Blackberry Pearl, Curve vs. iphone 3G

[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]

Opinion

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]

blackberry research

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]

Discussing At&T Models

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!

I thought we were comparing apples to blackberries?

 

[mwchris]

I thought we were comparing apples to blackberries?

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]

Where do you get your information???

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.

 

[ec51]

The iPhone doesnt have an alarm?