Just acquired a used Classic (April 2017)
Hi all. Just wanted to pen down a few notes and insights on the Classic. I recently acquired a used BlackBerry Classic. Prior to this, I was using an Android (Xiaomi Mi Max) device, after both my Q10 and PP OG developed problems after several accidents.
Impressions:
1) Build Quality
Superb. This Classic is as well-built as the Passport Original. Very sturdy, and with a textured rear, very easy to hold. There is absolutely zero flex in the unit, and the keyboard is also very well-made. The keys feel slightly 'softer' to depress than the Passport, and if you're like me, you'll prefer the more traditional four-row keyboard after years on the Q10, Curve 8520, Bold 9780, Bold 9000 & Bold 9900. The metal edges are a welcome design, and add a better feel to the unit too.
2. Buttons, Keyboard & Trackpad
The use of metal buttons (Volume, Mute, Power) is very nice. The buttons offer a satisfactory 'click' when depressed, and add a degree of class (much like Apple's iPhone SE button design). The optical trackpad is very accurate and the feel of the trackpad, when pressed, is also very solid and resounding.
3. BB10
It is my opinion that BB10 is probably the most robust, speedy and fully-featured mobile OS out there. Although it will be made EOL (End Of Life) soon by BlackBerry, it remains a very capable system. The File Manager is second to none, really. Enough said.
4. Usability of the Classic
Here's where the Classic nailed it for me. After using fullscreen phones (Xiaomi Mi Max, LG V10, Lumia 1020, Lumia 920) for a while, I had forgotten how convenient it is to have a small device in the pocket again. I forgot that it was really possible to live with such a gem of a device.
Of course, the Classic is not for those who consume a lot of media (videos), but here's what I use it for:
A) Messaging
SMS, BBM, Whatsapp (through APK) - still trying to figure out how to get WeChat APK to work.
B) Emails
BlackBerry remains unsurpassed at this, with the BB10 Hub taking credit where it's due.
C) Music
MP3, FLAC support for audio makes the Classic an excellent audio player
D) Reading
I use FBReader to read lots of ebooks, and E-Mmanuel Bible too.
E) Note-taking
The Remember app, tied to an Evernote account, works well with the physical keyboard.
All in all, this is a really excellent device. I found the old Passport too wide and bulky for everyday use. With the expected high prices of the upcoming Keyone here in Asia, I'm not holding my breath.
Hopefully this Classic will last for a few more years until TCL releases other qwerty devices. Whilst Android is the future, I still prefer BB10 as it's not as resource hungry and battery-intensive.
I tried using the BlackBerry Hub on Android. Lovely implementation, but a BlackBerry just isn't the same without the physical keyboard.
Thanks for reading.
Posted via CB10