How to Take and Export Screenshots on a BlackBerry PlayBook

I've had a BlackBerry PlayBook for about 24 hours now, and I'm fairly impressed. If history is any precedent, I'll probably not make time for a full review, so my review in a tweet will have to suffice.

The PlayBook was purchased to round out the devices I use for testing, specifically adaptive/responsive web design in this round of testing. Capturing screenshots is critical for sharing the results of my testing with the developers who assist me. Thankfully, taking screenshots on a PlayBook is a snap. Exporting them, on the other hand, is not.

To capture a screenshot, simply press the '-' and '+' buttons on the top of the device simultaneously. You'll hear a snapshot sound, just like on iPad. Screenshots are stored in the Pictures app on your device.

Unlike iPad, however, there's no way to export or send images within the pictures app. That's mainly because the PlayBook doesn't have a built-in email app, and the included Gmail "app" — which is simply a link to gmail.com — links to a tablet version of Gmail that doesn't support attachments.

All is not lost. First, download the free BlueBox app found in the App World on your device. Next, sign in with your Dropbox credentials, or sign up for a free account on Dropbox if you don't already have one. It's easy peasy after that. Navigate to an existing folder on your Dropbox account or create a new one, and then click "Upload File" in the lower left:

Within seconds, you'll have screenshots synced to your desktop or laptop computer.

By the way, the PlayBook's browser held up very nicely in this round of testing. In fact, it's the only device I've tested that properly displays the mobile-adapted layout in portrait mode and tablet layout in landscape mode. All other devices, including iPad, show only one of the two for both modes. RIM for the win, in this case.

Double by the way, I'm in love with the design for the clock app and calculator app.