New phone time G1 vs blackberry curve 8900 - Blu-ray Forum

sjbluray · 02-26-2009, 07:30 AM

First off, I hope I can chat with all about cell phones, if not, I am sure I will hear from a Mod or my thread gets locked.

Anyway, I am on T-mobile, they have been good to me and I am using a blackberry pearl 8100. Its okay but its time to move on. I am looking at the HTC G1 or the blackberry Curve 8900. Basicly about the same but I have heard issues with the Blackberrys track ball and I am on my second pearl because the track ball on my first one failed and not only that RIM said it was my fault and the woman on the phone had a thick accent and I could not understand her and the end result was me paying 150 bucks for a new blackberry. So needless to say, I am still ticked off at RIM about that.

The G1 Looks really good, but I have heard problems with the battery life like it only last a couple hours!?

and the POP3 email accounts are a bit messed up.

Still it comes down to these two phones. The G1 looks to have a bigger screen and it is open source so that means lots off applications and many are free.

Anyone have either a G1 or blackberry curve 8900 on t-mobile?

DC_Street · 02-26-2009, 11:50 AM

any other phone in the world > any blackberry

Blackberrys are complete garbage, horrible phones, completely unreliable. I have about 34 users at one of my clients and their phones are always breaking or the BB server is crashing...well actually at all of the clients I go to that have BBs complain about them going down ALL the time. There is no rhyme or reason for them breaking or randomly becoming corrupted. One of the clients is subscribed to the Tech support line (close to $2k a year) and you have to spend a minimum of a hour on the phone to get anywhere with them. I spent literally and yes literally 8 hours on the phone with BB support one time and they for the life of them could not find a resolution as to why their software stopped working on one of our servers and at the very end told me to do Windows Updates and hung up on me.

go with the G1!!!

SHines-IT · 02-26-2009, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DC_Street

any other phone in the world > any blackberry

Blackberrys are complete garbage, horrible phones, completely unreliable. I have about 34 users at one of my clients and their phones are always breaking or the BB server is crashing...well actually at all of the clients I go to that have BBs complain about them going down ALL the time. There is no rhyme or reason for them breaking or randomly becoming corrupted. One of the clients is subscribed to the Tech support line (close to $2k a year) and you have to spend a minimum of a hour on the phone to get anywhere with them. I spent literally and yes literally 8 hours on the phone with BB support one time and they for the life of them could not find a resolution as to why their software stopped working on one of our servers and at the very end told me to do Windows Updates and hung up on me.

go with the G1!!!

I am finding some holes in there... But none the less go with BlackBerry 8900 if you need E-Mail. Also you can replace the trackball your self for under $10.

DC_Street · 02-26-2009, 12:44 PM

what holes? I'm an IT Consultant that works for several different firms. Almost everyone of them use BlackBerrys and they all complain about them.

fatediesel · 02-26-2009, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DC_Street

what holes? I'm an IT Consultant that works for several different firms. Almost everyone of them use BlackBerrys and they all complain about them.

My roommate used to work for a cellphone company and virtually all his business customers used Blackberries. Most of the people that switched from Blackberries to HTC or the Motorola Q switched back to Blackberries. We have been using Blackberries at my company for about 3 months after not having smartphones. Nobody is having problems and everyone seems to love them.
Blackberry has by far the best email service, and next to the Iphone it has the best apps. I have never used the G1 but I have a Curve and have been very happy.

DC_Street · 02-26-2009, 01:57 PM

lucky you, I wish I could be so fortunate with BB's at the clients. The company I work for is only using WM devices, never had any problems with them and the sync is wonderful and very fast.

CrystalLake · 02-26-2009, 02:14 PM

Let me just say from experience of owning both. To this day, I swear by my BlackBerry Curve.

Ive had a few T-mobile exclusive Smart Phones, the Sidekick (3 and LX), and the G1. The T-mo Shadow and the G1 were probably the worst phones Ive owned to date, which I rank BELOW the basic phones (Razr, Blast, etc.). Both Smart Phones locked up often, automatically shut off - and when turned back on, it resulted in no My Favs, and no saved text messages. I had to go through and import all my contacts from my SIM card each time, just to have an address book. Both Smart Phones also slowed down, and had to "load" when changing apps. The web was slow on both and to a point where it seemed pointless to get online on each of them.

Then a friend recommended the BlackBerry Curve. Ive had it for a few months now, and each problem I stated before with the Smart Phones went out the window. Ive never had one single problem (yet) with the Curve - knock on wood. Sidekicks were the same way - but a bit too bulky. So kudos to the BlackBerry Curve and Sidekicks.

sjbluray · 02-26-2009, 09:49 PM

Thanks for everyones thoughts

... it did not help though as I still can't decide and when I went for a visit to t-mobile I seen another phone, the samsung behold and I am looking into that. The G1s battery life irks me, the trackball in the blackberry (and the way RIM treated me) irks me so I am looking at the behold right now, but I suppose there are going to be trade offs for everything

BStecke · 02-26-2009, 10:00 PM

Each have their purpose . . . I wouldn't listen to the tirade about Blackberrys being the "worst phones ever." Far from it. Blackberry is probably the most reliable brand of phone I've ever dealt with.

I could also provide a laundry list of phones that are far worse than the G1, and after having one for a few weeks and dealing with literally hundreds of customers that have one, the above complaints seem way out of proportion.

But I digress. It really depends on what you're using the phone for. If you want a phone that is very capable on the web, go with the G1. If you're more interested in email, go with the Blackberry. The G1, as of now, does not support Exchange email out of the box. There are a couple of applications that provide Exchange support, but they're not free. But, if you're just getting personal email, the G1 is more than capable.

Both phones offer a degree of customization, but right now there are a lot more third party applications for the G1. Blackberry will be opening a market of their own in the near future.

The battery on the G1 isn't great. Mine lasts a day, day and a half where my Curve would last me two days. But, I'm using the web a lot more on the G1. There are extended life batteries available for it if you end up needing them, and there's a rumor going around that T-Mobile will be offering a replacement, higher capacity battery via an exchange program.

The 8900 is a really nice phone, but overall I would say the G1 is more multipurpose. The Blackberry web browser is ok, but after using an iPhone and now the G1 I really hate navigating the web without a touch screen, plus the web browser on the iPhone/G1 is a lot more user friendly. Plus, after getting used to the touch screen and easy navigation, rolling around the trackball to scroll through two or three separate menus seems like it takes forever.

PS: The Behold pales in comparison to either of the other phones you're looking at. It's basically a regular phone with a touchscreen and a good camera. The touch screen is different than the G1, and to me feels horrible, like you have to muscle the thing just to get it to move.

fatediesel · 02-26-2009, 10:04 PM

Bstecke, how much time do you spending online or on calls in a day? I charge my Curve about every 5 days but could easily go a week if needed. You must use yours a lot more than me. I will agree the internet on the Curve is nowhere near as good as the Iphone.

BStecke · 02-26-2009, 10:08 PM

I probably send 40-50 texts a day, not too many calls, but I used the web browser quite a bit. I also kept the WiFi on for the reception, which drains it a bit more.

sjbluray · 02-26-2009, 10:45 PM

On average I would say I would be on the internet probably around 30min a day. Say I make around 6 calls around 4 min each (average) a day and perhaps would be sending text messages, probably up to maybe 50 in and out on average.

My emails are comcast and yahoo, both are pop3 I guess between the accounts I would get maybe 20 messages in and I rarely send out emails unless I have to.

google maps looks like a really nice feature, I have not looked into GPS yet. I suppose I could always get a car charger and keep a spare battery at work or in the car.

sjbluray · 02-27-2009, 12:16 AM

Well, if anyone is interested, I went for the G1, if nothing else I got 14 days to decide for sure. Just hope the phone works in my house and at work and the battery will last at least 10-12 hours with my activity. I will be turning off a few things though like wi-fi and 3G

EDIT. I also found out I can just pull the sim card from my blackberry pearl and stick it in the G1, so that does allow me to carry my blackberry (shut off) for emergency use, though I lost the data coverage on it and I am now on the lowercase edge.

PH3AR · 02-27-2009, 12:20 AM

go wit the Blackberry mine never disappointed yet!

sjbluray · 02-27-2009, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P|-|3@R

go wit the Blackberry mine never disappointed yet!

Mine has

Thats why I looked elsewere

SHines-IT · 02-27-2009, 03:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sjbluray

Mine has

Thats why I looked elsewere

The trackball just needs to be cleaned once and a while, like anything else. Little maintenance and it's golden. If not, you can replace the ball for under $10 and I am pretty sure it would not void the warranty.

alomar · 02-27-2009, 05:12 AM

Im picking up the G1 in a couple weeks myself. Thought about going to a blackberry for me the G1 is more functional. And as someone else said, the Behold caught my eye first but its a normal phone with touchscreen, nothing special.

02-26-2009, 07:30 AM	#1
sjbluray Active Member Member since:May 2008	New phone time G1 vs blackberry curve 8900 First off, I hope I can chat with all about cell phones, if not, I am sure I will hear from a Mod or my thread gets locked. Anyway, I am on T-mobile, they have been good to me and I am using a blackberry pearl 8100. Its okay but its time to move on. I am looking at the HTC G1 or the blackberry Curve 8900. Basicly about the same but I have heard issues with the Blackberrys track ball and I am on my second pearl because the track ball on my first one failed and not only that RIM said it was my fault and the woman on the phone had a thick accent and I could not understand her and the end result was me paying 150 bucks for a new blackberry. So needless to say, I am still ticked off at RIM about that. The G1 Looks really good, but I have heard problems with the battery life like it only last a couple hours!? and the POP3 email accounts are a bit messed up. Still it comes down to these two phones. The G1 looks to have a bigger screen and it is open source so that means lots off applications and many are free. Anyone have either a G1 or blackberry curve 8900 on t-mobile?

02-26-2009, 10:00 PM	#9
BStecke Blu-ray Knight Member since:Jun 2007 4K collection:182 Blu-ray collection:567 DVD collection:1 Digital collection:1 iTunes collection:1 Blu-ray reviews: 1 Trading Score:6	Each have their purpose . . . I wouldn't listen to the tirade about Blackberrys being the "worst phones ever." Far from it. Blackberry is probably the most reliable brand of phone I've ever dealt with. I could also provide a laundry list of phones that are far worse than the G1, and after having one for a few weeks and dealing with literally hundreds of customers that have one, the above complaints seem way out of proportion. But I digress. It really depends on what you're using the phone for. If you want a phone that is very capable on the web, go with the G1. If you're more interested in email, go with the Blackberry. The G1, as of now, does not support Exchange email out of the box. There are a couple of applications that provide Exchange support, but they're not free. But, if you're just getting personal email, the G1 is more than capable. Both phones offer a degree of customization, but right now there are a lot more third party applications for the G1. Blackberry will be opening a market of their own in the near future. The battery on the G1 isn't great. Mine lasts a day, day and a half where my Curve would last me two days. But, I'm using the web a lot more on the G1. There are extended life batteries available for it if you end up needing them, and there's a rumor going around that T-Mobile will be offering a replacement, higher capacity battery via an exchange program. The 8900 is a really nice phone, but overall I would say the G1 is more multipurpose. The Blackberry web browser is ok, but after using an iPhone and now the G1 I really hate navigating the web without a touch screen, plus the web browser on the iPhone/G1 is a lot more user friendly. Plus, after getting used to the touch screen and easy navigation, rolling around the trackball to scroll through two or three separate menus seems like it takes forever. PS: The Behold pales in comparison to either of the other phones you're looking at. It's basically a regular phone with a touchscreen and a good camera. The touch screen is different than the G1, and to me feels horrible, like you have to muscle the thing just to get it to move. Last edited by BStecke; 02-26-2009 at 10:03 PM.

02-27-2009, 12:16 AM	#13
sjbluray Active Member Member since:May 2008	Well, if anyone is interested, I went for the G1, if nothing else I got 14 days to decide for sure. Just hope the phone works in my house and at work and the battery will last at least 10-12 hours with my activity. I will be turning off a few things though like wi-fi and 3G EDIT. I also found out I can just pull the sim card from my blackberry pearl and stick it in the G1, so that does allow me to carry my blackberry (shut off) for emergency use, though I lost the data coverage on it and I am now on the lowercase edge. Last edited by sjbluray; 02-27-2009 at 12:20 AM.

02-26-2009, 11:50 AM	#2
DC_Street Power Member Member since:Feb 2008 Location:Denver, CO Blu-ray collection:142 Trading Score:43	any other phone in the world > any blackberry Blackberrys are complete garbage, horrible phones, completely unreliable. I have about 34 users at one of my clients and their phones are always breaking or the BB server is crashing...well actually at all of the clients I go to that have BBs complain about them going down ALL the time. There is no rhyme or reason for them breaking or randomly becoming corrupted. One of the clients is subscribed to the Tech support line (close to $2k a year) and you have to spend a minimum of a hour on the phone to get anywhere with them. I spent literally and yes literally 8 hours on the phone with BB support one time and they for the life of them could not find a resolution as to why their software stopped working on one of our servers and at the very end told me to do Windows Updates and hung up on me. go with the G1!!!

02-26-2009, 12:44 PM	#4
DC_Street Power Member Member since:Feb 2008 Location:Denver, CO Blu-ray collection:142 Trading Score:43	what holes? I'm an IT Consultant that works for several different firms. Almost everyone of them use BlackBerrys and they all complain about them.

02-26-2009, 01:57 PM	#6
DC_Street Power Member Member since:Feb 2008 Location:Denver, CO Blu-ray collection:142 Trading Score:43	lucky you, I wish I could be so fortunate with BB's at the clients. The company I work for is only using WM devices, never had any problems with them and the sync is wonderful and very fast.

02-26-2009, 02:14 PM	#7
CrystalLake Senior Member Member since:Feb 2009 Location:Canton, OH Blu-ray collection:162 Trading Score:17	Let me just say from experience of owning both. To this day, I swear by my BlackBerry Curve. Ive had a few T-mobile exclusive Smart Phones, the Sidekick (3 and LX), and the G1. The T-mo Shadow and the G1 were probably the worst phones Ive owned to date, which I rank BELOW the basic phones (Razr, Blast, etc.). Both Smart Phones locked up often, automatically shut off - and when turned back on, it resulted in no My Favs, and no saved text messages. I had to go through and import all my contacts from my SIM card each time, just to have an address book. Both Smart Phones also slowed down, and had to "load" when changing apps. The web was slow on both and to a point where it seemed pointless to get online on each of them. Then a friend recommended the BlackBerry Curve. Ive had it for a few months now, and each problem I stated before with the Smart Phones went out the window. Ive never had one single problem (yet) with the Curve - knock on wood. Sidekicks were the same way - but a bit too bulky. So kudos to the BlackBerry Curve and Sidekicks.

02-26-2009, 09:49 PM	#8
sjbluray Active Member Member since:May 2008	Thanks for everyones thoughts ... it did not help though as I still can't decide and when I went for a visit to t-mobile I seen another phone, the samsung behold and I am looking into that. The G1s battery life irks me, the trackball in the blackberry (and the way RIM treated me) irks me so I am looking at the behold right now, but I suppose there are going to be trade offs for everything

02-26-2009, 10:04 PM	#10
fatediesel Blu-ray Count Member since:Nov 2007 Location:Iowa Blu-ray collection:410 Trading Score:47	Bstecke, how much time do you spending online or on calls in a day? I charge my Curve about every 5 days but could easily go a week if needed. You must use yours a lot more than me. I will agree the internet on the Curve is nowhere near as good as the Iphone.

02-26-2009, 10:08 PM	#11
BStecke Blu-ray Knight Member since:Jun 2007 4K collection:182 Blu-ray collection:567 DVD collection:1 Digital collection:1 iTunes collection:1 Blu-ray reviews: 1 Trading Score:6	I probably send 40-50 texts a day, not too many calls, but I used the web browser quite a bit. I also kept the WiFi on for the reception, which drains it a bit more.

02-26-2009, 10:45 PM	#12
sjbluray Active Member Member since:May 2008	On average I would say I would be on the internet probably around 30min a day. Say I make around 6 calls around 4 min each (average) a day and perhaps would be sending text messages, probably up to maybe 50 in and out on average. My emails are comcast and yahoo, both are pop3 I guess between the accounts I would get maybe 20 messages in and I rarely send out emails unless I have to. google maps looks like a really nice feature, I have not looked into GPS yet. I suppose I could always get a car charger and keep a spare battery at work or in the car.

02-27-2009, 12:20 AM	#14
PH3AR Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Jan 2009 Location:Dover, Pennsylvania PSN:WORKINtheCORNER Home Theater Gallery:9 Blu-ray collection:325 Blu-ray reviews:2	go wit the Blackberry mine never disappointed yet!

02-27-2009, 05:12 AM	#17
alomar Active Member Member since:Apr 2008	Im picking up the G1 in a couple weeks myself. Thought about going to a blackberry for me the G1 is more functional. And as someone else said, the Behold caught my eye first but its a normal phone with touchscreen, nothing special.

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