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Electricpig Opinions: How the BlackBerry PlayBook can beat the iPad, Nokia X2, Toshiba Portege R700

Posted: 03 Oct 2010 05:00 AM PDT

It’s nearly time to start another week afresh. But before then, it’s time to check out some of the latest opinions from the Electricpig’s army of writers. We’ve got opinions on why the BlackBerry PlayBook will be a serious threat to the Apple iPad, and some helpful buying advice on new laptops and mobile phones.

BlackBerry PlayBook: 3 ways it’ll beat the iPad

The BlackBerry PlayBook was revealed earlier in the week, and it looks rather promising. It also got Electricpig editor, James Holland thinking about its place in the growing tablet marketplace and three ways it could challenge the iPad.

1. The software is different to the usual BlackBerry OS, but as James says “RIM has been smart in making it compatible with existing BlackBerry phones.” He also reckons the tablet’s multi-core processor will deliver fast app switching at the flick of a finger quickly and easily and work nicely to offer the swift push e-mail service BlackBerry handset owners already love. Not to mention the BlackBerry App World Store.

“If tablets really do replace laptops, the BlackBerry PlayBook might just be the platform to back.”

2. Rim has avoided including 3G inside. But that could be a good thing, says James. “Convincing businesses to adopt the PlayBook will be easier if they don't also have to shoulder additional data plans and their associated costs.”

“RIM's trump card might turn out to be the partnership it can weild between existing smartphones and the BlackBerry PlayBook. "The data has already been sent to your BlackBerry, so why send it again?" said RIM head honcho Mike Lazaridis earlier in the week.

3. More connectivity options. A lot more. The PlayBook has a “HDMI connector, ready to pump out pictures at full HD 1080p, as well as micro USB which RIM has hinted will output pictures somehow too. That's on top of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi”, James notes.”It might just” be enough, he adds.

Or is it? While he agrees that there’s money to be made in the tablet market, tablets “still seem like devices searching for a use” but the biggest weapon in the PlayBook’s arsenal give it a great start.

“There are features here which set it apart from the iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab and other tablets doing the rounds.”

The Samsung Galaxy Europa gets reviewed, does it live up to its own name?

The Galaxy, that is. Not quite, according to our Reviews Editor, Ben Sillis. While the Samung Galaxy is firmly built, it has a poor resistive screen and poor Wi-Fi reception. Ben said it “should keep casual users happy” but is “still a little too little, way too late.

“Why choose the Samsung Galaxy Europa when you could have an Alcatel OT-980 with a keyboard, the HTC Wildfire, or a Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini Pro for a bit more? We can't give you an answer. Consider this a suitable stocking filler for a social network hungry tween, and nothing more.”

Toshiba Portege R700 does the business

Ben Sillis reviewed the Toshiba Portege R700 and was well chuffed with it, hailing its build quality, connectivity and performance for its £629 price.

“For this size, and this price, the Toshiba Portege R700 represents absurdly good value, and we're struggling to see where any sort of compromise has been made. You can hook it up to any monitor or TV with ease, and with a USB port on either side, you won't have that awkward situation where wider memory sticks or peripherals crush up against each other when plugged in.”

Though it’s not quite the desktop replacement it could be. “For anyone looking for a desktop replacement the whole family can use, the Toshiba Portege R700 is a perhaps a bit too underpowered, and more obviously, too small.” However:

“For individual use, whether as a student or on business, if you ever plan on taking your next laptop out of the house regularly, the Toshiba Portege R700 really should be at the top of your list.”

Nokia X2: Worth a punt? Or is there better around for the same price?

In a nutshell? Yes. Dennis Price reviewed the Nokia X2. He loved how easy it was to use, its excellent battery life and Opera Mini Web Browser. The camera and the build quality of the handset? Not so much.

“The Nokia X2 does offer an exceptional battery life, and we managed to get nearly a week of use between charges.

“Unfortunately, though, the biggest competition comes from two other Nokia handsets. First, there's the Nokia C3. Offering better quality, usability and a neater design, it costs an identical £109.

“Then there's the Nokia C5, our favourite Nokia phone of the year so far. It costs between £20 to £30 more unlocked depending on where you look, but manages to stuff in enough hardware to power through the more advanced Symbian S60, and even act as a free satnav.”

Agree or disagree with any of the above opinions? Then fire away in the comments below.

Video of the week: Mini Scooter E concept makes eco transport look good

Posted: 03 Oct 2010 01:00 AM PDT

Earlier in the week we got a glimpse of the Mini Scooter E concept – a stylish electric scooter from the BMW house set to make eco commuting stylish. That is, when and if they ever go into production. It even comes with its own integrated smartphone dock. We want one. Missed it? Then check it out in action in our Video Of The Week.

Just like the Mini-E electric car, the Mini Scooter E concept is a zero emission commuter solution, only on two wheels this time around. But it’s not just any electric scooter. The trendy scooter looks set to deliver sustainability in style, designed to look like a mainstay of the Mini family.

Its makers were so taken with it after building a concept, they decided to build two more. No wonder, they look great. The Mini Scooter E even features an integrated smartphone dock with hands-free call capability, hit the video below to see it working with an iPhone.

Inside the rear is an electric motor. Its lithium-ion battery can be recharged by any conventional power socket when using an on-board charging cable. It’s definitely one for the future, and could hit the roads sooner than you think.

But before then, hit play on the video below to check it out.