[tmelon]

Apps may continue to be available, but there will probably be little to no updates or new apps released once the Java based BBOS is ended. It's not like developers are releasing new WinMo6 apps. Sure a few people still use it, but developers want to keep up with the newest devices.

[KB1964]

I really didn't mean to imply that I thought that Rim was a goner. Its just that there is a lot of press saying things that makes me wonder if it is a good decision or not. Even with all that though, I am obsessed with Blackberry lately. I have almost decided on getting the Torch 9810. My dream would be the Bold 9930 but, the price is a no go for me.

[_StephenBB81]

They might get official support..but what about dev support? Are dev's going to be continually supporting their apps when the market has moved on? Are dev's going to be creating new apps for the soon-to-be defunct OS? My guess is unlikely..which is what most people are referring to when the speak of "orphaned".

RIM is throwing a lot behind WebApps, and WebKit, which will work from OS6 through to BB10, so The devices are not completely orphaned.

And Those people buying a BlackBerry today are NOT buying the BlackBerry expecting it to get BB10, and get all the BB10 Apps, they are or should be buying it for what it is today. as myself and others have found there are not many apps we are actually missing from our needs. if BlackBerry doesn't meet your needs buy something else, as I said in my first post in this thread, if a BlackBerry meets ones needs buy it now.

as Long as RIM officially supports the BB7 phones, and updates the RIM Made apps, and as long as user base of BB7 phones is still buying apps, people will maintain them.

[kilted thrower]

Here's what might make WM jump ahead of RIM...
WM is (paraphrasing) around 200 million on marketing and building their phones according to what is in consumer demand. Of course their main target is to away business from Apple and Android. But that also means they'll jump ahead of RIM if their marketing strategy does as well as they want it to.

Now I'll retract my statement if RIM is that far ahead of WM in terms of sales that it would take more than a year to do that. I have no idea on financial numbers for RIM. Of course if RIM puts out a few really nice models this year with up to date specs and markets them like crazy, I think we'd see RIM make some really nice money.

But I agree with the others, don't listen to all the hype. Buy the phone that you want.

[kilted thrower]

I really didn't mean to imply that I thought that Rim was a goner. Its just that there is a lot of press saying things that makes me wonder if it is a good decision or not. Even with all that though, I am obsessed with Blackberry lately. I have almost decided on getting the Torch 9810. My dream would be the Bold 9930 but, the price is a no go for me.

I always say get what you really want so you're not regretting it later. If you really want that 9930 and you absolutely do not need a phone right now, put it on hold for another month or two and then get the 9930.

[Lead_Express]

Really, the reason RIM is behind the competition is silly. It comes down to Apps. My BB has comparable specs to my buddy's Droid Charge but it lacks Android market. Technically, it can compete with iPhone as well, but lacks App Store. I think it's a little idiotic that the market is being driven away from RIM by a gimmick. Yeah, you read it right, haters: apps are mostly gimmicks. Sure they can be productive, but 9 times out of 10 I see Android and iPhone users playing games.

[BoldtotheMax]

I think the whole thing about iPhones and or Android is more a toy and based on gaming is beyond ignorance.

I have had my Android phone for 7 months give or take and I seldom play games on it.

That saying has about wore itself out last year.

Sent from my HTC Glacier using Tapatalk

[sleepngbear]

Here's what might make WM jump ahead of RIM...
WM is (paraphrasing) around 200 million on marketing and building their phones according to what is in consumer demand. Of course their main target is to away business from Apple and Android. But that also means they'll jump ahead of RIM if their marketing strategy does as well as they want it to.

Now I'll retract my statement if RIM is that far ahead of WM in terms of sales that it would take more than a year to do that. I have no idea on financial numbers for RIM. Of course if RIM puts out a few really nice models this year with up to date specs and markets them like crazy, I think we'd see RIM make some really nice money.

But I agree with the others, don't listen to all the hype. Buy the phone that you want.

I've got just one word for that customer demand statement: tiles. I've yet to hear from anyone that they're a radical improvement over the traditional icon homescreens. I don't like the UI at all, and most of the opinions I've seen -- at least from anyone who has an opinion -- are that it's different, but not necessarily better. I know there's a lot of hype over WP, but there was a lot of hype over WinMo too and that failed pretty miserably anyway. I'm not saying WP has no chance, but I've yet to see any compelling reasons why it will be any more successful than its predecessor.

Otherwise, to keep this on topic, I don't see RIM going anywhere any time soon either. If you like something RIM has out now -- and there are some really nice BB7 phones -- just grab it.

[kilted thrower]

Really, the reason RIM is behind the competition is silly. It comes down to Apps. My BB has comparable specs to my buddy's Droid Charge but it lacks Android market. Technically, it can compete with iPhone as well, but lacks App Store. I think it's a little idiotic that the market is being driven away from RIM by a gimmick. Yeah, you read it right, haters: apps are mostly gimmicks. Sure they can be productive, but 9 times out of 10 I see Android and iPhone users playing games.

You also see them texting, making phone calls, taking pictures, inputting dates into their calendars, responding to and composing emails, etc.

I also like being able to use my phones camera to take a pic, scan the pic in, convert it to a PDF document, and email it off. I like keeping track of my checking account, making changes to docs and have them sync so that they're those changes are saved on my PC and work laptop. I also like being able to scan barcodes to make sure that the price I'm paying is a good price. I also having all my pics and songs saved to the cloud so that I never have to worry about another corrupted SD card jacking it all up. And, yes, I like to play games too.

And there are a lot of Android users that use their phones just like I do. And you have a fair amount that like it less for productivity and more for entertainment.

[belfastdispatcher]

You also see them texting, making phone calls, taking pictures, inputting dates into their calendars, responding to and composing emails, etc.

I also like being able to use my phones camera to take a pic, scan the pic in, convert it to a PDF document, and email it off. I like keeping track of my checking account, making changes to docs and have them sync so that they're those changes are saved on my PC and work laptop. I also like being able to scan barcodes to make sure that the price I'm paying is a good price. I also having all my pics and songs saved to the cloud so that I never have to worry about another corrupted SD card jacking it all up. And, yes, I like to play games too.

And there are a lot of Android users that use their phones just like I do. And you have a fair amount that like it less for productivity and more for entertainment.

And so you should, otherwise it would be a big waste of money, all that was something I expected from my old 8320.

[Economist101]

And so you should, otherwise it would be a big waste of money, all that was something I expected from my old 8320.

It's a good thing he left out "modern browser," which the 83xx may now have, but didn't have in 2007 when it was launched.

[belfastdispatcher]

It's a good thing he left out "modern browser," which the 83xx may now have, but didn't have in 2007 when it was launched.

Modern was not but got the job done alright.

[FlashFlare11]

I'm not going to say that apps aren't important, because I have quite a bit of them on my phone. They have their fair share of advantages and offer nice conveniences.

However, I have to agree that this whole "buying a phone because of its app selection" is way overblown. I mean, look at the iPhone 4, for example. It's a phone! Yet the phone aspect of it was its weakest point. Why did it sell then? iTunes. The majority of us buy phones to, first and foremost, communicate. Now email, SMS messaging, calendar, camera, etc. are becoming standard as well.

But if you compared an iPhone to a BlackBerry and Android phone, stripped away all access to iTunes, App World, and Android Market, then you're left with phones that only have the ability to communicate, whether that be through voice or text. And, of course, the BlackBerry would win because it's widely regarded the best communication tool on the market.

What I'm trying to say is that while app support is important, it is way overblown. Yes, RIM is trying to compete in this sector, but that's only because that's what the consumer wants. If all the consumer ever wanted was a reliable phone that had good communication advantages, no one would choose anything other than a BlackBerry, in my opinion.

And this is the only reason why people think RIM is going down. They are growing everywhere else in the world and were dominant in the U.S. market until very recently. The current high-end BlackBerry phones have comparable specs to many current Android phones, Windows Phone 7 phones, and the iPhone 4, with the only thing lacking is the app support. Again, not a meaningless factor, but one that is being used as the scale to measure success in the market as it shows that developers have interest in the platform.

[13echo4]

Not even the BlackBerry Tour which they killed the Brand was Orphaned, they continued to release updates for more than 2 years after that phone was released.
Same with the Bold 9000, also continued to get releases long after it was replaced.

BB7 Devices will still get support, They just wont be getting BB10

My 8310 hasn't had any support in quit a while but it still works fine.
It still connects to the net, send and receive txts and phone calls. I agree w/ you os7 will still be functioning WHEN os10 apprives.

[Tre Lawrence]

The only folks who categorically state that apps are BB users. Not all BB users, a few, and judging by the incredible level interest that the leaked App Player brought, even rhe few ring hollow.

Interesting also that at least one of them checks every Android and iPhone user when they are using their device, and 90% of them are playing games only. Whoa. Good to know that they are using all that data to play games.

And anyone who thinks current BBs can compete with other platforms is mistaken, IMHO. Heck, based upon hardware alone, there are quite a few things I need to do that I can do on my current device that cannot be done by the average BB owner. Not bragging here, just fact. For me, at least.

Fact is, apps increase functionality. If that increases gaming functionality, than so be it.

Now... as for the original question... my honest belief is that RIM is around to stay. 83xx devices are still running strong. So, OP, if you want one, go get one. RIM does have some good 3rd party support too.

[Laura Knotek]

I'm not going to say that apps aren't important, because I have quite a bit of them on my phone. They have their fair share of advantages and offer nice conveniences.

However, I have to agree that this whole "buying a phone because of its app selection" is way overblown. I mean, look at the iPhone 4, for example. It's a phone! Yet the phone aspect of it was its weakest point. Why did it sell then? iTunes. The majority of us buy phones to, first and foremost, communicate. Now email, SMS messaging, calendar, camera, etc. are becoming standard as well.

But if you compared an iPhone to a BlackBerry and Android phone, stripped away all access to iTunes, App World, and Android Market, then you're left with phones that only have the ability to communicate, whether that be through voice or text. And, of course, the BlackBerry would win because it's widely regarded the best communication tool on the market.

If all that were available on Blackberry, Android, iPhone, Windows Phone, etc. were voice and text, none of them would be any better than feature phones.

[Tre Lawrence]

If all that were available on Blackberry, Android, iPhone, Windows Phone, etc. were voice and text, none of them would be any better than feature phones.

Exactly.

Why don't we strip away the phone chassis too? I mean, when you strip away my brain, opposable thumbs and ability to walk upright, I am just another mammal, and the gorilla wins on strength.

Ecosystems matter.

[kship]

LOL sure. I can't access Appworld with my Storm because, exactly they ditched it. I have been with RIM for many years and on more than one occasion have had BBs dropped by RIM, I would not trust them. The only way they support the phones available today is if they cannot get BB10 to work with their corporate accounts.

I am in the same boat the only reason why I have not jumped ship is because I am using the storm for tethering my PB and min email, it will hold me over till summer. Reality is they probably won't have a phone on the new platform until late this year. By the time its bug free 1.5 years so as long as you don't sign up for 3 you should be ok haha.

Not even the BlackBerry Tour which they killed the Brand was Orphaned, they continued to release updates for more than 2 years after that phone was released.
Same with the Bold 9000, also continued to get releases long after it was replaced.

BB7 Devices will still get support, They just wont be getting BB10

[dandbj13]

Let me say that I am not a current Blackberry owner. I am researching the Blackberry Bold 9900/9930 model and the Blackberry Torch 9810. No I am not asking which I should get. That is a personal preference thing. I have to figure that out. What I am asking is, with all the word going around that Blackberry is heading towards destruction should I even bother? How smart is it to buy a phone from a company that some say is doomed to faliure? I just don't know what to do. I always check the tech news and probably 90% of news about RIM is doomsday stuff. I want a Blackberry but I don't know if I should attach myself to a ship that is sinking.

Thanks for your thoughts

I usually read a thread completely before commenting. Right now, the thread is showing 42 posts. This time, however, I am going to break form because I don't want to be influenced by what anyone else has to say. I will read the comments after I post this. For anyone who is familiar with my posts, this one will probably come as quite a surprise.

I get asked this sort of thing a lot from the people who know me. My answer to you is the same as my answer to them. Buy what you love and love what you buy. It doesn't make a bit of difference what anyone thinks of your choices. Sense you are asking for opinions about the platform in relation to your choice, I would just want to be sure you understand what you are getting into.

RIM is in bad trouble. There is no way around that. Any phone you buy right now is an evolutionary deadened from a RIM perspective. I think there is no way the PB will continue. That debate is raging all over these boards if you're interested in a bit of light reading. RIM will never be Apple or any of the myriad Android manufacturers. BB products will never be number one in the marketplace. They will never get the apps and functionality of the cutting edge devices. All of that is my opinion, of course. Still, none of that matters one iota.

The only thing that matters is that you understand what you are getting into. Perhaps you have a loyalty to the brand, you like the CEOs, you love the keyboards above all other input methods, you like to keep things simple, it fits your budget, you feel like a part of a special group, your company uses them, you're a poser who wants to look important, or anything else. Whatever your reason for wanting one is a good enough reason.

Avoid jumping in because RIM is the next Apple killer, you are investing in the company by buying products, you heard that the current products are the state of the art, etc. In other words, don't jump in for fantasy reasons that will quickly come back to bite you. Don't be one of the many who buy the product today and complain about the next price drop next week. Don't whine about not having Hulu, tons of third-party accessories, and promised, but yet unavailable features.

Your reasons do not have to be good by anyone's standards. Just make sure they are based on reality and you will do just fine. Buy what you love and love what you buy. To he!! with the rest.

[app_Developer]

Yeah, you read it right, haters: apps are mostly gimmicks. Sure they can be productive, but 9 times out of 10 I see Android and iPhone users playing games.

Isn't that a bit like saying the only reason people want Flash on their browsers is to watch porn? Or that people don't need email or BBM because most emails are junk and most instant messaging is just mindless chit chat or flirting?

(none of this true, obviously, just pointing out the how ridiculous the apps sour grapes can be)

[SlcCorrado]

Let me say that I am not a current Blackberry owner. I am researching the Blackberry Bold 9900/9930 model and the Blackberry Torch 9810. No I am not asking which I should get. That is a personal preference thing. I have to figure that out. What I am asking is, with all the word going around that Blackberry is heading towards destruction should I even bother? How smart is it to buy a phone from a company that some say is doomed to faliure? I just don't know what to do. I always check the tech news and probably 90% of news about RIM is doomsday stuff. I want a Blackberry but I don't know if I should attach myself to a ship that is sinking.

Thanks for your thoughts

Let me just say... Your post is not productive, and yes you should...

[[email protected]]

The majority of us buy phones to, first and foremost, communicate.

Love it when some say they're part of the majority. If what you say is true. Then why not get a cheap flip phone that will allow you to communicate? Why? Because you like the bells and whistles that smartphones provide regardless of how you feel about apps.

If all the consumer ever wanted was a reliable phone that had good communication advantages, no one would choose anything other than a BlackBerry, in my opinion.

????????

[llllBULLSEYE]

Just get the phone you want.
don't let the predictions be the judge of your decision.
I would consider an Android as a second phone, but
my main phone will always be a Blackberry.

[FlashFlare11]

If all that were available on Blackberry, Android, iPhone, Windows Phone, etc. were voice and text, none of them would be any better than feature phones.

Sorry, when I said text, I thought that would include email. I guess that statement makes more sense when email is taken into consideration too, since that is a form of communication that is native to all smartphones.

[Economist101]

Again, not a meaningless factor, but one that is being used as the scale to measure success in the market as it shows that developers have interest in the platform.

At what point will "apps developers create" show developers have interest in the platform?

Sorry, when I said text, I thought that would include email. I guess that statement makes more sense when email is taken into consideration too, since that is a form of communication that is native to all smartphones.

This is also true regarding every tablet! Well, except one.