iphone 3g vs. Blackberry - help convince me

[Crunch]

I hear you. I just got another iPhone 3G, this time the gorgeous white 16GB one, after I returned my originally purchased iPhone 3G 8GB BLACK model. I upgraded the firmware to 2.0.1, and am good to go. Again...lol

The screen is so gorgeous, and I am BIG on resolution. 480x320 is HOT! And it works so well, so even Business Users like myself have adopted it as their main device. Supposedly, even giant corporations like HSBC, the bank, is contemplating switching to iPhone 3G's, and to boot, they would be switching AWAY from the trusty Blackberry. Sounds crazy, but it's true. Well, the rumor that is.

But anyway, I would also suggest that you keepm BOTH devices. I have found my way to using THREE PDA's. On top of my beautiful Blackberry Curbe 8310 w/GPS, and the incredible iPhone 3G, of course, I like to use my Treo 750 and with that, Windows Mobile, which I like a LOT as a mobile OS!

However, I think my new iPhone 3G will do away with most of my Treo usage, being the powerhouse multimedia device that it is.

Lastly, if your problems extend to having to decide as to whether to get (or stay with) your Blackberry, or if you should switch to the iPhone 3G, it sounds to me like you're in good shape. heh

 

[freitas]

The whole BB vs iPhone debate is somewhat ridiculous. As a former user of an 8703e and 8830 but now recent convert to the iPhone I can easily argue the merits of both phones. Those that claim the iPhone or BB is the king of smartphones has either never used both or is a fanboy. For example, an apple fanboy friend of mine recently was spouting off about how awesome the GPS was on the iPhone 3G and how it ruled the BB for its GPS. It took me a few minutes to educate him that my old 8830 was doing turn by turn navigation with text to speech well before the 3G iPhone hit the scene.

For me the usage pattern should dictate your choice of phones. I listen to music on the phone, surf the internet and read email. Occasionally I get an important email and reply. For this usage pattern the iPhone clearly was the better device for me. I could do all these things on the BB but not as well as the iPhone. The ipod functionality, integration with iTunes, email attachment viewing, and safari web browser are the best I have every seen on a mobile device. Activesync with our exchange server was way less hassle than BB activation. However, I can also argue that my BB had more functionality with regard to managing my email, tasks and calendar. I could search my email, search text on webpages, copy and paste and with the empower email viewer I could create calendar and tasks entries directly from any email message. The 8830 had a good A2DP profile and voice dialing that I used with my t505 on the road. Also tethering was included in my BB plan. I really miss those features.

In the end each device has its own merits and your usage pattern should dictate which device you use. I don't see why iPhone fanatics have to continually put down the BB especially considering its impact on mobile email. It s still the smartphone to beat. The iPhone is closing the gap and has raised the bar in some areas. I look forward to the continued competition between RIM and Apple as it will benefit us consumers.

 

[lovetheduns]

Quite frankly, in my opinion, it seems people have a preference for what they first had/owned/used--- which is okay.

I had the iPhone first-- (4gb model) and then work mandated I get a BB Curve. (since my employer archives everything there is no way I would want a personal device tied in with work nor would my employer allow it)

I loathe the Curve. Hate it-- hate the physical keyboard-- it messes with my thumbs and carpal tunnel. I hate typing ANYTHING on the physical keyboard-- I hate the interface (why oh why is it so complicated to set up ringer preferences-- let me just have a simple switch please), the resolution, the menus, applications--- really everything. I have a hard time dialing anyone and the exchange support to search through our corporate address book is crap. Hate.it. The ONLY time I use my BB is to check email and to use the messaging system we have set up at work so I can im with coworkers if necessary. Other than that I rarely use it-- try to not make any calls with it and (annoying to go go back and forth from mute, speakerphone during conference calls) and typically will use my iPhone for calls, browsing, etc. I find I can type wicked fast on he iPhone especially now that it has been about a year and my thumbs and wrists are not cramping and popping.

HOWEVER-- I am not deluded to think that if I were a BB user prior to the iPhone that I would love the iPhone as much as I do. I only had a Razr prior (and my old Nokia from back in the mid 90s was an improvement over that crap buggy phone) so I am sure if I had the BB before the iPhone I would be drawn to the physical keyboard, etc.

I would love to use an iPhone for work, but my company will be a late adopter (if ever). Due to regulatory rules we have to keep copies of ALL emails, text messages, IMs etc for a period of time and right now only RIM supports this apparently (per our IT leadership). Hopefully in the future, I will be ecstatic to get rid of the BB once and for all (for myself).