Should you get the new BlackBerry Z10?
With the official launch of RIM, er,
BlackBerry's new operating system, many people have been wondering
whether they should get a phone running the new BB10 operating
system.
The answer is yes. And no.
There's a lot to consider and the answer isn't a black and white one. But this should help you make a decision.
But first, know this: Forget about the Q10. The keyboard/touchscreen hybrid phone won't be available for at least a couple months, and really – you're short changing yourself with a small screen. There's a reason iPhones and Galaxy SIIIs sell like hotcakes, and it's not because either phone has a physical keypad.
Should you upgrade if...?
You have a BlackBerry phone sold before Feb. 5:
Yes. Stop reading this and place your order right now. Pay whatever the penalty is to get out of your contract and upgrade your device.
If your BlackBerry is anything but the new phone running BB10, and you like your BBM and handheld device security, then yes of course, you should definitely upgrade to the Z10.
There's a good chance you might not even think the BlackBerry World ecosystem is limited with more than 70,000 apps – more than any other mobile operating system at launch.
You probably don't really care about app selection either if you're still using a BlackBerry Bold, so it's not like you'll think the new BB10 app selection is small.
Sure, using a large 4.2-inch might seem overwhelming. But then again, the internal combustion engine was a significant upgrade from the horse-drawn carriage.
If you don't like Android because everything is too open – from the apps to the layout to the fragmented hardware, then yes - consider it.
BB10 is pretty consistent and predictable once you get the hang of it (and get over a 15-minute learning curve).
But if you're running a cheapo $0 Android phone and don't use Gmail, don't throw in the towel yet. Get a fast, slick phone – perhaps the LG Optimus G or Nexus 4 – and enjoy everything that Google has to offer. And the iPhone is a good option too.
One thing that Google does really well is keep everything in the cloud – and BB10 is missing out on that. While some will argue that there are privacy issues with using services like Google Maps and Gmail, life is easier with the help of Android. Stick with it.
You're a business type who has an iPhone and just use it for Angry Birds, email and Facebook.
I'm talking about the users who ditched their old BlackBerry for something they could get apps on, except they don't really make use of the iPhone's full potential. This is the equivalent of buying a Land Rover only to drive it through stop-and-go traffic to work.
Don't ditch your Apple phone for the Z10 – but consider it if you had a BlackBerry before.
BlackBerry Hub is a great one-stop spot for organizing your email, social media and calendar updates.
You have an iPhone with more than two screens of apps:
There's a reason you have an Apple iPhone – and that's because you just want everything to work. And speaking of work, you're not all about it. You want to have fun too.
While there is a selection of apps available for the BB10 ecosystem, it's just hitting puberty.
With hundreds of thousands of apps, the Apple App Store has a buffet of offerings – and many of those apps have hit maturity.
Sure, the screen isn't the biggest, but you can snap awesome low-light photos with a camera that has the same number of megapixels as both the Z10 and the Galaxy SIII – 8.
The iPhone 5 is still at the front of the race, but the Z10 puts BlackBerry on the track.
Are you impressed by the BlackBerry Z10 running BB10?
- Maurice Cacho, MSN Tech & Gadgets
Comments
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Posted by: Diane Anderson | Jan 31, 2013 9:26:09 AM
Hi,
Yes, I will get the BB10, I have a "Curve" right now and I was told that the BB10 will be larger than my Curve, so, goes to reason and probably has more fonctions than my old friend by now...I'm ready, just waiting for them to come to town...
DA
Posted by: TeeRoy | Jan 31, 2013 9:34:20 AM
Definitely a step in the right direction, but there was a marked lack of enthusiasm from their audience. This has something to do with three things. First, there were a few things they didn't mention because the features are poor or non-existant. Second, this IS only the launch, so the awesome stuff everyone wanted will be coming, but they'll have to wait. Third, people don't really care anymore. The customers go by hype (Which is STILL that Blackberry is a dead technology. When I try to talk to these people, they put their blinders on and refuse to listen.), and also due to the fact that they don't care. If Blackberry dies, there's still Apple and Android. If one of them goes, there's still a choice. The same thing happened when the Automakers 'went under'. Not too many people really cared, since lots of other companies make cars...
So long as they get their 'stuff'.
I don't agree with the article's 'if you have a Blackberry now, ditch it IMMEDIATELY' mentality. I get tired of repeating myself, but the core of their market share are business people who are uninterested in these devices other than those functions. Most of them can use technology, but are still a bit afraid of it, and have little aptitude for learning. Even BB10s 'everything on a platter' will seem a bit overwhelming to them.
At first. This is changing, albeit slowly. Give it until the Fall...
Posted by: Canadian | Jan 31, 2013 10:20:43 AM
Yesterday, it was a joke: Name change (who care), Alicia Keys (who care), no products until March (that was the kicker)! Wow... Another delay.... RIM or BlackBerry better re announce this morning that "US" will have BB10 on the shelf within 10 days. 5 days after Canada. For most comsumers, they don't see they don't buy! IPhone is on the shelf that one they can see that mean they will buy! No one want to put order in and wait for 60 days +. You must be joking. LOL
Posted by: Cathie | Jan 31, 2013 10:52:37 AM
Canadians are always complaining about the lack of "Made in Canada" products. Lets remember Blackberry is CANADIAN. Get off the negative band wagon and start supporting an amazing Canadian company.
Posted by: Scott Wilson | Jan 31, 2013 11:01:29 AM
I am a business man who needs a phone that I can run my business soft ware on and I use the camera and marry the two with voice text to creat the document I need for my clients and then e-mial reports on the fly while I get on my way to the next appointment. Currently happy with the Samaung S III don't really see a need to switch when I have already invested in what works. Someone in the corporate world or Government let us know what your doing. The share price dropped 30% from yesterday and if all the current BB users get on board then it would be a good time to get in on the RIM or BB stock and go for the ride. Time will tell give it a six month to a year for people to react.
Posted by: Darall Snyder | Jan 31, 2013 11:07:03 AM
I agree with Canadian, many many people you see will go to a cell phone store and buy on impulse. if the iphone is there and the BB10 is not which one do you think they will walk out with. the other thing that I see BB could do to help themselves is to get out of this protectionist mode and start making the BB10 more compatible and make it more apps available across the operating system. does it have hotspot capability, does it have a supplier that can provide custom covers (bling is big). Music apps, maps, sirius radio?? this all things will make this phone one stop for all users. Good luck guys and I will be ordering mine.
Posted by: dave | Jan 31, 2013 4:00:18 PM
Having 70,000 apps is very misleading. I have a blackberry curve, and can barely find one weather app for canada. My son has a I-Phone 5, and there are multitudes of cool weather apps...my playbook has hardly any useable apps, and I find that all these apps are for other countries, different languages they are counting, and extremely low quality... unfortunately they missed the market, and I-Phone is years ahead in app availability....I stick with my blackberry soley because of the keyboard I love. I do alot of business, and cannot punch glass. don't have time for kids games working.Like a typewriter, i know the keys without looking, impossible with I-phone. So if either I-phone gets a keyboard, or BB10 gets alot better apps, I will make the change.
Posted by: BB10 | Feb 1, 2013 12:58:39 AM
From my understanding, the phones will be available in Canada Feb. 5th. I think I can hold off till Tuesday to see if they appear in a Rogers store.
For those complaining about an American release, you are not thinking locigically. Canada is a massive country with a intsy bitsy population. Just under 35 Million people vs 315 million. Where would you choose to release first?
From all that I have read about them, If it's Tuesday or 6 Tuesday's from now, The Blackberry Z10 will be in my pocket.