[Shadowbolt]

Yes, I know that the Storm didn't get good reviews, and it's laggy, but I think that my father needs a more simpler device than his iPhone. He can't type on a real QWERTY keyboard because his thumbs are too big, so virtual it is, and I wanted to stick with the legacy BlackBerry OS versions. The Storm came to mind since A: It has a virtual keyboard, and B: It runs BlackBerry OS. He can't type very fast, so the laggy keyboard will be okay for him I guess. The Storm is also listed as new, too.
Also, I think the 9500 is the original Storm. Is that right?

[Dunt Dunt Dunt]

You'll have to have a special BIS service from your provider... might want to see if yours still offers it.

It's been a long time since I used my STORM.... signal strength was not very good. It's 3G only so won't be able to take advantage of better 4G reception and speeds.

And I don't know that it's really simpler to use than an iPhone.... unless he already knows BBOS.

Personally I'd stick with the iPhone and just remove any apps he doesn't need. Or I'd buy him a Jitterbug, as they are designed to be simple with easy to read displays.

[brookie229]

Jitterbug

^^^^This or any other cheaper android device that can be set to "Simple Mode".

[Shadowbolt]

Cool, thanks for the advice. I have checked beforehand, and EE UK do still have BlackBerry Internet Service active on their network. He doesn't use mobile data anyway, unless he needs to Google something, which is a bit rare, considering he has me do it most of the time :P
I'm waiting for his decision if he wants it or not, so I'll get back to you later.

[Shadowbolt]

Right, so, I'm still waiting. However, I'm wondering if the Torch may be a good idea. Since when it's not slid up, it has a virtual keyboard. So now it's a battle between the STORM and the Torch, I guess. Problem is though that they're a little bit on the expensive side.

[HabsFan9860]

...a Torch 9860/50 isn't a bad piece either...I had a 9860 (basically a Bold 9900 but full touch screen)...I had the Storm and the Torch 9860...I think the latter had a better virtual keyboard...faster too.

Posted via CB10

[Shadowbolt]

...a Torch 9860/50 isn't a bad piece either...I had a 9860 (basically a Bold 9900 but full touch screen)...I had no the the Storm and the Torch 9860...I think the latter had a better virtual keyboard...faster too.

Posted via CB10

Cool. I have seen the 9860s, they look really good. Problem is, they come as quite expensive (about £50 for a Torch in decent condition) on eBay. I know the Storm2 exists, but that probably hasn’t got anything over the original. A little bit out of my current price range right now.

[vincentkong]

Cool. I have seen the 9860s, they look really good. Problem is, they come as quite expensive (about £50 for a Torch in decent condition) on eBay. I know the Storm2 exists, but that probably hasn’t got anything over the original. A little bit out of my current price range right now.

Improvement with the Surepress. My Storm 2 has a WiFi antenna, where the Storm One didn't.

[Carjackd]

...a Torch 9860/50 isn't a bad piece either...I had a 9860 (basically a Bold 9900 but full touch screen)...I had no the the Storm and the Torch 9860...I think the latter had a better virtual keyboard...faster too.

Posted via CB10

I was just to suggest this. I can’t remember what I paid for mine a few months back as a collectors device but it’s was pretty inexpensive

[Shadowbolt]

Improvement with the Surepress. My Storm 2 has a WiFi antenna, where the Storm One didn't.

Ah, well that'd be great, since my father has a broadband connection (albeit as slow as a turtle). Suppose I'd better start looking...

[stlabrat]

i second or third on 9860. just make sure you get the right version for your region.

[Shadowbolt]

i second or third on 9860. just make sure you get the right version for your region.

I’m in the UK, so I have no clue which type it is :P
The Torches that I’ve come across that are in my price range have QWERTZ keyboards, unfortunately.
I do know it has to be GSM, though.

[conite]

I’m in the UK, so I have no clue which type it is
The Torches that I’ve come across that are in my price range have QWERTZ keyboards, unfortunately.
I do know it has to be GSM, though.

Omg. Don't waste your time and money on a museum piece.

Get a modern Android device and run it in easy mode, or use a specialised launcher.


https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/3-best...-grandparents/

[Carjackd]

Omg. Don't waste your time and money on a museum piece.

Get a modern Android device and run it in easy mode, or use a specialised launcher.


https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/3-best...-grandparents/

Well, I was going to suggest that but the OP was talking budget and even an old torch was tight

[Chuck Finley69]

Are you just trying for his iPhone for yourself? LOL. Pretty slick... Just kidding with you.... Uninstall all the unnecessary apps from the iPhone and just keep it simple....

[Dunt Dunt Dunt]

Are you just trying for his iPhone for yourself? LOL. Pretty slick... Just kidding with you.... Uninstall all the unnecessary apps from the iPhone and just keep it simple....

If budget is an issue, can't get much cheaper than using what you have.

BBOS is only "simple" if you are familiar with it, back in the day we had several older folk that had all kinds of issues with company issued BlackBerry's. Just being able to see and read the keys and display was an issue for some. That's why some newer devices that are made for senors have very simple and large displays.

[A Noise Annoys]

Just an FYI: Someone suggested the Jitterbug Smart which on paper is probably an ideal choice from a technical point of view. The issue is that it can only be activated and used on the GreatCall network in the USA, they don't have any coverage in the UK or any other country for that matter.