The Android apps won't run natively either, which could lead to performance issues. The Android apps will run in an a separate environment within an app player which can be downloaded from BlackBerry App World. The PlayBook will also run BlackBerry apps, but there are even fewer of those.

In many ways, the PlayBook seems more laptop dock than with other tablets. It has more functionality than the Atrix 4G as a standalone mobile device, but when it comes to critical functionality the RIM tablet relies heavily on the BlackBerry smartphone.

If you have a BlackBerry smartphone, there are some cool features in the PlayBook and you should at least check it out--but, I believe that other tablets still present a much better value. If you don't have a BlackBerry smartphone, don't even think about getting a PlayBook tablet.