Switching from a Blackberry to the iPhone 3G
You may be aware that I was using a Blackberry prior to succumbing to the lure of the iPhone 3G. I’m getting asked by a few folks how I compare the overall utility of the iPhone 3G to the Blackberry 8830 I have been using for a while. I have been making notes about using the two different devices and platforms with the intention of writing about my thoughts. Today Judi Sohn of WebWorkerDaily published a very good article that discusses the same thing so she’s saved me the work. Judi switched from a Blackberry 8800 to the iPhone and has been through the same adjustment period I have experienced and her thoughts on the process mirrors my own almost exactly. Take a look at Judi’s article that details what Blackberry users should know before switching to the iPhone 3G.
Judi does a great job detailing the areas that the iPhone excels in delivering better than the Blackberry and vice versa. It’s no surprise that she finds the email handling of the Blackberry to be superior to that of the iPhone as I find the same thing. The way the Blackberry handles multiple email accounts is very nice as the Messaging app collects all incoming email into one place, thus making it easy to keep on top of all of the email accounts. I do like the way the iPhone handles text messaging and voice mail better than the Blackberry though. It is so nice to be able to follow threaded conversations that take place in text messages, something the Blackberry won’t do. I have also never liked how the Blackberry mixes voice mail messages in with both email and text messages. I have almost missed voice mails more than once as a result and it’s nice to see them on their own screen on the iPhone.
Those looking for Judi or I to tell them that the Blackberry is better than the iPhone or vice versa will not get that advice as these decisions are never that straightforward due to the different way each of us works. Hopefully you’ll take this information in hand as you try to make your own decision about the two platforms and determine for your particular situation which will work better. I have to say that overall I am happy with the iPhone and how it’s working for me but at times I do miss the Blackberry, especially when working with email. But that whole web thing on the iPhone, well, it’s just vastly superior.
Thanks, James. Glad to hear my experience with the iPhone coming from the BlackBerry is not unusual. Some commenters on the post seem to think I’m saying I prefer the BlackBerry over the iPhone. Not really true. I love the iPhone, there are just some things I’ll miss from the BlackBerry and it will take getting used to.
>>>Those looking for Judi or I to tell them that the Blackberry is better than the iPhone or vice versa will not get that advice
As they say, James: Actions speak louder than words! Heh-heh.
Get a flip phone works great
Undoubtedly the same going from WinMo to the iPhone. There are quite a few things I miss, most of all Slingplayer, but overall it’s a nicer experience, it’s supported while HTC phones really are not and those shortcomings will be addressed in time so…I…get used to it.
i have the 8820 and the old iphone and right now my iphone is gathering dust @_@
about this statement: “It is so nice to be able to follow threaded conversations that take place in text messages, something the Blackberry won’t do”
i dont get it.. my 8820 seems to thread my SMS’s maybe just not as much as the iphone. (the blackberry only threads 4 messages from me and 4 from my recipient so 8 in total while the iphone threads a LOT @_@)
I picked up a 3g but can only get my work email on the BB 8800. I also think the BB just works. The Iphone is a great web surfing mobile device, ebook reader, and audio device. I just think for now, the BB has it beat on simplicity for use at work if you are heavily dependent on email and over the air calendar or task syncing. I have been playing with mobile me as well and don’t think it’s a suitable replacement for exhange yet. All that being said, I’ll be carrying 2 devices for the foreseeable future. I wish I could just carry the Iphone, it’s cool factor is undisputable.
Once the Blackberry Thunder comes out that will be pretty close to the iPhone. Install a 16GB microSD card and you have as much as a 3G iPhone. James what you think of the BB Thunder release for Verizon maybe late September or October?
HG, I am really getting excited about both the Thunder and the Bold, both of which should be out later this year. I hope Verizon picks them both up.
However iPhone is nice in many aspects but it does not provide faster 3G service. In fact it is tough to switch from Blackberry to iPhone.
http://www.fommy.co.uk/blackberry-accessories.htm