Here at BlackBerry Cool, we thoroughly enjoy making BlackBerry and iPhone comparisons due to the transition that is occurring over at RIM. As RIM is dealing with an increasingly large consumer base, the device is constantly being compared to the iPhone, and RIM must think about how it’s going to create a BlackBerry device that satisfies consumers, but remains true to its enterprise user base.
In the end, enterprise will always be a focus of RIM’s products, because it gives them a competitive edge. This doesn’t mean that RIM can’t satisfy two different types of clients, it just means they’re going to have to get creative and innovative – fast.
CNet recently published a piece regarding the switch from BlackBerry to iPhone, and then the revelation that made the author, Adam Richardson, switch back again.
According to the author, “Basically it comes down to the fact that the iPhone is really good at the stuff I do 10% of the time, but pretty poor at the stuff I do 90% of the time.”
Again, it all comes back to the fact that RIM makes an enterprise device with its core values being security, reliability and efficiency. These are the features that have the author converting back to BlackBerry.
Here is what the author describes as lacking in the iPhone:
General Usability
- Typing – The iPhone has a very frustrating typing experience.
- User Interface – While the iPhone is a simple interface to learn, the BlackBerry interface is far more efficient once you learn it. Shortcuts make the BlackBerry experience much faster, while the iPhone experience remains consistently slow and simple.
- Cleanliness – As with any touchscreen device, the iPhone’s screen soon gets covered in grime.
- Memory – While BlackBerry users often complain about the amount of available application memory, it is a clear benefit of the BlackBerry that it offers the opportunity to expand at a relatively low cost.
Form Factor – The device is too thin to be held close to the ear for a long period of time.
Battery Life – The iPhone has a much shorter battery life than the Bold.
Generally, the issue here goes back to the fact that the “iPhone is really good at the stuff I do 10% of the time, but pretty poor at the stuff I do 90% of the time.” Here are some issues with the iPhone’s email:
- Separate Email Accounts – Going back and forth to get email from separate email accounts is not only inefficient, it is incredibly frustrating.
- New Emails – You have to unlock the iPhone to see if there is a new email. This is ridiculous if you’re checking your email every 3 minutes.
- Sent Folder – The sent folder isn’t populated in real time, so you have to wait for the server to find an email you just sent. This time could be crucial if it’s an important business email.
- Font Sizes – The iPhone has no ability to customize font sizes, therefore impeding your ability to view multiple emails at once without scrolling.
Calendar
Again, the calendar is a feature that is used by smartphone users on a regular basis so it’s crucial to have a system that is both efficient and easy to navigate. The iPhone, being a strictly consumer device, is lacking in calendar functionality in many respects:
- New Appointments – Creating new events on the iPhone is a slow process. The iPhone’s UI means it takes several navigation clicks to create a new even, versus only 2 on the BlackBerry.
- Weekly View – The iPhone does not provide a weekly view for the calendar. This is crucial and the BlackBerry offers it because they understand the need for a good calendar.
- Snooze – You can’t snooze for meeting reminders.
- Date Navigation – You can’t navigate to specific dates on the iPhone calendar system. On a BlackBerry, it’s incredibly easy with the simple G (go to date) shortcut.
- Event Comments – The iPhone calendar system doesn’t let you add comments to accepting or denying event requests.
Phone
While many BlackBerry users are always on email, having a decent phone is an important part of a quality smartphone. The iPhone lacks the following:
- Dialing – Dialing specific contacts on the iPhone is tedious if they are not in the contacts.
- Muting – Muting the call on the iPhone requires looking at the screen. On a BlackBerry, muting the call if you’re on a conference call is as simple as pressing the top button.
Adam Richardson said it best, “I’m not trying to bash the iPhone and say no-one else should like it; this is a very personal choice. But at least for the time being, the Bold is a much better match for my needs.”
Read the article for a more personal look at each of these gripes with the iPhone.
[Twitter: @LouTreize RT @AlanMoote: Goodbye iPhone, hello (again) BlackBerry http://bit.ly/dlKO3]
BlackBerry vs iPhone ? like you needed another reason to go BlackBerry http://bit.ly/K9drB
RT @BlackBerryCool: BlackBerry vs iPhone ? like you needed another reason to go BlackBerry http://bit.ly/K9drB
RT @BlackBerryCool: BlackBerry vs iPhone ? like you needed another reason to go BlackBerry http://bit.ly/K9drB
What about real browser iPhone has? Hundreds of iPhone apps a lot of them usefull)? etc…
RT @BlackBerryCool: BlackBerry vs iPhone ? like you needed another reason to go BlackBerry http://bit.ly/K9drB
RT @BlackBerryCool: BlackBerry vs iPhone; like you needed another reason to go BlackBerry http://bit.ly/K9drB
RT @BlackBerryCool BlackBerry vs iPhone – like you needed another reason to go BlackBerry – http://bit.ly/K9drB
RT @BlackBerryCool: BlackBerry vs iPhone ? like you needed another reason to go BlackBerry http://bit.ly/K9drB
@jcninob RT @BlackBerryCool: BlackBerry vs iPhone ? like you needed another reason to go BlackBerry http://bit.ly/K9drB
@Jackyah333 RT @BlackBerryCool BlackBerry vs iPhone ? like you needed another reason to go BlackBerry http://bit.ly/K9drB
RT @BlackBerryCool: BlackBerry vs iPhone ? like you needed another reason to go BlackBerry http://bit.ly/K9drB *not that you’re bi …
RT @BlackBerryCool: BlackBerry vs iPhone; like you needed another reason to go BlackBerry http://bit.ly/K9drB
RT @BlackBerryCool: BlackBerry vs iPhone ? like you needed another reason to go BlackBerry http://bit.ly/K9drB
Dude, I don’t want to break the news to you, but in Manhattan, NO ONE gets a BB anymore. iPhones are flying off the self. NO ONE.
RT @BlackBerryCool: BlackBerry vs iPhone ?; like you needed another reason to go BlackBerry http://bit.ly/K9drB #fb
RT: @BlackBerryCool: BlackBerry vs iPhone ? like you needed another reason to go BlackBerry http://bit.ly/K9drB
A marriage between touch screen and physical keys is the way to go. I think PALM is going on the right direction and I’m sure if RIM comes out with a similar device all this hype on touch screen only device will be over.
Please can you actually imagine typing on a screen in emergency situations.
Steven Jones is right. If my Bold had a touch screen and a keyboard, I would be in heaven. As it is, it is great, though. I had the choice of the iPhone when I bought my Bold, and I am a keyboard man. I tried them both and the keyboard won.
RT @BlackBerryCool: BlackBerry vs iPhone; like you needed another reason to go BlackBerry http://bit.ly/K9drB
I know you made a blog about blackberries and everything but your review is garbage. The Blackberry interface/OS is outdated and clunky. Their devices are finally starting to catch up but will never be as elegant or advanced as apple. The built in cameras suck. The default apps suck. The app development community is a fraction of the size. Push email and Exchange support is now native on iPhone. 32gb built in storage on iPhone GS vs. what in a top of the line blackberry? World-Class media support with iPod functionality vs. what on blackberry? BBM vs. AOL, Google Talk and other standardized services. Stop lying to yourself
AHAHAHAHA this made me LOL ^-^.
Blackberry has no chance against iPhone!!!1 Accept it or not…
It’s so funny to read your arguments!!1 ^-^
Now I know why it’s always best to read independent reviews.
I had a blackberry before upgrading to an IPhone. In usability, available applications, music features and available external devices no other phone can compare to the IPhone.
well written! thank YOU!
RT @BlackBerryCool: BlackBerry vs iPhone ? like you needed another reason to go BlackBerry http://bit.ly/K9drB
The iPhone’s shining light for me is the browser experience. The ease of use and multi-touch is AWESOME. That’s probably the only reason that I would consider an iPhone, but not enough reason to give up the speed and versatility of a Blackberry.
BB means bye-bye for me… Liked my 4 BBs i previously owned but moving to a macbook illustrated how little rim cares about the Mac user base (not insignificant)….pathetic sycronicity to say the least! and I have much more fun with the iPhone for both my Business and Pleasure than I ever did with any previous model BB…bye-bye!
I never thought I would say this – EVER… I have been a hard core blingberry man for years. I have had 3 of my own blings and had my team of 10 all use blingberry’s too. However, I decided to take a look at businee from an unbiased perspective. My choice has been made. I and my whole team are going Mac and iphone… When blingberry’s make enough changes, I may reconsider, but not now. The truth is blingberry’s are currently outdated… Sorry Bling…