CNN recently put up a story addressing the issue “Why do people still use BlackBerrys” with the subtitle “It’s the smartphone everyone owns – and no one seems to like.” The article points to three anecdotal reasons that BlackBerry users have for liking the device including: the keyboard, red notification light and the fact that most are given one by their work.
The article starts off on a negative note, saying that “BlackBerry isn’t hip, high-tech or cheaper than its main competitors” which is all very questionable. Not only does the article not bother to justify this statement, but it also is making a common mistake that all mainstream media seem to be making these days. Somehow the media has it in their head that people don’t like BlackBerrys and they aren’t up to par with the competition.
BlackBerry isn’t hip? What could possibly be more hip than almost every single celebrity in Hollywood owning a BlackBerry? BlackBerry isn’t high-tech? Sure, the browser on the BlackBerry has been pretty awful but Triple DES encryption and the ability to talk between apps is pretty awesome. BlackBerry isn’t cheaper than the competition? There are 4 BlackBerry models that are free from Wal-Mart and the 8520/8530 models come in a variety of colors, also for free.
BBCool’s Nan Palmero chimed in on the article and agreed the BlackBerry keyboard is a huge selling feature. “They really go to great lengths to raise plastic in certain ways on the keys,” he said of the tactile keyboard’s design. “They kind of describe it as guitar frets: Your hand naturally knows where to go and where to be.”
What are the some of the reasons you use a BlackBerry? Personally, one of the main reasons I use it is because I get things done faster. I’ve used an iPhone and it’s a terrible waste of time and productivity. Have you ever used the keyboard on the DROID? It’s awful and feels very unnatural. None of these smartphones can compete in raising the quality of life by allowing you to take care of business faster.
