iPhone or Blackberry?

Glitter Brunello · #1 (**permalink**) 05-24-2009, 12:06 PM

I have held off having email on my phone for too long, I can't get away with it any more... my phone contract is up soon so I need to make a decision.

I know I hate AT&T, but rumours are that the iPhone may be soon compatible with Verizon (anyone know when?)..

That said, I am going to need it chiefly for email/phone, but I'm sure I'll end up starting to use the internet features - for instance, looking up restaurants/things to do, directions, etc...

So, please tell me you likes/dislikes of each.... I probably ought to start a poll, I know this could get heated. And the fact that I'd even consider a Blackberry is a bit jarring, especially since I am an Apple Girl...

What do you think?

timeos2 · #2 (**permalink**) 05-24-2009, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glitter Brunello

I have held off having email on my phone for too long, I can't get away with it any more... my phone contract is up soon so I need to make a decision.

I know I hate AT&T, but rumours are that the iPhone may be soon compatible with Verizon (anyone know when?)..

That said, I am going to need it chiefly for email/phone, but I'm sure I'll end up starting to use the internet features - for instance, looking up restaurants/things to do, directions, etc...

So, please tell me you likes/dislikes of each.... I probably ought to start a poll, I know this could get heated. And the fact that I'd even consider a Blackberry is a bit jarring, especially since I am an Apple Girl...

What do you think?

Neither. In a few weeks to a month or so the next generation of smart phones will hit the street with the Palm Pre. It should be available from Verizon (and yes, that is a BIG upgrade in service levels/quality from AT&T) and it should carry on and improve the base that the Treo 600-755p started (and STILL outperforms the iPhone in features and ease of use despite being over 4 years older in original design). All Palms are much more open in design, meaning the availability of third party applications and utilities is much better and the apps cheaper. While Palm has faltered in the past few years this is their comeback and has received nothing but stellar reviews. It should be THE phone of 2009.

If you must choose between the iPhone & Blackberry then by all means stick with Verizon. If they don't offer the iPhone (and so far thats the case) as an interim option go Blackberry or the inexpensive Palm Centro until the high end model Pre becomes available. The biggest drawback to the iPhone is AT&T with second being the total control Apple insists on holding over the users. Think DVC for a phone you own but cannot control. Example - they will not allow tethering which is a very valuable feature available with every other smart phone I know of (and IS available with the iPhone but prohibited by AT&T). It's ridiculous and is reason enough to avoid AT&T and the iPhone.

Glitter Brunello · #3 (**permalink**) 05-24-2009, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timeos2

Neither. In a few weeks to a month or so the next generation of smart phones will hit the street with the Palm Pre. It should be available from Verizon (and yes, that is a BIG upgrade in service levels/quality from AT&T) and it should carry on and improve the base that the Treo 600-755p started (and STILL outperforms the iPhone in features and ease of use despite being over 4 years older in original design). All Palms are much more open in design, meaning the availability of third party applications and utilities is much better and the apps cheaper. While Palm has faltered in the past few years this is their comeback and has received nothing but stellar reviews. It should be THE phone of 2009.

If you must choose between the iPhone & Blackberry then by all means stick with Verizon. If they don't offer the iPhone (and so far thats the case) as an interim option go Blackberry or the inexpensive Palm Centro until the high end model Pre becomes available. The biggest drawback to the iPhone is AT&T with second being the total control Apple insists on holding over the users. Think DVC for a phone you own but cannot control. Example - they will not allow tethering which is a very valuable feature available with every other smart phone I know of (and IS available with the iPhone but prohibited by AT&T). It's ridiculous and is reason enough to avoid AT&T and the iPhone.

VERY interesting, thank you. My XH ditched his Palm Treo for the iPhone (well, BBerry first, then iPhone), but he was a big Palm fan before that. Maybe a new product is worth waiting for, if the timing is right.

I should also mention, though, that I need something that I can sync with my iCal calendar -- calendar is another key function I need to have portable -- not sure if that limits me back to iPhone or not...

iconnections · #4 (**permalink**) 05-24-2009, 02:26 PM

I don't know how to answer this because I havened used the others. The tethering is a fantastic feature that I don't have so must pay extra for but it is so handy and I know that my connection is more secure with my own phone number. What I like is the Safari web browser on the iPhone which is identical to what Avery already has plus the synchronizing with MobileMe.com. I have to say that I prefer a real keyboard over a virtual one so I still prefer taking my notebook with me when going on vacation.

Avery, you will love text messaging with the iPhone! Go to an Apple store and try it out.

Posted via Mobile Device

dougp26364 · #5 (**permalink**) 05-24-2009, 04:01 PM

The problem I have with the iPhone is AT&T. Their service and coverage just don't match Verizon's. Right now my wife has a Blackberry Storm and loves it. I'd upgrade to one as well but, I'm not certain I want to pay another $29.95 service fee to own one and, I don't know that I really need all those features.

As far as waiting for the next great thing to come out, when we bought my wife's Blackberry just a few short months back, it was the next great thing. My theory is find something that fits your needs at a price point you can afford and don't worry about the next great thing on the market. Within two years it's going to be junk anyway.

bunnyhop · #6 (**permalink**) 05-24-2009, 07:27 PM

I was facing the same delema while deciding which phone to get since I wanted my emails at my finger tips all day long.

I looked over both phones:
The iphone is pretty cool but I don't like the idea that I don't have anything physicaly to toutch (numbers and letters). I noticed that it is quite acurate but I know that sometimes I'd hit one wrong button and have to go back to fix it when I would type.

I checked out the blackberry and at least it has "real" buttons to push. However, the screen from websites and emails comes in as the form of a text. The iphone gives you the actual picture that's shown like on a regular computer screen.

About 1 1/2 years ago, I really wanted the iphone--badly

but I never got it. I'm kinda glad I didn't rush to get it.

I chose the blackberry because it just seemed more comfortable to me. I know somone who said they actualy upgraded to the blackberry from the iphone because she liked the way the blackberry worked--and she said it seemed more "grown up." I agree.

It really boils down to what you feel is more comfortable and works best with you.

mshatty · #7 (**permalink**) 05-25-2009, 10:14 AM

Just bought a Samsung Saga from Verizon. It's a smartphone, using Windows Mobile 6 and Verizon broadband. It also has GSM capability, (global out of US service). The QWERTY is on the front, has a touch screen, optical mouse, or navigation mode, your choice. I am receiving all emails via the phone. So far, I really like it.

Verizon also has an all touch screen, the Samsung Omnia. The reviews were good.

Transit · #8 (**permalink**) 05-25-2009, 10:49 AM

I had the Storm I returned it too many bugs, my face would hang it up alot ,It would randomly open apps,shut down by itself,the screen was brilliant but the touch interface was not to my liking.. I then got the Omnia, the camera was the best cell phone camera I've tried eveything was great exept the touch screen sucked.I have a Ipod touch which is identical to an Iphone without the phone part.Comparing other touch sceen phones is dismal nothing works like the Iphone. I tried the LG's, HTC touch and other Verizon phones none can touch the Iphone.The Iphone app store is amazing and the others just do not compare in my opinion. So why don't I just get an Iphone ? ATT network just isn't anywhere as good as Verizons network in the areas I need to be. At my office coverage is very spotty with Att but works fine with Verizon.For now i'm using an old beat up crappy flip phone until either ATT's 4g network proves to be good or Verizon gets a true I phone killer.

Glitter Brunello · #9 (**permalink**) 06-04-2009, 08:30 AM

Ok, Verizon has quashed rumours that it will be Verizon compatible. Here's the blurb on the Palm Pre mentioned above, it's coming out Saturday. I guess I'll go look at one:

NYTimes.com: UrbanEye

eta: ugh, link says it's going to be Sprint compatible. Sigh.

ArtsieAng · #10 (**permalink**) 06-04-2009, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glitter Brunello

Ok, Verizon has quashed rumours that it will be Verizon compatible. Here's the blurb on the Palm Pre mentioned above, it's coming out Saturday. I guess I'll go look at one:

NYTimes.com: UrbanEye

eta: ugh, link says it's going to be Sprint compatible. Sigh.

Thanks for the info. Oh, too bad it's not going to be Verizon compatible...DH's b'day is coming up, and I was thinking about getting this for him. Darn!