As content creators, we tend to assume that consumers will always adapt to a good idea. However, that doesn’t happen. We need to enable customers to reach and interact with content by providing them with simple working solutions.
Therefore, we’re starting a Digital Bits section on this blog — a category that explores digital technology and it’s effectiveness. In this first section, we’re going to focus on cellular phones and start off by comparing the Apple iPhone 3GS and the BlackBerry (8900/9630).
Apple iPhone 3GS:
The first iPhone was announced on 6/29/2007, and initially, it was a fairly expensive device that required no contracts. So, a consumer could go to a store, buy a device, and not commit to a carrier agreement. Despite it’s unsubsidized price, the device sold well. Apple has since then released the iPhone 3G and the iPhone 3GS.
Compared to most other cellular devices, the iPhone succeeds at 4 things: a) simplicity b) media capabilities c) a real browse and d) fun.
However, compared to nearly every other device, the iPhone lacks in reliable data connectivity. Searching for ‘iPhone problems,’ will result in hundreds of thousands of results. Most of these are related to dropped calls and a poor data network. Many people are quick to blame AT&T. However, is it entirely AT&Ts fault? I don’t think so. I know individuals that use BlackBerry devices on the AT&T network and they have no problems with connectivity.
Many people have been hoping that the iPhone would be available on the Verizon network. However, that is unlikely to happen. Verizon and Sprint use a CDMA network. Most other networks in the world are GSM, including AT&T and T-Mobile.
BlackBerry 8900/9630:
BlackBerrys have been used by businesses for more than a decade. Spanning a range of options, they were once the de-facto business communication devices. However, there are still serious shortcomings, especially when compared with the iPhone.
After using the iPhone for more than a year and then returning to the BlackBerry 9630, the one factor that I miss the most is the ‘fun’ factor. The iPhone, especially with the launch of the App Store, is a fantastic device. It offers entertainment and business applications for multiple industries. However, the BlackBerry devices lack this and their attempt of launching an App Store have been mediocre at best. Furthermore, after going through numerous technical support calls with T-Mobile (BlackBerry 8900), I was informed multiple times that the App Store should be un-installed and removed from the device, as it eats up battery and considerably slows down the device.
Apart from available applications, BlackBerry devices also rely on an intermediate service — the BlackBerry Internet Service (BIS) or the BlackBerry Enterprise Service (BES). If either of these services fail, then email becomes unusable. In my recent experience, this has happened atleast once a month.
As I’ve gone through BlackBerry phones, the company has certainly improved it’s media capabilities. The most recent devices have excellent audio and video quality that can be compared with the iPhone. On the other hand, the browser still needs considerable improvement.
Conclusion:
At this point, if you need a reliable device, the iPhone is not the answer. As a phone, it’s terrible. As an internet device, it’s fantastic. If you need a great phone and a mediocre browsing experience, check out the latest BlackBerry devices.
