Comments on: Blackberry, HTC and Sprint Target Apple iPhone

By: scott

scott — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 07:31:19 +0000

The Exchange support for the iphone or any other phone using wireless activesync works really well, assuming you have setup your exchange server to work this way, which can get complicated. The most secure way to do this is using SSL, but it definately complicates the exchange setup by enabling this, and it will require the installation of a certificate for your exchange server. But as I said, once the exchange server is configured, it works great.

By: dubb

dubb — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:50:56 +0000

Unfortunately, there is no single perfect answer. That's why I'm typing this on my HTC Mogul while my BB Pearl is on standby in my pocket. For me, the iphone was no longer in the running once I found out about the terrible battery life and that battery replacement isn't possible by the end uder. Deal breaker. My HTC battery life is dismal compared to the marathon runner of the industry, BlackBerry. But I keep an extended life battery on standby.

By: Jason Howard

Jason Howard — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 11:59:41 +0000

I wanted to comment on this windows mobile topic...

The one reason I think the iPhone is cool (I have a Blackberry) is the ease of getting applications for it. Not only that, but there are tons of apps, and tons of free ones (this is important!)

Having free apps gets people using the iPhone in new ways. It will open them up to actually spending money to buy apps. And Apple made it so easy to get and install the apps by doing it through the phone. How much easier can it get?

I hate trying to find anything for my Blackberry. I had a Windows Mobile phone, and I hated it. I like my blackberry, but I now find myself wishing I could get applications for it as easily as the iPhone.

My wife has an iPhone, so I've been able to play with it a lot. I'm tempted to get one, other than I don't know how good the Exchange support is for it.

By: TechFreak

TechFreak — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:53:24 +0000

Riaz – Are you serious? Windows Mobile is dying…it works like crap, the OS constantly freeze up, and the phones that run it looks like bricks from the 80's.

By: Ian Bell

Ian Bell — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 09:29:05 +0000

Hi Riaz,

Totally understand that there are fan sites and communities out there for Windows Mobile, I was not disputing that.

Maybe I should have specifically mentioned support for Windows Mobile instead of the hardware, but in my opinion (take it for what it's worth), the close integration in hardware and software is why the iPhone is gaining marketshare at such an amazing pace.

Windows Mobile could be the best OS out there, but if it does not have a strong hardware counterpart, it will fail. That is why RIM and Apple make their own phones/software and why they are pushing Windows Mobile out of the space.

Also, when was the last time you heard the general consumer refer to Windows Mobile rather than the phone it's on? It just doesn't happen.

By: Riaz

Riaz — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 21:27:46 +0000

No disrespect Ian, but you have no idea what you're talking about. The Diamond isn't an 'HTC' phone. Sure, that's the company that makes the hardware, but the phone is a Pocket PC (PDA) that runs Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1. Windows mobile has been around for almost a decade now, and has consistently been kept “fresh with new apps and the like” over that time by Microsoft, various third-party software companies and end-users. The iPhone's SDK has only been out for a matter of months, whereas you've literally got YEARS worth of applications that have been developed for WM. Stack this on top of the near-fanatical forums that exist to support windows mobile devices such as the HTC Diamond specifically (ppcgeeks.org comes to mind immediately) and you pretty much have a limitless device in your hand. I personally have the HTC Touch and use it as my voice guided GPS when i'm in the car, stream music from my laptop when I'm working out, watch TV from a tv tuner card installed at a desktop at my home, play tons of games and still get to use Microsoft Exchange for all organizing/scheduling/email/etc. The problem is Windows Mobile has never been as flashy or intuitive to use as the iPhone is, but trust me, the fan base has never been lacking.

By: Ian Bell

Ian Bell — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 09:51:01 +0000

I personally will be getting the Blackberry Pearl Flip when it comes out to AT&T (hopefully it will).

The thing that worries me about HTC though is their lack of long-term support for applications. I like how the Apple community and fan base is always keeping their product fresh with new apps and the like. I just don't see that happening with an HTC product. I can see the following as you mentioned, pushing the Blackberry forward though.

By: RX8

RX8 — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 09:49:21 +0000

The Blackberry Thunder looks interesting to me, definately the closest looking phone to the iPhone. Will it only be available on Verizon though? Would like to see if AT&T will offer it.