Worth getting a blackberry?

Prefontaine1339 · Thread Author #1 03-25-2009, 01:02 AM

Now I know this subject has been brought up a lot, and Blackberry users laugh at the question "do I need a blackberry," but it's not that i can't see why they're addictive, its just I can't see if it would worth it for me. I have been an apple person all of my life, my best friend works at apple, and I come into a lot of contact with the iPhone. I love that phone, and my ipod touch is the closest I can get, stupid verizon So I have an Upgrade coming up in May, and Im thinking about waiting it out for the 9630, because I WANT to have the smartphone addiction. Smart phones are clearly the future. Its just hard because after using the iPhone and ipod touch a lot, I can't seem to justify the 30 dollar per month data charge on something like a blackberry that doesn't have all the apps and cool functions like that, PLUS the additional 10 dollars for VZ navigator. A lot of the useful apps seem to utilize the gps, which verizon locks out, so it's hard to see exactly what I'd get out of the phone. I text message a LOT. I currently have the Env2, and I like it a lot. however, I do want easy access to all my email, doesn't have to be instantly, but close. and most importantly, I want to be able to google any question that pops into my head(often). From messing around with my sister in laws curve, all I can really see is that there are some, a handful of cool free apps, but other than that, there are mediocre apps, and doesn't really spruce up the phone. Aesthetically the screen looks kind of tiny, and the ability to display and take pictures doesn't look so great. I'm just trying to justify the price. I'd like to get addicted, I am very addicted to most technologies, but the curve just seems like another ok UI phone, that doesn't do anything particularly great beside getting email fast(the browser is eh). I just don't know what I should do, thoughts? I also read that the Storm now has google maps that let it use GPS on verizon, that would be a HUGE plus because that would replace my vznav which would bring the price down. Google maps isn't as good as VZnav, but for 10 dollars a month, a basic gps app will do just fine. Help!

Basically, what cool things have you guys down with your curve that is a "wow" type thing. I want to be impressed my the technology I use, and thus far, the iPhone is the only thing that is doing that for me. Prove me wrong!

gotblackberry · #2 03-25-2009, 03:47 AM

I am listening to radio on my phone, texting and coming to post this. Can your I phone do that?

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

pkcable · #3 03-25-2009, 04:50 AM

The storm is great phone and getting better with each unofficial software update. I use google maps and I am quite satisfied with it. It uses the storms GPS and gives a list of turn by turn directions.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

robertmills · #4 03-25-2009, 07:45 AM

Some cool things I have done since I have been using a curve or storm include mms, record videos, flash light when nothing else available and MP3 player (bought ipod over the summer, no longer in use). I send text messages while on making phone calls. I know the iPhone can do some of these things in the future or can now if you jailbreak. I play around with my friends iPhones and just don't seem satisfied with it. It looks great but just feel its lacking considerably. Also with BlackBerry's you get a variety of flavors. Oh yeah and my screen clicks!

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

Prefontaine1339 · Thread Author #5 03-25-2009, 11:45 AM

Hmm, these things sound good, but not exactly WOW smartphone kind of thing. My env2 does most of those things haha. As for what the iPhone can do, is has much better radio options with many different apps with better interfaces, once you're on the internet it is much much better experience and ease of use is phenomenal, and texting is about the same. It can't do all of that together, but if it was iPod, texting, and internet...then sure it could. You'd just get the text alert, read it, and go back to the internet. Also, MMS, copy and paste and all that IS coming, but i agree, its a very late upgrade for such simple tasks. I hear yea on the no multitasking, but for what the iphone DOES do, it blows other phones out of the water. Plus, its got a over 25000 application store, many of which use the built in GPS, and the built in accelerometer to make just awesome games. For instance, labyrinth game feels like ur actually controlling a real marble across a wooden board with holes in it, can your storm do that? I've already accepted there isn't anything like the iPhone that I can get, so I want to curb my addiction to it, by getting something else i can get addicted to lol I understand the iphone is personal preference,and I happen to love it, but Im really just looking for WHY you are addicted....what makes you're blackberry a need to have at all times, besides just convenient access to email? Radio is pretty cool, do you all store a lot of music on it and listen to it much? Me and my ipod touch are inseparable, and when I'm at school, I use it like a computer because the internet is so great, and I've synced over all my bookmarks and whatnot. But thats besides the point lol

drummeric · #6 03-25-2009, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prefontaine1339

and the built in accelerometer to make just awesome games. For instance, labyrinth game feels like ur actually controlling a real marble across a wooden board with holes in it, can your storm do that?

Yes, Berry Labyrinth works just like you are controlling the marble across the wooden board with holes in it. My Storm does this just like the iPhone app on my friend's iPhone. Tilt the screen to move the marble. There's also the Flight Path game app, in which you fly and steer your plane through hoops by tilting the Storm and using as you would a steering wheel. There are other apps that utilize the accelerometer as well. Some are games, some are more practical apps (the level app comes in handy every now and then).

Sounds like you're used to [and set on wanting] an iPhone though, by reading your comments. With that bias, you'll likely be happier going in that direction (though you'll be changing carriers) versus picking up a Storm or other BlackBerry device. The BB App Store doesn't have the number of fun 'time wasting' type of apps that the iPhone has available. I've made do with what is available though, and wasted plenty of time doing so.

But many of the business and productivity apps designed for the BB's are second to none in my personal opinion.

If you DO decide that BB is the way to go (as the rest of us here have), then do yourself a favor and read through the knowledge based forums here on the individual devices you're considering. For ME, the perfect choice was the Storm...but I admit it has issues. Mine seems to behave and function just fine 99% of the time, and I have no major complaints about it (just a wish list of future upgrades and 'Frankensteined' features from some other devices). It was the device that closest resembled what I wanted in my current smartphone, and I love it for what it does! But after doing your own research, you might just find the perfect BB for YOU.

devildrifterX · #7 03-25-2009, 12:59 PM

Your paying the extra 30 a month even if you go for a BB or iPhone.

You already seemed pretty biased towards an iPhone, theres no point in getting a BB if its not what you want.

jonlong724 · #8 03-25-2009, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by devildrifterX

Your paying the extra 30 a month even if you go for a BB or iPhone.

You already seemed pretty biased towards an iPhone, theres no point in getting a BB if its not what you want.

He says he likes the iphone, but it is not a possibility for him, since he is a Verizon customer. I think his question is still valid: Does the blackberry device offer benefits over the current dumbhones available that justify the cost of the required data plan?

I am in a similar situation. I have an ipod touch and have used the iphone sufficiently to know that it is a great device. I am looking for a quality phone that provides access to internet and email. I am really really tired of the Verizon interface on their regular phones, which feels so poorly thought out. Those reasons are sufficient for me to justify the cost of the data plan and a new blackberry when the 9630 comes out.

hudss · #9 03-25-2009, 01:14 PM

My BB doesn't drop calls in the middle of manhattan..

12MaNy · #10 03-25-2009, 01:17 PM

You can't really compare an iPhone with a Blackberry until you've owned both devices. Everyone is biased towards their favorite device, therefore the only opinion that really matters is yours. Buy a Blackberry and try it out. If you like it, keep it. If you don't, stay with the iPhone (you can always return the Blackberry).

Prefontaine1339 · Thread Author #11 03-25-2009, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonlong724

He says he likes the iphone, but it is not a possibility for him, since he is a Verizon customer. I think his question is still valid: Does the blackberry device offer benefits over the current dumbhones available that justify the cost of the required data plan?

thank you my good man! thats exactly how I meant the question. Clearly I'm biased to the iPhone, and if it were to come out verizon any time soon, I'd wait around the block for days to get it. But I' on verizon, and switching isn't an option. And thats exactly what I meant to ask, are the blackberries worth the 30 dollar data plan over the capabilities of a "dumbphone." I didn't know the blackberry could do those cool games and stuff, I researched apps for it for a good amount of time, and googling I found mostly a lot of strung out sites, with a good App here and there. Are those games and whatnot often free? Where, in your opinion, is the best place to get all of the apps in one place(although I see BB is working on an App store...) I think I will take the plunge pending on this Niagara, and if I like it keep it, if not revert back to env2. Thanks for you're opinions, and hope to blackberry post with you in a couple months

devildrifterX · #12 03-25-2009, 01:25 PM

imho there is no phone really worth bragging about other than a BB on verizon, i had a razr before i got my Storm and it was a pretty big leap. I too was a itouch user but i sold it to buy my Storm, a decision im still happy with to this day.

The 9630 does look gorgeous, but the interface is truly nothing special...the phone is about getting work done.

There are some really nifty apps and stuff out there for BB so its not all a bore or anything like that. I pump out a trendmendous amount of texts/emails a day (i use about 100 mins a month on average if that tells you how very little i actually talk) plus i like the fact that RIM is pushing more media stuff into their phones now, so i use my Storm for music, HTML web surfing, youtube and the same can be done on the 9630 as well...not too sure if any other model phone does ALL 3 thats not a smartphone

F3AR · #13 03-25-2009, 01:25 PM

DON'T GET AN iPHONE!!!

Seriously, the only thing the iPhone has going is the apps, that's it. You already have an iPod Touch so you already have the best part of the iPhone. I had an iPhone and I'm amazed at how much faster I get things done on my Storm. The Storm isn't even the fastest BB so I know the Niagara would get things done even faster. Another thing that annoyed me about the iPhone was that I couldn't multitask, it was so annoying. I wanted to listen to Pandora radio, text, and surf the internet but no I couldn't do it. The more things I added to my iPhone and try to do with it, the more it slowed down and crashed. The iPhone just can handle everything. The only thing I miss about my Storm is a physical keyboard which is why I'll most likely pick up the Niagara but besides that I am way more satisfied with it than I was with the iPhone.

paulanthonyc · #14 03-25-2009, 01:55 PM

Dude, I think you just like typing looking at the length of your messages. Anyway, IF I WERE YOU, and I'm not...I'd wait a little while before I made the decision. For one thing, if you're considering the Storm, wait until AFTER they finally release a new OS for it. Then see if people think it is much improved over it's current state. By the way, I love my Storm...but not everyone does. If you are just looking to switch to any BB, wait and see what comes out in the next few months. If you're in a rush to switch, then consider a more stable BB than the Storm, unless you are a patient person.