iPhone or BlackBerry? The answer lies in the keyboard
Posted 11 July 2008 at 11:36AM by Hannah Gilchrist in Email and communications
It would, perhaps, be a bit remiss of us not to note that there's a new phone launching today - one which has been causing some of us to get into something of a frenzy. Yes, Apple is launching the 3G version of the iPhone, and the queues outside Apple stores will probably make headline news.
There's no doubt that the iPhone is a lovely phone, particularly for consumers. But is it right for business? And how does it compare to that company stallwart, the BlackBerry? With RIM set to release the BlackBerry Bold later in the year - the first version with 3G - which should the average small business go for?
The answer depends a lot on how much text you're going to input into the phone. The iPhone's virtual, on-screen keyboard is good but if you're the kind of person who spends a lot of time answering emails and creating text messages, the real keyboard of the BlackBerry will probably be better. The best thing to do is try both - and see which one you think is right for your fingers.
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Comments
2. At July 11, 2008 3:06 PM, 'Razor' Ramone wrote:
Even with the Blackberry, we're not talking a full-size keyboard though, so it's hardly like you can touch-type.
That said, having any kind of pressure-sensitivity is a definite bonus for any activity regarding your phone actually. Touch-screens are nice, but shouldn't replace the basics (such as they do with the iPhone). There should still at least be a keypad on the thing for those of us who can actually type a number without staring at a screen, or those of us whose fingers and thumbs are big enough to mask the on-screen buttons, making it hard to see what you're pressing. Yes, I know there is a pencil thing, but that restricts you to just using one hand; again, slower.
Touch-screen is overrated.
3. At July 11, 2008 4:52 PM, John Akin wrote:
For business, you need a keyboard in my opinion. I remember when I 1st bought a psion & used to link it to my nokia via infra red. I could write my notes in a meeting, then type them up on the train or plane, and often have a resumé on the client's email before the end of the day. Now I'm on my 2nd xda having also had a nokia communicator.
The 1st person who takes a psion revo case & keyboard & puts modern guts into it will make a fortune.
Poking sticks at screens and using stupidly small keyboards are not the answer.
4. At July 12, 2008 12:14 PM, Roger X wrote:
Hey guys you have forgotten Microsoft Windows Mobile...yes I know it's Microsoft and all geeks hate Bill Gates (etal when our PC crashes) - I've tried all three iphone, BB and WM and WM Version 6 beats the lot for business city wifi, broadband, looking at microsoft apps, especially full Outlook for email with interactive contacts and calendar(not that rubbish POP access)even Office Communicator presence over GPRS and wifi. I've also got Tom Tom for maps and loads of other easy to install programmes. Access using your phone over wifi using cheap broadband access and calls has been here quite a while and WM fits the bill .Blackberry maybe but leave the iPhone for those that want to zoom in on Google maps !
5. At July 14, 2008 11:20 AM, tytn ii rules wrote:
John Akin has a point. But for where full keyboards aren't an option I'd recommend the htc tytn ii which has the customisable onscreen touch option, a full alphabet keypad and transcriber which takes your onscreen scribble and turns it in to text (one word at a time:) all three can be a bit fiddly but at least you have the option to use what suits. I use the keypad for word documents, transcriber for quick error prone texts and the onscreen option for pretty much every thing else. It's all down to individual choice. But if i met someone who used an iphone for business purposes who didn't have a really good excuse or wasn't a complete tech geek I'm not sure how seriously I could take them :)
6. At July 14, 2008 9:07 PM, Ed Outhwaite wrote:
It seems unfortunate that most of your contributors comments seem so negative towards the iPhone and I wonder how many of you have actually had chance to use the iPhone (other than Roger X). The touch keyboard is a revelation, like others I was unsure at first and felt that the keys were too small, but the software that drives the keyboard is amazing, just keep typing and invariably any mistakes are corrected so that before long you can easily type with both thumbs at a remarkable rate.
"But if i met someone who used an iphone for business purposes who didn't have a really good excuse or wasn't a complete tech geek I'm not sure how seriously I could take them "...what a blinkered view, the new software is compatible with Exchange server and for those who don't have access to Exchange there is Mobile me, this keeps the iPhone, Desktop and laptop simultaneously up to date. Since the launch of the developer kit third party software developers have been busy and since the launch of the version 2 software on Friday take a look on the website and see how many applications are already available, this is only the start and the choice will get greater by the month. Just ignore the iTunes side of the device for a moment and consider the e mail, web browser, text messaging capabilities and the iPhone is quite clearly suitable as a business phone that has some nice extras as well. The only criticism I have with my version 1 iPhone is the O2 coverage which can be very patchy. I only wish I could justify a 3G version so soon after my initial purchase.
7. At July 14, 2008 10:47 PM, Mr. Daniel Kiddy MD wrote:
I made the switch from touch screen to keypad, best move i ever made.
8. At July 17, 2008 12:03 PM, Brian Ellis wrote:
I have used both keypad and touch screen (XDA orbit)and i must say that iam happy with both it has to be down to the individual user as to what they like, as for the Iphone it is a multi media come web/e-mail phone useful for both business and domestic use like most new things there will always be the lovers and the haters.
9. At July 17, 2008 11:53 PM, Rhys Adams wrote:
I have had the iphone since Friday morning, before that I had both the HTC and a Blackberry. I have got to say I have made the best choice!
It not only integrates with the Exchange server and updates my contacts and calendars... But replying to emails is a breeze, like Ed said. The keyboard not only corrects or guesses what you are going to put, it learns words without having to add them to any dictionary.
Attachments can be easily read, although Word and Excel documents cannot be edited.
Viewing pages on the internet is great, I have started leaving my laptop at home. It even lets me do my online banking with Natwest, zooming in and out with every double click of the screen.
Applications that they are adding are a bit of a gimmick at the moment, but I am sure there will be a few UK based programs going on the system - Skype would be a great addition!
10. At July 18, 2008 9:47 AM, Stuart McLoughlin wrote:
I have got a Blackberry 8100 and an iphone that I bought in US a few months ago. My advice is to stick with the Blackberry and leave the iPhone alone. iPhone is great for home users but I have a sneaking suspicion that Apple dont want business users simply because of the support that is needed. Stick with Blackberry. A good system with some flaws, however overall an excellent reliable system.
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1. At July 11, 2008 2:19 PM, Thomas Grewar wrote: