price advantage.