I didn’t become completely addicted to my BlackBerry until the 7100T came out. In fact, I carried a BlackBerry and a cell phone before I got the first SureType device. I like mobile devices that don’t look like scientific calculators and I have to admit, I really like the design of the Helio Ocean.
Some folks may think that it is kind of bulky, however, I am currently rocking a BlackBerry 7130e which is 0.9 inches thick and the Helio Ocean is only 0.86 inches think and has a full QWERTY keyboard.
Don’t get me wrong. I am not saying that I am swapping out my BlackBerry for a Helio. I am just saying that if RIM ever starts making devices that look like this, I will be first in line to get one.
Personally this device is kind of hideous. I feel that way about the Sidekick’s too. Smaller the better (Pearl) and I am not interested in having to slide a part of the phone to get to the keyboard. The quicker the access to the keypad, the better.
You know what I want? I want a BlackBerry that’s a yo-yo. Go old school.
‘Oh, hang on. Can’t walk THIS dog anymore, I’ve got an email.’
Talk about connectivity.
I hate the way we seem to be going away from protected displays. This is particularly important to we women who really loathe the shirt pocket or pants pocket design point. We put our phones in our purse where they’ll get knocked around against wallets, makeup cases, keys and other things. Clamshells are great because they protect both the keyboard and the screen and they can open quickly.
Build me a clamshell Blackberry that has a full keyboard and maintains the 7130e screen size and we’ll talk.
JB,
Have you looked at the Samsung t719? It isn’t exactly a BlackBerry, however, it does have a SureType QWERTY keyboard and supports BlackBerry Connect. It is the closest thing to a BlackBerry clamshell out there.
It looks hot, but it is for children.
I am not saying that I want a Helio, I am just saying that I wouldn’t mind this configuration. By the way, if you are refering to Gen Y’ers as the kids that Helio is targeting, you are right. What you may not realize, however, is that this demographic is the second most lucrative to business users.
Another comment about this. This keyboard is waaaay too big. I much prefer to have my keys much closer, whether is SureType or Qwerty. No way you can type as fast with this wide keyboard
I personally think that slider phones have been horrible.
Several co=workers have bought them, and to the person have had to get replacements because the slider was defective, or just plain broke.
I’ll stick with my Blackberry 8703