Pictures of the upcoming BlackBerry Pearl 9105 with the T9 keyboard have been making their way around the web and it really got me to wondering if putting a regular keyboard mobile phone keyboard is a good idea. To be completely honest, I don’t know how to call this one…
On one hand, the biggest segment of new potential BlackBerry users currently use phones with T9 keyboards. On the other, I doubt that any of them have said that they aren’t interested in the BlackBerry because RIM makes it too easy to type out texts and emails and they would rather keep it challenging.
I know that there a lot of T9 users out their that can text unbelievably fast as they have memorized the layout and sequence of the alpha numeric keypad, however, these folks kids aren’t the ones that would be interested in candy bar form factor BlackBerry if interested in a BlackBerry at all.
Personally, my BlackBerry 8130, was my favorite BlackBerry of all time. I love SureType and still use it in portrait mode on my BlackBerry Storm. I can’t imagine, however, trying to use the Pearl with T9 keyboard, and, although there is probably someone or sometwo who would love a BlackBerry with a T9 keyboard, I am struggling with why this is a good idea for RIM.
Is any BlackBerry a good idea these days?
QWERTY phone are small enough now a days. I predict this will be a flop, just like the Pearl Flip.
I think you might be right. I just can’t see anyone choosing this over SureType or a full QWERTY device like a Curve.
RIM just took one step backwards. What is up with them? A device that will pump out more than just texts and they want to hit the consumer market when devices such as the iPhone and all the Androids out there use full keyboards, both hard and software?
I, too, love the SureType keyboard and the original Pearl was my favorite, but this is getting a bit ridiculous. I think RIM is reaching and not sure how to take on the iPhone and Android market. Tossing numerous darts isn’t always going to result in a bulls-eye.
It’s time for RIM to clean out some of those old time pieces they call designers/engineers and get with the program.
Do you know if they will have the old keyboard as an option, or, will they all be this way?
This move would only make sense if they were set to launch bbm as an app that can be used via SMS (and we know that ain’t happening). The only reason for a phone with this layout is if you mainly use it for calls and not much texting. Even those who don’t have data want a phone with a full keyboard (or at least SureType style).