Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

So I've decided to finally move beyond the plain phone/text (I have a first generation enV phone).. Now I've been looking at the iphone, but the biggest drawback seems to be ATT.. I have verizon now and the service is fine anywhere I've been and in some places my friend's iphone can't get a signal but my old ass verizon one can. Whoever I go with is basically going to be my commitment for the next 2 years. I'm on no contract now (even though Verizon keeps hounding me).

The con for verizon seems to be price. And the nickel and diming. I really don't understand what gets charged and what doesn't..

Here's basically what I want out of a phone..

-Internet/e-mail access (outlook, gmail, whatever.. as long as I can access e-mail)..
-text messages
-not getting nickel and dimed on plans

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

I have a BB Curve with a Verizon data plan (company paid) and love it. I think the iPhone's are cool for sure but if you don't have a signal all you have is a fancy paperweight.

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

The new blackberry tour for verizon is very nice. If you can hold out longer there is a storm 2 in the future as well as a couple cool android phones that may or may not make its way to verizon. I two would like to have a iPhone but switching to ATT is the only thing keeping me away. Although the word is sometime in 2010 Verizon may be next up for the iPhone. At least we can hope

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

I use Blackberrrys, they are durable and I don't have to use ATT who I already tried and hated but there are plenty of people with the opposite view on that subject so flip a coin as to provider. New Blackberry "Tour" has 3g which is nice for internet. If you want good internet you need 3g, otherwise pretty slow. The touchscreen version Blackberry (can't remember name of it) is less than perfect for sure, if you like touchscreen then iphone is the overwhelming best choice. I am a pretty heavy user but not a tech geek type so this is just my 2 cents worth of user experience.

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

BlackBerry! :tu

I currently have a Curve, but my new Tour is sitting in the box until the case for it comes in. :wo

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

What does the Tour have that the Curve does not?

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

My current Blackberry is the International and only 6 months old, previous was a curve. Both work equally well (no camera in International) but Intl has a little larger screen and keyboard which is nice for us seasoned citizens. But no doubt if I was buying today it would be a Tour.:2

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

Well I almost got a blackberry issued to me, then some a-hats abused it so they're limiting who gets them now..

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

I'm in your area and ATT really isn't that bad. I've never had verizon here, so I cannot say how much better it is than ATT, but the public opinion seems to think verizon is better in DC.

That being said, the iPhone is the most user friendly phone on the market. Remember when Nokias used to be the most easy to use cell phone 10 years ago... Apple has taken that simplicity and added it to a smart phone/everything phone.

That being said, blackberrys are nice, so you really cannot go wrong with either one. I've owned both and I can honestly say I love the iphone while I only "liked" the blackberry.

I'm rarely without a signal with ATT with the exception of elevators and the metro.

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

AWesome, thanks for the advice.. Having someone from teh area chime in helps.. I'll probably go in today or tomorrow to discuss/look at plans and compare.. I just priced out blackberry and for 450 minutes a month, 5GB data (smallest plan then had for data), and unlimited text and email, I'm looking at like $115 a month.. What would be the iphone equivalent?

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

3g which is a Big Deal!

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

I had a BB curve for 2 years with VeriZon, and recently made the switch to an Iphone. Around here I see almost no difference in coverage area between the two networks

I liked my BB, but I LOVE my iPhone

Plus. I don't like the way Verizon Locks down their phones.

But in truth, if all u wan is email and text messaging you don't need either. Kinda like buying an F1 to drive thru a school zone:D

BTW, this was posted from my iPhone:dr

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

Well internet and stuff is a perk.. I just don't wanna have to pay out the ying yang.. the GPS on the iphone is intriguing too

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

If you travel via Airline and spend time in airports the internet is a dream to have, otherwise I don't use it much. Does not matter which service as to price, they work out pretty close in the end unless you find some special offer maybe. I actually liked ATT coverage a little better but they were impossible to deal with when you had a problem, after 3 years I have usually found Verizon pretty accessible and helpful.:banger

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

The GPS is super nice. I have a samsung epix (i907) on ATT and i have to pay for the ATT navigator feature in order to get anything close to what an iphone can do as far as navigation goes. And if i loose cell signal, it doesnt work period due to not having built in GPS like an iphone.

If verizon will offer iphone service, im getting one and swapping.

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

If u want GPS, take a serious look at the iPhone. Verizon makes you use their Navigator and charges u 10 bucks a month forever
and requires a connection to work

just added co-pilot live to my iPhone, $35.00.....period
looks and works just like a stand alone gps unit, all of the maps are loaded on the device so no cell connection is needed, and no monthly fees!

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

2 Storms in this household. People typically hate them. We love them. They have a few issues, but when you break it down to being a computer in your pocket, you gotta give it a little slack.

Btw GPS on the storm works great. It's saved my ass more than once on my way to work being re-routed because of an accident.

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

Yeah.. I was just looking at pricing plans out.. seems the iphone plans may suit me better due to the unlimited data usage.. I basically spend $30 more a month and get the unlimited data

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

Verizon has unlimited data....

Least it better, I typically have about half a gig of bandwidth usage a month :D

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

Not sure as mine is on a family plan, but I'm pretty sure you can get equivalent or more minutes, unlimited data, but limited text for at least $20 cheaper per month, probably more though. Unlimited text is available but I've not looked into it.

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

Yeah I just priced it out and I think Verizon comes out more expensive than an iphone on a per month basis

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

I have unlimited Data and Text with Verizon. Since I have 2 phones and 2 blackberries on the plan it is hard to compare prices with a single user.

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

Was over 15$ a month cheaper on Verizon than ATT. Far better service too. And before the iphone junkies jump on my back. I've used ATT before.

I think you should make a phone call. There's like 3 different blackberry plans on Verizon.

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

$69.99 (cheapest plan).. I only need 450 anytime minutes
$5.00 for 200 text messages

Comes with unlimited data

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

Looks like for 450 minutes, unlimited iPhone data plan, it's $70 per month... then you have to add texts.


iPhone Text Messaging Unlimited
$20.00/month
iPhone Text Messaging 1500
$15.00/month
iPhone Text Messaging 200
$5.00/month


So even with unlimited texts, if you need it, it's $90 plus tax for the comparable plan but it also comes with unlimited data. Plus, my apple stock needs just a few more dollars until I have to adjust my stop sell order a bit higher. :D

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

Plus... blackberrys are great phones, so you really cannot go wrong per se, but man is the iphone great to use. It really is a no brainer to use. You probably won't even need to read the manual much at all (or, since you are a guy, probably wouldn't read it at all anyway).

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

Let's see...

iPhone: Cigar App

Blackberry: N/A

Seems pretty clear to me. :tu

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

Now this may well be the best point of all!:ss

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

the curve has 3g as well. At least for Verizon

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

From a person with a windows based smart phone.

Blackberry
So apparently google maps doesnt work on blackberry?
I honestly dont have much bad to say about the BB. If you are an email monster its the best way to go. To argue otherwise is to go against what most every business has found. The phone is limited though in outside features. Basically its a rocksolid phone on this case a better network with better data system, but limited extras.

Iphone
Its funny people love their Iphones, but most dont want to talk about how they pay so much for service and extras. Most things cost extra money, movies apps etc. Thats apples business model after all. The phones price has dropped now though so thats good. You also cant use your phone as a modem for your computer by jailbreaking or risk them shutting off your account. I know multiple people who have had this happen. There are some great apps for the Iphone. The web browser is solid. The down side is its a touch screen phone and it can fail. The network is also not the best. Not bad is not good enough when it matters most. Its a cool phone with some cool apps, thats a little awkward to use and has some spotty service. Just be prepared to pay for everything.

Windows smart phone
I went this route when I looked around. I can do everything the Iphone does, movies music and I can do more. Of course I have to actually DO WORK on my phone like rip and load the movies and music and not just press a button. But then again I would rather do the leg work and keep the money in my pocket then pay Apple to spoon feed me all my stuff. The coolest thing I do for the kids is stream slingbox from my phone to a monitor in the car. Live TV in the car for the kids. Would love to see that on any other non windows phone. The Iphone is the ultimate media phone as long as you dont know that there is a lot of media options out there it cant do. At the local B&M there is a guy who works for apple and drinks the apple gravy big time. He had no reply to a few of my phones features and acually got a little angry.
Why would you pay for GPS program? I got google maps for free. I Use it all the time driving, Looking up restuarants banks everything and it didnt cost me a penny. 35.00? That app better do something pretty cool. All the apps on my phone were free come to think of it. I also pay less per month for service with unlimited data, text etc

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

Works perfect for me on the curve


Would agree about the service being shotty, but think the iPhone/App Store deserves a bit more credit. It is by far (currently) the most superior app store and has the best/most user friendly way to obtain apps

With the new version of windows mobile they have made some improvements, but I would not go as far to say that a WiMo phone can do everything an iPhone can. I used to use WiMo and after I switched to RIM the problems with windows became very apparent. However, I have not used the newest version, so do not have first hand experience with the changes that were made.


I think it all comes down to personal preference and what you are willing to pay. Just go to the different stores and play around with the phones and find something you like that is in your price range

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

At ahbroody^^No offense, but it's clear from your post you really no nothing about the iPhone.

As to my post about paying 35 for the copilot app, go back and read the post. As I wrote, the app functions and looks
exactly like a stand along gps unit. Google maps? Yeah the iPhone has that too, but only someone who has never seen or used a gps unit would seriously compare google maps to stand alone gps

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

google maps works fine on my storm.

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

I enjoy my iphone better than any phone I've owned... I've had an older blackberry and i've had several smartphone devices.

If you have good ATT service in your area, then go iphone.. in my opinion... yes.. its expensive, but worth it on so many levels. The app store offers more variety and utilities than any other device. If you are looking for your phone to have X ability... you can find it on the app store (within reason).

One of my favorite abilities, as an IT person, is the RDP app the phone has. if there is a problem on someone's computer, no matter where i am, i can RDP into their machine and fix the issue. even my friend had a problem on their servers at their office and setup his VPN connection on my phone than RDP'd into his system. Its just that easy.

All in all it depends on what you want. if you want an all in one device that you can use for several things, go with the iphone. If you want a corporate device to just check email and do a few "extras" that are built into the phone.. go with the blackberry.

just my 2c.

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

I've had a windows based smartphone, seriously considered the Blackberry storm, and went with iphone.
Verizon cripples anything cool that the Storm could do.
My iphone does everything in the world. I love it. I just bought a turn by turn gps by Navigon. Now I can get rid of my dash gps.
It took me ten devices to do everything this thing does. I couldn't be more pleased. :tu

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

How is this? Is it voice? I keep waiting for the Tomtom.

I wouldn't trade my iPhone for anything and spent a gruelling month looking before deciding.

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

Ok, obviously I'm a little biased, because of my own Mobile Stogie app, but I'm also a 25 year IT professional and currently use both Blackberry and iPhone. The blackberry is still ahead as far as enterprise email capability, and is a solid device. But as others have said, if you use an iPhone for a few days, you will be amazed at the capabilities, and I really believe you will be happier in the long run.
:2

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

Tom Tom is available, too. It's 100 bucks, Navigon is $70.
I never cared for Tom Tom. Navigon's interface looks awesome.
I just put it on my phone, haven't used it yet, so I can't comment on how it works. I'll try it when I go get milk later. :)
Here it is.

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

Haven't checked lately, so good to know Tomtom is out.

I'll probably pony up the extra bucks for it as I am familiar with Tomtom.

Is there any monthly fee??

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

I would agree. Unfortunately for me, being only on ATT currently is enough to keep my away. and I am a HUGE Apple product user..... they just need to end the damn exclusivity!!! :bh lol

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

Tom Tom is out, costs $100, Navigon is out, costs $70 (for now, soon to be $100, I chose Co-pilot Live at $35. Ilounge.com has a review of all three of them, pretty much the same. I've been using copilot and am pleased with it, but haven't decided if I can give away my gps unit...yet. To me, since none of these has a lite or trial version, you're better off going with copilot at half to a third of the price of the others just in case you think it's not good enough. All three apps are voice based turn by turn, but none of them (currently) says the street name. All promise soon updates to resolve that

just my two cents

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

I just walked outside with mine and it shows the street names. I had to turn them on though.
I must have gotten the special version. ;)
The lady also asked me to make a u-turn now.
It's all 3-d and kicks ass offa the nav unit I have now. :)

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

They all show the names, they don't speak the names:

"take the next left"

as opposed to


"turn left on Partagas street"

unless Navigon has already updated, or
you do indeed have the super secret version!

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

Ahhhhhhhhhh. I see.
I'll check it later and see if it says the street names.
I have to go get milk, so I'll take it for a ride and see what the chick says.
I don't know if my gps in the car says the street names, either, now that you mentioned that. I know it shows it on screen, but I think it says "turn left in 200 feet" and stuff like that.
Now I have something to do today. :)

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

ok guys, no pushing me down the slope on ipod apps... yet

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

I dont? huh. Wife has one :r:r I also have two mac laptops in my house. I play with an old titanium book and the wife has a new big expensive one. For video editing they rock, for other things they blow. She got and gets one every few years from work for free. Hell if I would pay over 2k for that thing.

I love when people use ",but". You can pretty much disregard everything before the comma. Why would you even use ",but" when you are about to write something offensive? Wow nice assumption, but you know what they say about that. Arguing with people with Iphones or Macs never ends well. They can generally not accpept anything other then its the best and of course they made the right choice. I have had these discussions many times and found Iphone folks to always be the ones who get hostile.

Nice assumption on the stand alone GPS as well. I had a stand alone one recieved for christmas and sold it. I have intergrated in my clarion headunit in my SUV and had an Alpine before that with it as well. I liked the Alpine more than Clarion FYI. Like I said google works fine for me. When I am using it at work or travel and in a different car. I dont need a voice to tell me to turn left or right or go straight. I can read and look at the picture.

Just because its best for you doesnt mean its the best or best for everyone else. Clearly an educated mind should be able to see that.

I posted my opinion based on personal experience with all phones. Wife had a BB before the Iphone, my best friend has a BB and many of the other officers at work have BBs and Iphones. Because you didnt like my opinion on the Iphone you attacked my view with out having any facts in hand making assumptions and poor ones at that.

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

If you need an email and text device the BB wins.

The iPhone wins when you decide to mix business and pleasure. The Internet is unbelievable and the screen is big and easy to read. The battery life, especially compared to BB, sucks.

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

Lot better than the coffee forums. Went in to ask advice on a cheap espresso machine and am about 2 grand into it and haven't gotten a roaster.

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

Just because your wife has an iphone and you use a Mac doesn't necessarily mean you have a good understanding of the capabilities of the iPhone. You obviously don't as you seem to believe WiMo can do everything an iPhone can. That statement alone showed your lack of knowledge of the devices. Also the statement of BB not having google maps is incorrect, so it seems you are only familiar with windows.

I don't think Vic every suggested the iPhone is best for EVERYONE. In fact, he doesn't make anything close to that statement in his post. He likes it and many in this thread have stated that enterprise wise BB is superior. Maybe the windows fanboys can be just as hard headed ;)

Re: Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry
 

As an AT&T employee, I'm going to let you in on a little secret. Reception is currently changing for everyone, as AT&T users can no longer roam on T-Mobile's network. Not a big deal in some places, but in places like where I'm from, it's huge.

I have three active cell phones: a Blackberry Bold, iPhone 3G and the Google G1. The G1 is far and away my favorite of the three, but it's not for everyone. It has a capacitive touch screen like the iPhone, but it's not as responsive. It has a five line full qwerty keyboard that is unparalleled by anything out there. Out of the box, it's not terribly functional (in comparison to the iPhone), but unlike the iPhone, the G1 is completely malleable in it's operation. The G1 is a perfect balance between fun applications and "Web 2.0" business use.

The iPhone is the easiest, and the most fun phone ever. The capacitive touch screen is amazing, the new 3GS is speedy and nearly crash free (don't be fooled into the $99 3G!!), and there are millions of apps to use. My only qualm with the iPhone is that I use my phone for work a lot more than I do for play, and the iPhone does not excel in that area. If you're looking for a really fun device with lots of time wasting potential, nevermind a rockin' web browser, get the iPhone 3GS. Just remember, you can get 95% of it's functionality out of an iPod Touch.

What can I say about Blackberrys? They excel at what they do best, but fall lacking in many other areas. A Blackberry is first and foremost an Business Exchange phone. Email, Calendar, and Contacts management is arguably untouchable by any other mobile platform. I use my Blackberry for work. I send out mass text messages to staff, handle customer emails, organise my contacts within and outside the company, and write reports all on this device. The newer Blackberrys (Bold, Curve 8900, Tour) are especially good with excel documents, as the resolution allows you to see more rows and columns. Here are the major setbacks. Battery life of 3G/EvDO Blackberrys is quite lacking, and I rarely make it through the work day without charging my Bold (which has the worst battery by far, to be fair). There is a very limited number of applications that even come close to touching what has been done on the iPhone. The web browser in the new OS is very bad at handling scripting, so it runs just a bit faster than my old 2G iPhone. It's a business phone. They've done a lot to reach out to a broader audience, but at the end of the day, that's what it's for.

I'm partial to AT&T, so I'm not going to go into a tirade about how I feel about Big Red's business practices. Just know that in this brothers biased opinion, Verizon Wireless is one of the most backhanded, irresponsible companies I've ever known.

I wanted to go a bit into the nickel-and-diming. VZ is not alone in these practices, as there are plenty of peple with AT&T with the same problems. For both providers, the problem is more often than not bad provisioning on the account. For instance: if a customer does not want data on their phone (and it's not a smartphone) I will ask them if they would like me to block access to the data network to avoid overage charges. There is a drawback: even if you have unlimited messaging, MMS will not work if data is blocked. It's a matter of who your rep is, and how much they are willing to dig into your usage details. Whichever provider you go with, if the rep seems to be rushing you through the setup and explanation of your account, ask nicely if there is anyone in the store who specialises in account level provisioning (called SSRs at AT&T, not sure at VZ). If they are still dismissive, ask for a manager.

That being said, if you are getting an iPhone, the worry about nickel-and-diming is dropped to nearly nothing. I always recommend the 450 minute plan (unless you need more) with unlimited data and unlimited messaging. This comes to 89.99 a month - 98.xx after tax. Everything you buy is through your iTunes account. The only thing you can go over on is your minutes, which most do not.

I've rambled on ;s. If you have any questions, PM me anytime.