More epic than the rivalry between the Red Sox and the Yankees, Seinfeld and Newman or even Batman and the Joker is that between the BlackBerry and the iPhone.
I, a loyal and long-time BlackBerry user, find myself torn between these two gadgets as my AT&T contact comes up for renewal.
I can’t seem to find a clear consensus among friends as to each one is superior — everyone is committed to their gadget of choice — so I turned to the all-knowing Internet for some guidance.
Among the better comparison articles I found on the topic was on Wired.com.
Among the highlights:
In terms of applications:
“I’ve not been impressed by the application selection the Blackberry offers. While there are some free applications, most are second rate at best and the selection of pay applications isn’t nearly as robust as it should be. The Blackberry App Store is like a pawn shop that only sells used 8-track players.
…
Application development on the iPhone has been one of the highlights of the device since its inception. Developers are encouraged to design and sell their own applications, and there are thousands of applications available in the iPhone App Store. Even though there are several hundred useless applications, there are hundreds more to make life easier in the palm of your hand.”
In terms of physical attributes:
“The touchscreen and motion sensibility on the iPhone is unmatched by any other touchscreen devices. Bump to exchange contact information, play games by tilting the phone, zoom in with a finger slide motion. It’s simply amazing technology and even the touchscreen Blackberry Storm doesn’t come close. But you still wouldn’t want to drop an iPhone more than once.
…
Even if it gets run over by a truck the Blackberry still holds its form, avoids cracks and doesn’t lose a key. The Blackberry, built for business and travel, is a durable and strong phone.”
In terms of gaming:
“Playing games on the iPhone is a fantastic and handy experience, especially multiplayer games. “
In terms of functionality:
“Companies run Blackberry server products. From the connectivity to Microsoft Exchange server and the ease of mobile e-mail, the Blackberry is far superior to the iPhone.
…
The iPhone has more storage, a faster CPU and more RAM. … As I’ve witnessed at work, the iPhone is the anti-productivity phone.
…
Recently, the iPhone became compatible with Exchange Server, which was a huge step toward integrating with business.”
The writer’s conclusion … a tie?
“The bottom line is, we’re geeks. Geeks like awesome tech toys and the iPhone is certainly that. From its gaming to its thousands of unique and specific applications, it’s a device that every geek wants to carry even if they already have a Blackberry.”
And you know what? I agree. We are all geeks. However, with that said, I think I will eventually give in and purchase an iPhone and abandon my beloved BlackBerry.
And here’s why:
- Superior video and photo capabilities
- Ability to surf the real Internet, as opposed to the mobile net
- Access to tens of thousands of spectacular and practical applications
- Ability to remotely erase data if phone is lost or stolen
- Fewer keystrokes
- Easier data entry through a variety of techniques
- Ability to store and listen to music
Though with that said, there are things I fear about the iPhone, including:
- Including having to type on a screen, rather than keys
- Horror stories concerning battery life
- Limited third-party support
- Loss of MMS capabilities
- Only being to use one application at a time
- Durability of the iPhone screen
- Speaker phone is less than adequate
- Inability to save documents
