Blackberry Pearl, Curve vs. iphone 3G

[jturn00]

I have the option to either upgrade my current blackberry to either another blackberry or the 3G iphone. I work at a small company where I would pay the cost of the phone but the company reimburses me for the service. (My current service is about the same as the iphone service so that isn't an issue).


I was looking at the blackberry since I like the fact of how long the battery lasts and the fact the alarm will go off for an hour and has a snooze. (I travel so this is my travel alarm clock). I use the blackberry on an exchange server via the blackberry software. Upgrading the blackberry would just activating the new phone on the server.

How long does the new iphone battery last? And is the reception supposed to be as good as a blackberry?

I would have to have our company activate active sync but since we have people using treos as thier phones, I think this is already running. I would then be able to take advantage of many of the iphone features.

[animenick65]

We won't know the true battery specs on the new iPhone until people start getting them in hand. If your a heavy emailer, the iPhone may not be a good option due to the keyboard. If having entertainment and songs with you while you travel is important, the iPhone kicks the curve hands down.

[citron230]

you might want to ask some people who aren't as biased.

[jturn00]

Except I want a little bit of bias:D

[helloadam]

My sister has a Curve. Its a nice phone and if i worked with a company i would use one, but now that the iPhone has exchange you can certainly use it for that. I know my mother uses a Blackjack and is switching to the iPhone on launch day because it can support her VPN now, and includes all the fun features as well. I couldn't see the battery of the iPhone 3G dying mid day or anything considering Jobs stated the battery life better than the OG iPhone. I say go ahead and get the iPhone 3G, especially since your company will reimburse you. It should do you well.

[davidlw]

I have a curve and it is a great phone but, iPhone for the long haul for me is better. The Blackberry does not play nicely with Macs and that is what I use for work and home. I have to have sync working well for my work and with a iPhone and Mobile Me that is the ticket to mobile bliss. If you run just PC's BB will be fine for you but for Mac users, the iPhone is a match made in heaven. With the iPhone you have a very nice future with the much nicer web, HTML email, larger screen, 3G, and Mobile Me. The Curve as nice as it is just can't hang with iPhone 3G.

[AndyQ]

I have both a curve and an iphone (thankyou work) and currently, the curve is sitting in my briefcase whilst my iPhone is next to me in use.

Basically, if all I want is to be in contact with work (email, Sametime) then the blackberry wins handsdown. However, I don't actually want that (and do take care to not use my BB outsde work if I can help it), and for ease of use, prettyness (for want of a better phrase), and general use I'll chose the iPhone always.

I've also been lucky enough to play with the new bold and still wouldn't change my mind.

[ViViDboarder]

Here's an honest answer:

If you don't care about watching videos, browsing the internet, getting new software, playing games, listening to music and nifty little gadgets (which you very well may not) then I'd go with the Blackberry Curve.

Otherwise if you're looking for a little fun on the side, the iPhone. You may have to put up with a little ridicule for having an iPhone in a blackberry community though :P Hehe

[SFStateStudent]

In my BIASED opinion, go with the 3G iPhone, hands-down...:p

[BOSS10L]

Sounds to me like you've already made up your mind, you just want people to verify it.

IMHO, based on the needs you expressed, it sounds to me like the BB Pearl/Curve would be the more appropriate phone for you. It "plays nicer" in a Windows/Corporate environment, plus you're already used to having a BB.

That being said, the iPhone is definitely the better experience overall.

[Kadman]

If the primary purpose is for work email, I'd say Blackberry for sure. I have both (Curve for work, iPhone for personal). The physical keyboard, simplicity, support, durability, etc of the Blackberry just simply can't be beat. Some will argue I'm sure, but I've used both devices quite extensively and while I love my iPhone I could never give up my Crackberry for work. My group at work supports our 500+ Blackberry devices and you should see what comes back to us sometimes (people leaving, changing job function, etc.) Some have been dropped so many times the corners look like a dog gnawed on them for an hour (maybe they did, lol) and the things keep on ticking.

[ucfgrad93]

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the phones you listed. Out of the 3 I like the Pearl the least. It is just easier to text or email with a full keyboard than without one.

[toneloco2881]

I had both an iPhone and a Curve, and with the new App Store available for the iPhone; I think I would have to go with the iPhone. The Curve has great battery life, and if you need instant email then it has the upper edge. It's camera is pretty good along with a flash, so it beats the iPhone in that department as well. Outside of that, I can't see what is so great about it.


The OS bogs down significantly once you have a few programs open, making me see why Apple doesn't allow apps to run in the background. For instance, sometimes button pushes don't register and you're left to wonder if you infact pressed it. I had to return my first curve because the trackball stopped being always responsive. The trackball, while better imo to the older blackberry side scroll wheel, just fails miserably in ease of use next to the iPhones full touch operation. Ironically, I now prefer the iPhones keyboard because it's easier to get to certain punctuations/symbols/etc'. The email, which is the most touted feature, doesn't display HTML and looks archaic next to the iPhones full HTML rendering. Supposedly this feature is forthcoming, and some people seem to not mind; but to me it just made the Blackberry seem unpolished. The browsers' rendering ability is laughable. You get the idea..

The Blackberry works great for what it does, and it serves its purpose as a business tool, with little deviation. It doesn't provoke the same visceral attachment as the iPhone to me. I WANT to use and explore the iPhone and enjoy doing so. The Blackberry, which I'm actually using now because I sold my iPhone, gets me by comfortably; but July 11 can't come soon enough.

[dmelgar]

There is no comparison. Folks love to compare the iPhone to other phones.

The iPhone is not just a phone. Its a portable computer that happens to also be a phone. People complain about the littlest things.

The iPhone will be able to run thousands of applications July 11th. From AIM, to a remote for iTunes to every imaginable blogging, emailing, social networking, video, audio, you name it application.

People complain about some obscure option for some boring minor phone function. Thats like comparing your laptop to your alarm clock. Yes my alarm clock probably has a louder ring and a bigger snooze button. That doesn't make my alarm clock a more capable machine than my laptop.

[edtorious]

I have the option to either upgrade my current blackberry to either another blackberry or the 3G iphone. I work at a small company where I would pay the cost of the phone but the company reimburses me for the service. (My current service is about the same as the iphone service so that isn't an issue).


I was looking at the blackberry since I like the fact of how long the battery lasts and the fact the alarm will go off for an hour and has a snooze. (I travel so this is my travel alarm clock). I use the blackberry on an exchange server via the blackberry software. Upgrading the blackberry would just activating the new phone on the server.

How long does the new iphone battery last? And is the reception supposed to be as good as a blackberry?

I would have to have our company activate active sync but since we have people using treos as thier phones, I think this is already running. I would then be able to take advantage of many of the iphone features.

Microsoft Exchange on Iphone available and the wonderful Iphone applications!

[djransom]

I'm swapping with my wife today because she wants my BB Curve and I'm taking her iPhone and then she's coppin me the 3G for my bday next week. BB is mainly for the workforce. RIM is making strides to reach the consumer, but I think the iPhone is just a tad bit better and you gotta love the iPhone UI :cool:

[Malfoy]

Why not wait another month and a half and decide between a Bold and a iphone 3g? I can't believe u even brought up the pearl and the curve. The bold brings better screen and well better everything over its predecessors. I'm currently torn between the 2 since I'll probably end up paying full price for my phone since I'm not in any upgrade window.
From the crackberry site:
http://images.crackberry.com/files/kevin/BoldvsiPhone3Gbig.png

[Mac-Addict]

http://images.crackberry.com/files/kevin/BoldvsiPhone3Gbig.png

The blackberry may be a bit better that the iPhone on paper but when you hold the two and compare them the iPhone wins hands down, IMO :)

[yode]

The only real reason to get a BB is if your company runs on BES. If not, just get an iPhone :)

[Sonicjay]

I actually thought (gasp!) about getting a Curve yesterday for about 20 minutes instead of replacing my current iPhone with a 3G, since I have a Touch also (most of the people I call/text are on Verizon, including my wife); but then I took out my iPhone and did a couple things on it real quick and knew I could never go back to a regular phone. The interface, platform, and overall integration are just too sweet.

[ehaugan81]

I have the Blackberry Curve for T-Mobile and I have to say that the one thing about the Curve that blows away the iphone and even iphone 3g is that the T-mobile Curve has UMA. Free phone calls over WiFi and can switch seemlessly between wifi and cell tower!

Its the one thing holding me back from getting the 3G. Well, that and the rediculous rate plans that AT&T has.

[elppa]

That Blackberry comparison is a bit skewed (as you would expect) and is some places inaccurate.

As an example, it says MobileMe services are pushed from your PC, when actually all messages are pushed from the MobileMe servers.

They are very selective in what they list as features, making sure to tack on everything the iPhone lacks and the Bold has including nothing the iPhone has which the Bold lacks.

Be careful following that, far from conclusive.

[dcubed20]

I have the Blackberry Curve for T-Mobile and I have to say that the one thing about the Curve that blows away the iphone and even iphone 3g is that the T-mobile Curve has UMA. Free phone calls over WiFi and can switch seemlessly between wifi and cell tower!

Its the one thing holding me back from getting the 3G. Well, that and the rediculous rate plans that AT&T has.

There will be an iphone app that does seamless switching between cell and wifi networks: http://www.icall.com/iphone/

[ehaugan81]

There will be an iphone app that does seamless switching between cell and wifi networks: http://www.icall.com/iphone/

Yeah I've actually heard of that. I'm wondering what the pricing will be though. Monthly? or just one time fee for the app? If that works out though, all I have to do is way for the iPhone 3G to get unlocked and I will get one!

[lsvtecjohn3]

Yeah I've actually heard of that. I'm wondering what the pricing will be though. Monthly? or just one time fee for the app? If that works out though, all I have to do is way for the iPhone 3G to get unlocked and I will get one!

yeah but you won't be able to use the 3G, also I read some of these apps are going to be free

[ehaugan81]

yeah but you won't be able to use the 3G, also I read some of these apps are going to be free

I'd gladly sacrifice the 3G in order to avoid giving those greedy bastards at AT&T a penny of my money.

[mwchris]

There is no comparison. Folks love to compare the iPhone to other phones.

The iPhone is not just a phone. Its a portable computer that happens to also be a phone. People complain about the littlest things.

The iPhone will be able to run thousands of applications July 11th. From AIM, to a remote for iTunes to every imaginable blogging, emailing, social networking, video, audio, you name it application.

People complain about some obscure option for some boring minor phone function. Thats like comparing your laptop to your alarm clock. Yes my alarm clock probably has a louder ring and a bigger snooze button. That doesn't make my alarm clock a more capable machine than my laptop.

While everyone is entitled to their opinion, we could all benefit from constructive comments . . .

The bottom line is that all the devices mentioned basic function is to serve as a phone. So what is being discussed is the additional services that each device offers.

People can and will complain, just as they are entitled to, but what you might consider an "obscure" option may be the second reason (phone being the first) as to why they are choosing the device.

Certainly an actual alarm clock will most likely be better than the alarm clock function on the iphone, and a computer will offer better text editor options, but for someone looking to combine devices, or have access away from their computer (or alarm clock as you compared) the iphone or other devices may meet their needs.

So, instead or saying that an iphone is "just better" and that there is "no comparison" offer some reasons why.

Personally I think a better comparison would be the iphone to the Tilt. That is my current dilemma. However, since the discussion was involving the Blackberry Curve and the Iphone I will offer the following based on my experiences:

If you do a lot of e-mailing or text messaging, I like the feel of a tactile keyboard better, although this is a personal choice.

If you desire to have wi-fi connection capability then the Blackberry may not be for you. ( I do not know of any current blackberry devices that have wi-fi connections.

If you want music and video functionality then the iphone may be a better choice.

If true push e-mail is something you need and you do not want to subscribe to mobile me the iphone may not be for you. (Although there are some e-mail services that offer push (yahoo, M$)).

Just my .02 - and attempt at being constructive...and again, I would suggest considering the tilt if you are interested in a device that is somewhat between the iphone and blackberry.

[firewood]

The iPhone 3G is nearly a full featured computer. You can browse full featured business web sites, and view pdfs and other attachments. Companies are developing some fairly high powered business apps for the iPhone. For some people, it may take a few months to get used to a non-tactile keyboard.

Blackberry servers and service is likely known and considered secure by your company's IT department. The Blackberry has a tiny keyboard which you may have already gotten used to for sending and replying to lots of email.

Those are probably the 2 biggest differences for most power business users.

[ehaugan81]

If you desire to have wi-fi connection capability then the Blackberry may not be for you. ( I do not know of any current blackberry devices that have wi-fi connections.

Ummm...The Curve, along with most other newer blackberries all have wifi.

[iWantiPhone]

i like the iPhone more. but then again, this is a mac forum, so what kind of answers do you expect?

[lsvtecjohn3]

I'd gladly sacrifice the 3G in order to avoid giving those greedy bastards at AT&T a penny of my money.

so why don't you just get the 1st iPhone

[S Brake]

I have a Pearl and can't wait to get rid of it for an iPhone 3G

[coolb0yalex]

I think it will more likely be a competition between the Bold and the 3G iPhone.

[Sobe]

There will be an iphone app that does seamless switching between cell and wifi networks: http://www.icall.com/iphone/

I'm awash in rollover minutes as it is.

But I guess VOIP might be nice for overseas trips.

[ehaugan81]

so why don't you just get the 1st iPhone

GPS, MobileMe, Better Reception just to name a few.

[jturn00]

If the primary purpose is for work email, I'd say Blackberry for sure. I have both (Curve for work, iPhone for personal). The physical keyboard, simplicity, support, durability, etc of the Blackberry just simply can't be beat. Some will argue I'm sure, but I've used both devices quite extensively and while I love my iPhone I could never give up my Crackberry for work. My group at work supports our 500+ Blackberry devices and you should see what comes back to us sometimes (people leaving, changing job function, etc.) Some have been dropped so many times the corners look like a dog gnawed on them for an hour (maybe they did, lol) and the things keep on ticking.

Good points. I dropped my BB may a time and it still works. I don't have a full blackberry keyboard now. (I have an older 7130 which has a keyboard like the pearl). I am not sure I will like the keyboard of the iphone (Although, i really don't write that many emails.)

[jturn00]

While everyone is entitled to their opinion, we could all benefit from constructive comments . . .

The bottom line is that all the devices mentioned basic function is to serve as a phone. So what is being discussed is the additional services that each device offers.

People can and will complain, just as they are entitled to, but what you might consider an "obscure" option may be the second reason (phone being the first) as to why they are choosing the device.

Certainly an actual alarm clock will most likely be better than the alarm clock function on the iphone, and a computer will offer better text editor options, but for someone looking to combine devices, or have access away from their computer (or alarm clock as you compared) the iphone or other devices may meet their needs.

So, instead or saying that an iphone is "just better" and that there is "no comparison" offer some reasons why.

Personally I think a better comparison would be the iphone to the Tilt. That is my current dilemma. However, since the discussion was involving the Blackberry Curve and the Iphone I will offer the following based on my experiences:

If you do a lot of e-mailing or text messaging, I like the feel of a tactile keyboard better, although this is a personal choice.

If you desire to have wi-fi connection capability then the Blackberry may not be for you. ( I do not know of any current blackberry devices that have wi-fi connections.

If you want music and video functionality then the iphone may be a better choice.

If true push e-mail is something you need and you do not want to subscribe to mobile me the iphone may not be for you. (Although there are some e-mail services that offer push (yahoo, M$)).

Just my .02 - and attempt at being constructive...and again, I would suggest considering the tilt if you are interested in a device that is somewhat between the iphone and blackberry.

I will probably wait until the first reviews come in. I am mainly interested in understanding how the push email will work. I would expect that I would set up my work email to push through active sync. I also want to understand if I need to pay the 30 or 45 dollar data plan if I want to use active sync. The phone and contract are in my name (not my company) but I get reimbursed for the service so I might be able to get by with the lower cost plan. I don't really care about the increase as many people are complaining since I am paying 35 a month on data now w/o any text messages. (I don't really text that much that it matters to pay by text).

I also will want to see if yahoo will push directly to the iphone or can I get the yahoo email on the iphone or will I need to forward it to mobleme to get it to push. (Right now I have it pushing via blackberry.)

I could see myself using the iphone when I travel on the subway to watch videos, play games etc. I use my blackberry to pass the time on the subway by playing solitaire. Using an iphone, I could add videos and music and since everything I have music wise in itunes, it makes it easy to sync it up.

[mwchris]

Ummm...The Curve, along with most other newer blackberries all have wifi.


I would suggest you do your research . . . . (yes I was not entirely correct, but I do not think that 2 out of 5 devices from available from att would be considered "most".)

From the BB site:

1 out of 3 of the curve models has wi-fi (8320),

1 out of 4 of the pearl devices has wi-fi.(8120),

1 out of 3 of the 8800 devices have wi-fi. (8820)

So, even out of 10 devices, 3 have wi-fi and that is not all of the models they make, but rather the 10 newest.

Now if we look at devices that are available through at&t, that now becomes
2 out of 5 that have wi-fi.

Blackberry 8300 - No Wi-fi

BlackBerry 8820 - Wi-fi enabled

BlackBerry Curve 8310 - No Wi-fi

BlackBerry Pearl 8110 - No Wi-fi

BlackBerry Pearl 8120 - Wi-fi enabled

[Syrus28]

I would suggest you do your research . . . . (yes I was not entirely correct, but I do not think that 2 out of 5 devices from available from att would be considered "most".)

From the BB site:

1 out of 3 of the curve models has wi-fi (8320),

1 out of 4 of the pearl devices has wi-fi.(8120),

1 out of 3 of the 8800 devices have wi-fi. (8820)

So, even out of 10 devices, 3 have wi-fi and that is not all of the models they make, but rather the 10 newest.
To be fair, he said "most other newer blackberries all have wifi" The older models are still being sold, but AT&T and T-Mobile's will eventually update them and phase out the older ones.. In fact, all of T-mobile's new models have wi-fi. So really, ALL of RIM's new Blackberry's have wi-fi.

Now if we look at devices that are available through at&t, that now becomes
2 out of 5 that have wi-fi.

Blackberry 8300 - No Wi-fi

BlackBerry 8820 - Wi-fi enabled

BlackBerry Curve 8310 - No Wi-fi

BlackBerry Pearl 8110 - No Wi-fi

BlackBerry Pearl 8120 - Wi-fi enabled

Same thing here. The BlackBerry Pearl 8110 is an older model, being phased out as it was replaced by the 8120. The others will follow.

[mwchris]

See original post.

In order to keep on subject the information about Blackberry's that are available for the AT&T network, the same network in which you would be purchasing your iphone for are listed in post # 38.

[TonyHoyle]

When you would like to try and prove me wrong be sure that you are comparing apples to apples! :D

I thought we were comparing apples to blackberries? :cool:

[mwchris]

I thought we were comparing apples to blackberries? :cool:

Ha ha . . . toshay! (or however its spelled) :)

[ehaugan81]

The OP was discussing devices available from At&t, not those available from T-Mobile. So that point is void.


Actually, what I said was that "most newer blackberries have WiFi" in which case I was correct. Nobody mentioned a carrier specific phone.

I would venture to say that if one was to believe that "Most" of anything had a particular feature that "most" would be considered greater than 50% of the total amount, which as in this particular case, 2 out of 5 is not 50% and therefore not "most" by anyone's standards.

And again, you are wrong. You see, most, if not all of Blackberrie's current models have WiFi. Now if a carrier decides to opt for GPS over the WiFi, that does not mean the base model does not have WiFi, it simply means the carrier chose GPS or some other battery hogging feature over WiFi. The Pearl, The Curve, The Bold, and the 8800 all have WiFi. That makes me 4/4 which is 100%. So you are right, I should not have said "most"....I should have said "ALL".

[mwchris]

See original post.

In order to keep on subject the information about Blackberry's that are available for the AT&T network, the same network in which you would be purchasing your iphone for are listed in post # 38.

[ehaugan81]

What are you talking about??? The the OP means original poster of the thread - not to mention we are comparing Blackberry devices to the iPhone and since the iPhone can only be purchased legally to work on the AT&T network then we are talking about a specific carrier - AT&T.


I'm talking about how you are twisting facts to make your point. I neve said a carrier specific phone but you are trying to twist the conversation into that so you can attempt to prove your point I guess.



Where did you conduct your research? Show me where it says that the SPECIFIC devices sold for the AT&T network have wi-fi (or even gps instead of wi-fi). Again, we are talking about devices made for the AT&T network since that is the context of the thread.

Again, we are NOT talking about devices made specifically for the AT&T network. Dont try to twist the facts. We are talking about Blackberries. At least, thats what you were responding too in my post where you tried to make me sound like I didnt know what I was talking about where in fact, I was actually correct.


If you go to Blackberry.com it does say that the SOME models (look at what the little * means next to wi-fi) have wi-fi, but not all. See my original post for Blackberry devices available from AT&T that have wi-fi.

You are correct, nobody is debating you on the fact that some carriers opt for GPS over WiFi. However, that doesnt change the fact that each line of cell phones that Blackberry offers has an option for WiFi.


I am not attacking you, but simply asking you to prove where you got your information. If you follow this link http://na.blackberry.com/eng/devices/?domainID=47&providerID=839#tab_tab_carrier
you will see where I got my information. But, since you seem to misconstrue each of my posts and have yet to post where you conducted your research I don't imagine you will take the time to review my source.

And I got my information from the same site. You see that list down the left hand side, its says the newer models and each have WiFi. Now if you select a carrier who opts out of WiFi and chooses GPS, that does not mean that the model does not have WiFi on some other carrier.

[RRK]

I have to admit that blackberrys do seem to take a beating and keep on ringing. However, the operating system is totally in another league. iPhone FTW.

[mwchris]

I'm talking about how you are twisting facts to make your point. I neve said a carrier specific phone but you are trying to twist the conversation into that so you can attempt to prove your point I guess.




Again, we are NOT talking about devices made specifically for the AT&T network. Dont try to twist the facts. We are talking about Blackberries. At least, thats what you were responding too in my post where you tried to make me sound like I didnt know what I was talking about where in fact, I was actually correct.



You are correct, nobody is debating you on the fact that some carriers opt for GPS over WiFi. However, that doesnt change the fact that each line of cell phones that Blackberry offers has an option for WiFi.



And I got my information from the same site. You see that list down the left hand side, its says the newer models and each have WiFi. Now if you select a carrier who opts out of WiFi and chooses GPS, that does not mean that the model does not have WiFi on some other carrier.

This has gone far off topic from what the original poster of the thread asked.

I recommend anyone who is seeking information regarding blackberry devices to conduct their own research.

However, should you seek research about current Blackberry devices available for the AT & T network you can see post number 38.

I am in a similar situation as you (Thread Starter) biggest issue being unsure if company will allow me to install itunes. (It was previously blocked.) Just one reminder; you do have 30 days to try out a device and switch it out if you like. So since you already have a Blackberry device, maybe try the iphone and see if it meets your needs. If not try out another device, tilt, treo, or another blackberry.

Best of luck in choosing a device to suit your needs.

[FarSeide]

I've been a long time BB users dating back to the monochrome days until late last year when I received the iPhone as a XMas gift from my wife. At first I was very hesitant and didnt want to switch over even though it was a gift. It took me a day to fall in love with the iPhone. Although knowing that I wouldnt be able to receive my corporate emails on the new iPhone, iPhone was the definite choice for me. Since 12/07, I have bought 4 MAC computers and all my PCs were donated to friends and family.

Now that iPhone can support ActiveSync, iPhone hands down.

[Nykwil]

I've played with a few blackberrys before and the one thing that always gets me about the phones....aside from a home menu with a bunch of icons to scrol through using a trackball...was the font rendering in the email apps and in general. Yes i know you can turn font smoothing on but even that isn't enough for me. Yes, something so little as font renderings is enough to turn me away from the blackberry, lol.:o

[ec51]

The iPhone doesnt have an alarm?

[FarSeide]

The iPhone doesnt have an alarm?

iPhone has an alarm. It works very well and I depend on it quite a bit.