How to set up your new BlackBerry PlayBook
By: calendar iconApril 19th, 2011 a 6:23pm

BlackBerry PlaybookThe BlackBerry PlayBook tablet is now available for purchase at Rogers retail locations. You can pick up a device from your local Rogers store for $499 for the 16GB model, $599 for 32GB and $699 for 64GB.

The BlackBerry PlayBook is equipped with WiFi so you’ll be able to access the web where you have WiFi coverage. Over WiFi, email is accessible via the Web – by logging into Outlook Web Access (for corporate email), Gmail or other web mail services. If you have a BlackBerry smartphone you can securely access your BlackBerry smartphone’s e-mail, calendar, documents and other content on the PlayBook using a secure Bluetooth connection with the BlackBerry Bridge software. Here’s how:

  • Install the BlackBerry Bridge from BlackBerry App World. The BlackBerry Bridge lets you bridge PlayBook to your BlackBerry through a secure, wireless Bluetooth connection to access information already on the smartphone like your email inbox, calendar appointments, tasks, etc.
  • Ensure you’re running 5.0 OS or higher. There may be an update available for your handset, which you can check for by going here from your computer or laptop.
  • You’ll also need a Rogers data plan of 1GB and above

Don’t have a BlackBerry smartphone, but are interested in PlayBook? If you’re using an Android device or iPhone that has a mobile hotspot capability, or if you have a Rogers Rocket Mobile Hotspot, you can connect the PlayBook to these devices to get 3G Internet access.

In case you missed it the first time, check out our demo video of the PlayBook with BlackBerry expert, Jeff Gadway.

Will you be getting a BlackBerry PlayBook?

Miranda MacDonald is a regular contributor to RedBoard

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  1. RIck says: April 19th, 2011 a 8:37pm

    Hi There,

    In reagrds to using the Iphone’s hotspot abaility, I was in a store today and and employee and I tried using the iphone to connect. It did show the hotspot was present but would not connect over several atempts.

    Did anyone have success with this so far?

    Thanks,

  2. mjschmidt says: April 19th, 2011 a 8:38pm

    Kinda of sucky that the Playbook has no native email app unless you are connected to a Black berry! Seems like a big oversight on the part of RIM, unless you are cynical enough to believe they want you to buy a BB to go with it. ;-)

    It’s a shame, because the QNX OS looks pretty cool.

  3. Peter shiels says: April 19th, 2011 a 11:03pm

    How do I connect to iPhone4? I have a 6G dataplan and hope I don’t have to pay extra. If I do the playbook is going back and you’ve just shot the last Canadian high tech company (RIM) in the foot!

  4. Jonathan Yaniv says: April 20th, 2011 a 12:04am

    You have no idea how badly I want to review this with Rogers. :)

  5. Peter Shiels says: April 20th, 2011 a 11:08am

    Figured it out!
    You need to rename your iphone to something simple without any commas or dashes etc. You do this in itunes – just click on it’s name in the left pane of itunes under devices and you should be able to change the iphone name. Keep the name simple and use only letters.
    This will also rename the hotspot that the phone creates and then the playbook will connect to it.

    • RogersMiranda says: April 20th, 2011 a 11:34am

      Hey Peter! Thanks for the update. I think this will be a helpful tip to others experiencing similar issues.

  6. Mike says: April 20th, 2011 a 12:23pm

    Why do you need a GB of data to use Bridge? That doesn’t make sense.

  7. Edward says: April 20th, 2011 a 3:58pm

    You do not need a data plan from anyone to use your blackberry/playbook .

    While you should initially be connected to a WiFi network during setup, you can continue to use the Playbook (caveats, will explain after), you also have the option of tethering/creating a mobile hotpot and connecting(that’s gonna cost ya). Works with BIS (Blackberry Internet Service) and BES (Blackberry Enterprise), bridge actually mirrors your mobile browser and hence the reduced functionality and speed. The true use of Bridge is to enable BES enabled blackberries to connect to their secure networks, and access company intranet/portals as well as access company specific software like VisionFM, and other facility mngt software, or sales software, etc.

    You have options…

    -Wait for 3G enabled Playbook (approx JUne/July)

    -Looking in the market for a 7 incher, then try the Samsung Galaxy

    -iPad2 or M Zoom are your choices for the 10 inch field.

    Cheers,

  8. Issac Maez says: April 24th, 2011 a 5:32am

    I can’t genuinely recall any prelaunch marketing and there wasn’t any genuine pomp with the launch party. I’m sure Blackberry suspected the playbook would not have the response the Apple ipad did and there would not be people queuing for blocks to get one. I wonder that with this sort of low key event did the boses at Rim understand that the Play Book wasn’t quite up to scratch.

  9. Hernan says: April 24th, 2011 a 10:50pm

    Hi
    I would be very interested in the 3G or 4G version. When would Rogers have one?
    In the mean time, Unfortunately, I have The Captivate Android phone. would Kies software be supported by the playbook?

    • Rogers_Chris says: April 29th, 2011 a 2:49pm

      Hi Hernan,

      Rogers does not have a confirmed launch date but RIM has announced that next generation versions of the PlayBook will support 3G and LTE and will be available later in 2011.

  10. Edward says: April 25th, 2011 a 9:34am

    BlackBerry 4G PlayBook with Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n + WiMax

    BlackBerry 4G PlayBook with Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n + LTE

    BlackBerry 4G PlayBook with Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n + HSPA+

    These should be ready to go by the Summer, but you should check with your Roger’s Rep for details and specifics.

    While I am not too sure of the kies software vis-a-vs the Playbook, if you plan on waiting for the 4G versions the point will be moot. You can also check out http://www.blackberryforums.com or http://www.crackberry.com for further information.

    Cheers,

    Cheers,

  11. Sunny says: April 25th, 2011 a 3:33pm

    Finally got to a Starbucks to use their wi-fi to set up playbook. I can’t seem to access some app world eventhough I’m using BB bridge & internet tethering. Can anyone help?

  12. Jamie Peabody says: April 29th, 2011 a 9:33am

    The only thing stopping me from purchasing a Playbook is the $$$$. Now if there was a contract that reduced the cost. i might be tempted to get one.

  13. Bradley says: May 2nd, 2011 a 2:34pm

    What Peter Shiels said, worked for me, in iTunes I just renamed my phone from Bradley’s iPhone to bradley and it worked with the Playbook, no problem. Thanks for the advice.

  14. linuxguy says: May 3rd, 2011 a 7:11pm

    $100 for 16 GB? That’s a rip-off. Worst thing about this device, is that there is no MicroSD slot.

    • Roadblock says: May 5th, 2011 a 9:55am

      Wrong .. Simple plug in the MicroSDCard into ur BlackBerry and once you bridge it, Playbook will see it simple as that

  15. Will Hurt says: May 5th, 2011 a 10:43pm

    Can you use the Black Berry Playbook tablet if you dont have a Black Berry? i have an I Phone 4 Can you use it with the Play back?

    • Roadblock says: May 16th, 2011 a 2:58pm

      Yes .. u can use tethering with Iphone or use the Iphone hotspot ( make sure ur hotspot name is simple with no symbols)