BlackBerry PlayBook shown finally using portrait mode
updated 01:00 pm EST, Thu February 3, 2011
PlayBook running in portrait mode for first time
The BlackBerry PlayBook tablet has just been shown off by Lotusphere Podcasts, for the first time, to get the ability to rotate its screen into the portrait orientation. The video needs to be fast-forwarded to 10 minutes and 55 seconds to see the PlayBook in the portrait mode, though what's curious is that a different unit than the main one being demonstrated is picked up to show this off. This could mean the functionality is still being worked out.
The portrait orientation does appear to allow for a more comfortable typing position, just like on the BlackBerry and other smartphones. The seven-inch tablet is narrow enough in this position to allow a two-thumb approach to the virtual QWERTY keyboard, a problem some have had when trying the same on an iPad.
The PlayBook should ship to at least the US in March, though prices have yet to be announced.
