Question for the die-hard BB fans
I will preface this by saying I was once a huge BB supporter but switched to Android after my 9700. It is my history with BB that has had me surfing CB checking out the hype over BB10. After reading what seems like tons of posts expressing excitement over the updated BB OS, I can't help to think how the update is going to effect the hardcore BB fans.
Like many here, loved my Blackberry for the keyboard and battery. I was also convinced BB was a tool and everything else was a useless toy. But as I read these posts over the past week, I am getting the impression that most of this excitement is over BB becoming more like its competitors...something that has been criticized for years in this community. For example, games on other devices has drawn criticism around here, but as more information comes out about BB10 people are anticipating the idea of games being available on BB10.
What interests me most is that when I think BB I think keyboard. I realize a keyboard BB10 will be available, but I feel the flagship device will be the touchscreen. How is this going to affect BB's biggest strength?
It seems as though BB is doing a 180...revamped OS and form factor, but the excitement here is bigger than ever. Why? Later this year RIM will introduce a phone and OS that a BB fan would not be able to pick out of lineup. It will be completely different than what you love right now and it will be more like its competitors. Does the excitement over the updated phone seem premature or is this more about RIM?