RIM Playbook, they might be down, but not out!

Just as I was almost going to write off RIM as a formidable player in the gadget space given its struggle to produce enticing smartphones, out comes a new tablet called the "PlayBook" that just might offer the right play (pun intended) for RIM to take back some uncharted market share.

Everything I am gathering is based on what Engadget has gathered, but looking at the specs tells me that the RIM execs have gotten this one pretty right, they basically added features that addressed all of iPad's flaws.  Some of the notable features that beats the iPads are:

*Front & Rear Mounted Cameras (3MP and 5MP respectively)
*Supports FLASH and HTML5
*HDMI Output w/ 1080P Video Support
*Weights even less at 0.9lbs (compared to iPads 1.5lbs.)
(For more spec, check out Engadget)

No words on how the device can handle file management or battery life (checkout my post about a recent business trip relying only on my iPad), target launch date is early 2011.  This could be just the device that puts RIM back in the center of action, if it can withstand a slew of Android Tablets that are on the market or coming soon.  A word of warning for RIM, the longer you wait to launch, the harder it becomes to gain market share back... hurry!

Hands on with BlackBerry 8830 from Sprint

Research in Motion (RIMM) had a rough day today at the market place, stock price dropped by 13% due to a disappointing forecast.

In keeping with the theme on BlackBerry news, I got my hands on a brand new BlackBerry 8830 World Edition from Sprint. Yes, the mobile experience blog will now welcome a new smartphone to its family and will be providing all new BlackBerry updates using this beauty via EV-DO goodness.

Stay tuned for more updates!

The Mobile Experience Visiting Asia

Tonight, I go on to a 3-week visit to Asia, the land of Mobile. I will be bringing you update throughout my journey.

My first stop, JFK, at the business class lounge, I was able to connected to Japan Airline's courtesy WiFi sponsored by NTT DoCoMo USA. I was prompted with a BlackBerry splash page. Featuring the BlackBerry 8707G, aka the only BlackBerry device capable of roaming to Japan. This badboy is the only unlocked BlackBerry running at 3G (thats right, UTMS 2100MHz). For $570, this BlackBerry will let you run on your favorite GSM providers (TMobile and AT&T) in the US.

Look out Blackberry, iPhone is coming

Watch out RIMM...the iPhone announcement today included upcoming Enterprise support thanks to Microsoft Exchange and ActiveSync support. The feature list includes Push email and contacts, Global address list, VPN, authentication certificates, and remote wipe.

Up for speculation but I would say that many have been holding off purcashing iPhones for two reasons:

1. Corporate Mail

2. 3G

The war has just begun with the upcoming Android but in the immediate term, as soon as these two features are added, I'll see you in line!