Consumer Reports Buying Guide 2012 Part Two: Rankings For Tablets and e-Readers

by Holly Shoemaker

Earlier in the week I discussed how Verizon topped Consumer Reports Buying Guide 2012 and summarized the guide's smartphone buying tips. For those more interested in tablets and e-readers, I have the rankings and advice for those too.

Tablet Buying Guidelines

• Portability – For those unconcerned with portability, Consumer Reports recommended buying a 10-inch screen.
• Viewing Angle – The guide recommended a wide viewing angle.
• Upgradable Operating System – Consumer Reports recommend to always look for an upgradeable OS.
• Apps – The guide encouraged consumers to opt for a tablet that offers a variety of apps as that will vary based on the OS manufacturer.

Tablet Rankings

In the six- to seven-inch range, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3G 16 GB ranked first with a score of 73, followed by the WiFi model at 71. Research in Motion (RIM) made the list with its BlackBerry PlayBook WiFi 32 GB model with a score of 67. However, it was not a recommended buy, which should come as no surprise.

In the nine- to 12-inch range, Apple comes out on top with the iPad 2 3G with a score of 83. The Samsung Galaxy tab 10.1 ranked third with a score of 78.

e-Reader Buying Guidelines

• Screen Size – The guide recommended that consumers look for a six-inch screen as that provides the best value.
• Touch Capability – The guide recommended that consumers look for an e-reader that offers this feature to allow for easy content selection.
• Network – As the guide covered a certain period of time, it discussed more 3G capability. Consumer Reports recommended skipping 3G access citing that WiFi access costs less.

e-Reader Rankings

In the six- to seven-inch range, the Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch Reader ranked first with a score of 76, followed by Amazon's Kindle 3G and then the WiFi version with a score of 75. The Barnes & Noble Nook Color came in seventh with a score of 70.

RIM Focuses on Developers this Week

by Holly Shoemaker

Research in Motion (RIM) is attempting to still complete in the smartphone and tablet market by focusing on software development. Reuters reported that RIM has posted a job announcement on LinkedIn looking for a developer with experience building apps for iPhones and iPads. RIM also announced plans to give developers a prototype BlackBerry 10 so they may develop apps for upcoming smartphones that will run on a modified version of the company’s software for the PlayBook.

The device, the BlackBerry 10 Dev Alpha, will be made available to developers attending the company’s annual conference in May. The device does not contain the final hardware or operating system (OS). RIM says it will make the BlackBerry 10 Dev Alpha available to developers so they may start the development process. The device will use a different operating system from the legacy version.

Developers Likely to Remain Indifferent

A recent survey published for mobile developers, indicated that approximately 16 percent of developers were “very interested” in creating apps for BlackBerry. That low figure comes as no surprise as RIM struggles to regain market share from its disappointing PlayBook and delayed upgrades for BlackBerry.

Concluding Thoughts

RIM’s moves could seem confusing for developers. Its latest code allows people to run Android apps. Publicly putting the information out there that the company seeks someone with an Apple background shows some mixed messages. We all know the vast differences in how Google and Apple approach source code.

The announcement that RIM will release a prototype to developers seems to indicate that RIM is closer to releasing its new handset. RIM says the product it will market to consumers will vastly differ from what it provides to developers.

What does this all mean? RIM needs to figure out how to offer and market competitive products with more apps. However, it remains unclear if RIM know its current audience, or the consumers they wish to reach.

RIM Releases PlayBook OS 2.0: Too Little Too Late?

by Holly Shoemaker

Research in Motion (RIM) released its latest upgrade for the PlayBook’s operating system on Feb. 21, 2012. This release comes almost a year later from when RIM should have deployed the upgrade.

Release Details

• The upgrade includes built-in email, calendar and contacts for the PlayBook.
• The PlayBook OS 2.0 is a free download. A user may now use a BlackBerry as a keyboard or mouse with the tablet.

Analysis of the Release

This release does little to regain interest with smartphone users. The public already knows the company has encountered a delay with its software platform for BlackBerry users. Because the PlayBook has not lived up to expectations, RIM will have to attempt to win back market share in the smartphone industry. The BlackBerry upgrade should take place later this year. While the company had to deploy the latest OS for its PlayBook, focusing on its smartphone users seems the company’s only hope.

While the company has 75 million subscribers, analysts report that RIM will continue to lose market share internationally, as the company has in the United States. Perhaps the latest figure regarding RIM’s net worth says it all – the company is now worth $7 billion. That is down from $75 billion a few years ago.

Concluding Thoughts

RIM still has many challenges to overcome. While the company appointed a new CEO last month, has slashed tablet prices and has finally released the PlayBook’s latest operating system, many of these moves may come too late.