What You Should Know Before you Switch from BlackBerry to iPhone
July 15th, 2008 (9:04am) Judi Sohn 422 Comments
Last weekend, I was one of the 1 million who was crazy enough to wait on a 3 hour line to buy an iPhone 3G. Until last Thursday, I was quite content to be a BlackBerry user for the foreseeable future. I really liked my BlackBerry 8800. A lot.
So why the switch? Let’s face it…the iPhone 3G is a mighty fine web working smartphone.
As fantastic as the BlackBerry is for letting you connect to your office while you’re on the go, you have to have that office to connect to in the first place. I have a home office so I can telecommute to my Virginia-based job from New Jersey, but lately due to family demands I’ve been out of that office more than I’ve been in it. Next month I’m moving to a different part of New Jersey. The app store convinced me that I can lead a crazy web working life and still get done what needs to get done for my employers without keeping my laptop and its associated gear with me all the time.
Thinking about joining me in switching fruits from berry to apple? Here’s a quick look at what’s to love (and not-so-love) about being a new iPhone owner from the point of view of someone very used to the BlackBerry experience.
Note: this is based on features in BlackBerry OS 4.2. Some of the differences between the iPhone and BlackBerry may change as a new drastically updated BlackBerry OS is so close to shipping.
Reasons to love the iPhone (aside from the obviously superior browser and the whole iPod thing…that’s too easy):
SMS chat is more functional. On the BlackBerry, by default, SMS messages are mixed in with email messages. This makes it difficult to have a threaded conversation on the go. You can separate SMS from email, but it’s still an awkward interface because you can’t see the text message you’re replying to as you’re typing. Fine for sending one-off messages but more challenging for back-and-forth communications. On the iPhone, you can see the entire conversation on the same screen as you’re exchanging messages.
You can’t appreciate how helpful this is until you have your first SMS chat session with a colleague (or, in my case, my iPhone-carrying husband who was on a loud train) and the IM-like exchange allows for conversation, not just messages.
If this appeals to you, don’t forget to add AT&T’s unlimited text plan. It adds up quickly.
Update: After skimming through the many comments, I have to clarify what I was talking about here. Yes, I know that when you reply to a text message on the Blackberry you see all the previous messages from that contact. But, often on my BlackBerry I would be in the middle of replying to a text when another text from the same person came in. In order to see if the new message answered my question, I would have to go back to the message view, read the new message and then decide whether or not to go back to the draft I had started and continue it. On the iPhone, if you are in the middle of composing a reply and a new text comes in you see the view update, as it would in an IM conversation, without having to leave the screen to see new messages. Therefore, I find the BlackBerry just fine for quick text messages, but the iPhone is more conversational in that respect.
Audio options available for quick switches mid-call. This used to drive me crazy on the BlackBerry. I can’t count how many times I’d forget to either turn off my Bluetooth headset when it wasn’t on my ear or break the connection between the BlackBerry and the headset on the phone. A new call would come in, I’d answer it and realize that the audio was coming out of my headset which I then had to run for either in my purse or sitting near its charger because it took too long to tell the BlackBerry to send the sound through the device and not the headset.
On the iPhone, if you forget to break the pairing between the phone and the headset, you always have easy access to change the audio source. A simple click of a very visible button and the call audio can easily be rerouted.
Multiple calendar support. Right now, my Google account has 4 different calendars that I rely on. There’s a calendar for each of my 2 web working jobs, my personal only-I-care calendar and the calendar I share with my family. Even though Google has a wonderful utility for syncing multiple Google calendars with the single BlackBerry calendar, with a lot of events that interface bogs down quickly. The iPhone supports multiple calendars beautifully. True, the absence of a “week” view is troubling. The calendar also lacks support for event invites.
Bonus tip for Mac users: Check out Spanning Sync to sync Google calendars with iCal calendars. From there it’s an easy sync to the iPhone.
Multiple home pages.
Sure, BlackBerry has extensive theme support so you can change colors, icons, fonts and background images. The more icons you added to your BlackBerry home screen, the more you had to scroll, making it difficult to find exactly the application you want to launch.
I love the way the iPhone handles multiple home page views. Hold down on an icon until they get all wiggly, then drag & drop to organize. My first page is shown in the screen shot (which is also easier to generate on an iPhone 3G…just click both the home and power buttons at the same time).
This is my “productivity” view. I flip to this page when I’m thinking “strictly business” (okay, the camera is debatable). A quick flick and I’m looking at reference apps. Another flick and I’m looking at my social networking apps.
I also like the way you can delete a non-standard application directly from the wiggly edit view.
Maybe the switch wasn’t such a bright idea after all (aside from the obviously superior keyboard…that’s too easy):
Email. Email. Email. This is RIM’s bread & BlackBerry jam, and with good reason. If the main reason you have a BlackBerry is to check your email across multiple accounts (let’s say work & personal), don’t even think about switching. You will be disappointed. Apple fans will talk about Push and Exchange support. They may even talk about MobileMe as an acceptable substitute. Don’t listen to them. Email on the iPhone is something you only appreciate now and then, otherwise it’s something you tolerate.
Where to begin? For starters, iPhone applications launch at the same point you left them. Helpful if you’re reading a book. Not-so-helpful if you’ve finished reading a message in one account and now want to read unread mail in another account. You are constantly navigating back and forth to get back to the page that lists your email accounts.
There is no way to set multiple signatures. There is no way to select multiple unread messages and mark them read at the same time. I so miss the BlackBerry “Mark Prior Read” menu item. The contact application is painfully slow to the point of agony.
Typing luxury beyond the keyboard. Even with the tactile feedback of a hardware keyboard, the BlackBerry offers many features that make typing long text easier. On the iPhone, you can double tap the space bar to insert a period and capitalize the next letter, but it stops there. Long time BlackBerry users know you can also hold down on a letter to capitalize it and configure multiple dictionaries and shortcuts (so if you type a word or phrase often you can enter it into the dictionary to autocomplete). Someone please come up with a way to port TextExpander to the iPhone and you can name your price. I’ll gladly pay. Double.
Dialing shortcuts. I had a dialing shortcut for nearly every letter of the alphabet. Holding down “O” dialed my office in Virginia, I pushed “C” for my co-worker Carlea’s cell phone, “M” for my mother and so on. The iPhone lets you save numbers in the Phone’s “favorites.” Nowhere near the same thing. The iPhone is clearly a 2-handed device. I got pretty good at getting around my BlackBerry with one hand…don’t see that happening any time soon on the iPhone.
I will give the iPhone bonus points for including letters on the virtual keypad, so no more guessing which number you push for dial-by-name directories.
And while we’re talking about the phone application, how silly is it that you can’t listen to voicemail through a Bluetooth headset on the iPhone? Nevermind. Must have been a temporary audio glitch…I’ve had a few of those.
Magnetized sleep. After 1 minute (configurable) of inactivity, the iPhone screen locks down. The screen goes black and you have to do a deliberate slide to get the screen to respond. This also saves some precious battery power. You can also hit the button at the top of the device to instantly go this mode. You have to remember to hit this button or wait until the iPhone goes to sleep on its own before putting the iPhone in your purse or pocket. While it only responds to finger touch, I’ve found that I can press the wrong buttons in the act of putting it in my purse if I didn’t remember to sleep it first.
The BlackBerry has a magnet so with certain cases, including the one that comes with the device, merely the act of putting the BlackBerry away puts it to sleep. I liked that.
Superior battery management. Okay, this is probably unfair because I’m comparing a 3G device to a 2G (EDGE) device. We’ll see just how much longer a BlackBerry lasts when the 3G Bold is released later this summer. But regardless, the BlackBerry will always have better battery management simply because said battery can be removed. Afraid of losing juice? Just carry an extra battery. There are also tons of cheap 3rd party chargers available for the more standard mini-USB plug on the BlackBerry. As soon as an accessory is marked for the iPhone, especially the latest model, there’s a steeper price tag.
Are you also a BlackBerry Switcher? Any other tips & tricks to make the transition easier?
422 Comments Post your own comment
josht says: July 15th, 2008 10:01am
come back over to the blackberry side. we’ll forgive you
Adam Kalsey says: July 15th, 2008 10:15am
how silly is it that you can’t listen to voicemail through a Bluetooth headset on the iPhone?
My iPhone plays voice mail through the headset. Hit the Audio button on the upper right of the voice mail screen to change the audio output.
Judi Sohn says: July 15th, 2008 10:19am
Adam, seriously? That’s strange. I hit “Audio” and the only options I have (with the Bluetooth headset connected, of course) is through the iPhone or the speakers.
Dave Hamilton says: July 15th, 2008 10:45am
Judi,
Thank You!
I love my BB, but have been swayed by the iphone’s coolness. A million apps wouldn’t equal the BB’s email abilities, however- and you’re the first to actually deal with this and help us understand if it’s worth it.
I’ve got lots of cool gadgets- however, due to your honesty, I’m sticking with the ol’ reliable blackberry.
Dave
Nick P says: July 15th, 2008 10:47am
Voicemail plays through my Motorola bluetooth headset too.
Also, the calendar does support event invites. You can view invites by hitting the icon of the down arrow in the lower right corner of the calendar screen.
Phillip says: July 15th, 2008 11:01am
I listen to voicemail through a bluetooth headset on the iphone all the time… look for the audio button in the top right hand corner.
The typing does get much better. I came from the treo and had a hard time with the “soft keys” but now that I’ve adjusted to the keys and the predictive text (clicking the “x” on an incorrect word suggestion adds your word to the dictionary) I’m much faster on the iPhone.
For dialing shortcuts “Favorites” is as good as it gets… nowhere near as convenient as push-letter but I’ve adjusted.
Navigating the mail app doesn’t get any better, it’s always a pain to click 2 or 3 levels back & forth.
Oh well, neither is perfect. I know which one is more fun though …. for me anyway!
Judi Sohn says: July 15th, 2008 11:04am
Nick, sorry wasn’t clear. While you can view invites, there is no way of sending an email with an event invitation attached. Nor (I think) the ability to accept an invite in a message received on the iPhone.
My headset is a Plantronics Explorer 330. Anyone else have this issue? Strange.
physio says: July 15th, 2008 12:17pm
All of my email ends up in my Gmail account so I just use Gmail through the Safari browser. Sure, I don’t get notified when I get a new email but I used to get that with my BlackBerry and ended up disabling the notifications because they were far too frequent. I’ll check my email on my terms thanks. :)
Sanchay Kumar says: July 15th, 2008 12:33pm
Blackberry is the only way to go…..the rest are for kids.
Jean MacDonald says: July 15th, 2008 12:41pm
Judi, the gang at SmileOnMyMac would also pay big money for TextExpander on the iPhone. ;-)
Unfortunately, the version of TextExpander that would be supported on the iPhone currently is not a version you’d find at all useful. We are keeping an eye on the capabilities of the iPhone, and hopefully, we can all get our wish as the iPhone evolves.
Barbara Saunders says: July 15th, 2008 1:25pm
Since most of my work is in text, I have even done editing work on the BlackBerry in a crunch. The iPhone is tempting, but I don’t think it’s a replacement. Thanks for the confirmation.
Smily :) says: July 15th, 2008 2:53pm
“I will give the iPhone bonus points for including letters on the virtual keypad, so no more guessing which number you push for dial-by-name directories”
The BlackBerry does this as well. Simply hold ALT and type any letter when in the phone app and it will make the tone for that letter.
John DaMarra says: July 15th, 2008 3:14pm
Can’t say the iPhone is cooler then the BOLD or Thunder, so stay tuned for those.
PS. for BlackBerry users that want a realy cool browser, checkout operamini.com from your BlackBerry, its amazing.
Vicki says: July 15th, 2008 4:27pm
Does anyone have both? Just curious.
victor h. says: July 15th, 2008 5:12pm
Judi,
I, too, can’t listen to voicemail over bluetooth any more. On my old iPhone (2G with version 1.0 operating system), I could hear voicemail on my many bluetooth ear devices just fine. But when I upgraded to the new iPhone 3G with version 2.0 software, I suddenly found myself listening to a silent Bluetooth earpiece when i played the first voicemail that i’d received.
So i think the non-BT voicemails may be a 2.0 software issue.
I actually still have my iPhone 2G. I had already upgraded it to the 2.0 software, but I never tried listening to a voicemail before I switched to the iPhone3G. When i have some time, i can try a VM on the old 2G phone and find out if my guess is correct.
Judi Sohn says: July 15th, 2008 5:19pm
victor, funny thing is I tried again earlier this evening and it worked fine. Then a few minutes later I had no sound at all and had to turn the iPhone on and off to get it back. Not the first time that has happened, for some reason it seems sound gets funky when you switch sources a lot (headphones, BT, speaker, etc.)
John, I agree with you about Opera Mini. Before turning off my BlackBerry for the last time I spent a lot of time in that browser. Still, it’s nowhere near Safari on the iPhone.
victor h. says: July 15th, 2008 5:33pm
after reading your last post, i had to run to my car and check again (on iPhone 3G). But no luck; i still can’t get the audio sources popup screen to appear when i check voicemail. VMs always play through my iPhone’s earpiece. There’s only a “Speaker” button in the upper right corner of the screen where the old “Audio” button used to be (on iP 2G v2.0).
on the other hand, the audio sources screen always appears automatically for me when i make/receive regular calls while a BT device is connected.
hmmph!
Gwalachmai says: July 15th, 2008 5:37pm
Thanks for that Judi. I will stick with my 8800 and wait for the Bold or possibly the Thunder then.
thepenguinincident says: July 15th, 2008 5:42pm
don’t worry, the keyboard gets really easy with a couple weeks practise. I can type fairly fast with it, and if I set it down on the desk I can type faster than on a standard computer keyboard. It helps when you learn to trust the auto-correct, it’s the best one I’ve seen on any system, ever. One-handed handling comes faster than you might think as well. I typed this whole post one-handed.
Good luck!
RV says: July 15th, 2008 6:32pm
Whatever happened to the good old days when you had to use your brains instead of a computer. No wonder we are turning into a generation of geeks.
joe dirt says: July 15th, 2008 6:36pm
its all about the dare
Andy says: July 15th, 2008 6:39pm
Whoever wrote this must have an outdated Blackberry, or bad cell phone provider, or just be technology illiterate.
With my BB Curve on At&t I can see SMS and email messages when replying. About the bluetooth, every phone has this problem. You just to have to remember to leave the bluetooth on, you have the same options mid-call has with any other phone to switch back and forth.
As far as the apps, the blackberry has been around alot longer and has just as many apps to do what you want. EMAIL will always be better on the blackberry. I won’t upgrade to 3G BB mainly because it will use more battery life.
Gosh can I be a reviewer. I have had my BB Curve for a month and I know more about this…
carey McNeal says: July 15th, 2008 6:40pm
my iphone 3g is badass with all the sweet apps, way better than blackberry
blackberry kid says: July 15th, 2008 6:41pm
im perfectly fine with my blackberry curve 8320. and btw not everyone has he money to buy a brand new 3g iphone and im not gonna waste my money on it so if you buying then ill gladly use it.
SireEsq. says: July 15th, 2008 6:43pm
There’s an easy way to get your email from multiple accounts: forward each of them to a separate gmail account. I have a gmail account, a hotmail account, and a couple yahoo accounts. for the non-gmail accounts, forward them to a gmail account and then sync THOSE accounts to your iphone.
ben says: July 15th, 2008 6:43pm
Android, people. Bide your time until then.
Jim says: July 15th, 2008 6:44pm
You need to come back to the blackberry, AT&T is about to release the blackberry bold. Many new features including wifi connection.
Nick says: July 15th, 2008 6:45pm
People will soon see that the Iphone is really nothing but a downgraded blackberry with a different look and everyone will want there money back once the Iphone is noticed for what it really is…
Erik says: July 15th, 2008 6:46pm
blackberry is so 90’s.. Ppl still use those annoying plastic keyboards?? Haha
My gf has a blackberry..ugh. Hard to use and old tech do not mix well.
It’s 2008, get an iPhone.
Have you seen rimm’s stock lately? They’re losing fast.
Iphone:
-25,000 developers
-complete operating system
-app store right on your phone
Blackberry:
-a few half-hearted developers
-flaky system
-no easy way to distribute apps
- HALF of it is a friggin keyboard!
Leo, Dallas, Texas says: July 15th, 2008 6:52pm
Judi … Thanks for the information I almost switched to the iPhone. My decision was a big NO … pics, movies, music, videos, etc. I am sure are great for those casual users or those who work in an industry where they are a necessity. I love my BlackBerry for its dependability in place of my laptop for e-mails - with 5 addresses in constant use it is fabulous! Thanks again!
Theresa Mesa says: July 15th, 2008 6:53pm
I’m able to get my gmail through my *first generation* iPhone mail application. In fact, I also check my business’s IMAP mail through it, as well as my .mac account. I check three different email accounts through my iPhone. It used to be 5 until I closed one account and forwarded my roadrunner POP3 mail through my Gmail account. I know the process is not and different for the 3G.
David Loji says: July 15th, 2008 6:53pm
Being a Mac lover I did consider switching from BlackBerry to the iPhone, being swayed by the elegant Apple interface and the very cool design, which was superior to my horrible 8700 Series Blackberry.
But based on my experience with the e:mail system on the BlackberryI decided to stick around and stay with Blackberry. I have used it in Europe, South America, North America and China and it just gets me my e:mail.
I am in the press industry and have written articles and edited them on the fly with the Blackberry. The main drawback for the iPhone is the virtual keyboard-not good if your requirements are e:mail intensive like mine. Can´t beat a physical keyboard for typing in a speedy fashion.
So when the time came to renew, I got a new Blackberry Curve and I love it. It´s got a better reception/voice quality and besides it is just fine as an MP3 player.
Bottom line: if you use your e:mail a lot on the go, Blackberry just works.
Jorge says: July 15th, 2008 6:55pm
Payola from Apple Computer
Mark says: July 15th, 2008 6:56pm
I just got a Blackberry 8330 on my Sprint account. Besides email it has voice dialing, fast evdo network speed, and turn-by-turn GPS navigation.
Greg says: July 15th, 2008 6:57pm
It the iphone cost more than a blackberry? The blackberry for sprint is $30 a month whats the iphone? Also, can you cancel the blackberry at anytime or are you stuck paying $30 for 2 years
tvbman says: July 15th, 2008 6:57pm
You forgot to mention that fact that to switch to the IPhone, you have to switch to one of the worst networks (at least in the southeast) in the country in AT&T.
Jackie says: July 15th, 2008 6:57pm
My husband runs his business from the house so email when he is on the road is very important. He to stood in line for an iPhone to replace his BB Pearl and is curently at AT&T returning the iPhone because he could send emails but wasn’t able to receive them. He called Apple for support and sat on hold for 1 hour each time on two different occasions and they never picked up the line.
He will be getting a BB Bold when it comes out instead.
Matt says: July 15th, 2008 6:58pm
In regards to SMS texting, the author is wrong. When you reply to a text the whole string shows up.
PAKing says: July 15th, 2008 6:59pm
I’ve always been number 1 fan of all Apple…
Especially that I’ve been waiting for an iPhone since it was a rumor. I was so excited I told everybody I was gonna get one. But the one thing that got me to jump ship on the iPhone was a simple fix. I had to be dependent on an Apple rep to change my battery. That don’t fly with me at all, especially with identity theft in an upraise. I don’t know who is hire in retails these day. It will be my luck I handed over my iPhone, if I had one to a disgruntle employee. You hear this crap all over the news every day, about employee stealing company information for their own gain. It’s nothing new at all. It’s happening NOW as you read this. Big issue here as well is you can not walk in with battery problems, you must make an appointment with an Apple Genius. Which adds even more DOWN time of you cell phone use. What next I have to go to Athletic Footwear to have them tie my sneakers, cause I bought it from their store?????? Please! Find another SUCKER! At least with an LG Dare your guaranty ZERO down time if you ever had battery issues. Because you can change it your self. The way it is suppose to be in life… In NYC it’s THE LAW to use hand free dialing. So I use voice dialing like ten thousand times a day. I been using voice dialing for 22 years on so many CHEAP FREE phone. Hmm.. Why should anyone be looking toward the App Store to get sh*t it should already have in it? Shouldn’t the App Store be for innovative Apps? Voice Dialing isn’t innovative and shouldn’t be in the App Store. It’s like offering a phone with out a dialing capability, so now you will have to go to the App Store to download a dailing App to make Calls. Hello! It is 2008 isn’
Matt says: July 15th, 2008 6:59pm
On the BlackBerry that is……….
Kimmy says: July 15th, 2008 6:59pm
I disagree with everyone on this thing…the ultimate best phone is the Blackjack II! I love this phone and wouldn’t trade it for the dumb iPhone or the Blackberry..forget it people!!
Piotr says: July 15th, 2008 6:59pm
I cant believe Americans are buying this junk.
Why not just buy a HTC Diamond or a Nokia N96 that spank an iPhone in every specification and make it look like its made by Playskool.
D says: July 15th, 2008 7:00pm
Honestly who really has time to distinguish between two totally different phones. Enough said.
alvaro says: July 15th, 2008 7:00pm
yo preiero iphone es mejor me gusta mas pero blackberry la verdad ke es tambien buena pero el iphone trae mas programa y tambien para descargar.. para escuchar musica es mejor ..mas comodo y al ser tactil , tener una gran pantalla sin botones, fino y facil de manejar me parece ke apple (iphone) gana a blackberry.
Yeinel says: July 15th, 2008 7:00pm
Judi,
I give you kudos for changing and sticking to the iphone, i couldn’t, i changed, but came back quickly…
I guess i wanted to try the new
iphone… I can’t wait until the BB
Bold comes out… Whoever brings it
out first gets my contract :)
njmarts says: July 15th, 2008 7:01pm
Apple is pretty smart - they did a load balancing test on 1 million users dime plus not to mention all the existing iphone users. Those apple iphone people didn’t hesitate to particpate for a fee. If thats what I want to pay for I think I’ll stick with a BB.
Sam says: July 15th, 2008 7:01pm
ur article is right on. i have both (not the 3G) a bb and iphone, and i can’t wait till the new bbcomes out later on this year. i think after a while i’m gonna give my iphone to my kids. i still like the BB
David Loji says: July 15th, 2008 7:01pm
By saying it has “a better reception/voice quality and besides it is just fine as an MP3 player”, I am comparing it to my old Blackberry 8700 Series, not the iPhone.
fred says: July 15th, 2008 7:01pm
Who Paid you?
extremeram says: July 15th, 2008 7:03pm
Blackberry obviously was a bad choice and good you found a whole day to spend from your time to stand in the line for a phone. I’ve got Palm OS for almost a year now and it can do all your new iPhone can and even more. So what’s the big fuzz? People, you need to do your research before buying things and standing in long lines. Apple is a little behind with its technology and just by advertising big and loud they are getting tremendeous amount of public to believe that they did it. No, somebody else already have done it. Way before.
NiteHwk says: July 15th, 2008 7:03pm
I’m gonn’a wait till the Iphone at least upgrades to a vid cam.My v3xx does just as much if not more than the Iphone.Maybe I’ll wait till Apple intro’s the IPhone 10.0..:-)
eesha says: July 15th, 2008 7:03pm
presently how much is the iphone for
Rich says: July 15th, 2008 7:04pm
wait for the BLACKBERRY THUNDER to come out guys
i have a blackberry and a hack ipod touch..so i have a little of both worlds, they both got there up and downs..
John says: July 15th, 2008 7:04pm
Erik please!
“Iphone:
-25,000 developers
-complete operating system
-app store right on your phone
Blackberry:
-a few half-hearted developers??????
-flaky system????????
-no easy way to distribute apps???????
- HALF of it is a friggin keyboard!??????
do your homework son, spend some time on RIM’s web site to better understand verticle applications available.
Don’t get me wrong the i-phone is a cool device, it’s just not a serious tool for the mobile workforce…not to mention the fact you stuck with ATT’s 3G network which has a small footpint at best.
BigDiggle says: July 15th, 2008 7:04pm
It’s very clever how you compare the 3g iphone to the blackberry 8800, its a good thing you didnt compare it to the blackberry bold which also runs on the 3g network. yes the iphone can do great things, but all in all its a toy, its something of a status symbol. its says “i now this is $400 , dont worry, i have that kind of money”, while blackberrys are professional and to the point. you want a toy, but a transformer, you want a serious quality phone, buy a blackberry. next time you write an article like this, try and do some research and not mislead people
PDA expert says: July 15th, 2008 7:05pm
The true Gold Standard for smartphones is the Palm Treo.
Both BlackBerry and iPhone have not caught up to the Treo.
3G, GPS, video record, and many other standard features on the Treo, that iPhone annd BlackBerry haven’t gotten to yet.
njmarts says: July 15th, 2008 7:06pm
Did Imention that load balance test at $400 a pop?
Loneback _Sailor904 says: July 15th, 2008 7:06pm
I’ll go back to a traditional land-line before I give up my Blackberry. In other words, “I’ll give it up when they pry it from my cold, dead fingers”.
justin says: July 15th, 2008 7:06pm
IPHONE kicks every phone butt
james says: July 15th, 2008 7:07pm
the i-phone and the blackberry are both great
Vince Smith says: July 15th, 2008 7:07pm
I would love it if someone could help me. My blackberry is the worst phone I’ve ever seen! Every time some calls you have to push like 4 buttons open all these envelopes drive’s me crazy and You can’t change the alerts to sound different from voice mails and tex and the worst of all 20 call call log what a joke!!!!
V
Daniel Pitt says: July 15th, 2008 7:07pm
Email is beautiful on the iphone…to read that is. I would say - if you often type long emails on your BB - keep it. Everything else is better on the iphone (except the battery life).
sam says: July 15th, 2008 7:08pm
What do you mean you can’t see what text your replying to on your blackberry, every blackberry I’ve ever seen has the text your replying to directly below the text message your typing?
Brad says: July 15th, 2008 7:08pm
Had the IPHONE 3g for 10 mins and went back to my awesome trusty 8830 Blackberry and that’s all there is to say, PERIOD.
robert says: July 15th, 2008 7:08pm
yeah i agree with most of the article but regarding the homescreen, the blackberry you can make seperate folders to organize your tools and apps, your dont have to have all your icons floating on the main homescreen. but regardless, im another blackberry user that made the switch and have no regrets, iphone smokes the blackberry.
Pat says: July 15th, 2008 7:09pm
Okay I’ve got the BB Pearl 8100 and I still wouldn’t switch to the iPhone. It’s all about what you need. BB does what I need and more. IPhone just doesn’t get the job done for me.
james says: July 15th, 2008 7:09pm
although i love the i-phone …well..because of everything even the price
Bee says: July 15th, 2008 7:09pm
I own neither and am planning to get either the BB or iphone 3G and have found all the comments helpful in making my decision. Thanks guys.
And by the way, Lucy what do sugar daddies have to do with any of this?
Masood Ijaz says: July 15th, 2008 7:09pm
Is there a way to view power point and wmv attachments with emails in the iphone. Is this available in BB?
james says: July 15th, 2008 7:09pm
i love both of them but the i-phone is so great
Biggjuicy says: July 15th, 2008 7:10pm
I have had my IPhone since it came out last year and also have a Pearl. I didn’t upgrade my IPhone this year because I am waiting for the Bold. I love my Pearl because of the MMS feature and I miss it on my IPhone, but the IPhone has some really nice apps now, that I am able to use. Bottom line I love the both.
helio.ocean says: July 15th, 2008 7:10pm
yeah all yous blow…the helio ocean has both these guys beat. dont call it a phone..really!
Sam says: July 15th, 2008 7:10pm
What is this guy talking about?
He’s probably never sent an SMS in his life because when sending an SMS, the WHOLE conversation shows up while your replying to the person your talking to.
And he’s dissing BlackBerrys, learn the phone then start talking… I would take the Blackberry over the Iphone anyday, and AT&T doesnt even compare to Verizon, AT&T is probably the worst of all Phone companies
morgan says: July 15th, 2008 7:10pm
i dont really like all these new gadgets out there, but i had upgrade to a T Mobile Dash, is like a blackberry from a regular cell phone reason is that i text alot now,to get in touch with my daughter thats all she does, u know teenagers. when i was textin and messengin with the old cell it was hard on my fingers, now i have a full board, is a cinch…. now with the Iphone and others i wont get it cause it has not use for me….
BigDaddy says: July 15th, 2008 7:10pm
My fiancee tried the new iPhone, but with long fingernails this is not for her. She still loves her BB Curve 8320! iPhone looks amazing but Blackberry is definitely AWESOME!!
SB1977 says: July 15th, 2008 7:10pm
Apple will have to pry my Blackberry 8800 out of my cold dead hands! :-)
erik ciesinski says: July 15th, 2008 7:10pm
i work for att, i have used both the iphone 2/3g and most of the blackberry’s. after much deliberation the iphone beats the bbys handily. Not just the web browser, and the chat style chat, but also the fact that you can now get all your contacts off the phone with out using outlook or having the numbers transfered at stores. Now your truly free to use the sim like it was originally intended.
James says: July 15th, 2008 7:11pm
“I will give the iPhone bonus points for including letters on the virtual keypad, so no more guessing which number you push for dial-by-name directories.”
Blackberry OS includes this too, press the alt key and spell out the ‘dial-by-name’ directory.
Christopher says: July 15th, 2008 7:11pm
I think the iPhone 3G is overated. The main reason everyone wants it is because it is new technology. Personally, I think the touch screen keyboard is too hard to use. At least make a stylus for the thing!
LET’S GO BLACKBERRY!!!
Man from Mars says: July 15th, 2008 7:11pm
I’ve had my Blackberry Curve for a little under a year. I used to hear all the time about the power of the “Crackberry” and thought it was a joke. It is not because I LOVE MY BB. I had wanted to get an IPOD touch just for the mp3 quality but once I got a 4 gig media card…it was all over. My cousing has an IPhone and wants to sell it for a BB. After seeing what he goes through to receive email, etc.. I agree with the person who wrote that “everything else is for kids”.
akosistella says: July 15th, 2008 7:11pm
Suckers! Treo still rocks!
Ania says: July 15th, 2008 7:11pm
does the new i-phone stream music?
if yes, can it stream through the ear piece?
David says: July 15th, 2008 7:11pm
Any article that compares Blackberry to any other cell phone cannot be taken seriously unless enterprise security is discussed. Corporate IT departments insist on the security features and capabilities of Blackberry. If you are a business user, there is no substitute for Blackberry.
Dorothy says: July 15th, 2008 7:12pm
I currently own the Curve 8310 and don’t know how I ever got along without it. Having to check multiple email accounts is oh so easy with this phone - it’s almost like having a pocket PC that just happens to make phone calls. Besides, my Curve plays music as well, so you can keep your iPhone - I’ll pass…..
wes says: July 15th, 2008 7:12pm
keyboard, removable memory, removable battery, interface with windows and email, cheaper accessories, and programs.. blackberry or bust. touchscreen is the worst thing to have on a phone. you have to stare at it for everything you do. even after you memorize what you need to do to get to something, you still need to look at the screen. not to mention, i hate apple.
paul says: July 15th, 2008 7:12pm
Don’t plan on using your iPhone in Vermont, Northern New Hampshire and parts of North Eastern New York. AT&T does not do business there and the cross company agreements with other carriers specify that area as not covered (the terrain makes it very expensive to operate there). Blackberries, due to Verizons dominance in the region are ususally OK.
Debbie says: July 15th, 2008 7:12pm
i love my blackberry and i wouldnt trade it for anything
attrep says: July 15th, 2008 7:12pm
yes, pandora.com
Justin says: July 15th, 2008 7:13pm
iPhone won’t notify you of new email? What are the chances an app store download can eventually solve this..?
Allan says: July 15th, 2008 7:13pm
I could not agree with you more about the email - what a disappointment. There will be long periods of time when I do not receive email and then, boom!, I will get a slew of it. My laptop, when connected to the net via WiFi, contiues to receive mail on a regular basis as it polls.
Further, and I am not sure if it is because ATTW or Apple are still experiencing technical glitches or if it is beasue MobileMe is just plain bad, but after years of being accustomed to having my BB calendar mirror my PC calendar, my iPhone calendar now doesn’t. ARGH!
Finally, battery consumption is through the roof! I need to recharge at midday to make it to the end of the workday day - granted I am a heavy user.
It indeed is a cool phone, so I am going to be patient and see email and calendar synch improve over the next few weeks.
dzl1 says: July 15th, 2008 7:13pm
i wouldnt be so quick to move on to the iphone just yet……have to give the upcoming bb thunder a test first…..we will see in the end which prevails…
attrep says: July 15th, 2008 7:13pm
yes it does, you have to set the the time to check it, like every other pda
CrackBerry Addict says: July 15th, 2008 7:14pm
If you switch to iphone…do you get iphoneSyndrome? I am still recovering from my CrackBerry Syndrome oh God the horror!!!!
B says: July 15th, 2008 7:15pm
The iPhone is the wave of the future and there is little doubt about that fact. Someone once said “It’s the software, stupid” and they were right. The beauty of the iPhone is that with a few developers and some imagination, all the stated shortcomings can be overcome. But, it’s the screen that’s the iPhone’s pride and joy. As an iPod, a web browser, or a phone… without taking up any real estate for just one of those functions. The touch screen of the iPhone takes about one week to really get a handle and fly on it. The Blackberry had a nice run, but with the 3G, the BB looks like something out of 1999.
Brad says: July 15th, 2008 7:15pm
Iphone blows, BB does everything the Iphone does, better! I had the Iphone and it wasnt worth the time to take out of the box. Much less the worthless hype it has generated and the ridiculous amount of time standing in line to get it. Blackberry users your not missing a thing, DONT SWITCH- you’ll wish you hadnt!
Vaughn says: July 15th, 2008 7:16pm
I HAVE AN IDEA WHO CARES ABOUT THE IPHONE OR THE BLACKBERRY. STOP BEING STUPID WASTING MONEY ON MATERIAL OBJECTS. ONLY IN AMERICA WOULD PEOPLE ARGUE OVER THIS.
Brad says: July 15th, 2008 7:16pm
BTW —- HELIO OCEAN BLOWS WORSE THAN THE IPHONE! DONT MAKE ME LAUGH!
Paige says: July 15th, 2008 7:16pm
I have/had a blackberry and i got the iphone and i love my iphone!!! i like it better because it is a touch screen.
h2hummergirl says: July 15th, 2008 7:17pm
Do not put a blackberry on prepaid its takes $5.00 a day
Orvette says: July 15th, 2008 7:18pm
I got the first iPhone version when it came out last year and have never looked back. I haven’t decided if I want to part with my aluminum-backed baby yet, even for 3G and gps. But it goes beyond fondness - I wouldn’t be without my phone now. I love how its features are not only stylish but intuitive and simple. I never had to pour over the manual to figure out how to use the applications. My roommate has a Blackberry for work, and while it may be a good solid work horse, with a better speaker, it drives me crazy. It just feels clunky and complicated by comparison.
Brad says: July 15th, 2008 7:18pm
Vaughn you wouldnt even be on this site if it didnt matter to you, much less make a comment. Bugger off!
Justin says: July 15th, 2008 7:18pm
Isn’t iPhone’s web-interface better than just about any other mobile device?
Clay says: July 15th, 2008 7:18pm
His email issues are not an Apple problem, it’s an AT&T problem. I don’t call RIM when my blackberry email doesn’t work, I call my provider, Alltel…
I’m slowly migrating from a BB Pearl to the iPhone…the email differences certainly take some getting used to. And the lag time when going to contacts in the iPhone needs to be corrected ASAP…it’s a PITA!
David Loji says: July 15th, 2008 7:18pm
Bee, did spammers like Sugar Daddies start posting on this comment section? Can we report abuse?
This is about the iPhone and Blackberry, nobody likes spam!
njmarts says: July 15th, 2008 7:19pm
Thirteen reasons to doubt the iPhone hype
Posted by Tim Moynihan 290 commentsThe honeymoon is over for the iPhone.
It’s not that we’re sick of it already (well, maybe a bit), it’s just time for it to answer some questions. Otherwise, it may join the Sony PS3 in the realm of “tech that looks absolutely amazing but is far too expensive for most people to even consider buying.”
Apple’s iPhone: A mystery wrapped in an enigma
smothered in question-mark sauce.
Here, accompanied by rambling speculation, are those questions:
1. Why no 3G compatibility? The answer might be as simple as the fact that Cingular’s 3G coverage still has gaping holes outside of major U.S. cities.
The 3G question is very pertinent to those who want to stream video and audio to their phone at any time. But that requires living in an area with great 3G network coverage, and 3G will drain a battery faster than the 2.5G EDGE network.
2. Does the lack of 3G matter if the iPhone has Wi-Fi? If the user wants to only occasionally stream media or download files, the iPhone’s Wi-Fi capabilities should scratch that itch…but only if you’re at a Wi-Fi hot spot and not using it in the backseat of a car, on the train, or sitting on a park bench. And Wi-Fi will have just as much–probably more–of a draining effect on the iPhone’s battery.
3. What’s under the hood? Nobody knows for sure. According to this Information Week article, the iPhone is likely have a Samsung CPU and video processor.
If it’s true, this may help explain the similarity in specs between the Samsung BlackJack and the Apple iPhone. For what it’s worth, the BlackJack performed very well in our Web browsing and video tests.
4. Can you download directly from iTunes? This looks to be a big disappointment with the iPhone. Early reports, such as this iTWire interview with Apple’s VP of iPod Products Greg Joswiak, say no.
From the iTWire article:
The Apple VP also quashed any speculation that the iPhone itself may house a self-contained version of iTunes. “iTunes was designed to exist on the Mac and PCs. That’s where the music should live.”
Don’t tell me where my music should and should not live, homeboy! I want it to live on my iPhone!
Regardless of where my music wants to live, if Apple is touting the iPhone as a device that runs Mac OS X, doesn’t that make the iPhone a Mac? Which brings us to the next question…
5. Just what does Apple mean by “it runs OS X”? And what do they mean by “multitasking”? During his keynote address, Steve Jobs mentioned the ability to multitask as one of Mac OS X’s strong suits, as well as a reason why the operating system was chosen for the iPhone.
Given the lack of 3G compatibility, that “multitasking” must be limited to applications within Mac OS X, not “multitasking” in the sense of being able to download a file while talking on the phone. That’s the kind of “multitask” that 3G networks are built to do.
Which begs the question: Who will really multitask between OS X applications on a mobile, touch screen device? At what point will anyone be simultaneously typing a document, formulating a spreadsheet, and composing a song on GarageBand on the iPhone?
Playing media content while surfing the Web is technically multitasking, but it’s possible that the iPhone will only be able to perform one of its three main functions at any given time: It’s either an iPod, an “Internet device,” or a phone, but it may not be able to do more than one function at a time.
That doesn’t sound like a big deal right now, but it could lead to an embarrassing situation if you’re using your iPhone as a jukebox at a party when a call comes in.
In all probability, the iPhone will run a watered-down version of OS X, with built-in restrictions on how the operating system can be used. No full iTunes. Probably no Skype or VoIP phone calls. It may be able to run “desktop-class applications and software,” as Apple’s iPhone site purports, but that’s not the same thing as actual desktop applications.
6. Will it actually be called the iPhone?
Not if Cisco has anything to say about it.
Will it be the iPhod? The iCell? The iThing? The iCaramba?
And will the iPhone have the same appeal with a different name? It might. After all, the name “iPod” doesn’t exactly scream “music!”
7. Who’s this phone for, anyway? Who can afford this thing?
This answer is simple: Paris Hilton.
The iPhone looks to be the next glamour phone, albeit one with serious potential. It’s billed as a “smart phone,” which brings to mind business users. At $599 for the 8GB model and $499 for the 4GB model, it’s definitely priced for business users.
BB trekker says: July 15th, 2008 7:20pm
Iphone vs BB. uhm… having a pimped up, cheek magnet car vs a stable, business minded, global vehicle like BMW or Benz or range rover. Each phone is designed for a specific market and specific purpose. Iphone is for entertainment and BB is for business savy ppl. I have my Iphone and let me kids play with it or take to clubs and i use my 8320 BB and soon Bold for social and business events where i can network and get things done on the fly.
JCM says: July 15th, 2008 7:20pm
(1) To compare battery life to your old Blackberry, just turn-off the 3G feature (it is under settings) on the iPhone. I think you’ll find the iPhone outlasts the Blackberry in that mode (all the comparative tests I’ve seen show that is does). As far as 3 G mode, one of the PC labs tested the iPhone against all the other leading 3G phones, and iPhone bested them all, most by a sizable amount.
(2) I think you are being unfair on the typing comparison. Think back to how agonizing it was to type on the Blackberry when you 1st started typing on it, and how long it took to get proficient on that tiny little, eccentric keyboard. Compare your typing impressions after your first 2 days with the Blackberry with those with the iPhone, or wait a couple of years (OK, a week), before making a conclusion. The heavy BlackBerry/Treo typing users who reviewed the iPhone when it 1st came out all seemed to say the same thing, “After the first 2 days I was ready to throw the iPhone out the window, but by the 5th day I swore I would never go back to the old way.” Your mileage may vary, but you can not have had the 3G phone long enough to make a fair comparison. ( I just gave up on trying to type anything longer than a word on my former smartphone, and not until I got an IPhone did I really start using a phone for Email and note taking. I admire all those Blackberry users who stuck with it, and stuck with it, and stuck with it, long enough to become typing proficient on a demented, diminutive keyboard, but if that is the price you have to pay to compose E-Mails on your phone, I think most people will pass and go for the iPhone. I know in two minutes I could type faster on the iPhone than I ever could after 2 years of using a Treo.)
Craig Hannah says: July 15th, 2008 7:20pm
Judi, interesting comparison. I also considered an iPhone over my existing Blackberry Pearl. Voice recognition is the most important feature for me. It allows me to call without putting my glasses on, and more importantly, make hands-free calls from my car using my vehicle’s built-in Bluetooth connectivity. Works perfectly. Shame an advanced phone like the iPhone missed a key feature.
jimmysprinkle says: July 15th, 2008 7:21pm
I have both devices. I have the 8830 World Edition (work) and pre-3G iPhone 8Gb hacked,jailbroken, and loaded with cool apps (possible work replacement). To keep it simple, I come down on the IPhone side if I was to only have one device. They both have issues where it counts, and that is what really phreaked me out when Apple released their latest shortcoming: really thought they would finish it off strong. Best thing about the BB is “push” email, which is better for obvious reasons. People can say, “I’ll check my email on my own terms” and I wish I could too, but if a server is down, I need to be informed NOW. Outside of that, I think the iPhone is sleek and has a very very functional frontend. Love the thing. I do have fairly large paws so I’m probably more able to use it one-handed when needed. Outside of that the unit does it all. The iPhone sounds better than the BB as a handheld phone and browsing is far superior. Neither replaces a laptop.
Brian says: July 15th, 2008 7:22pm
I had the chance one day to finally upgrade to an Iphone. I bought it and within a day sold it to someone else. Blackberrys have been around forever but once i saw how wicked and easy evrything was to use i became instant addict.
Now my buddy has the curve and i feel like replacing my 8820 with the curve. Technology is muhhh
robert says: July 15th, 2008 7:23pm
VISUAL VOICEMAIL!! enough said!! im sure even the business clients that use blackberries are jelous of this feature!
mac lover says: July 15th, 2008 7:23pm
If you’ve only had the iPhone for a few days, of course you’ll think that the keyboard isn’t convenient, that you can’t use it with one hand, that having to slide to get to the screen is an inconvenience, amongst other things. Like any phone it just takes getting used to. When iPhone first came on the market I was one of the first to get one and it was a change, but I caught on quick and absolutely love it now. I think that the keyboard on the Blackberry is a little antiquated. I’ve been a mac user for a few years now and will continue to be one for a very long time. It’s time to step into the 21st century.
John Hab. says: July 15th, 2008 7:23pm
I have been a blackberry user for 3 years up until last year when the iPhone came out. Honestly, I was INCREDIBLY impressed with the blackberry. I absolutely loved the phone and how it worked.
But after sometime I just had to try the new “fruit”.
The iPhone is a incredible phone. Everything about it is just perfect for me. I have used every single default application so much. Being a blackberry user for so long, I just never knew a phone like the iPhone would compare!
But hey, change can be good right?
P.S. The App. Store quality is pretty poor. I’ve been downloading applications and the more I have, the slower my phone gets. I hope Apple works on that!
carlito's way says: July 15th, 2008 7:23pm
When is the iphone coming out for verizon??!!! I have been patiently waiting while I still have another year on my contract! Has anybody here had success getting verizon to waive their early cancellation penalty??? In the mean time, I will continue to wait patiently in hopes that by the time my contract with verizon is up, the most kick ass iphone will be available!
Large business iPhone User says: July 15th, 2008 7:24pm
I am a Sales Executive for a Fortune 100 company. I used to have Blackberry and thankfully work for a forward thinking company that allows and supports the iPhone. As a traveling mobile power user, I much prefer the iPhone. It is a major productivity tool and FUN to use. With the already wide range of applications available on iPhone, such as salesforce.com, I am even more productive as I don’t have to fire up my laptop as often, especially with the amazing browsing experience. Battery life is very good and charges quickly, I find that the built-in battery really doesn’t matter as I get a full day use and recharge at night or on the plane. And I never actually swapped out the battery on my Blackberry, it is just a non-issue!
I used a Blackberry for years and thought it couldn’t get any better, but the iPhone is the best, most well rounded professional mobile platform available. Change is uncomfortable for most people and I was certainly reluctant when the iPhone first came out, but the risk of this change has paid off huge! Just my two cents….
daniel swink says: July 15th, 2008 7:25pm
My workplace, plus God know how many others, dont support the iPhone. Security concerns kill the iPhone in that regaurd. Until there’s an iphone enterprise server that businesses are drawn to have, appple phones will stay right where their computers are…..outside of businesses.
well, unless your in the graphics field.
njmarts says: July 15th, 2008 7:25pm
But whose 21st century is it Apple or Microsoft or will there a be an up and coming player as always.
I am ZIM! says: July 15th, 2008 7:26pm
I have the iphone and enjoy it very much. However I never had a BB so. I will say this though:
If you have to switch from Verizon to AT&T your “phone” will be worthless. The ATT network reception is more terrible than any phone I have had in the last 10 years! I thought dropped and spotty calls were over. I was wrong.
I would guess that if you need a reliable get-it-done business like device. BB
If you have less responsibility and so can lean toward the fun side, iPhone.
Still I wouldn’t have switched if I had known ATT was apparently operating off of one cell tower somewhere under water. :/
Steph says: July 15th, 2008 7:26pm
Does anyone have a Mogul? and how does it compare to the BB or Iphone?
Kat says: July 15th, 2008 7:26pm
And then there are those of us who are just so terribly old-fashioned, we still use our cell phones as…
Telephones.
Who’d have thought? A cheap little Nokia fits all my needs.
GuyinTexas says: July 15th, 2008 7:27pm
BLACKBERRY!!! I love you so… Never will I do the wretched iPhone!! Supposed to be lyrical, but I’m not that good. I will love my blackberry till they pry it from my cold, dead hand…
njmarts says: July 15th, 2008 7:27pm
So Verizon didn’t want to deal with the headache for 5 yrs whats that telling you all.
Anthony says: July 15th, 2008 7:27pm
The only reason to own a Blackberry is for its email capabilities. Why would you want to lose that functionality?
Being in the car audio industry, I can tell you, the pairing of the Bluetooth from iPhones has always had issues.
Matt says: July 15th, 2008 7:28pm
If you look up the new Blackberry Thunder (codename) on yahoo or google it looks like an iPhone is a 3G device and it is exclusive for verizon unless they can’t sell enough.
sam says: July 15th, 2008 7:28pm
Agreed that iPhone is MUCH sexier than BlackBerry, but clearly yours was different than mine. I can see SMS messages when I reply. If you use the alt key when dialing by name (hold down alt and spell someone’s name on the keyboard and the phone automatically makes the appropriate tone…much better than figuring out the number for the corresponding letter). Lastly, a simple click of the trackball on my 8800 allows me to switch to either the speakerphone or handset from my Bluetooth headset.
Apple’s interfaces are quite likely more intuitive (one of Apple’s huge strengths), but let’s give credit where credit is due!
AngryFrank says: July 15th, 2008 7:28pm
Judy,
After reading your review and the comments I have decided to stick to the blackberry 8800. At first I was ready to shitcan this unit as it had issues. But after a screen died on me I got a free exchange and no longer have those issues. Plus I love the downloads for Google Maps and email along with Yahoo and email icons as well. Messenging is one blur but I am waiting for the next generation. Besides IPHONE lovers great that you love your phone. You should you paid a crap load of money for it.
carlito's way says: July 15th, 2008 7:31pm
anyone tryin to get rid of their old iphone for cheap?
Jerry says: July 15th, 2008 7:31pm
The Sprint Instinct is better then both the Iphone and the Blackberry. Talk about that people. HA HA!
daniel swink says: July 15th, 2008 7:31pm
almost forgot!! Blackberry is working on matching the iphones abilities….before businesses get intrested in Iphone ent. servers.
So Apples will stay in the hands of kids with funny hair, not suits
well, unless your in the graphics field
chris in boston says: July 15th, 2008 7:31pm
Judi, While true you cannot send an invite from the calendar app, you absolutely CAN accept invites received via email.
You can “accept” “maybe” or “decline” invites.
While I think your review was somewhat fair, it always amazes me how some Blackberry owners are so quick to toss the iphone or Apple under the bus. Not you… but many of your commenters. Nick @ 6:45pm on 7/15 clearly has iphone envy and because he doesn’t understand what iPhone represents or cannot afford one so he chooses to be negative a crap all over the iPhone. Its certainly NOT a downgraded Blackberry. There is not a single device that will rise to the occasion to meet every wish/need people may have. iPhone represents so much more than any smartphone on the planet could offer. While some features could be implemented bette… due to its design, all thats needed is a software update and the features can be easily added. Unlike most other smartphones which are limited by their physical button interface the iPhone represents a huge paradigm shift in functionality, form, usability, and upgradability that simply does not exist elsewhere.
Anyone that poo poo’s the iPhone keyboard does not understand how well it truly works. I type LONG emails daily and fly on its interface. You need to learn to trust the software, its predictive text and auto correct are amazing. Give it a few days of rigorous use and you will find that its a much faster keyboard. I have used both Blackberrys and Treos and have never been able to type as fast as I can on an iPhone.
Vivie says: July 15th, 2008 7:32pm
Just want to say that I gave my BB to my son when I purchased an Iphone. But I didn’t like the Iphone so therefore I went and purchase me another BB 8110 and I must say I love my BB. The only thing I like about the Iphone is the touchscreen. My husband loves his Iphone just becuz of that feature but that was not enough for me to keep mine. So I am back in the BB family and that is where I plan to stay.
lui says: July 15th, 2008 7:32pm
the best iPhone 3G…
wanhart says: July 15th, 2008 7:33pm
I stay with QWERTY keyboard, thank you. BlackBerry or Nokia E71 are good to do sms or email.
I stay away from iPhone because according to Erick after:
iPhone
-25,000 developers
-complete operating system
-app store right on your phone
They still could not figure out how to forward SMS? Silly, just plain silly.
iPhone is so 80’s, BB and Nokia is so futuristic….
maria says: July 15th, 2008 7:33pm
You can separate SMS from email, but it’s still an awkward interface because you can’t see the text message you’re replying to as you’re typing. Fine for sending one-off messages but more challenging for back-and-forth communications.
I have the 8320 and my SMS conversations work just like an iPhone. The previous messages are on the bottom as I reply to the sender.
Tammy says: July 15th, 2008 7:33pm
You are wrong about the Blackberry SMS chat sessions. I had a T-mobile supervisor (Ashley) set it up for me, and it works beautifully. The SMS messages are truly separate, and you can see the entire conversation as you respond. That was the only thing I didn’t like about the Blackberry Curve when I bought it, but Ashley fixed it for me….now I am one happy camper:) Other techies said it couldn’t be done…but, she did it!
TN says: July 15th, 2008 7:34pm
“On the BlackBerry, by default, SMS messages are mixed in with email messages.”
I own a BB pearl and you can seperate the sms messages from the emails.
MACs SUX says: July 15th, 2008 7:34pm
iPODs & iPHONEs, MACs attempt to get people to downgrade to their crappy computers. iPHONEs are overpriced junk that try to cram too much into the phone just to justify their high prices. iPODs cause eye strain from people staring too long at a postage stamp sized screen.
MACs claim to be the better machines. Easy to use and virus free. The truth is, people still target MACs with viruses, but, there isn’t as many viruses created for MACs because they aren’t used by the masses. Why? Because they don’t have programs most people want to use. And when you want to use a program for a MAC, don’t expect to need just one program.
EG - To convert a M4A or M4B (iPOD file) to an MP3, you need a program like TuneBite, but TuneBite won’t work without iTUNES and iTUNES needs QUICK TIME to work. 3 programs to do 1 simple conversion. Does it sound like MACs are trying to be simple to use?
MAC really needs to start putting out a good product at an affordable price if they want to attract more of the buying public. Instead of releasing junk to try to keep selling their junky MAC computers.
TN says: July 15th, 2008 7:35pm
and it’s still in the conversation format.
cara says: July 15th, 2008 7:36pm
i think that the iPhone is much better than the blackberry cuz I have the iPhone and it is amazing. i think it is the best phone in the whole world. for people looking for the phone that is just right for them, they should buy the iPhone because of how cool it is with its applications and how it is TOUCH SCREEN. Who doesn’t want a phone like that. plus the iPhone 3G is way better than the first!
Will says: July 15th, 2008 7:38pm
What is the best phone for having a great contact list with profiles/pictures and other information of people I know instead of just a name and phone number?
Chris says: July 15th, 2008 7:39pm
The Iphone does not hold a candle against my BB Curve.BB distinguishes yahoo,gmail and BB mail.BB also distinguishes different chat clients——yahoo, gmail and BB.And not to mention built-in GPS.The price difference for what you get is also a factor.Plus the BB is more durable,and no screen to scratch after extensive use—unlike the iphone.Oh, did I mention texting is a snap???
Garrett Imhoff says: July 15th, 2008 7:40pm
I’ve still got the iPhone v1.0 (upgrading to 3G soon) and I use my phone for email all the time. Heck, I get most of my email on my phone first because I’m always on the go. I’ve never had a phone that has been so reliable or helped me get so much work done in such short periods of time. I know the BB is cool - I hated it when it first came out; it was an ugly thing - but the interface of the iPhone is so intuitive that it’s nearly fool proof. I know. I’m just the fool to prove it.
Larry F. says: July 15th, 2008 7:40pm
The web browsing experience on the Iphone is unparalleled, no doubt about it. But for anyone who uses their smartphone for work as well as leisure, Blackberries still reign supreme. The Iphone is almost more of a toy, while the Blackberry is more utilitarian, in my book. Some people prefer having the big screen, and don’t like half the phone being taken up by a keyboard. I prefer having an easy-to-work-with keyboard rather than having your face and hands smudge the face of the entire phone. And all the drawbacks that were mentioned in the review, either don’t bother me or I’ve found work-arounds for all of them. The clincher for me is the horrible network you’re stuck with if you buy the Iphone. AT&T? Meh.
Cristina says: July 15th, 2008 7:41pm
Proud owner of a Blackberry 8320. I’ve had it for about a year after swithching from an 8707v (Vodafone)Boyfriend had an iphone, whats the big deal?
Eric says: July 15th, 2008 7:41pm
Wait until you need a new battery or the phone needs repair, then you will know which phone is better. I have used nokia, htc, BB, samsung, motorola.
While Iphone sounds good right now only time and a track record will tell.
Greg says: July 15th, 2008 7:41pm
Is the iphone cost more than a blackberry? The blackberry for sprint is $30 a month whats the iphone? Also, can you cancel the blackberry at anytime or are you stuck paying $30 for 2 years
Jerry says: July 15th, 2008 7:41pm
FWIW, I love my Blackberry and don’t ever envision changing. The best thing about BB is the PIN function.
The author stated, “I will give the iPhone bonus points for including letters on the virtual keypad, so no more guessing which number you push for dial-by-name directories.”
If you are on a BB call and need to dial letters, press the alt button and dial the letters on your keyboard and it will translate it for you. It’s a great shortcut.
to daniel swink from Large business iPhone User says: July 15th, 2008 7:42pm
Daniel, there is an iPhone Enterprise server that business are drawn to. Its called Microsoft Exchange, and guess what, businesses already have it and the iPhone supports it. You should certainly check the Enterprise support of iPhone 2.0 software, your general statements are saying iPhone is not a good citizen on a corporate network are no longer true. Here is what the update brings:
Activesync support
Push email, calendar, contacts
Cisco IPsec VPN
Wireless network services with WPA2
P.S. Since Apple released the 2.0 Beta, there was something like 70% of the Fortune 100 testing it. My employer is one of them. My company also likes the fact that they can develop mobile apps for the iPhone, apps which generate revenue and that development platform is not even close to what it is on the iPhone.
David says: July 15th, 2008 7:45pm
I love all your reviews and comments about the iPhone but for non-continental US areas like where I live, it’s pretty hard to decide on an iPhone or a Blackberry.
Ever since I saw the iPhone 3G on the ads, I’ve always wanted one, but the fact that it needs a two year contract with AT&T keeps me from getting one. ONE: This small island of Guam does not have AT&T.
I don’t know, but if I can purchase an iPhone that is unlocked and is SIMCARD accessible to any location then I WOULD REALLY RECOMMEND AN IPHONE TO EVERYONE HERE ON ISLAND.
Sadly, no one yet has one, but only the older iPhone, which is a lot more expensive than the 3G that’s already been sold in the US.
Hope someone can help with this concern. *sigh.
David.
Guam.
saul says: July 15th, 2008 7:45pm
Um, I don’t know how your BlackBerry is set up, but I can see my SMS text messages in a nice, threaded view while replying to them, and It has BB OS 4.2 as well…
Andy’s comment has mentioned this as well.
Mark says: July 15th, 2008 7:45pm
I have the old Iphone. I like it, BUT AT&T SUCKS as a carrier. I’m in Burlington NC they SUCK. I tell everyone the phone is like a mercedes with a yugo carrier.
zhakidd532 says: July 15th, 2008 7:46pm
As of right now, the iPhone is working out the kinks as a business phone. It’ll take a little while for it to really become a good option, but you can tell they’re working on it and they’ll get there eventually.
But as a phone goes for anything else, I think it’s pretty good. But for work I’d go with a Blackberry as of right now. 5 years from now I may be saying something very different…
Eric JC says: July 15th, 2008 7:46pm
Blackberry = Old School
iPhone = New School
If you’re in with the old; pick Blackberry.
If you’re in with the new; pick iPhone.
I’ve chosen the latter.
Michael says: July 15th, 2008 7:48pm
I have used both, an iPhone and a Blackberry and hands down the iPhone wins. With the 2G iPhone it was pretty much a tie but with 3G, GPS and Exchange support the iPhone comes ahead. The iPhone does everything the BB does and more. Yes the BB has been out longer but what is that supposed to mean? From day one with the App Store you can see how that is going to take the iPhone to the next level.
For the past 5-10 years the BB was king but now iPhone has taken its place as the best smartphone on the market. Apple has shaken up the market and is in the drivers seat and guess who it sees in the rearview mirror?
melissa says: July 15th, 2008 7:48pm
I have a Blackberry Curve and I LOVE it- it’s so easy to use, practical, and no way near as expensive as the iphone- my sister has the iphone and I have no idea how she manages, you have to be so careful touching everything and every time i try to use i find it more of a hassle than it’s worth- sorry I’m a blackberry fan :)
The iphone is just another one of apple’s inventions to suck out every penny you’re worth
Timmay says: July 15th, 2008 7:49pm
I have had a BB Curve for about a month. I am a first time BB user. I am now a crackberry addict!As a Realtor, I don’t know how I ever did business without it. It has made me so much more efficent and productive. My buddies at ATT said they would switch out my curve for the bold when it launcehs (August 1st I think).
Giorgio says: July 15th, 2008 7:49pm
I can’t believe how the adult world has disappeared and we’re all kids now, babbling on about toys…BlackBerrys, iPhones, GPS, bla bla bla. I have a good career going and function with an old cellphone and an older computer
Toya says: July 15th, 2008 7:49pm
Blackberry forever it is! I was thinking about swiching, but now I don’t have too! Thanks for confirming!
Aragorn says: July 15th, 2008 7:49pm
Isn’t there a great deal of hiddent fees within the iphone such as a $30 per month extra fee along with a $120 2 year contract? All of this extra money easily makes this more expensive than the original. False advertisement if you ask me
KC says: July 15th, 2008 7:50pm
Hi Tools- Blackberrys RULE! Love them, Esp. Blackberry messenger :-) If you ask me, nothing beats the “O” faced happy face… Hi, Sonia, Megan and Michele!
iPhone & BB user says: July 15th, 2008 7:51pm
You’re a moron for not having set your SMS message history so that you CAN read a trail / history of messages to / from someone. There are too many other goofy and incorrect comments you’ve made herein to even respond to!
Jason Wimberly says: July 15th, 2008 7:52pm
Seriously, can you compare apples to apples? No correlation here. I have a blackberry curve 8330 on the Sprint Network. First, let’s talk serious 3G here. I truly believe the iPhone is awesome; it has great appeal and features that most phones do not have. However, the Blackberry was designed specifically for email. I have used push email before and my battery in my PPC 6700 would die within 8 hours (requires continuos connection to network). If you are buying an iPhone for the true internet experience, you bought the wrong device. Try viewing a full page on an iPhone, you are going to need a seriously huge magnifying glass. Buy a laptop, PC, or a Mac if you need to view full email pages. Now, let’s talk about speed! I average over 850kb on the Spring network each and every time I connect. This has been from the following geographic areas; Denver CO, Glenwood Springs CO, Parker CO, Aurora CO, Laguna Niguel CA, Irvine CA, Weehawken NJ, Manhattan, Phoenix AZ, Minneapolis MN, Sarasota Fl, Tampa FL, Orlando FL, Los Angeles CA, Dallas/Ft. Worth TX. I believe recent speed tests from Walt Mossberg on the iPhone were around 450kb. You decide, if you want true email and complete ease of use then buy a Blackberry. If you want an cool iPod with some great phone features, buy an iPhone. If you truly crave speed! The current Bberry Curve on the Sprint network is by far the best.
Adam says: July 15th, 2008 7:52pm
You think the Iphone and Blackberry is cool. Check out this phone with both phones in one.
http://www.htc.com/europe/product.aspx
hca09 says: July 15th, 2008 7:52pm
Judi,
Here’s my dilemma: I will have lots of “stuff” on my calendar (work meetings, family events, and workouts) but only 1 email account. I will primarily use the phone to text, check my work email acct, and use the loaded calendar. Which one would you recommend? Thanks for your help.
abusayap says: July 15th, 2008 7:53pm
YES THE WAS GREAT BUT THE ATT SERVICE WAS TOO HIGH WAY TOO EXPENSIVE..THE IPHONE WILL BE GREAT IF THE MAC DEALER WILL ABLE TO SELL IT W/OUT SERVICE SELL THE PHONE JUST IT SELF AND FOR SURE PEOPLE WILL BUY IT……………..
Rob says: July 15th, 2008 7:54pm
I just traded in my blackberry for an iPhone and the iPhone wins, but not by much. I loved writing emails and text messages on my bb, and the virtual keyboard really sucks and there’s no way around that. The iPhone is killing it though with the apps, the integrated and superior ipod and the overall aesthetic quality of the iPhone. I’ve been on blackberry for years now and I’ll have to deal with my BB email withdrawals, but it’ll be worth it as developers keep rolling out really great and really cool apps…
Sierra says: July 15th, 2008 7:55pm
First, cara, just because a phone has a touch screen doesn’t make it cool. It’s gettin with the ages, cuz touch screens cause a lot of trouble (trust me).
Will, I don’t know how the iPhone works, but with the bb, the contact list can add profile pics, a custom ring tone, a mobile, two works, two phone numbers, a fax number, and notes. Just thought you might know that.
Blackberry Lover!!
Kim Tomlin says: July 15th, 2008 7:55pm
It would be nice if I could compare the two. Since AT&T won’t service our area, I can’t get an IPhone. Talk about a monopoly….but that is another subject.
manik says: July 15th, 2008 7:55pm
the smartest thing about the iphone paired with a bluetooth headset is that the phone answers to the headset if you use the headset button to answer call, but if you answer call using phone to answer it, it disregards that you have paired headset and routes voice to phone.
Why didn’t anyone think of this before?
will says: July 15th, 2008 7:55pm
BB curve is the best phone out there so far. Far..
abusayap says: July 15th, 2008 7:56pm
LOTS OF PEOPLE WAIST THERE TIME STAY IN THE LINE JUST TO GET THE IPHONE BUT THEY FIND OUT THAT YOU NEED TO SIGN UP TO ATT WE DONT NEED A SERVICE ALL WE WANT IS THE IPHONE IT SELF THANKSSS….
Andrew says: July 15th, 2008 7:56pm
I say Apple screwed up in not including video calls. A couple new phones (HTC Diamond and Nokia N95) are coming out with their phones this summer that has very good quality video calling. Apple should have included the video call in this model if it wanted to stay way ahead of the competition like it usually does. They just let competitors catch up.
thundah says: July 15th, 2008 7:57pm
iPhone for me? I’m the BlackBerry THUNDER!
arnold says: July 15th, 2008 7:58pm
What You Should Know Before you Switch from BlackBerry to iPhone?
that is not agood question, why don’t you compare the iphone 3g to samsung i900.
darth vader says: July 15th, 2008 7:58pm
I am a young corporate professional in my early 20’s but i don’t want to be “married to my job” with a “crackberry”! I love my ipod as I take public transportation and my work restricts us from checking personal email. What could be better than having your ipod and smartphone all in one??? I think an iphone would be better for someone like me.
Erik C. says: July 15th, 2008 7:59pm
Erik-
It is interesting that you mention 25k+ developers for the iPhone and that being a good thing. Yes it’s nice to have all the options but they are doing nothing other than what Microsoft has done for years. So when some 15 year old kid gets bored with the code and figures out how to hack everyone’s iPhone, they’ll blame Mac like they did Microsoft because of all the “Open back doors”. By my meaning of a “back doors” is perfectly legit code/protocols that is abused and used the way the developer had not thought of. Much like many Microsoft products have been.
You can only open so many doors before someone takes advantage of it. I’m waiting the day when they first major hack comes down.
Sierra says: July 15th, 2008 7:59pm
Also, I go to the AT&T store, and I find out that the texting on the iPhone SUCKS!!! I have big fingers ( I know I’m not the only one), and my words come sao keli wset (out like this). And I text way more than I talk on the phone. So that’s a give-a-way.
Maria says: July 15th, 2008 8:01pm
my bb is my life…and i would not switch. the iphone may look nice but i prefer my bb!!
i have a few email addys and this phone serves me well.
Deanna says: July 15th, 2008 8:01pm
Hmmm Judi , how many free I-phones did you get for that endorsement?
Does no one care about security for their email, and actually getting that direct push? Will your IT department actually allow emails to be sent to it ? (Where I work is strictly Verizon, and BB)
I think that the Iphone is an awesome product, as it places much needed competition in the industry, but I wouldn’t actually *use* one as my *primary* work tool. (shudder)
Lili the coolest person in the world says: July 15th, 2008 8:03pm
Why should anyone get the blackberry when something as great as the iPhone has come out. Blackberry is so last season as the iPhone is so this season!
Learn your stuff girl!
Some defensive blackberry owners on here says: July 15th, 2008 8:03pm
Sounds like a bunch of defensive RIMM stock owners are on this board VERY nervous about losing their shirt to the iPhone/Apple. I would be too except that I own RIMM and feeling pretty comfortable with my AAPL position right now considering Apple sold 1 million phones in 3 days this weekend and exceeded analyst expectations.
Since Apple announced the iPhone 3G in Mid-June, RIMM stock has plummeted 33%, let me guess… coincidental? Tough economy? Whats the excuse?
With so many copy cat iPhone wannabe’s coming out, including the Thunder, Instinct, HTC, Prada, etc… clearly iPhone is a hit.
A QWERTY keyboard isn’t going to help RIMM. That Thunder better be good!
Chance says: July 15th, 2008 8:04pm
The Wing from T-Mobile blows both the Crackberry and the iPhone out of the water. Saddens me it’s not even in the discussion.
Raghian says: July 15th, 2008 8:05pm
I’m tied between the coolest phone the iPhone and the phone I had to start out with, the Blackberry! But I still rate the iPhone ten on my list! You betta belive it sugar!
Inuttie says: July 15th, 2008 8:05pm
HEY Smily :)
About the BB … I also hate the no letters on the keys - can you please tell me if your way will work on the
BB Curve-8320. If you know this?
I tried it and get nothing? Do you know if it would work on mine also?
appreciate your help
Thanks
C
deon says: July 15th, 2008 8:07pm
HEY I LOVE MY B- BERRY BECAUSE I CAN WASHVIDEOS PLAY AS WELL I DOWNLOAD ANY VIDEOS AND I USED AS A WIRELES WITH MY LAPTOP COMPUTER I PHONE FREEZE ALL THE TIME LIKE I POPS THEY SOX SORRY PEOPLE DONT LEAVE THE BERRYS FOR THE APPLES.
coolio says: July 15th, 2008 8:07pm
chance: doesnt tmobile have bad reception??????
kws says: July 15th, 2008 8:08pm
I have to use a blackberry when it’s my turn to be on call and I hate it. It is the single worst phone I’ve ever used. Sure, being able to ssh into a machine is nice, but it’s sloooowwwwwwww. Not to mention the keyboard is horrible and the screen is too small. I’d rather have a plain jane nokia.
Chip Robinson says: July 15th, 2008 8:10pm
I have been a Black Berry user for nearly a year and I must say that I totally love it. I use it for personal use and love the convenience of the web if needed while out or on the go. Once this phone totally dies (in the distant future I hope), I am sure I will be buying my next Black Berry.
Deanna says: July 15th, 2008 8:10pm
^^^
I have a BB 8330 Curve with Verizon, and after all that’s said and done, if I can’t get my emails sent/received immediately, and a decent cell signal, all I have is a paperweight.
For me the email function is alpha and the omega, anything else is just extra.
burks esq says: July 15th, 2008 8:11pm
The information presented was bias.. the i have had used both and there is not question that the i phone is sick!! very cool the lead the way with such a great interface.. but putting the touch screan aside blackberry kills the iphone for web, email, txt, there are downloads to change the format and themes.. it dope and oh yeah have you heard of the BLACKBERRY THUNDER!!! oh yeah it will be all touch that the true young profesionals phone..!!
jeff says: July 15th, 2008 8:13pm
interested in the IPhone?? The LG Dare blows it out of the water..
frenchy says: July 15th, 2008 8:14pm
BLACKBERRY IS NOT WORTH IT! EVERYONE, ESPECIALLY JOSHT, NEEDS TO SWITCH. THE BLACKBERRY BOLD IS GOING TO SUCK AND NOT BE AS BADASS AS IPHONE 3G. PERSON WHO WROTE BOLD IS GETTING WIFI…..ABOUT TIME!!! ALITTLE LATE IF I MIGHT ADD. PERSON WHO SAID ITS TOO EXPENSIVE…HAVE YOU SEEN THEY LOWERED THE PRICE? BLACKBERRY OR RASBERRY OR BOISENBERRY, OR BLUEBERY..WHATEVER ITS CALLED, TOTALLY NOT WORTH HAVING AND ID TOTALLY WAIT 7 HOURS AGAIN IN A HEARTBEAT FOR ANOTHER IPHONE. LETS SEE SOME PEOPLE WAIT THAT LONG FOR A STUPID BLACKBERRY!!!!
Krissy says: July 15th, 2008 8:15pm
Can I just say that I work for Verizon and if you are going to compare anything that we make to an iPhone, it shoule be the LGDare…not the BlackBerry. BlackBerry phones are data phones, they require you to have online services….online services without a data plan will cause you to have a large bill. Yes, I know Verizon kinda sucks sometimes…people dont have answers blah blah blah but in all honesty, when we say we’re America’s Most Reliable Network…we are. I can say that anywhere you go where I live, you wont have service with your crappy AT&T service. So have fun not moving out of the only spot you can make a phone call.
Yvonne says: July 15th, 2008 8:15pm
Blackberry has a free program that is called AutoLock . . .which after a setup time will lock the keyboard and save battery power.
priscilla says: July 15th, 2008 8:15pm
Blackberry are the best..i heard the new iphone is giving problems …soo i dont think i will change my blackberry for that..i really happy with bb…
Redwine says: July 15th, 2008 8:16pm
Has anyone else noticed the posts from iPhone supporters seem to blatantly disregard punctuation and capitalization rules, and seem to be written by mildly autistic children?
Shawn says: July 15th, 2008 8:16pm
I have a Motorola Q and I love it but I have been considering switching over to the new G3 Iphone or a black beery when the new version comes out. After reading this article it looks like I will be going with the Black Berry I am a huge email user considering I run an E-company so 80% of my time with the phone will be in email mode. Thank you so much for the article you helped me make an educated decision
Jason says: July 15th, 2008 8:16pm
If you want to do anything work related on your phone get the blackberry. Why would anyone get the iPhone “3G” over the Samsung Instinct?
The Instinct uses the newest Rev-A internet speeds which is the bigger and much younger brother of 3G. No replaceable battery? Internet coverage is still not as large and your cellular plan costs more.
For all of you that want to pay more for an inferior product, I have a 1994 Honda Civic on sale for $60k. (3 tires included)
HG says: July 15th, 2008 8:17pm
I have Sprint 8330 BB with the Beta 4.5.0.51 installed and let me tell you that HTML is great on the BB. Like Judi said having all your emails in one inbox is great to being able to respond. Also don’t know if iPhone fixed the deleting of emails one by one, which can be a drag when you have several email accounts with 50 or more emails. On the BB just highlight or delete prior and your good to go. The new Docs To Go is great on the BB. You can edit Word docs, Excel, and PowerPoint files. The BB Browser works faster, and you can view YouTube Videos on the BB. with 4.5 OS. You can send voice notes to other BB Messanger works great when you can’t type a message you just simply record your message and send it. The MiniOpera works great, I have downloaded Podcast using miniopera and play it on the BB 8330 without a problem. The GPS works great with 3rd party search programs, example Live Search, 411, infoSpace, and Google Maps. You can dial right out of the program once it finds what your looking or view map, info, etc… Also the OTA installed programs work great. You can be on the road and install programs. I sync my BB with GoogleSync which works great, then you can sync to Outlook or iCal which means no wires to sync for calendar only. You still need to sync with USB cable for Task, Memo’s, etc…
michelle says: July 15th, 2008 8:17pm
I upgraded today from a Motorola v3 to iPhone!
Glad I held out for this one, as I’ve tried the Blackberry (and was given one as a graduation gift) and was not a major fan of it!
michelle
Graduation Stoles
t says: July 15th, 2008 8:18pm
I love my blackberry! I have several friends who own iphones so I have had many opportunities to get to know the phone, other than the superior web browsing experience I can’t really see the iphone as anything but a sophisticated toy. It really is not a useful tool for anyone needing a strong office communication tool.
frenchy says: July 15th, 2008 8:20pm
THERE IS NO OTHER PHONE THAT COMBINES A FULL IPOD WITH A PHONE! NAME ONE……YOU CANT.
JCM says: July 15th, 2008 8:20pm
Regarding earlier, misguided comments:
This is supposed to be about iPhones and Blackberries, but since someone had to rant off topic97:34 pm post), a few facts are in order:
“people still target MACs with viruses, but, there isn’t as many”
Can you name just one? (Symantec has identified over 750,000 that run on MS Windows. They think there may be one Trojan horse in the wild that could impact Macs.)
“Because they [macs] don’t have programs most people want to use.” Really, what do you call Word, Excel, Power Point, FileMaker, FastTrack, MYOB, VectorWorks, Ashlar Vellum, QuarkExpress, and Photoshop, programs all available for years on Macs before they ever even showed up on MS Windows systems. Or how about Pages, iMovie, Numbers, Keynote, Final Cut Pro, Logic, Aperture, Web Objects, programs people love to run, make a living using, and that run only on a Mac. (When Bill Gates built his mansion, the Architects he hired designed it on a Mac. Tight time schedule, he could get it done when he wanted, or get it done on a MS Windows systems, but he couldn’t do both).
“3 programs to do 1 simple conversion” referring to converting an mpeg4 sound file to the now archaic mp3 file format. Uh, dude, just go to iTunes, go to preferences and select your file format of choice, even the old mp 3 standard is there, then select the file(s) you want to convert, then choose “Convert Selection” under the “advanced” pull down menu, and you are there. No need for 3 programs. You are trying to do it the MS Windows way.
frenchy says: July 15th, 2008 8:20pm
GOOD JOB MICHELLE! FINALLY SOMEONE SMART IS ON THIS DISCUSSION
josh says: July 15th, 2008 8:21pm
so about that SMS text messaging…. I have a Blackberry Curve, and I’m not sure if she’s looking at the same text messages EVERY other blackberry user is looking at when he says……
“….it’s still an awkward interface because you can’t see the text message you’re replying to as you’re typing.”
Uh…. hell yeah you can! I’ve had several different smartphones and by far, my favorite is The Curve BECAUSE you can see the message you’re replying to. And this chick has obviously never used Blackberry Messenger, it’s JUST like any and EVERY other IM on the FACE of the earth. You can send files through it. AND here’s the kicker…. IT DOESN’T USE YOUR TEST MESSAGES FROM YOUR CARRIER! Sure the other person has to have a Blackberry user, but it’s still awesome.
So I’m thinking, before you post about WHY someone should switch, make sure all the info is correct. And don’t get me wrong, the iPhone is pretty kick ass. As a regular multi-media phone. But as an organizer, e-mail on the go, and just all around smart phone powerhouse…. blackberry all the way
teddyv says: July 15th, 2008 8:21pm
My wife went with the iPhone and tried to get me one. My IT group wouldn’t support it. Since then I have heard nothing but grumbling about the iPhone and I couldn’t be happier with my BB (although I also HATE that there aren’t the letters on the numbers too!). Blackberry is still the clear winner.
caloy says: July 15th, 2008 8:22pm
I have a blackberry 8800, got an iphone when it first came out because it looked cool. I’m giving away my iphone because i like the bb much better and am waiting for the bold to come out. The blackberry looks more classy, the iphone is for kids!
frenchy says: July 15th, 2008 8:24pm
PEOPLE WITH BLACKBERRIES: STOP, TAKE SOME TIME TO THINK, FIGURE OUT WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU! AND DONT BE STUPID TOO.
tommy says: July 15th, 2008 8:24pm
the iphone doesnt even have a picture messaging feature im staying with my trusty bb
Jay says: July 15th, 2008 8:25pm
Guys if you try to do the functions of a computer on a Phone, you will have problems whether its a blackberry iPhone. I play multiple roles in the Project team I work in and as a result, I end up working anywhere from 12 to 18 hour days. I’m on a computer dealing with tons of different applications, spreadsheets, email and instant messagging communications, remote accessing, databases, servers, etc, etc, etc, the whole time I am at work and I wouldnt even think about trying to do even one tenth of my work on a cell phone, even in the year 2020. When I am mobile, I use a laptop with wireless internet and wifi. Cell phones are meant for making/accepting calls, plus some additional features to make your life a little easier but not to replace computers. The blackberry is more business oriented so it will have more features that will make your work easier when mobile. The iPhone is just a phone that most of us out there including adults, kids, teens, college students, etc will have fun using and showing off. The good thing is that the iPhone has so many features that it beats all traditional phones out there and even puts so many of them business oriented pocket PC’s etc on shaky grounds. But if you are a business professional using a Blackberry and are intimidated by the coolness of the iPhone, dont be. I’ll give you an example. No matter how cool a five hundred thousand dollar sports car may look, it will NOT pull your boat, or your RV, etc, etc. Thats why I bought four cars; a full-size truck, a cool turbo sports car, a V8 Luxury car, and a small 4-cylinder commuter car. Basically what I am trying to say is thats theres no comparison. Just have both of them and appreciate the functionalities of the both of them just like I bought 4 different cars instead of trying to find one car which will do all the work because thats just not possible. I have both phones too. I was given a blackberry from work (an older one though) and my personal one is the iPhone. Have an open min