Research In Motion is learning a hard lesson in tablet sales. If you want to compete with Apple’s iPad, you can’t launch a half-baked slate and hope buyers will scoop up your product based on promise and potential. Yet that’s exactly what RIM did when it launched its BlackBerry PlayBook, a nifty 7-inch tablet with a slick operating system, intuitive controls, awesome multitasking, and other high points, but missing critical features like native email and contacts support — do’h!

As a result, RIM only sold 200,000 PlayBook during the last quarter, a rather dismal number that in and of itself doesn’t tell the whole story. After reducing its outlook, RIM was hoping to sell 490,000 PlayBooks last quarter. Ouch. But what really hurts is that amounts to a little less than 1 PlayBook for every 23 iPad devices sold during the same period. That’s what you call a gut punch, and now it’s time for a gut check. Should RIM abandon tablets like HP did?

That isn’t in the cards, at least not yet. Instead, RIM Co-Chief Executive Mike Lazaridis told investors the company is starting up a bunch of programs designed to push PlayBook sales, including special rebates and deals for existing customers, CNet reports. How much of a price cut? Mr. Lazaridis didn’t say, though it’s safe to assume it won’t be a $99 fire sale.

Pricing is only part of the problem, however. For many the real deal breaker is the lack of native email, contacts, and calendar support. These are inexcusable omissions for a modern device and it’s even more egregious that they’re still missing. Come next month, however, RIM’s PlayBook 2.0 update will address these shortcomings and throw in an Android app emulator for good measure, as well as some other goodies.

Too little too late? Not really. As we stated in our review, “our feelings towards the PlayBook are positive,” RIM just needs to ship a finished product and do so at a discounted price. Hang tight for a month and it looks as though both of those will happen.

I paraphrase Andy Warhol when I say: Eventually, everyone will build their own tablet computer.

Like the scourge of reality television, manufacturers far and wide are trying to muscle into the tablet world, each producing a machine about the same as the last.

Lenovo’s new Android Tablet, the IdeaPad K1, is at least a credible contender in an increasingly iPad world.

The curvy slate hardly breaks any new ground on the design front, but the rounded, rubberized, and textured back is nice, giving your fingers a more solid purchase than most tablets. Naturally, it auto-swivels as you rotate from landscape to portrait and back again, and a hardware switch lets you lock the screen rotation. While it’s on the heavy side at 1.63 pounds, it’s not so massive as to cause any real arm strain after sustained use.

Android 3.1 is standard, along with a host of preinstalled apps, part of a clear strategy to grab clueless consumers who otherwise wouldn’t be able to figure out how on Earth to get Angry Birds. Spec-wise, the K1 offers a (very bright) 10.1-inch, 1280 x 800-pixel screen, 1 GB of RAM, 32 GB of storage (plus a microSD slot), and dual cameras (2-megapixel front-facing and 5-megapixel on the back). The 1-GHz Nvidia Tegra 2 processor is plenty powerful, driving solid benchmarks on all fronts and powering jitter-free video during all our tests.

Connectivity includes a monster 30-pin-to-USB connector, headphone jack and micro HDMI. As is becoming the unfortunate standard, you can’t charge via USB — the 30-pin connector has to be used with the included AC adapter to power the device.

If you’ve used other Android tablets, you’ll find a generally familiar interface here, although Lenovo’s custom skin atop Android Honeycomb makes things a little more confusing than they need to be. The task-focused launcher on the home screen (which gives you just four customizable buttons) is overly simplified and will quickly be outgrown (and disabled), while novices — which Lenovo is clearly going after — will be overwhelmed by the surplus of additional navigation options.

It’s a double-edged sword that Lenovo preinstalls so many apps for you. With several dozen out-of-the-box applications on board, I wonder if some users may not realize you can actually add additional ones or delete the ones you don’t want. And it probably doesn’t help that Lenovo has its own app store running alongside the regular Android Market.

The interface you can adapt to, but the only real problem I encountered with the device was screen responsiveness. Try as I might, I had real problems getting taps to register. The physical home button — a rarity on an Android device — was even more problematic. The button does double-duty within specific apps — pausing YouTube videos, for example — but I was more frustrated by it than anything else and eventually just stuck with the onscreen controls.

There’s nothing much else to complain about with the K1, but not much to get too fired-up about, either. In a rapidly expanding world of Android tablets, each one seems just about as good as the next. The K1 is a tough and pretty handsome entrant, though, and if you’re trying to extricate yourself from the Appleverse, it’s compelling enough to recommend.

WIRED Available in black, white or red. Largely thoughtful list of preinstalled apps will be of value to novice users. Solid performance. Textured back provides a nice grip; easy to hang on to. Relatively inexpensive at just $500 for 32 GB.

TIRED Navigation can be difficult. Just shy of six hours of battery life under full load. Volume buttons are tough to reach.

Photo courtesy Lenovo

See Also: Lenovo Storms Tablet Market With a Triple Threat Report: Lenovo to Debut Android Tablet This Summer Lenovo IdeaPad Slate Kicks Off CES Tablet Wars Hands-On With the Lenovo S10-3t Tablet

Article by Christopher Null (c) Product Reviews | Wired.com – Read full story here.

Google is working to improve the search experience for tablet users. Recently, the company rolled out changes that were made with tablet users in mind. First up, the company simplified the layout of search result pages and increased the size of the contents on a page. Most notably, text, buttons and other touch targets are now larger. Google believes these changes should make it faster and easier to browse on a tablet.

Google added a pull-down menu to the search button underneath of the search box. From this menu, you’ll be able to tell Google if you want to search Images, Videos, Places, Shopping, or another area of Google.

If you’re looking for images using the Google search engine, you’ll now see bigger image previews and get the ability to scroll continuously. The image thumbnails should also load more quickly thanks to some of the changes.

iPad and Android 3.1+ tablet users should be able to take advantage of this improved search experience right away. To try it for yourself, simply visit Google.com from your tablet.

Netflix took a beating this week as they raised prices without actually providing a fundamental improvement in their offerings, but at least there’s some bright news in the Netflix camp to focus on. Netflix streaming is now available on one of the most popular handheld gaming consoles out there: Nintendo’s 3DS. Starting now, 3DS owners in the U.S. and across Canada can download a free application that allows Netflix members with unlimited streaming plans to instantly watch TV episodes and movies streaming from Netflix.

Interestingly, there’s actually not any 3D content on Netflix to enjoy just yet. Why launch on a 3D product without 3D content? Hard to say, but we’re sure 3DS owners will be glad to at least have something going now, with the potential for 3D content down the road. Users interested in taking advantage can download the program from the eShop now, where it’s totally free for Netflix users to indulge in.

The new Netflix application for Nintendo 3DS displays movies and TV episodes in 2D on the system’s upper screen. Users will soon have access to an additional library of select movies that can be viewed in 3D without the need for special glasses. Not surprisingly, use of the app requires a broadband connection and an active Netflix account, so if you’re all setup, toss the app onboard and let us know how it strikes you.

Nintendo 3DS joins the Wii™ console in its ability to stream Netflix content. On an average day, more than 1.5 million Netflix members instantly watch TV shows or movies via the Wii console. Now available for download from the Nintendo eShop, the Netflix application makes it easy for people to enjoy big action films, award-winning documentaries or hit reality shows and sitcoms on the Nintendo 3DS system anytime, anywhere.

“The new Netflix application looks great, plays great and is a fantastic consumer experience,” said Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. “It gives Nintendo 3DS owners access to an amazing wealth of movies and TV shows, which they can watch conveniently from thousands of free Wi-Fi access points across the country. Nintendo 3DS truly offers something for everyone.”

“Nintendo is a terrific partner with Netflix,” said Reed Hastings, co-founder and CEO of Netflix. “We’re excited to extend the partnership to include streaming on Nintendo 3DS.”

The new Netflix application for Nintendo 3DS displays movies and TV episodes in 2D on the system’s upper screen. Users will soon have access to an additional library of select movies that can be viewed in 3D without the need for special glasses.

Use of the Netflix application on Nintendo 3DS requires a broadband Internet connection and a Netflix streaming membership starting at $7.99 a month. Netflix members with unlimited streaming plans can instantly watch on their Nintendo 3DS systems and other devices, including the Wii console.

To download the free Netflix application or any other content from the Nintendo eShop, Nintendo 3DS users must first install the free system update that became available on June 6.

The Nintendo 3DS system’s parental control settings can be used to manage access to the Netflix application. Parents who wish to manage the specific content their kids watch will be happy to know that the parental control settings associated with their Netflix account will be applied to the streaming content viewable on the Nintendo 3DS system.

HP is teaming up with AT&T to offer the HP TouchPad 4G in time for the back to school season. The TouchPad 4G features a 1.5-GHz processor, 32GB of storage, GPS, and AT&T mobile broadband capabilities. This tablet also comes with support for Adobe Flash Player Beta, video calling capabilities, wireless printing capabilities, Quickoffice, and Adobe Reader. A specific release date as well as pricing is not yet available.

With a faster 1.5-GHz processor, 32 GB of internal storage(3), integrated GPS(4) and AT&T wireless mobile broadband capabilities built in, the connected version of HP’s first webOS tablet lets users browse the web, check email and get more done in more places – not just Wi-Fi hotspots.

“TouchPad 4G is ideal for anyone who needs maximum flexibility for productivity on the go,” said David Gee, vice president, Marketing and Enterprise Solutions, webOS, Personal Systems Group, HP. “It’s particularly well suited for users who rely on connectivity in the field – from large corporations to small businesses and self-employed mobile professionals.”

“Consumers and small business customers are seeking cutting-edge mobile computing devices that offer easy access to the web and the ability to stay in touch with friends and clients on the go,” said David Haight, vice president, Business Development, Emerging Devices, AT&T. “The TouchPad 4G is a sharp, multifunctional device that delivers the perfect set of features. Pairing it with the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network and most extensive Wi-Fi network gives TouchPad 4G users the best mobile broadband experience in the market.”

AT&T’s fast mobile broadband network will enable HP TouchPad 4G users to download large files quickly, stay on top of emails, and access favorite websites with ease. With AT&T’s DataConnect Plans for Tablets, users can buy the prepaid or postpaid mobile broadband data service that fits their needs, whether they’re an occasional user or want to stay connected all the time. HP TouchPad 4G users also will be able to take advantage of unlimited access to more than 20,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots nationwide with qualifying data plans.(5)

With support for Adobe® Flash Player Beta; video calling capabilities; the ability to print wirelessly to compatible networked HP printers; Quickoffice to view Microsoft® Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files; and Adobe Reader to view PDFs, HP TouchPad is a true productivity powerhouse. It automatically syncs personal and work emails, contacts and calendars from sources such as Microsoft Exchange, Facebook and Google into a single view.(6)

With webOS, TouchPad users also have a next-level multitasking experience, integrated access to their information with HP Synergy, the ability to find information on the device or the web using the Just Type feature, and unobtrusive notifications. HP TouchPad is designed to help users accomplish more, letting them connect, play, surf and share more easily.

Optional accessories for HP TouchPad include the HP Touchstone Charging Dock, the HP TouchPad Wireless Keyboard and the HP TouchPad Case.

U.S. pricing and availability

The HP TouchPad 4G on the AT&T mobile broadband network will be available through HP commercial channels, AT&T Business Services and major retailers. Specific pricing and dates will be available at a later date.

Amazon introduced a cheaper, ad-supported Kindle a few months back, but now it looks like things are being taken next-level. AT&T just announced that they’ll be sponsoring the Kindle 3G. Evidently, people don’t really seem to mind having ads on their Kindle in exchange for up-front savings. With this one, Amazon takes care of the monthly 3G billing (meaning it’s free for you), and thanks to AT&T’s sponsorship, the Kindle 3G with Special Offers will sell for $139. That’s a $50 price cut from the standard $189 Kindle 3G.

What’s wild is that global 3G is included as well, so you can use this to read and download books overseas as well. So, is a $50 savings worth it to you? It’s a compelling offer, that’s for sure.

“Kindle 3G is more convenient – customers never have to hunt for or pay for a Wi-Fi hotspot – they simply download and read books anytime, anywhere. Kindle 3G customers read 20 percent more books, and take advantage of twice as many special offers,” said Jeff Bezos, Founder and CEO, Amazon.com. “A big thank you to AT&T for helping to make the new $139 price possible.”

“Kindle 3G is by far the fastest-growing connected device on the AT&T network. We consistently hear from customers how much they enjoy the freedom of not being tied to a Wi-Fi hotspot and instead being able to download and read new books anytime, anywhere on AT&T’s fast, reliable network,” said Ralph de la Vega, President and CEO, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “We are excited to sponsor Amazon’s best Kindle – Kindle 3G with Special Offers – at the new lower price of only $139.”

Kindle 3G includes all the same features that helped make the third-generation Kindle the #1 bestselling e-reader in the world:

Free 3G wireless, no annual contracts, no monthly fees
Global 3G coverage means books in under 60 seconds in over 100 countries and territories
Paper-like Pearl electronic ink display, no glare even in bright sunlight
Lightweight body for hours of comfortable reading with one hand
Kindle Store with over 950,000 books – largest selection of the most popular books
Seamless integration with free “Buy Once, Read Everywhere” Kindle apps for iPad, iPod touch, iPhone, Android, PC, Mac, BlackBerry and Windows Phone

iPad case, anyone? How about one with a built-in solar panel? It’s possible to have the both of those with Element5’s newest product, the Mini L Solarbag. It’s a Swiss-made case that’ll hold your iPad, iPad 2 or any other iOS device with a Dock Connector. There’s also a bit of room for accessories and peripherals, and there’s a solar panel on the outside as well as a power connector on the inside that allows customers to juice up their gadgets with the sun, and then have that energy passed along to the device inside.

The company’s not making it clear how much energy is being converted here, nor how long you’d need to keep it in the sun in order to make a real dent in helping out that battery, but it can be yours for around $400. Not cheap by any means, but being at the height of fashion never was an affordable thing.

About two weeks ago, BGR.com published a letter allegedly written by a Research In Motion (RIM) executive criticizing the current state of the company and asking the dual CEO team of Jim Balsillie and Mike Lazaridis to consider how the company has gotten into the jam it’s in, (it announced job cuts last month) and what strategies will best repair the damage. Since then, a number of other employees have come forward. Today, at its annual shareholder meeting, the level expressed concern ratched up several notches, with shareholders variously questioning nearly every aspect of the company’s execution strategy.

RIM’s market share has fallen significantly in the past three months, from nearly 29 percent to 24.7 percent and the company is no longer seen as the leader it once was. Perhaps most ominious, however, are the rumors of significant structural defects baked in to the company itself, from its approach to product development to internal transfer policies. Reuters had additional information on the meeting today:

“You’re letting Apple and Android eat your lunch,” one unhappy investor said, referring to the iPhone maker and Google’s software, which a number of device makers use. “You’re an innovator, but you’re not good at selling what you make.”

A follow-up article at BGR details some of the issues plaguing the once red-hot company. From that story: “One of the main reasons RIM missed the mark with the browser was because they were always proud of how little data usage a user would use,” a former executive said.

“RIM would be proud of the fact that someone would only use 1MB of data in a month in 2005, and as a result, there wasn’t ever any extensive R&D done within the browser space. Over time, that misstep affected BlackBerry tremendously as competing devices began to deliver desktop-like Web experiences. “Mike Lazaridis couldn’t imagine that consumers would be spending hours watching and streaming video to their devices, he couldn’t understand it,” the former exec continued. This is why we don’t see RIM excelling in spaces like camera technology, or displays — because the company never even attempted to anticipate the smartphone trends we’re seeing today.”

Shareholders and critics alike are concerned that RIM’s carrier-centric approach to the industry and apparent inability to understand the wants and needs of its customers could make it extremely difficult to reverse BlackBerry’s fortunes as compared to Android or Apple. The company withstood calls to abolish its co-CEO / co-chairman method of governance (though promised to create a yearlong committee to study the issue). Some were disappointed with the company’s decision not to show more of the upcoming BlackBerry models it claims to have on tap, but there’s good reason to ask if this is a problem that can be addressed with anything so simple as a product refresh.

If standing criticism is accurate, RIM’s current problems have been created not by an inherent lack of capable platforms, but by the company’s inability to leverage those platforms. As important as new devices are, they may not address the real problem in this case.

Those Amazon.com Android tablets which are continually speculated upon can’t come soon enough for the company. For the first time ever, the Barnes & Noble NOOK Color, an Android-powered tablet, but one that’s not a general tablet unless hacked, has overtaken the Kindle (now in second) as the most popular e-reader.

Amazon.com is expected to release its general purpose Android tablets soon, although no announcement has been made. In fact, according to DigiTimes, Amazon.com ordered more tablet units than any other Android OEM in Q3.

IDC has forecast global shipments of 16.2 million e-readers in 2011, an increase of 24 percent over 2010. Of course, if Amazon.com ships general purpose tablets, those would be counted separately.

And speaking of those tablets, which IDC counts separately, despite a relatively poor first quarter of 2011, IDC has raised its tablet shipment forecast for the year. Global tablet shipments fell 28 percent when comparing Q1 2011 to Q4 2010, to 7.2 million units.

Market research firms have been comparing tablet shipments on a sequential quarter basis, as Apple’s iPad, the first truly successful tablet, didn’t ship until April of 2010.

Despite the poor first quarter, IDC increased its worldwide tablet shipment outlook to 53.5 million units, up from the previous forecast from 50.4 million units. The firm cited growing consumer interest in tablets and as well as the introduction of new devices.

It’s also true that since market research firms are tracking tablet sales quarter to quarter, seasonal effects need to be accounted for. Seasonal trends are “typically found in more mature consumer electronics and computing categories,” but tablets may be experiencing that factor already.

While iPad and iPad 2 have continued to dominate tablets, IDC noted that Apple fell short of expectations for iPad tablet sales in Q1. At the same time, despite pronouncements of the failure of Android tablets, Android-based tablets have climbed to 34 percent of total shipments, which is an 8.2 percent rise from Q4 2010.

While still badly trailing the iPad, is it possible that Android is finally beginning to make a move in tablets? It took a long time for Android smartphones to make a dent in smartphone sales, but once it did, its market share kept on climbing to the point that it is now at the top of smartphone platforms. Quite a few analysts have already predicted a similar result, in terms of Android tablets vs. the iPad.

iCloud, Google Music, Rhapsody — where to turn? There seems to be a sudden influx in cloud-based music storage and streaming services, and while we aren’t complaining about the competition, it’s getting tougher to weed through and figure out what’s actually worth honing in on. Amazon has just announced a major blow to Apple and Google efforts, though, with three enhancements to Amazon Cloud Drive and Cloud Player: storage plans that include unlimited space for music, free storage for all Amazon MP3 purchases and Cloud Player for Web, now on iPad.

Craig Pape Director of Amazon Music, explains the good news: “Customers are already enjoying Cloud Drive and Cloud Player and now for just $20 a year, customers can get unlimited space for music. Additionally, we are adding free storage for all MP3s purchased from Amazon MP3, and support for the iPad. Our customers love Cloud Drive and Cloud Player and we’re excited to innovate these services on their behalf.”

That’s truly unlimited space for MP3 and M4A files, which is certainly unheard of this day and age. Unfortunately, this is marked as a “limited time deal,” and while it may indeed be extended eventually, there’s no need to wait around if it’s something you want to take advantage of. All customers automatically start with 5 GB of free Cloud Drive storage to begin uploading their digital music library, and for a limited time, those who purchase any Cloud Drive storage plan will receive unlimited space for music at no additional cost. In addition to unlimited space for music, Cloud Drive allows customers to upload and store all kinds of digital files, including photos, videos and documents which are stored securely and available via web browser on any computer. Customers who qualified for 20 GB of free storage from earlier promotions will receive the unlimited space for music at no additional cost.