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Matthew Miller & Joel Evans
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RIM BlackBerry PlayBook becomes first tablet certified for U.S. government

By | July 21, 2011, 11:17pm PDT

Summary: The iPad and other tablets have been primarily focused on the email and media experience, but the federal government is more interested in security and utility. The PlayBook just earned certification that could see PlayBooks appearing in the hands of federal employees.

You may not think so from my recent BlackBerry PlayBook post, but I do really like the device and think it has the potential to be one of the best tablets available. I bought one on release day, just finished writing Wiley’s BlackBerry PlayBook Companion, and I am still seriously considering a BlackBerry Bold 9900 purchase when these new BlackBerry smartphones launch. RIM announced that the PlayBook is the first tablet certified for the U.S. government.

RIM launched the BlackBerry PlayBook with support for personal/business/government data only available through a Bluetooth connection with a BlackBerry smartphone. This upset quite a few people and disappointed me a bit too since I don’t have a BB smartphone myself. However, this tight control on data likely helped RIM gain FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standard) certification from NIST and now we may see BlackBerry PlayBook tablets appearing in the hands of federal government employees.

I served in the U.S. Coast Guard for 12 years and would have loved to have a large screen tablet to go along with my mobile phone for easier review and editing of data on the go. We haven’t yet seen any announcements for major government orders, but now with the FIPS certification those may be coming and it would be a great time for RIM to continue improving the PlayBook through software updates.

The BlackBerry PlayBook also just earned the Best in Show and Best of FOSE in handheld devices category at this federal government information technology conference in DC this week. RIM advertises the PlayBook as the world’s first professional-grade tablet and this certification and awards help back up that claim.

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Topics

Research In Motion Ltd., RIM BlackBerry, U.S. Government, BlackBerry PlayBook, Mobile Security, Mobile Operating Systems, Tablets, Handhelds, Hardware, Notebooks & Tablets, Matthew Miller

Matthew Miller is an avid mobile device enthusiast who works during the day as a professional naval architect in Seattle.

Disclosure

Matthew Miller

Matthew is a professional naval architect by day and a mobile gadget freak at all other times. He purchases most of his devices and then sells them on eBay or Craigslist to buy more. Many other devices are sent for review on a 30-day loaner basis and then returned to the carrier or manufacturer. If any are provided as “keeper” or “long term loaner units” this will be clearly disclosed in his reviews.

Biography

Matthew Miller

Matthew Miller is an avid mobile device enthusiast who works during the day as a professional naval architect in Seattle. He is one of three hosts on the MobileTechRoundup podcast and runs the Nokia Experts website. Matthew started using mobile devices in 1997 with a US Robotics Pilot 1000 and has owned over 90 different devices running Palm, Linux, Symbian, Newton, BlackBerry, Mac OS X (iPhone), Google Android, and Windows Mobile operating systems. His current collection includes a Nokia N85, Nokia E71, Nokia 5800, Nokia N810, Apple iPhone, HTC Advantage, T-Mobile G1, Palm Treo Pro, HTC Fuze, MSI Wind, MacBook Pro, and many more, along with tons of accessories and classic devices like the Apple Newton MessagePad 2100 and Sony CLIE UX50. Matthew co-authored Master Visually Windows Mobile 2003, was a member of the Nokia Nseries Blogger relations program, and is a member of the invite-only Microsoft Mobius mobile device evangelist group. He can be found on various discussion forums under the user name of "palmsolo".

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RE: RIM BlackBerry PlayBook becomes first tablet certified for U.S. government
Tiggster79 21st Jul
That sounds cool and all, but I doubt it would adequately replace my iPad. happy
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Playbook Certified
Ejeff 22nd Jul
@LynxSteve
You must be doing little but playing apps....the Playbook is and will be so much more.
I believe that now that security certification is in place, the roll out of the "BIG" upgrade for PIM etc., and android player will be very, very soon....then all bets are off as the Playbook will be in a class of its own
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RIM secure? What a joke.
wackoae 22nd Jul
@Ejeff Every terrorist group and their mothers have access to the source code and keys for RIM products. RIM made sure of that when they gave up to the demands of hostile/oppressive governments just to sell in their market.
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RE: RIM BlackBerry PlayBook becomes first tablet certified for U.S. government
Gis Bun 22nd Jul
@wackoae : "Every terrorist group and their mothers have access to the source code and keys" - Ya? First I heard of this. It's nice to comment about something without any proof like a link. If you are talking about India or Saudi arabia, whey didn't open up the saource code and whatever and said "here ya go - have fun". It's more like read only access than giving out the keys. If they did that users would be dropping their Blackberries faster than you can say "Yo" [excluding those who jumped to the hyped iPhones].
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RE: RIM BlackBerry PlayBook becomes first tablet certified for U.S. government
sharkboyjohn 22nd Jul
@LynxSteve
I have both and they are both great products. We end up using the playbook more though. Better browser experience even with the smaller screen and I don't need to download an App for every website I want to view because I have Flash.
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Bad lier always say the stupidest things ....
wackoae 22nd Jul
@sharkboyjohn

need to download an App for every website ....

that's a good one.
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RE: RIM BlackBerry PlayBook becomes first tablet certified for U.S. government
illwill112 23rd Jul
@sharkboyjohn The flash argument is old. There is alternatives. I am able to to watch live streaming events o. iPad threw skyfire with a non jail broken iPad.
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RE: RIM BlackBerry PlayBook becomes first tablet certified for U.S. government
GraXY 22nd Jul
I own an ipad, its cool.. but from the videos, the blackberry playbook looks exciting.
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RE: RIM BlackBerry PlayBook becomes first tablet certified for U.S. government
Tiggster79 Updated - 22nd Jul
@GraXY The fact that it doesn't have 3G connectivity and isn't likely to build up a decent app marketplace ruined it for me. It really is all about the apps on a tablet platform.
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RE: RIM BlackBerry PlayBook becomes first tablet certified for U.S. government
GraXY 22nd Jul
@LynxSteve
I remember getting my ipad and downloading some 20 odd apps including games. Used it for about a month . There was a crack on the screen and Apple - I must appreciate this - replaced the ipad free of cost. Now, it just sits on my table not being used much. Yes, the apps are great, but why would I need so many apps? Ipad is a great entertainment device for somebody who has the time, but I need something which helps me with my work. The blackberry playbook seem to fit the package better. I own a blackberry curve and as all BB users will swear, it is glued to me...
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The fact that it can't do email should tell you something
wackoae 22nd Jul
@LynxSteve Playbook can't even do basic email unless tethered to a Blackberry phone .... and you have to pay extra for the pleasure of tethering (legally).
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RE: RIM BlackBerry PlayBook becomes first tablet certified for U.S. government
Bonchucin 26th Jul
@LynxSteve Blah Blah Blah Blah dont' listen to this poor propaganda against Blackberry. Read this article instead: http://tablettechtoday.com/news/news-news/the-usage-of-rim%E2%80%99s-playbook-permitted-by-feds-for-government-use.html
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RE: RIM BlackBerry PlayBook becomes first tablet certified for U.S. government
Eric1968 22nd Jul
The whole purpose of the new tablets is to have an "All in One" stand alone unit with 3G/4G. The Playbook is basically an external hardware device for a BB smart phone.
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play book 3g
augustus_rome 22nd Jul
@Eric1968 3g 4g versions are out to be launched as soon as the bugs are fixed. there will also be the android app player. once that happens it will become a very strong market player and the critics will be silenced. they are following a correct strategy of not rushing the 3g version to the market. there is this ipad mania which needs to die down. it will eventually and consumers will realize that apple is not the only game in town, that will be moment to strike. the wi-fi version is just for the blackberry devoted users.
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RE: RIM BlackBerry PlayBook becomes first tablet certified for U.S. government
jamboy34 22nd Jul
@augustus_rome - sniff whatever vaporware that helps you sleep at night.
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RE: RIM BlackBerry PlayBook becomes first tablet certified for U.S. government
grandriver125 22nd Jul
@augustus_rome
I would suggest that when they add 3G and 4G they are going to have to be certified all over. Why? For the reasons others have pointed out. You can't use it for email so effectively all that was happening was the REcertification of the BB phone.

I don't own a BB phone (or an iPhone) and I don't want a BB phone. I spent half my time in Canada and half in the US. I have cheap Virgin phones for use in each country. My iPad is great when crossing the border. Just pop out the Bell card and slide in the AT&T card and I'm set to go. When I cost out using a Playbook and a BB phone in each country the cost goes off the wall - more than 4 times what I'm paying now. I guess corporate geeks don't mind spending other peoples' money.
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RE: RIM BlackBerry PlayBook becomes first tablet certified for U.S. government
MobileAdmin 22nd Jul
@Eric1968

Ironically the best setting iPad is the WiFi model as well Xoom has quickly offered one as well.

There is nothing wrong with a WiFi model as the bulk of use is still in home or office where WiFi is present.

I use my Playbook either through my Blackberry or a MiFi and it's been fantastic and the best internet tablet on the market.
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RE: RIM BlackBerry PlayBook becomes first tablet certified for U.S. government
Fritzpk 22nd Jul
@Eric1968
So your idea of an "All in One" stand alone unit is one that you type with your thumbs? Hmmmm....iPadders always rationalizing to the end. LAWL
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RE: RIM BlackBerry PlayBook becomes first tablet certified for U.S. government
inahborra 22nd Jul
Playbook just increased my work productivity ten fold. As well, I can send emails from my work email which is a secure server. In android and ipad, i could receive work emails but could not send it. I'm a loyal bb user and I will be loyal forever!!!! By the way, RIM, love the new update in 1.07!!! You guys show me you're always continuously improving!!! Playbook live!
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RE: RIM BlackBerry PlayBook becomes first tablet certified for U.S. government
augustus_rome 22nd Jul
@inahborra
welcome to the playbook world.
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If you can read an email, you can send an email
wackoae 22nd Jul
@inahborra If you can't send email on an iPad or Android tab, then you and/or your IT guys must be a complete idiots who can't even set up an email account without help from mommy.

Seriously, that is the biggest BS anybody can say. If you can access your email to read it, you can send and email via the same application.
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RE: RIM BlackBerry PlayBook becomes....
tr0ndizzle 24th Jul
Hi @inahborra,

Douglas from RIM here. Glad you like the latest BlackBerry Tablet OS update! It gives you even better connectivity and productivity with the BlackBerry Bridge application ? including enhanced support for saving attachments, as well as access to ZIP files received as an e-mail attachment.

The goal is to allow PlayBook users to be as productive as they can in any situation, and it definitely sounds like you?re making the most of it.

For all the latest BlackBerry news and updates, keep an eye on our Inside BlackBerry blog: http://bbry.lv/cWR2rg.

Cheers,
Douglas, RIM Social Media Team
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RE: RIM BlackBerry PlayBook becomes first tablet certified for U.S. government
CowboyJake 22nd Jul
It is great that the one entity that has zero budgeted dollars for technology, will accept the playbook. I wouldn't count on a large amount of government agencys now buying Playbooks and enlarging RIM's tablet numbers. Playbook is a complete FAIL.
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Playbook Certified
Ejeff 22nd Jul
@CowboyJake
Get serious, the USA, is nuts about security, and rightly so, if they need it the measly few hundred million to get Playbooks is peanuts, in a multi-trillion $ budget...Bigger picture if security OK for USA, then all police forces, Canadian Govenment, all NATO, and another governments around the world...that could translate into MILLIONS of units sold just to Commercial Users....
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RE: RIM BlackBerry PlayBook becomes first tablet certified for U.S. government
augustus_rome 22nd Jul
@Ejeff yeah us clearing security is a big step forward for playbook. that can open doors for half the western world govts. and military. great news for rim. love my playbook chose it after comparing to ipad's baby o.s and numerically big app (or ape) store where apps are mostly copies doing basically the same thing. apple is smart in ripping consumers with borrowed money. you just need a credit card, buy now pay later. accumulate debt and make apple rich.
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sorry...
KenoshaSysAdmin 22nd Jul
@CowboyJake Unless you believe there is only room on the market for one tablet, the playbook isnt a complete fail (nor is it a failure).
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RE: RIM BlackBerry PlayBook becomes first tablet certified for U.S. government
augustus_rome 22nd Jul
@KenoshaSysAdmin
forget this guy he is just kicking dirt.
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RE: RIM BlackBerry PlayBook becomes first tablet certified for U.S. government
augustus_rome 22nd Jul
@CowboyJake this is hilarious, playbook a fail? those guys are playing hare and tortoise apple will soon be caught napping and they will slowly but surely win the race. by the way you must have heard the story of the hare and the tortoise. I read it in my kids book. great moral of the story.
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FIPS is gold.
rengek 22nd Jul
@CowboyJake
The govt may or may not buy playbooks. But the possibility is still there. For ipads who are not FIPS compliant, govt agencies dealing with classified data will not even entertain it. Even if there is an update to ipads to make it magical and spit out unicorns and $10 bills the DoD will not touch it. I've worked with plenty of classified agencies including hardware acquisitions. No FIPS, no happiness.
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RIM BlackBerry PlayBook becomes first tablet certified for U.S. government
ndnrage 22nd Jul
rim and apple are two totally diff platforms, rim's apps are mainly business driven and actually run multi-tasks unlike apple gives the illusion and many apps dont get used past the first week after dl'ing .....being ex military myself a secure means for coms and docs are very important which wouldnt be trusted on a platform that can be jailbroken and rootkits installed...btw i own both iphone4 and bb torch so i aint talking out of my A**
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recommendations
keb-1 22nd Jul
OK so I am ready to buy a pad- any suggestions as to which is the best for me? I want email, video, Skype, pictures, games, lots of apps and I am a mildly tech savvy (as in not so much)- will I need a carrier for conectivity? I currently have a Palm Pre, an HTC HERO and a BB for work. All suggestions are welcome!
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recommendations...reall more of a suggestion
Ejeff 22nd Jul
@keb-1
I would suggest you wait a few weeks, I have a "feeling" that with the "Certification" hurdle out of the way the Playbook will get the "big" upload, with PIM, and android very soon.
I have had no doubt since the launch that security was the issue to no resident email etc...with that out of the way, and with all the upgrades to the software since April the stage appears to be set for Playbook to become the "Swiss Army Knife" of Tablets....Security, portability, multi-tasking, A billion android and Blackberry Apps....All the nay sayers will be eating their words,and crying on their Ipads...which apparently must not be so great as an Ipad3 is scheduled for early 2012...that makes three versions of Ipad in three years, am I the only one that sees this as another cash grab for Apple. (Hey maybe third time out it will run FlasH)
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RE: RIM BlackBerry PlayBook becomes first tablet certified for U.S. government
trm1945 22nd Jul
Money buys things and things consume time.
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RE: RIM BlackBerry PlayBook becomes first tablet certified for U.S. government
ajriv 22nd Jul
After reading this entire post, I realize how childish adults can act. The positive reviews of the playbook come from the people who own and operate the device on a daily, unlike the apple followers who make uneducated assumptions about a device that they have only seen a video or played with for a brief time(most likely with condescension). The main contentions made about the playbook deal with no native email support and a 3g/4g version. RIM has announced future updates for the email/calender problem and expects to have a 3g/4g version soon. If you don't believe, do a simple google search. With these additions, especially if the playbook does in fact receive the Android App player, the playbook is superior to the Ipad. So for all those apple users out there, welcome some good competition, its what makes these companies strive you make better products for the consumer(aka-YOU). Think of that the next time you write a comment that makes sound like an arrogant and unyielding person. I mean no disrespect, and I apologize if this offends you!
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yay i love my playbook
kaylajazzmin 23rd Jul
This is great. Especially since I recently got out the Army and was working in IT. A lot of squad leaders and higher ups get blackberrys and that would be perfect to have playbooks for some of the higher ups. Especially for making powerpoint presentations and stuff. Army gives lots of briefings.
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Great!
thx-1138_@... 23rd Jul
A certifiable tablet for a bunch of certifiables ..

.. oh, wait .. sounds uncannily like medication time in One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest
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RE: RIM BlackBerry PlayBook becomes first tablet certified for U.S. government
augustus_rome 24th Jul
@thx-1138_@... yes sure playbook is the perfect medication for all those cuckoos buying inerd tabs. they will allbe cured of applomania soon ipaditis will be history.
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Compelling alternative to iPad
cgl88 24th Jul
From what I heard, anyone who already has an ipad that picks up a playbook will stop using the iPad. Just watch out, because then your wallet will hurt happy
0 Votes
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