Can the Blackberry Playbook handle my everyday work needs?

I have been looking at my work ‘toolkit’ recently to see if I have everything I need to do my job.  One of the things which stood out the most is the number of computers I use.  I have my main server, my netbook (Asus Eeepc701), Blackberry Playbook and several virtual desktops.  Now the server and virtual desktops are used to test software so I can’t really get rid of those.  Could I combine the netbook and Blackberry Playbook though?

So I did a little test to see if I could solely use the Playbook to cover all the tasks I would usually use the netbook for.

1.Blogging

I am typing this blog using the Playbook and a bluetooth keyboard.  So that is one I can tick off.

2.Configuring routers

Now this is a bit more difficult as the Playbook does not come with an ethernet adapter as standard  (I am looking though) but once you are connected to the wifi you can access the router directly and configure the settings.

3.RDP into a server (Windows based)

This is accomplished by an app called Remote Desktop which allows me to control the server in exactly the same way as you would from a local system on the network.

4.SSH into Linux servers

This is again accomplished by using various apps in App World.  Nice and simple!!

5. Social Media

This is bread and butter on the Playbook.  Using the apps for Twitter and Facebook you can be as social as you like very quickly.  There is still no LinkedIN app available yet but you can use the LinkedIN website which is no real hassle.

6.Using the internet as a knowledgebase

Searching the internet is sublime on the Playbook so looking for solutions to unknown problems becomes much easier (and quicker).

7.Remote Assistance using Teamviewer

Again there is no native app but you can use the web interface which works just as well. The lack of right click is frustrating though!!

To sum up the Blackberry Playbook can handle about 90% of the daily tasks my netbook can handle.  The lack of ethernet adapter is the most compelling reason to still use a netbook (for configuring routers only) and the lack of right click is frustrating for remote assistance but overall it does pretty well.  When a tablet finally comes with USB and ethernet ports as standard then the netboook will finally become extinct.

About the Author

Hi I am Chris Wakefield the owner of ComTech IT Support. I provide Windows and Linux based IT Support, laptop repairs and computer repairs to both business and personal clients in and around Stirling.

For a list of what I can offer you why not visit my website www.comtech247.net where you will find a list of my services, testimonials, blog and much more