I’ve heard technology orgasms from all corners of the internet about the new faster and cheaper iPhone 3G. There seem to be two types of people: Blackberry people and iPhone people. It’s become the Batman vs. Superman match-up of our generation. Who will prevail? Superman with his colorful presentation and flashy entrance or Batman with his practicality and… Qwerty keyboard?
I am a Blackberry girl. Now this could be because I’m a sloppy traditional Negative Nancy who abuses things. I’ll admit, at first glance the iPhone is sexy. Apple has always been top notch when it comes to creating something people will covet. The colors. The sleekness. Not to mention the hip and trendy commercials. You’re not just buying the iPhone. No no, you’re buying status with trendy Apple products. By buying an iPhone, you’ll have your finger on the pulse on all that is awesome, according to them.
I’ll even admit that their “packaging” and marketing of the iPhone makes part of me want it. There is a slight string of drool when I see Apple commercials.
Then I remember there are reasons why I think the whole concept of iPhone is ridiculous. A touch screen is my kryptonite. I can see the fingerprint smudges now. It’ll look more like a colorful drink coaster by the time I finish having my way with it. Not only that, but it’s easily breakable.
It doesn’t have a keyboard; it has an onscreen touch keyboard. I’ll redirect you to the preceding paragraph. In addition, I have pudgy fingers. Pudgy fingers plus a tiny onscreen keyboard… you do the math.
Another fun feature is that iPhone also doubles as your iPod! How innovative! So now, if I lose my iPhone, I’ll also be losing my music player. That’s convenient, isn’t it?
See, in a perfect world, Liz wouldn’t lose things. But this isn’t a perfect world. Gas is at upwards of $4.00 a gallon, children are still starving in Africa, and I lose things of great monetary value. Some people like the idea of having multiple gadgets consolidated into one Uber All Knowing Gadget. Not me. I like my things separate, so that way if I lose one thing, I don’t lose everything. The thought of putting my entire life into an itty bitty device is terrifying. (I know, this makes me sound like my mother.)
Also, I can mourn the loss of a sexy phone by listening to tragic tunes on my mp3 player… that I didn’t lose.
Another fun fact is the iPhone doesn’t have a removable battery. That’s right kids, you can’t replace your battery. You have to send your phone back to Apple. That means you don’t have your precious phone which “conveniently” doubles as your iPod. I shouldn’t be surprised, though. Apple products have always been something of a clusterfuck when it comes to their hardware. Steve Jobs is big on creating pretty streamlined objects, eschewing all practicality.
To further their exclusive image, no iPhones for CDMA users. Verizon, Alltel, Sprint, and the like are the fat kids not picked for dodgeball. And as for T-Mobile, who uses the same technology as AT&T? Apple just doesn’t like you.
Apple has always come across as a sexy well-packaged little cult, forcing its products on you. “Buying a Macbook? Here! Have a free iPod Touch!” I don’t want an iPod Touch. I wanted a computer. Just a computer! “And since you’re downloading iTunes, why don’t you go ahead and download Safari with it?” No! Patrick likes to call them the Scientologists of Technology. “You can only use Mac crap with other Mac crap, and it’s completely frustrating.” This is, however, a topic for another day.
So while all of you “cool kids” are fighting to get your dirty paws on the new iPhone, or are too busy fellating the iPhone you already have, I’ll be awaiting the release of the Blackberry Bold.
Why the Blackberry Bold? Other than the fact that it’s sexy and John Mayer-approved, it has a real keyboard. It has expandable memory. You can put a memory card in it and take out, without Apple getting involved. It has a camera with a flash. I can record video. I can send picture messages. Also, you can’t copy and paste in the iPhone. (Isn’t that like Computer Requirements 101?)
To wrap this up, I’m over the iPhone craze. I have made my choice. I choose Blackberry. I choose Batman.
44 Comments
June 10, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Yes! I am so glad the Blackberry is Batman.
June 10, 2008 at 10:07 pm
Honestly? I don’t want the iPhone either.
At all.
June 10, 2008 at 10:14 pm
I’ve got an iPod Touch and a Blackberry. I’m not sure where that leaves me in the whole super hero analogy. At any rate, great post! I enjoyed reading it. As for these great gadgets of technology goodness, I’d say Blackberry rules for productivity and iPhones rule for entertainment. It all depends on what you need.
June 10, 2008 at 10:44 pm
Yeah part of me is hesitant about the iPhone because I want a BB through work but so far that hasn’t happened. I did hear a collective techno orgasm though as the iPhone was released. It was a dream come true for some.
June 10, 2008 at 11:18 pm
I choose blackberry too! I don’t mind having two different gadgets for two different needs.
June 11, 2008 at 2:27 am
your reasoning is absurd. The keys on an Iphone are bigger then the blackberry keys. Also, if you lose your Iphone you will still have the music on your computer. Also how is viewing webpages on your blackberry.
I guess I am what you call more of a “superman” person.
June 11, 2008 at 3:31 am
Love. My. Blackberry. And Batman.
And everyone knows that Batman kicks Superman’s ass any day.
June 11, 2008 at 8:13 am
I can understand your love for the blackberry but many of the reason you put in the balance are out of logic to me:
1- the keyboard of the iphone is touch but is larger than the blackberry one and still leave you more screen than the original blackberry one.
2- you cut and paste is worthless on such small device where selecting and cutting text is harder that writing it again
3- touch screen is well made and difficult to break or at least you can brake the same way your bb
4- can you browse forums webmails and post on them with the bberry? I update also my blog thanks to my ipod touch
5- It’s sim locked but everyone knows that unlocking is easy as pushing one button and that’s legal to do
6- I know that you girls love to have bags full of many (often useless) things but please you really think it’s better to have 3 things or more (camera, mp3player, phone) than one single device???
And please don’t compare the boring blackberry to the great Batman (he’s cool and doesn’t have a keyboard)…
June 11, 2008 at 9:14 am
Well Verizon was approached first by Apple to carry the iPhone, but didn’t want to supply music and video via anything else other than VCast… and that’s working out SO well for them.
Also, Blackberries are Superman, really. They’re everywhere. Cool as iPhones are, companies are buying the Blackberry, not the iPhone (though with this new version, they may find it more useful). So the Blackberry is all flying around in the sun, you look around any major working part of the city and people have them.
The iPhone is more like Green Lantern, one device that can do most anything people have put their mind to. And if you look at the apps that were developed even without Apple’s permission, it’s one heck of a device. The only failing for me, so far, has been the Kool-Aid Steve’s been pouring that WiFi is readily accessible everywhere in the universe. The new version using 3G may make it more formidable in the wild.
But don’t get one, more for the rest of us!
June 11, 2008 at 10:10 am
Um…. what you say is true, but the web browsing alone has gone miles to increase my on-the-spot “fact-checking,” immediate need to read reviews after I’ve seen a movie, on-the-go research/newspaper reading/blog scanning while I’m waiting ANYwhere, let’s me translate a word on the spot, scour wikipedia, et cetera! It’s having “super”-human smarts in the palm of my hand! And the advantage of the ipod feature: Listening to music while expecting a phone call. When the call comes through, the music drops, the ringer increases, and I can talk through the same pods I use for listening, and when the call’s over, the music automatically restarts. Priceless!
June 11, 2008 at 10:42 am
wait, why is the Blackberry Batman? Batman is sexy, Superman is practical. I think BB should be Superman.
My contract with Verizon is up in July (the 10th) and the iPhone is released in July (the 11th). I was already planning to leave Verizon because of my lack of international use. My choice is between the Bold and the iPhone. I haven’t made a decision yet. I’m not a Mac-cultist (yet!) and the iPhone wouldn’t be my primary music player, so that part doesn’t bother me. I’ve tested the touchscreen and though I’ve got fat thumbs, texting is relatively easy.
The only thing that is stopping me about BB is the EXPENSIVE data plan. Why is it so much? I do like the bold though, and I don’t see the big deal about cut and paste… I can’t do that on my phone now.
So I’m just saying I haven’t made a decision yet, but I respect yours!
June 11, 2008 at 10:45 am
I want a BlackBerry too. Also, the new iPhone is cheaper but I read an article saying that the plan is $10 more per month and when you do the math with the required 2-year contract, you end up paying $40 MORE over two years for the new, cheaper iPhone. Tsk!
June 11, 2008 at 12:05 pm
avideditor: Her reasoning doesn’t seem absurd to me. There’s something to be said for a physical keyboard. Even if they keys are a bit smaller than the on screen representation an actual tactile key does wonders for typing. Also, the point wasn’t that you’d lose your music but that you’d lose your MP3 player.
Plus the availability of software for the blackberry operating system is staggering. iPhone? Not so much. Well, not at all from what I understand until the 3G is released.
Also, all the complaining about web browsing seems kind of silly. I use opera mini and can view any web page just as well as I can on my PC. And yes, you can browse forums and blog…and comment on blogs. Google Reader FTW!
(Google apps will rock you)
June 11, 2008 at 12:18 pm
@Mike; Get a Flip video (the wonder woman of the gadget world) and you’ll have the Justice League!?
As for myself, I’m definitely a scientologist, although not rabid about converting others. Macs are the BMWs of the computer world. Windows, like a Ford, works fine, but there’s nothing sexy about it; or more importantly, fun. But damn it, I also know in my heart of hearts that Batman beats Superman any day. I cannot refute your metaphor. So I’m selling my iPod touch and getting a Blackberry. This sucks.
(P.S. I lose crap just as much as you, believe me. That’s why I wear my ipod as a watch.)
June 11, 2008 at 12:21 pm
I want the blackberry.
June 11, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Holy snowballs!
Love this article. I’ve had the full run of PDA phones (Palms, Q, and now BB 8800). Have friends that have the iPhone, and it takes them 10 minutes to reply to messages.
I like Mac products, but I don’t drink the kool-aid. For a company that tries to push this anti-establishment, they’re awfully cultish.
Be unique. Use a Mac… like everyone else.
I’ll keep my blackberry.
June 11, 2008 at 12:31 pm
My Blackberry contract runs out next month.
I’m an Apple devotee but I’ve held back from the iPhone because I had come to a good working flow with my Blackberry and it didn’t seem like the iPhone would do what I needed. I also have some issues with AT&T’s corporate record and behavior, and have received good customer service from T-Mobile that I didn’t want to leave behind.
Then the faster and (upfront) cheaper 3G was announced and I started to waver.
However, I think I’ll assuage my craving and just get a new iPod touch, and just upgrade my Blackberry and renew with T-Mobile.
(and I too have pudgy fingers)
June 11, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Liz:
So good to find you. Looks like we’re sympatico on many scores (check out my Sixteenth Minute sports blog - and my Leather District Gourmet food blog ) my dilemma right now is the decision about the next PDA - My Tungsten is obsolete (though I loved it) and Palm is obviously going belly-up so no sense signing on with anything more from them.
So that brings me to the Blackberry vs. Iphone question. I’ve been shocked that my husband’s “Jesus” phone can take such fab photos, yet he cannot open photos I send him from my good old Razr.
I have a hard time with the touch screen but am thinking that is over-come-able…
Leaning toward the Iphone but will track this post and the comments. Thanks for weighing in on a timely topic!
Jacqueline
The Leather District Gourmet
PS I also have been waiting for an all in one that will fit into a nice little evening bag and still leave room for lipstick.
June 11, 2008 at 1:45 pm
If you like so much the iphone idea don’t get an ipod touch and another phone. I’ve done so because of the lack of 3g on Iphone and now i’ve an ipod touch and next month I’m going to get the new iphone so i’d have to sell the touch (too much
June 11, 2008 at 1:57 pm
I have a Blackberry and proverbial fat kid(Verizon subscriber). I also have an Ipod. Classic as they call it, I call it old. I like my music separate from my phone. While I find the Itouch sleek, the potential for fingerprints as well as a difficult battery replacement process makes me happy with my choice. Blackberry has done some wonderful things with the Curve making it almost as sleek.
June 11, 2008 at 2:18 pm
I simply hate AT&T therefore, will not use their service or products. I too hate that touch screen, the finger prints make me nuts.
But I have to agree, Batman is WAY sexier than Superman. Oh, gotta go, I just………darn it where the hell is my Blackberry!
June 11, 2008 at 2:18 pm
I had the iPhone and sold it to a friend after just one month. I bought a Blackberry Curve a few months ago and I really don’t know how I ever lived without it.
June 11, 2008 at 2:24 pm
[...] in nerditudine what liz said vs. iphone 3g: la verità per i comuni mortali (inquietante, sono d’accordo su tutto). « il nuovo [...]
June 11, 2008 at 2:30 pm
I have a blackberry pearl from AT&T/Cingular. i love the blackberry pearl and i love all the blackberrys!!!! but out of all them i love the blackberry pearl!!!! GO BLACKBERRYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
June 11, 2008 at 2:33 pm
This is a good post. Ironic because I just posted the same question on HowardForums two days ago.
http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?p=11182982#post11182982
I agree with you. Like one of the guys earlier, I think I will probably just stay with BB, and get an ipod touch from someone desperate to sell.
June 11, 2008 at 2:36 pm
The Blackberry is a great one trick pony. It does email real well and corporate IT likes it but beyond email, RIM has really not bothered to do much else. The great thing about the iPhone and Apple is you can go to a store and play with a live working iPhone for as long as you want to see if it’s what you want. The main great thing about the iPhone is you don’t have to learn anything - just press a button. And even if you’re eating some fried chicken, there are barely any fingerprints - it’s an amazing screen that works in bright sunlight. The internet is flat out the coolest feature even on EDGE. Pages load fast and look amazing - zoom and scroll with your finger - yea, most technoogy hypes too much but the iPhone works as advertised and the first time you decide you want pizza, type it into maps with the city and a dozen pins comes up, you press on one, it brings up the PHONE NUMBER, tap on the screen and it calls them … is it for everyone, no … if you don’t need to surf the web, if you don’t need to properly sync a calendar or an address book, if you don’t need to watch or rent Tv shows or movies, listen to music - then yea, a simple Blackberry will do the trick for sending emails and answering calls but if you want more from a device that costs now exactly the same, the Blackberry is Alfred (a good guy) and the iPhone is Batman (everything on the utility belt).
June 11, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Liz, Liz, Liz,
Perfect topic. This is one of those PC v Mac following, the truth is each have their own cult following. I am one of those too and I agree with you, you gotta love the ads, the packaging and even the looks, but I am a Blackberry “billionaire” all the way and a PC enthusit as well. So Apple, keep doing what you are doing, but remember like the OX said to Vista “You can’t conquer the world!”
June 11, 2008 at 2:45 pm
jbelkin: Everything you just described to be exclusive to the iPhone is not exclusive to the iPhone. I can do everything you mentioned on my Blackberry with just as much ease and without any of the negatives commonly associated with the iPhone. The Blackberry isn’t a one trick pony. It’s more like a super pony with a rocket launcher and turbo boosters. =)
June 11, 2008 at 3:14 pm
I’m definitely linking this on Must Love Geek.
June 11, 2008 at 3:35 pm
I don’t like the iPhone being Superman either. I have had it for about a year now and I like it and I like Batman too. So I really don’t know what to say other than both my iPhone and Batman are cool.
June 11, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Wow, even after all my iPhone lusting, I think you just completely sold me on Blackberry. Impressive!
June 11, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Totally worthit reading this by chance to rest from work.
You are totally right about Mac things. I bought an iPod and I totally regreted losing its “shirt”, which prevented it from skretchings. I lost the damn thing God knows where, and now my 1st generation iPod nano, which has a lil more than one year, looks older, looks - in your terms - abused.
Design is the trick for Apple. The designs of theirs is just… irresistable. Even the package box, you feel like keeping it and showing it to your grandchidren.
My friend has an iPhone, it’s gorgeous and all that jazz. I even thought (for a sec) about buying the cheaper version of it.
But my Sony Ericsson is the only one here in Brazil with Taiwanese language. Mwahaha. I bet you can download asian idioms with a Blackberry.
June 11, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Gosh…. I would love to leave a long descript comment but I can’t. I purchased an iPhone but had to return it the very next day because I DIDN’T WORK!
June 11, 2008 at 4:28 pm
I love my MacBook but I don’t get what’s so fascinating about the iPhone. Batman all the way!
June 11, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Thank you for this post! I’ve been researching both and was having a hard time deciding what would work better for my needs.
I think I’m siding with Batman/Blackberry crowd on this one. I still kind of want an Ipod Touch, though.
And I totally agree that I don’t want to lose my music and my phone (I would have nothing to console myself!!) This is why ladies carry purses
to carry all our stuff.
June 11, 2008 at 4:56 pm
I tried an iPhone for about a week, and there is no way in hell I missed that many keys when typing. I think it just knew I was partial to the Blackberry and it hated me for it.
June 11, 2008 at 7:04 pm
Umm, you have to check out this guy’s pictures and review of the iPhone 3G. Hilarious.
http://eugenecho.wordpress.com/2008/06/10/exclusive-photos-review-prototype-iphone-3/
June 11, 2008 at 8:44 pm
[...] there are those who like to keep their gadgets separate, I’m the exact opposite. I travel light and when it comes down to having to take an mp3 [...]
June 11, 2008 at 8:57 pm
no problem! you actually make some very good points
June 13, 2008 at 9:39 pm
[...] whatlizsaid.com/2008/06/10/iphone-vs-blackberry/ [...]
June 13, 2008 at 11:32 pm
I’m a Batman girl myself!…good choice
June 18, 2008 at 8:00 pm
june18.2008
best comparison i came across.. kryptonite.. ?!!
June 19, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Blackberry all the way. That just goes with my theory of the world split by Mac v. PC users based on their thought processes. (yes, I did come up with a theory. yes, I am a total geek. But I’m still awesome! i swears!)
I’m definitely all for the multiple devices. I abuse electronics when drinking - especially my cell. I drop it, throw it, lose it… I’d hate to have that combined with my music player.
ps - love that blackberry is Batman
July 9, 2008 at 4:59 pm
[...] Christian Bale as Batman, Blackberry is nerdy Superman who gets the job done. [Discussion from What Liz Said, [...]
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