We've been hearing about it for months, and finally, RIM's first tablet computer, the BlackBerry PlayBook, has arrived at retail. How does it stack up against the competition?

On a recent "Into Tomorrow with Dave Graveline" radio show, , Consumer Reports senior editor Donna Tapellini relayed our first impressions of the new device. On the plus side are a crisp, bright screen; a responsive touchscreen; and easy portability.

We also found, though, that the navigation on the PlayBook differs from that on BlackBerry phones, which was not immediately apparent. Also, the lack of an email client was a definite shortcoming.

Find out more about our first look at the BlackBerry PlayBook in our Sound Byte (click to listen).

About Sound Bytes

Every week, Consumer Reports experts produce a short (less than two minutes in length) audio segment which cover a wide variety of issues regarding consumer electronics and technology. These small "sound bites" can be heard on Into Tomorrow with Dave Graveline. The Sound Byte that is featured in the Consumer Reports Electronics Blog is a segment that aired on last weekend's Into Tomorrow over-the-air broadcast.

About Into Tomorrow

Now in its 15th year, Into Tomorrow with Dave Graveline covers the Latest in Consumer Electronics & Technology available today and... into tomorrow. The show airs on over 160 AM and FM radio stations around the U.S., on SIRIUS XM Satellite Radio, radio stations in Germany, Bermuda, New Zealand, Canada and several other sources including Mobile Broadcast Network, BeOS Radio, Sprint Radio, TiVo, and many others—every weekend. "Into Tomorrow" is also heard around the world on the Armed Forces Networks in several other countries. You can also catch all Into Tomorrow episodes on the Web. (The most recent show is usually added about three or four days after it has been broadcast on the radio.)