[JohnnyBravo1000]

I'm due an upgrade and am considering getting my first Blackberry - the 9700.

I just thought I'd continue my research by posting a few questions on here.

Is it easy to adjust to using a Blackberry?

I've read mixed comments about the browsing experience on a Blackberry. Some have said it's excellent and fast, others have said it's terrible and slow. Some opinions would be appreciated. I watched a video on YouTube and the browser seemed extremely slow, but this was an American video and they made no mention of the quality of their connection.

All Blackberry information will be gratefully received!

Cheers in advance.

[Tetlee]

I have a blackberry bold(9000) and would say the browser is ok, not amazing but not bad either. It depends really what you're used to, I had an iphone previously and it has to be said that would take some beating as the iphone browser is just near perfect IMO.

I don't think it's that slow, just a little tricky to navigate compared with the iphone, although if you download and instal opera then that does make browsing slightly better and at least the avforums display properly(unlike the blackberry browser which goes all funny for me when visiting here).

Hope that helps.

[MrStinky]

As above Opera helps a lot, there's talk of the possibility a decent webkit based browser in the not too distant future, but for now I do tend to use my ipod instead of my phone for browsing around the house as imo Safari is the mobile Browser I've come across, Opera is definately good for now though.

As for how easy it is to start using one, I got my Bold, took it into town to get it unlocked, stuck my SIM in (I'd arranged BIS on my account in advance) and had push email, basic preferences set, Opera installed and everything ready to go by the time the bus got home (25 minutes max including a bit of surfing, and a lot of headscratching to turn off the "sent from my blackberry" email sig as I didn't even realise it was doing it and it couldn't be stopped from the device without logging into BIS.)

They are a lot easier to use than peolple seem to think, easier than some "dumb" phones infact, my girlfriend has been nagging for a Blackberry ever since she first picked mine up, if she can get her head around it in seconds anyone should be able to as I'm normally the one that has to explain technology.

And although it doesn't do things as quickly as the iphone when you first pick it up, within a few hours you'll be noticing all sorts of little shortcuts and stuff that mean it only gets more efficient as you get used to it.

[JohnnyBravo1000]

Thanks a lot for the feedback, gents. Much appreciated.

At the moment I am torn between the new Blackberry, an iPhone or one of the next Android handsets - possibily the Android equivalent of the HD2.

The Blackberry was leading the way by default due to the Android phone not being out until next year and me being on T-Mobile who don't currently offer the iPhone.

At least it sounds as thought I will be able to make the switch to Blackberry if that is the path I choose!

[OldSkoO1]

I have an Iphone 3Gs through work and the Mrs has the older 3G

But my main phones i get through work have been Blackberry curves.

And in my opinion they are the best phones i've ever used. I love my latest curve the 8900, especially with OS 5.0.

It literally does everything with all the free apps.

Of course email / text is great, you can hook up to wifi which makes browser a lot faster and you can take calls over wifi too.


But its the way it does all the other bits. Like being in London and wanting to find the nearest cinema. Just open the app, and it tells you whats nearby and what on. Or you can find the nearest shop and get walking directions etc. Scans barcodes and gets the latest / best prices off the web.

I know you can do all this on the IPhone but the IPhone just seems like a novelty item that has worn off and it's a bit limiting, even the Mrs doesn't want a new IPhone and the 3Gs that i got recently, i picked it up, looked at it and thought, well, i can't think of anything i want to do on it.

I agree, Opera does render faster and better. The only good thing about the IPhones is the browser is fantastic!


Given the choice, i think i will be going for an Android phone next, just for the crack, just to see how it is. 2 of the guys in the office have them. One a Moto Dext and the other a HTC Hero i think. Both love them and they do look good. More about them than the IPhone. You get most of the apps too, easy to use, nice touch screen, pretty fast, probably slightly better browser than Opera on the Blackberrys.

Google are releasing their own branded phone soon called the Nexus One. That is the one i would buy providing it isn't a lot of cash.


I'd say, the blackberry is a more text/email device with some very nice entertainment capabilities but it doesn't have fancy graphics. The IPhone is all about image and the Anroid is somewhere in between.

I dont know what it is about my blackberry, i just can't put it down. I've got my facebook feeds coming in, my twitter feeds, emails, txts, all my fav sites setup in Opera speed dial, it's addictive. I've set it up just how i like it. I reckon i could do this just as well with Androids 5 home screens.

[JohnnyBravo1000]

Originally Posted by OldSkoO1

I have an Iphone 3Gs through work and the Mrs has the older 3G

But my main phones i get through work have been Blackberry curves.

And in my opinion they are the best phones i've ever used. I love my latest curve the 8900, especially with OS 5.0.

It literally does everything with all the free apps.

Of course email / text is great, you can hook up to wifi which makes browser a lot faster and you can take calls over wifi too.


But its the way it does all the other bits. Like being in London and wanting to find the nearest cinema. Just open the app, and it tells you whats nearby and what on. Or you can find the nearest shop and get walking directions etc. Scans barcodes and gets the latest / best prices off the web.

I know you can do all this on the IPhone but the IPhone just seems like a novelty item that has worn off and it's a bit limiting, even the Mrs doesn't want a new IPhone and the 3Gs that i got recently, i picked it up, looked at it and thought, well, i can't think of anything i want to do on it.

I agree, Opera does render faster and better. The only good thing about the IPhones is the browser is fantastic!


Given the choice, i think i will be going for an Android phone next, just for the crack, just to see how it is. 2 of the guys in the office have them. One a Moto Dext and the other a HTC Hero i think. Both love them and they do look good. More about them than the IPhone. You get most of the apps too, easy to use, nice touch screen, pretty fast, probably slightly better browser than Opera on the Blackberrys.

Google are releasing their own branded phone soon called the Nexus One. That is the one i would buy providing it isn't a lot of cash.


I'd say, the blackberry is a more text/email device with some very nice entertainment capabilities but it doesn't have fancy graphics. The IPhone is all about image and the Anroid is somewhere in between.

I dont know what it is about my blackberry, i just can't put it down. I've got my facebook feeds coming in, my twitter feeds, emails, txts, all my fav sites setup in Opera speed dial, it's addictive. I've set it up just how i like it. I reckon i could do this just as well with Androids 5 home screens.

Thanks a lot, buddy. I appreciate it.

The Nexus One is another handset I have had my eye on - along with the Bravo/Dragon/Passion which may or may not all be the same phone - I've read various articles on the subject which all say different things.

Unless I fancy waiting for the Nexus One, I think I may go for the Blackberry. Although we all know what us boys are like with our toys, don't we? I will find it very hard to wait until next year with an upgrade just waiting to be used!

Are the apps really that good then? Is it easy enough to set up all your e-mail accounts, Facebook feeds/alerts etc?

[OldSkoO1]

Setting up email is really easy, i use google apps and also several gmail account, simply put your address and password in and it sets everything up.

Bottom line is blackberrys keep you in touch with the online world and you will receive instant messages, no fuss and sync perfectly with google calendar and contacts. Plus you get all the nice to have apps like facebook / twitter / barcode scanning / maps / etc etc....

It isn't particularly fancy but its the function of push email and solid operation that appeals to mainly the business crowd and geek/gadget lovers.


Take a look at BlackBerry Forums at CrackBerry.com

If you do get a blackberry i really recommend OS 5.0, its a big step up but only available in beta form. You can find info on crackberry.


Having said this, i'm religiously following twitter and google public waves daily about the nexus one, i really hope it comes to the UK in Jan. I'll have one, i think it will turn out to be one of the best phones ever released. As the G1 is available on anroid market to developers for $300, rooted and unlocked, i'm hoping the N1 will be similar, which would be great!


Regardless, the 3 phones you have mentioned are all great in their own way and you won't be disappointed with any of them. All of them are the new gen of phones capable of doing pretty much anything on the move. Just remember if you get a carrier locked android, it's unlikely you will be able to upgrade the OS unless the carrier releases it or you can somehow root your phone.

[mmurdoch]

Originally Posted by JohnnyBravo1000

Thanks a lot for the feedback, gents. Much appreciated.

At the moment I am torn between the new Blackberry, an iPhone or one of the next Android handsets - possibily the Android equivalent of the HD2.

The Blackberry was leading the way by default due to the Android phone not being out until next year and me being on T-Mobile who don't currently offer the iPhone.

At least it sounds as thought I will be able to make the switch to Blackberry if that is the path I choose!

T Mobile do the iphone,i recently discussed this with a chap i know with T Mobile and if you ring to canc & exsplain the reason is that you now want the iphone they send it via a 3rd partty for you,give them a call

[bigdavecox90]

I found the keys the hardest things to adjust to, as I went from iPhone to Blackberry. But other than that, they are brilliant.

[mikeossy]

Originally Posted by bigdavecox90

I found the keys the hardest things to adjust to, as I went from iPhone to Blackberry. But other than that, they are brilliant.

As above, went from 3years of the iPhone to the Blackberry due to needing the BES system.
Keys are taking time to get used to but i'll get there after being used to a touch screen.
I think the only thing that does let it down is the lack of apps, obviously compared to the Apple App Store.

[UCLdm]

They provide very good feedback though.. on the 9700 anyway. And you cantype very fast on it when you get used to it, give it 2 weeks and plenty of BBMing :D

[Jay Z]

I am joining the Blackberry Brigade mate. I will tell you my reasons behind switching from the old Apple iPhone 3G:

1. The communication side to the iPhone really frustrated me- I experience problems where calls were failing when i dialled out and when somone called me, it would go to voicemail without ringing and i would get a missed call alert from Tmobile.
2. The voice clarity is poor when speaking to someone over the phone.
3. The music playback is also not great.
4. The signal is pants- especially when it drops from full to one bar.

The reasons why I have switched to the Blackberry Bold 9700

1. It's a proper communications device- I will never have to drop calls again like the iPhone.
2. The battery life will be excelent.
3. The voice clarity is excellent (based on an indepth review within the main 9700 thread)
4. The signal will be better than that on the iPhone.
5. Gives me push notifications for emails on the move.

There are other pluses like the camera (which is better than the iPhone), and having the ability to chat to friends and fam who are also on blackberry via blackberry's instant messaging tool.

I hope this helps mate.

Regards,

Jay

[zebs]

Originally Posted by bigdavecox90

I found the keys the hardest things to adjust to, as I went from iPhone to Blackberry. But other than that, they are brilliant.

Lol - I went from a Sony Ericsson P990i to my Bold 9000 it's like going to a full sized PC keyboard for me

[0Sammy0]

I went from a Nokia e71 to a blackberry and I prefer my Curve a lot more.
I think the speed is good and it lets you do loads of things at the same time.
Going from an iPhone to a blackberry sucks though

[zebs]

Originally Posted by Tetlee

I have a blackberry bold(9000) and would say the browser is ok, not amazing but not bad either. It depends really what you're used to, I had an iphone previously and it has to be said that would take some beating as the iphone browser is just near perfect IMO.

I don't think it's that slow, just a little tricky to navigate compared with the iphone, although if you download and instal opera then that does make browsing slightly better and at least the avforums display properly(unlike the blackberry browser which goes all funny for me when visiting here).

Hope that helps.

Try the settings in the first post in this thread @ Crackberry Forums

They really make a difference - full credit to the poster


Solution: Tips on how to set browser settings for better viewing - BlackBerry Forums at CrackBerry.com