Back in December I made a series of predictions for 2011. Let’s look at two in particular, numbers 2 and 3–predictions for Top Chef and Top Tablet.
The number 2 prediction was that Richard Blais would win Top Chef All-Stars on Bravo TV. I really wasn’t going out on the limb here, considering that many TC fans considered him to be the best contestant to never win it all–or maybe even the best contestant period. The competition was fierce and there were times that I thought he was going to pack his knives, but he really stepped it up. If you’re a fan of the show, you know that Richard is one of the most intense and self-critical chefs and if he had lost I swear he would’ve had a panic attack! Luckily he won and I can’t wait to try his food one of these days.
The number 3 prediction was that the RIM PlayBook would revitalize RIM and would actually outnumber iPads at airports. Well, the PlayBook just launched (finally!) and although there’s seven more months left in the year, Steve Jobs can rest easy that my prediction probably won’t come true.
Yes, I’m throwing in the towel already on this prediction. Why? Well, I bought an iPad 2 when it came out and I have to say that it’s one sexy, addictive device. The form factor is just right. I love surfing on it and especially using cool apps built just for the iPad–like Cool Hunting, The Daily, CNBC, CNN, Barron’s and even USA Today. I have yet to get games on it for fear of really spending more time in bed with it than my wife…OK, that’s a lie…I downloaded Angry Birds…the FREE version, so my number 7 prediction is still valid.
To be fair, I have yet to play with the PlayBook. However, a co-worker of mine just bought one on impulse (there’s a 14 day return policy). He’s a tech connoisseur and he actually has some good things to say about it. Here’s what he said in an email:
“I’m still playing with it but so far I don’t see how anyone who is a BlackBerry owner wouldn’t love it. Slick little UI. The BB connect to the device works well. Browser kicks ass. No need for an extra data plan. 100% luxury item but what the heck you need to live a little.”
So there you have it. BB fans rejoice! You don’t have to sell out and go iPad or Android if you want a tablet. Although I read in Barron’s (on my iPad) that RIM only sold about 50,000 PlayBooks for its debut while Apple sold every iPad 2 that it could make (according to their CFO), RIM now is in the game for Top Tablet at least with a worthy dish. As like in Top Chef, as long as RIM stays in the fight, they’ll have a chance to win at some point if they get the PlayBook ingredients right and perhaps if Apple over-salts the next iPad.
Tags: Apple, iPad, Jason Wong, Mobile Gourmet, Mobile Gourmet, PlayBook, RIM
