Blackberry vs. DROID vs. iPhone
Feb 5th, 2010 by Tim
While I do admit I have very high standards for my mobile device and what it can/cannot do, I don’t think I’ve wanted too much from a carrier. – Transmit calls, email and data in an efficient manner. Yay. So, I’ve got the Blackberry. As a device, it’s not too bad. Granted, I’m using a three year old set of hardware, I can admit I do a lot with it. On any given day, I’m using Google Maps, UberTwitter, EmpowerEmail, http://www.beejive.com/, FaceBook, SalesForce, as well as SMS/MMS, http://foursquare.com/ and my Alarm providers app for Blackberry along with SMS/MMS messaging. It’s taken quite some time to get the Curve setup just how I want it, and working well. However, now with that much crap on it, its slowing down. Also, during the summer I use the data tethering quite a bit, since I’m out of town on weekends, and need more efficient web access than the BB browser provides (or other browser on the device)
Poking around at the Verizon store a few weeks back, I looked at the new http://tinyurl.com/m27otd, and was impressed with the much better screen, browser rendering and overall speed of the device. I wasn’t as sold on the keyboard, as there was less definition between the keys, but with any change, it’s something you acclimate to. Also, I was impressed by the better camera quality. I was slightly turned off by the new UI on the device (as with all the new BB devices) it just didn’t do it for me, and seemed a little sluggish to respond (which is something I noted in the original release of the Storm) – Granted, it’s something to get used to, and mostly just appeared to be how the navigation worked vs. the speed of the device, but something to consider nonetheless.
I figured it would be a good upgrade, just based on the browsing and camera upgrade, so I kept poking thru the store killing time. Stopping at the Moto DROID, I thought I would just tinker with it. I had given no thought to the DROID up to this point, based on a few things;
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1) I have lots of apps purchased for the CrackBerry
2) I need to be able to simply sync a device with my Mac
3) I need to tactile keyboard for the amount of typing I do
4) I need to tether the MacBookPro to the device in the summer
I decided to poke around at the Motorola version vs. the other Android phones, because the DROID does include a full slide out tactile keyboard. While not as nice as the CB or Sidekick in terms of button separation, it seemed like something I could get used to in a short amount of time.
The user interface seemed very responsive and quick, including full multitasking abilities. I looked at the Google Map app, and it was much quicker than the CrackBerry, as was basic web browsing. I think not having the BlackBerry network in the mix of data transmission really helps. There are a number of free apps out on Android to handle the apps I’ve already paid for on BlackBerry, so little duplicate purchasing will be needed. I’ll miss out on my Security app, but they provide a mobile interface for monitoring as well. My big question which I need to have answered, is “will it tether” I’ve found out, that syncing my Mac with the GoogleSync platform, I can handle the updating of my phone/address book/calendar without much need to plug it into my computer anymore, other than to backup. I’m currently using this now on the Curve, and seems to be working well.
Also, I liked that the DROID has WiFi in it, which would be great at home, or elsewhere I have access to WiFi vs. eating bandwidth/battery and having less lag than on the 3G network.
However, my Devils’ advocate to this is, I can do so much more on this browser than the CB, where I might not /need/ tethering (or just sign up for the mobile broadband USB dongle and return it in the trial period)
I will be returning this weekend for more in-depth, as the GF’s contract is up for renewal as well this summer.
Pricewise, – The DROID is a little more expensive up front than the new Tour, however, the monthly service on the DOID would be about $10 less than I pay now, so that would recoup itself shortly.
Also, I’ve heard rumor of the iPhone coming to Verizon this summer. That sounds like it would be a cut-and-dry answer for me to switch, HOWEVER. – The iPhone does not have a tactile keyboard, nor does it allow multi-tasking between apps. While I believe the iPhone would be the easiest to integrate and sync with my Mac at home, I don’t see it being a viable option for me on a daily basis, just based on how much I use the device during the day. Also, battery life, iPhone battery life sucks. I’d need to charge mine pretty much most of the day with the amount of activity it gets, vs. the CB for sure, possibly DROID have extra battery packs with higher capacity (also key when I go on weekend long bike rides, without access to power)
In short, I have a little more research to do, and just more face time with the device. I realize I have a month to return and get a different phone, however, it’s a hassle, and I’d like to get something and know it’s going to meet my needs.
If you have any comments, I’d love to hear them. That being said, – I’m not open to moving carriers due to phone availability, nor am I open to a phone without a QWERTY tactile keyboard on it.
The more I see about your decision process, the more I wonder why you would consider the iPhone. True I am typing on a similar iPod touch but the keybrd and multitasking and tethering are all missing on iPod. Also for a web based guy like you, do you really think the crackberry fits the bill?
Ryan,
I was only considering the iPhone because it was coming to VZW, and going off the idea that if I didn’t have a full keyboard, I might not use it as much [while commuting]. I also like a number of the apps they offer, and was considering learning to develop for the iPhone (in my non-existent spare time)
In regards to the BlackBerry, – it’s been s good enough device for me until I played with the DROID, so maybe I make the switch, use it, and if it doesn’t fit the bill, I go back to the BlackBerry. I would know within a week or a few days if I’m not going to like the device. I feel if I kept with the CrackBerry, i’d still get tethering when we leave town, otherwise, I’d not need it given the ability of the Android browser. I do have one test today, to see if I can get into my command center for work from the Droid.
OK.
After spending more time today at the Verizon store, I’ve made the decision to upgrade to the DROID vs. Blackberry. After talking with another Droid user today, Will… H saw a few other cool apps not on the vanilla model at the store, and can see how handy this will be compared to the Blackberry.
I’ll be spending about the same monthly, if not a few dollars less. The hardest part will be waiting until March 21st. That is the golden day when I can obtain the DROID at a mere $99.99 after my rebates and upgrade/renewal discount. My other option, is to pick it up now for $199.99…. As much as I don’t want to, I think I’ll be waiting, but I think it will be worth it.
Wish I would have caught this earlier in the week. and saved you a few bucks. I also was in the same situation last week between the other phones with my contract being up. I also went to teh store and spoke with the reps regarding the purchase options. What they fail to tell you however is that the additional mail in rebate you will be getting is a verizon gift card and if you had just went online and placed your order you would have received the rebate immediatley and had no worries of a mail in rrbate. In the end i bought the motorola droid for $99.99 straight up . I also was given a free eris droid for my wifes phone which also needed a upgrade. If you still can go about this I may suggest giving it a look and returning the phone to the store and reordering via the website to receive the instant savings. Good luck.
Steve,
I haven’t gone ahead with the upgrade yet. I have to wait until April 21st to take full advantage of the 99.99 offer. I agree that the ‘credit’ is a pile of bull. If I can get it for a true 99.99 online, I may go do that and wait the extra few days. Mail in rebates/credits are just a pile in my opinion. – CASH IN FIST..
Thanks for the info tho!
Hi,
As for keeping the devices powered up on trips, there really isn’t any better way to go than the powermonkey-eXplorer. Ultra compact, tough and powerful, it remains the lightest, most versatile portable charger available today.
http://tinyurl.com/y8nxmn8
Be very careful, I’ve had my Milestone (Euro version of the droid) for a few months and while it is very fast I wish I’d known about it’s shortcomings before I bought it, I’d very likely have changed my mind. The problem is it’s missing so much basic functionality, things I never thought to check because they should be there already.
Examples:
Cut/Paste is terrible, ranging from not implemented to badly implemented – it’s almost useless.
Can’t edit the text of the original email when you reply or forward
Can’t save attachments to the sd card, eg every time you want to view a word file you were emailed you have to wait for it to download.
Can’t view inline images in the Gmail browser.
Very poor phone for travelling as it adjusts all your appointment times when you cross timezones. Also I recently visited the uk and swiched in my UK sim card; the phone refused me access to my calendar until it could go online and validate me, not having a data plan on my UK sim or being near wifi I was stuffed.
Have a good read through http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/list note also the lack of comments from google on these issues, I’m tracking a lot of them and theres very little input from google engineers.
Lastly, the powermonkey explorer is great; I was very happy using it with my previous phone but it doesn’t charge the droid, apparently the droid wants a signal on the data pins as well as the power pins before it will charge.
Reid,
Thanks for the info. I think the only issue that you mentioned that could be problematic for me is the Copy/Paste function, and maybe charging, but there are many charging methods. – I don’t use any commercial provider for email, so GMail image issue isn’t a concern, and I rarely travel outside the US either.
Thanks for the input, and I’ll keep these things in mind. Learning Android development for fun, I figure, if there is something I don’t like, I’ll just write something! Coming from a BlackBerry, the only thing I really dislike about it, is the 160sms length, and the fact it won’t split a message longer into multi-part. My Treo and SK families had always done that.
Thanks again!