BlackBerry PlayBook faces launch delay due to battery life issues

BlackBerry fans awaiting the arrival of the BlackBerry Playbook will probably have to wait a few months longer as sources reveal that the current unreleased version could only manage “a few hours” of run time on a single charge compared the to 10-hour endurance of the iPad and the respectable 6-hour run time on the Samsung Galaxy Tab.

Apparently the issue is so major that the PlayBook may need re-engineering to extend its battery life and could even require a bigger — and thus heavier — battery which could negate much of the weight advantage of a seven-inch tablet.

Another major concern with regards to the BlackBerry PlayBook is the fact that is runs a completely different OS from other BlackBerry devices. Unlike the BlackBerry OS running the BlackBerry phones, the PlayBook runs on the QNX platform which is originally designed for network equipment and automobiles where battery life isn’t a priority concern.

Running QNX on the PlayBook also creates an issue for app developers because it means creating new apps to run on the platform. As it is, the BlackBerry app ecosystem is not as abundantly filled with apps compared to the iOS and Android app stores and this could detract would be buyers to opt for the many other tablets that’s expected to enter the market in 2011. Which also means that PlayBook has its work cut out with the like of the iPad 2 and a new Galaxy Tab that is set to make public appearances within months of each other, if not weeks.

RIM didn’t comment on the speculation and has already said that it would start shipping the PlayBook within the first quarter of 2011. We’re looking forward to official developments from RIM on this matter.

[via]