From BlackBerry to Android and Back
I got my first BlackBerry, a Bold 9700, in the fall of 2009. I loved it. Absolutely loved it.
After over a year, though, I started to think about switching to Android. When the keyboard and trackpad on my 9700 started to go on the fritz, I took the opportunity to switch, getting the HTC Aria.
I rooted it and installed CyanogenMOD (currently running CM7RC1). In general, I liked it a lot. I've *loved* Google Navigation, the web browsing experience, and the integrated nature of all my Google service (Gmail, Calendar, Voice, etc.).
However, I just can't stick around. I miss my full QWERTY tactile keyboard, on which I could crank out messages in an instant. I miss battery life that was never less than 24 hours (!). I miss Profiles!
Granted, some of my disatisfaction has been a result of using a release client of a custom ROM. I've had a lot of WiFi issues, app crashes, poor battery life, and, at time, sluggish performance.
But even still, I've made up my mind: it's back to Black for me. Honestly, I don't do a lot of web browsing on my phone, and I don't use a lot of apps. I rely on my phone to last all day and let me shoot emails, texts, and twitter posts quickly and accurately. In a few months, I'll move for a job where I'll commute by Metro, and our one car has a GPS unit, so I won't really miss Google's amazing Navigation app.
Last night I bought a replacement keyboard and trackpad, for under $15 total w/ shipping, for my 9700. This summer I'll get either the Bold Touch (Dakota) or new Curve (Apollo). I'm leaning toward the Curve, despite the better specs of the Bold, though, because the Dakota is just plain fugly. I hated the original bold, and this one honestly looks worse. I'll miss its keboard, but should have no problem adapting to the Curve.
Can't wait to be back! You can BBM me again starting Saturday!