1. anon(6038817)'s Avatar
    (Follow the BBM Channel! C0048FA9D)

    I just wrapped up A Bold Experiment: Using a BlackBerry Bold 9930 - in 2014 - for 30 Days.

    Early on in that experiment, I became so impressed with the Bold's physical keyboard that I set out to try to obtain a Q10 and see how I liked the device compared to the Bold and also to my Z30. I also received encouragement from fellow CrackBerry members to do a similar experiment with a Q10 and document it like I had with the Bold.

    Thanks to yet another pleasant transaction via the CrackBerry Marketplace, I now have a Q10 in hand and I am ready to embark on a new 30 day experiment!

    When the Q10 was first announced, I was fascinated. I was curious. My only experience with a physical QWERTY BlackBerry before then was with a Curve 8530, which I had used as my daily driver for several months at one point. I remembered the satisfying clickety-clack of the Curve's keys as I belted out huge swaths of text in rapid fashion.

    Last November, when I had an opportunity to get a new phone, I was torn between the 3 BB10 offerings at Verizon. Should I go with the Z10, Q10, or Z30? I tinkered with the Z10 and Q10 display models and I couldn't make up my mind. Should I go with the Z10 and do without BlackBerry's amazing physical keyboard? Should I go for the Q10 and lose some screen real-estate?

    Then I asked the Verizon rep if they had a Z30 I could try out. They did have a display model in the store, but they didn't have it actually on display (go figure). I waited patiently as the rep went in a back room and returned with the Z30. I played with it for about 30 seconds and said "I want this". I haven't regretted it since! The Z30 is, without question, the best smartphone I have ever owned.

    However, I am always very curious about technology and love to try different things (regardless of brand or platform). I have always wondered if I was missing out on something by not trying a Q10 for an extended period of time.

    As I said, my recent experience with the Bold 9930 renewed my curiosity about the Q10, and I just had to try it.

    And now that opportunity has arrived!

    I will try to post about my experience each day during the first week, then every other day (or as needed) for the remainder of the 30 days.

    I welcome your comments, questions, feedback, and participation.

    Let the experiment begin!

    Day 1 - Setup
    Day 2 - On The Road
    Day 3 - The Hub
    Day 4 - Selecting and Editing Text
    Day 5 - Home Screen and Active Frames
    Day 6 - Selecting and Editing Text, The Movie
    Day 7 - Apps, Part 1
    Day 9 - Q10 vs Z30 Look and Feel
    Day 11 - Scratched Screen
    Day 13 - Apps, Part 2
    Day 15 - I Miss My Z30, And Other Reasons Why I'm Ending This Experiment Early
    Last edited by Newfangled; 05-23-14 at 11:27 PM.
    05-08-14 07:55 PM
  2. anon(1733)'s Avatar
    Sounds good I look forward to your experience as your 9930 trial was excellent. I subscribed and will follow your progress.

    Posted via CB10
    Mr4aces and anon(6038817) like this.
    05-08-14 08:52 PM
  3. calicocat2010's Avatar
    Sooo you have the Z30 AND Q10?

    Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using CB Forums mobile app
    05-08-14 09:17 PM
  4. flyingsolid's Avatar
    The direct transition from a Bold to the Q10 should prove interesting. I will look forward to reading each update.
    anon(6038817) likes this.
    05-08-14 09:25 PM
  5. anon(6038817)'s Avatar
    Sooo you have the Z30 AND Q10?

    Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using CB Forums mobile app
    Yes, I do!
    05-08-14 09:30 PM
  6. Lefty724's Avatar
    Cool, look forward to your review!!!

    The Q10 is absolutely the best phone (imo) I've used. I always switch between devices and always come back to the Q10!

    Definitely subscribed!

    Posted via CB10
    05-08-14 09:55 PM
  7. dusdal's Avatar
    Sub'd.

    Perhaps a bbm channel OP?

    Dominate the MCAT C0012A8A6
    05-08-14 11:08 PM
  8. Q10Bold's Avatar
    This is great!!


    Posted via ? Q10Bold
    anon(6038817) likes this.
    05-09-14 12:49 AM
  9. Hilton_K's Avatar
    Enjoy, with every update that BlackBerry bring out to the OS this phone just gets better and better. 10.3 although not released will bring this phone above the BBOS featured.

    Been a long time coming but BB10 is growing into a bloody solid OS and the Q10 matched it very nicely.

    Q10SQN100-3/10.2.1.2141
    05-09-14 03:51 AM
  10. anischab's Avatar
    The direct transition from a Bold to the Q10 should prove interesting. I will look forward to reading each update.
    I use a Q10 and owned a Bold9900... I give you an advice... you already waited, so it is worthful to continue to wait until November, release of the Q20, that will be a sort of Bold with BB10-OS... It will be better for you, since you're familiar with the trackpad... Or you decide not to complain about it and buy the Q10... I did not miss the trackpad!

    Posted via my BlackBerry*Q10, Germany - SQN100-3, Running OS 10.2.1.2102
    05-09-14 04:19 AM
  11. anischab's Avatar
    Subscribed...
    I will give you tips/hints if you're stuck... but as you are familiar with the OS, you'll be comfortable with the phone...

    The biggest advantage in comparison with the Z: the physical keyboard :
    - On the main-screen, long-press any alphabetical key calls a contact-shortcut.
    - And if the phone is in standby (screen fades out), press any numeric key to see the screen-displaying: whatch, next appointment(s) and messages.

    Posted via my BlackBerry*Q10, Germany - SQN100-3, Running OS 10.2.1.2102
    anon(6038817) likes this.
    05-09-14 04:28 AM
  12. mushroom_daddy's Avatar
    .... I now have a Q10 in hand and I am ready to embark on a new 30 day experiment!
    Fantastic!
    Subscribed and looking forward to your updates
    anon(6038817) likes this.
    05-09-14 07:34 AM
  13. anon(6038817)'s Avatar
    Sub'd.

    Perhaps a bbm channel OP?

    Dominate the MCAT C0012A8A6
    Done!

    C0048FA9D
    05-09-14 09:38 AM
  14. dusdal's Avatar
    Nice!

    Dominate the MCAT C0012A8A6
    05-09-14 10:59 AM
  15. anon(6038817)'s Avatar
    The Q10 Experiment: Day 1 - Setup

    The Q10 Experiment: Using a BlackBerry Q10 for 30 Days-100_4806.jpg

    Activation

    I really like Verizon's web-based chat service. I used it to deactivate my Z30 and activate my Bold 9930 for my Bold Experiment, and then a couple days ago I used it to deactivate my Bold and reactivate my Z30. Both times the rep I chatted with did exactly what I needed in a timely fashion.

    Although I reactivated the Z30, my SIM card is swappable with the Q10. All I did was turn of the Q10, insert the SIM, and turn it on. It recognized it just fine and I quickly had a 4G LTE signal.

    Unlike the Bold 9930, there was not a special number I had to call to complete activation of the phone, nor were there extra apps showing up on my home screen after activation.

    Setup

    Setting up the Q10 itself was quite easy. The setup wizard guides you through each step. I had to choose a language, connect to WiFi (because I hadn't inserted the SIM yet), and sign in with my BlackBerry ID. There is also a little tutorial that walks you through the gestures and how to navigate around the OS.

    I then proceeded to connect to my preferred email and social media accounts. The process for each was quite simple, and it was easy to customize the level of Hub integration and kinds of notifications I wanted.

    I then opened BlackBerry World and updated several of the apps that ship with the Q10. These include (but are not limited to):

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • LinkedIn
    • Foursquare
    • Adobe Reader
    • BlackBerry Messenger
    • Evernote

    Then, I installed more apps!

    Apps

    First, I downloaded some preferred apps from BlackBerry world. It was easy to do, as I had already downloaded them on my Z30 and they were all listed in the "Available" tab under My World >> My Apps & Games. Here they are:

    • Apollo
    • BeWeather 10 Pro
    • CB10
    • Nobex
    • Scan to Text
    • Skype
    • StarTracker
    • Stocks for BlackBerry 10
    • The Weather Channel
    • Tilt
    • Angry Birds Seasons
    • Angry Birds Star Wars
    • Bad Piggies
    • Bejeweled 2
    • Brick Breaker Bold
    • Despicable Me: Minion Rush
    • Kiwi Wonder
    • UNO

    There are others in my "Available" list, but these are the ones I downloaded starting out on my Q10.

    Thanks to Verizon devices (finally) having upgraded to version 10.2.1 of BB10, it's easy to install Android APKs with just a couple of taps. So next, I downloaded and installed the Amazon Appstore. Here are the Android apps I installed:

    • Candy Crush
    • Feedly
    • Gospel Library
    • LDS Hymns with Notes
    • LDS Tools
    • Mormon Channel
    • Netflix
    • Zillow

    Again, there were more I could have installed but these were the ones I wanted to try first.

    Some First Impressions

    One of my concerns about the Q10 was the screen size and resolution. I didn't know how it would handle certain apps - if I would be scrolling a lot or if the apps would seem "scrunched" trying to fit everything on the screen. With a few exceptions, I've been pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to use apps and generally navigate around.

    I have to be careful when using certain apps, especially those that require scrolling, because I seem to frequently touch the bottom edge of the screen when I'm swiping up and it causes the app to exit to the Active Frames screen. This happens sometimes on my Z30 and is a minor annoyance I've come to accept with using a BB10 device!

    I've also found myself instinctively trying to use a trackpad or back button to do certain things, then remembering they don't exist! I've got to retrain my muscle memory from using that Bold for 30 days!

    Another concern of mine was the overall look and feel of the Q10 compared to the Bold 9900/9930. For some reason, I've always thought the Q10 looks a bit cheaper than the Bold. The brushed steel band and chrome accents on the Bold just look awesome, to me. The Q10 has a more subdued look to it. Now that I've had a chance to actually use the Q10 for a day and look at it inside and out, I'm feeling a lot better about it. One thing I love about the look of the Q10 is that when you see it - even from a cross a room - you know it's a BlackBerry. That iconic keyboard is a dead giveaway. With my Z30, most people don't even realize it's a BlackBerry and think it's one of the bajillion brands of Android floating around out there. I'll talk about the look and feel of the Q10 in more detail in a future post.

    It's interesting having gone from a Bold 9930 to a Z30 to a Q10 in the span of 3 days. The Z30 just seemed HUGE compared to the Bold (not that I'm complaining), so the Q10 actually feels really comfortable and more of what I've been used to. So far, I'm enjoying the Q10!
    05-09-14 02:40 PM
  16. craftEcowgirl's Avatar
    Remember too, just press R key to go into reader mode when using browser. I too miss a back key etc. Cant wait for Q20!

    I have had a Q10 since it was released. I have went back to my Note 2, a couple times for a week or two but always come back to the Q10, mainly due to the great keyboard! The 10.2 update really made a difference and cant wait till 10.3.

    Q10, running 10.2.1.2141
    JesseBabe23 and anon(6038817) like this.
    05-09-14 03:29 PM
  17. anischab's Avatar
    Remember too, just press R key to go into reader mode when using browser. I too miss a back key etc. Cant wait for Q20!

    I have had a Q10 since it was released. I have went back to my Note 2, a couple times for a week or two but always come back to the Q10, mainly due to the great keyboard! The 10.2 update really made a difference and cant wait till 10.3.

    Q10, running 10.2.1.2141
    In some Apps (Crackberry), as in Browser, and in the calendar, you just can swipe to the right so it does the job of the "back"-key... some apps do not react so, but provide the back key at the bottom of the screen like Wikipedia-App. Some Apps have the symbol but also react with the swipe move like Remember.

    Posted via my BlackBerry*Q10, Germany - SQN100-3, Running OS 10.2.1.2102
    05-09-14 03:46 PM
  18. anischab's Avatar
    Other Keyshortcuts:
    T for Top of page
    B for Bottom
    P for previous (even in calendar for previous day)
    N for next (even in calendar)
    Space for next screen while reading


    Posted via my BlackBerry*Q10, Germany - SQN100-3, Running OS 10.2.1.2102
    anon(6038817) likes this.
    05-09-14 03:48 PM
  19. Bonsaibo's Avatar
    I am going to follow this as well. I too have a Q and tried it for a 'few' days, but went back to my Z10. Maybe I too should have stuck with the Q for more than a few days. Your experiment might just prompt me to give the Q another chance.
    anon(6038817) likes this.
    05-09-14 03:57 PM
  20. BBUniq01's Avatar
    I am going to follow this as well. I too have a Q and tried it for a 'few' days, but went back to my Z10. Maybe I too should have stuck with the Q for more than a few days. Your experiment might just prompt me to give the Q another chance.
    I bought two Q10s and sold them, keeping my Z10. But I kept missing the keyboard. I have another Q10 now and will give this one about two weeks to try. My Z10 will be a backup.

    Subscribing to this.

    Loving my Zed 10!!
    anon(6038817) likes this.
    05-10-14 12:07 AM
  21. Jeroen Vos's Avatar
    I'm back to the Z for at least a few days (I think). I keep switching between the Z and the Q as I can't make my mind up which is the best. Maybe I actually need a slider...

    You'll probably become accustomed to the keyboard in a few days including all the shortcuts. And that's when your spoiled for life.

    The screen estate of the Z devices keep pulling you in, and as soon as you've switched the keyboard is winking at you from the other corner of the table...

    Enjoy your experiment.

    Posted via CB10
    anon(6038817) likes this.
    05-10-14 12:24 AM
  22. Bonsaibo's Avatar
    I'm back to the Z for at least a few days (I think). I keep switching between the Z and the Q as I can't make my mind up which is the best. Maybe I actually need a slider...

    You'll probably become accustomed to the keyboard in a few days including all the shortcuts. And that's when your spoiled for life.

    The screen estate of the Z devices keep pulling you in, and as soon as you've switched the keyboard is winking at you from the other corner of the table...

    Enjoy your experiment.

    Posted via CB10
    "The screen estate of the Z devices keep pulling you in, and as soon as you've switched the keyboard is winking at you from the other corner of the table..."

    ^^ This exactly. Z size, Q keyboard! I use the Z, keep seeing the Q with that awesome keyboard. Start using the Q, miss the screen estate. A slider would probably be a really nice option, except the phone then becomes too thick. I know, I know...one can't have it all.
    anon(6038817) likes this.
    05-10-14 08:25 AM
  23. BBUniq01's Avatar
    I'm back to the Z for at least a few days (I think). I keep switching between the Z and the Q as I can't make my mind up which is the best. Maybe I actually need a slider...

    You'll probably become accustomed to the keyboard in a few days including all the shortcuts. And that's when your spoiled for life.

    The screen estate of the Z devices keep pulling you in, and as soon as you've switched the keyboard is winking at you from the other corner of the table...

    Enjoy your experiment.

    Posted via CB10
    For me it is not the screen real estate but the display quality of the Z10 that I love. I haven't had problems adjusting to the screen size on the Q10 but not a big fan of the amoled screen.

    Sent from my Q10 or Z10.
    05-10-14 08:35 AM
  24. Sridhara Shankara's Avatar
    Bought a White coloured Q10 a week back absolutely loving it though the screen is small compared to current smart phones, lack of apps is an issue, absolutely zero marketing/servicing effort on the part of BB India. The store where I bought from had no trained staff in BB devices.They fumbled a lot.I bought from that particular store because the price was right for me.The servcing centre is quite far off from my place( to upgrade to OS 10.2.1) There are no BB experience zones in Bangalore(my city.A major city in India) where as for samsung & apple there are quite a few inspite of all these I am quite loving my BB Q10!!!
    anon(6038817) likes this.
    05-10-14 09:08 AM
  25. anon(6038817)'s Avatar
    Bought a White coloured Q10 a week back absolutely loving it though the screen is small compared to current smart phones, lack of apps is an issue, absolutely zero marketing/servicing effort on the part of BB India. The store where I bought from had no trained staff in BB devices.They fumbled a lot.I bought from that particular store because the price was right for me.The servcing centre is quite far off from my place( to upgrade to OS 10.2.1) There are no BB experience zones in Bangalore(my city.A major city in India) where as for samsung & apple there are quite a few inspite of all these I am quite loving my BB Q10!!!
    I'm glad you have stuck with it and are enjoying your Q10 despite all the hassle!

    Posted via CB10
    05-10-14 09:14 AM
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