Do I want an "app for that"?

[Brer Shay]

Looking for input on Blackberries and the use of "apps." I've been a true Palm Pilot user for 9 years - contacts, calendar, notes, documents, photos, etc.. My device is dying and I'm considering replacement options. In a somewhat similar situation with my cell phone (the very basic style with Virgin Mobile). I'm considering the smartphone route because I could replace 3 devices I carry all the time (cell phone, Palm Pilot, and MP3) with one. The Blackberry would cover everything I need, plus open up "app" options. Frankly, I'm wondering if that's something I would use. The possibility of using it as a GPS device also makes the purchase price easier to handle, just don't know if that really works.

Can those with Blackberry and/or app experience tell me what you like and don't like about them?

 

[Princess Nancy]

DH is a longtime Palm fan. Just wanted to give you a heads up.

He lost all he contacts and notes when Verizon tried to change it for him. Be sure you do a home backup on your computer and change the info yourself!

DS17 and DH got the Incredible. DS is in heaven!! LOVES all the cool things he can do. HE loves the navigation. It used Google Earth but is much the same as VZNavigator. Turn by turn directions etc.

Battery Life is short. They may get Long Life Batteries in their Stockings this year!

Dh is old!!! LOL!! His learning curve is much higher.Once he gets the hang of it I am sure he will love it. Right now he likes the possibilities but is frustrated.

TONS of Free Apps and they love that!

Good Luck!

 

[mistysue]

I have to say DH and I recently updated to new phones, for the first time being people with apps. We love it!

Even little things like where to eat dinner, I just open my navigator and it tells me everything within a certain radius. It makes you remember places you forgot. If DD asks some crazy question we can instantly look up the answer all the time and we only have to carry one device, which is great.

The only down sides I've found to having all the information we want at our fingertips-
when there is something we are trying to do and there is no app available, it's very frustrating.
Also, sometimes you look stuff up so much you almost become dependent. It stops people from thinking for themselves. There is something nice about people having their own thoughts, but if you ask somebody if they like a place and they whip out their phone and check the reviews, it's sort of annoying and funny at the same time.

 

[rynosmom]

I just got the Incredible and LOVE IT! I can now get all of my email on the go. I love the Google maps with turn by turn. As PP said the battery life is not great and I carry my charger with me all the time. Love the App store lot's of great stuff out there!

 

[SuzanneSLO]

Looking for input on Blackberries and the use of "apps." I've been a true Palm Pilot user for 9 years - contacts, calendar, notes, documents, photos, etc.. My device is dying and I'm considering replacement options. In a somewhat similar situation with my cell phone (the very basic style with Virgin Mobile). I'm considering the smartphone route because I could replace 3 devices I carry all the time (cell phone, Palm Pilot, and MP3) with one. The Blackberry would cover everything I need, plus open up "app" options. Frankly, I'm wondering if that's something I would use. The possibility of using it as a GPS device also makes the purchase price easier to handle, just don't know if that really works.

Can those with Blackberry and/or app experience tell me what you like and don't like about them?

I switched from a Palm Treo to an iPhone last year. The iPhone also replaced the iPod Shuffle I used during morning walks. The switch was a life changer for me. I used the Palm for contacts, e-mail, a game or two and music while flying, as well as a phone. The internet access was so slow, that I rarely logged on. Now, I use the iPhone for all that and so much more: reading the DIS, navigating while my DH drives, booking flights, checking inventory at the library or Barnes & Noble, it goes on and on.

Not sure I would choose a BB for a smart phone at this point in time. Both Android phones and iPhones seem to offer so much more in a more intuitive package. Maybe next year BB will catch up, or maybe it will still be a year or so behind. The Windows 7 mobile platform also looks like it will need another year or so to be competitive. -- Suzanne

 

[Brer Shay]

If I can do turn by turn directions, that's certainly a plus.

One other question, what about security issues with smartphones? I wouldn't dream of not having firewalls and intivirus on my computer - do you run the same on a smart phone? If so, what do you use?

 

[Aimeedyan]

I recently ditched my second Palm, a Treo Pro, for a HTC Hero and looooooooooooove it. I kept having issues with the Palm, esp with Windows Mobile, and I love the user friendly format of the Hero - similar to the iPhone in many ways. I essentially have 4-5 homepages that I can customize to meet my needs plus can download tons of apps, have great nav system, MP3 player, high quality camera, calendaring, etc.

A colleague went with a Blackberry and I just prefer the operating system of the HTC.

 

[Jonny_Duck]

If I can do turn by turn directions, that's certainly a plus.

One other question, what about security issues with smartphones? I wouldn't dream of not having firewalls and intivirus on my computer - do you run the same on a smart phone? If so, what do you use?

Careful saying "Theres an app for that", Apple has that patented now.

If you are big on email,(non gmail)and need bb messenger is the only reason imo to go with Blackberry. They have fallen fairly far behind Android and iphone. Its more for business crowd so if thats important to you then yeah.

Android phones version 2.1 and higher have free Google navigation from Google maps. Its a great bonus in comparison to having to either buy an app or pay your carrier monthly for this.

If it were me(and I already made the decision) I would get an Android phone. Widgets are a nice bonus to quickly get information over Iphone, Android also has swype so its better with keyboardless phones, also free navigation imo is a great bonus.

Android is growing incredibly fast and will likely soon catch up to iphone in terms of quality apps. You also get a choice of form factor while both Iphone and Blackberry are generally limited.

Blackberry has some slight modifications with different phone models. BB also has great keyboards but once you start swyping imo you don't rly need one. My Mom just got the T-Mo mytouch slide and she never uses her keyboard. We are considering staying with Sprint and she was rly upset with me because she loves her new phone.

Oh yea about the virus protection...Yes there is an app that does it. I personally don't use one right now. I might do it soon though. I did download one just haven't signed up for it yet. Its an app that scans for viruses when you download something and if your phone is stolen you can remotely wipe it. I also think you can make it beep so if you lose it in the couch you can find it. Pretty nifty.

Good luck with your choice!
PS...Wish I had a green Android smiley.

 

[crazelion]

Yes there is virus protection for the cell phone. I am getting a new cell phone to. It suppose be here Monday. I got list apps already I am down load. I have swagbucks to thank for the new smartphone. All those search has paid off.

 

[beaucoup]

I love iPhone apps.
I find DH's Blackberry harder to navigate & understand.

Its just not intuitive to me. I've heard that from other people too.
You can hand an iPhone to someone and most people can figure out instantly what to do because of the touch screen. No figuring out what buttons I'm supposed to press.

 

[chrisvip]

I love iPhone apps.
I find DH's Blackberry harder to navigate & understand.

Its just not intuitive to me. I've heard that from other people too.
You can hand an iPhone to someone and most people can figure out instantly what to do because of the touch screen. No figuring out what buttons I'm supposed to press.

iPhone rocks. Specially the new iPhone 4 which supports running multiple applications simultaneously.