Real Estate Blog - Brad doesn't want to debate phones but I want to know Blackberry Curve or iPhone?

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Brad doesn't want to debate phones but I want to know Blackberry Curve or iPhone?

Brad doesn't want to debate phones but I want to know Blackberry Curve or iPhone? or any other that might suit my needs...

I NEED A NEW PHONE! Iwould like to know the pro's and con's of these two phones as I have heard good things and bad things about both.

What I am looking for is a phone that I can run with my lap top, a phone that has a great GPS system, but MOST OF ALL, one that is easy to use.

I don't want to spend a month learning all the in's and out's of the phone. I want it to be user friendly.

My service agreement with Sprint has expired. My current air card is with Verizon.

I would like a phone that I can use that will allow me to eliminate the need for the air card.

I KNOW, THERE ARE MANY TECHNO SAVY members here who use a variety of instruments to run their businesses via their cell phones and their unique capabilities.

What is your advice? Please help me. I googled them today, still would like to hear your experiences.

Thank you in advance,

http://www.KarenMonsour.com, 954-464-4194

Posted by Karen Monsour,REALTOR® Broward,Palm Beach,Miami/Dade! 954-464-4194 anytime! on 07/03/2009 09:07 PM

Comments (57)

What Is the Best Cell Phone? in the ActiveRain Channel

what are the best cell phones blackberry curve, iphone, karen monsour, business sense

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57 Comments on Brad doesn't want to debate phones but I want to know Blackberry Curve or iPhone?

JUL

Hi Karen~ I can't wait to see what some others have to say. I am ready to get a new phone and am leaning towards the blackberry....

Karen - I had my phone stolen on the weekend and I had to choose a new phone. I was comparing the Blackberry Storm with my current provider to the iphone with another provider. I was directed to the following video which compares the two in great detail. I chose the Blackberry Storm. I believe the Curve is already out of date! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuEerMCAlx0

Good luck to you with whichever phone you choose!

Vicky,

I was over on Brad's "don't call list blog" asked him and he said he didn't want his blog to become a cell phone debate so hopefully I will get one here.

He said, "iPhone" however he's very techno savy...other's have told me that the touch screen is so sensative that sometimes just a little unknown tap to the face takes you to places unknown, drains your battery and you didn't know your phone was doing some other chore until you picked it up to use it...Made me wonder how many call's I would miss that way. If I wasn't using it, I wouldn't hear the beeping, allowing me to know someone else was calling...

I don't know, I do hope to get some advice here.

Susan,

What did they say about the iPhone, AR Brad loves his?

The phone that I choose will have to have great service in my area. We have connection issues on occasion in east south Florida. I have Sprint on my current phone and a Verizon wireless card which hang in OK...only 2 bars inside my home though.

Karen, I may be one unique dude to give you my two cents. I own a Blackberry Curve, an iPhone 3G and an iPhone 3G S. The strength of the Blackberry is the tactile keyboard but now with 3.0 software on the iPhones you can widen the screen for the soft texting.

Recommendation: EASY. By far the iPhone is a quantum leap over the Blackberry. Regular GPS is built in the iPhone 3G S. If you want voice directions you have to add a $10 a month service. Lots of apps for the iPhone. You have to check with your local area users to see what they think of AT&T's coverage but here I never get dropped calls. Leave phone in EDGE network for 10-12 hr talk time and only go to 3G for faster downloads. Put mail in fetch mode not real time so that doesn't consume as much battery. As far as tethering in North America to a laptop there is no date on that yet. It is available in other parts of the world. I have an aircard too. The Blackberrys can tether.

The Apple product is terrific and you couldn't pry it out of my ice cold dead hands!! Is that two cents worth?? The new 3G S has a video camera and is faster and has a 3 Megapixel camera with 16 GB or 32 GB of memory.

Karen - it was pretty even but the difference became noticable depending on how you most use your phone. My brother swears by his iphone and I've used his while trying to decide which one to choose. Take a look at the video and see if you recognize yourself. I also watched the comparison of Storm vs Curve. Personally, I really love the touch screen. I love how it switches from portrait to landscape with just a twist of your wrist. There are many apps on iphone that I simply wouldn't use - it seems to be more of a media phone as compared to a smart phone. That's the beauty of so many phones available - there is something for everyone!

PS The Storm also has voice directed GPS, video camera and fabulous zoom camera. I am in Canada so I can't give you an opinion on providers.

Gary,

So IF I only want one phone are you saying agreeing with AR Brad that the iPHONE is the best choice?

Susan,

Who makes the Storm? I think I would like the vice directed GPS as I can't hold folders, look at the phone for directions and drive at the same time...LOL

I still think I am holding out for the new I phone GS but I wonder if the email is any better with the GS? Just another question to worry about!

I have the blackberry storm via verizon service. It is touch screen and the GPS is voice and it's fantastic. I can't really compare it to an iphone since I've never used that one.

Lise,

What is the difference. If you are currently using or know anyone who is, what are the benefits...I need DETAILS! LOL!

Tammy,

What is the difference between the Blackberry curve and the Blackberry storm? Do you know? If you do which one is the best?

Never had the curve, but think the storm came after it. Don't know if verizon carried the curve. I have been with them for years. It may have to do with the licensed carrier is what my daughter is telling me. And if you have teenagers, you know they know more about this techie stuff than me. Like right now to use the iphone you must be a at&t client *in our area * but I do hear scuttlebutt that verizon will soon have a contract with apple as well. I've been a verizon customer since they bought my previous area carrier which was cellular one. I can tell you that I'm very happy with my verizon service and coverage. Every couple of years we drive cross country to my mother in laws in southern california and we have great service all the way. And their customer service has always been good when I've had a problem with my phones over the years too.

Karen, I was in search of a new phone last October. I pretty much narrowed my search down to Blackberry and iPhone.

They are both pretty sexy little devices -- full of intrigue, very inviting :-)

I checked out both phones, I talked with my nephew, who is very techno savvy. He agreed that both the BB and the iPhone would be good choices.

Then it came down to which one I liked the best -- to hold it, to work through the apps and the like.

It was pretty much a toss up for me with regard to functionality. I went with the BB for two reasons. First, the price for the BB Curve was less than the iPhone. Second, I work outside, in the cold, here in Kentucky. The temps drop into the lows 30s some days when I'm out on an inspection. As I recall, the iPhone temperature operating limits were not as good as the BB. (Temp may not be an issue for you in FL.)

I had problems with the BB trackball last week. The phone is being replaced under warranty. But, if the trackball goes out on the new phone, I'll need to look at something else -- probably the iPhone, although, I understand the BB Storm has a similar touch screen interface.

If all else is equal, toss a coin.

I have a Curve and it is my second BBerry . . . but last week I was hangin' out with our MLS Director and she has an IPhone.

I've always stuck with the BBerry because I can view and enhance faxes etc . . . but

I am getting an IPhone next. I will lose no features and the coolness of the 'turn and touch' screen is really impressive . . .

Tammy,

Thanks for the compliment about the teenagers...mine are now 27, 26, and 24...

That being said, Verizon is advertising all over south Florida...

Let me read what Andrew has to say.

Andrew,

So you have issues with the cold, we have issues with heat. Sometimes it's 100 degrees here...If I accidentially leave the phone in the car while showing a home, will it have issues for the same reason that I cannot take my lap top with me in the summer when it's hot here/

I just traded in the curve for the iphone. I say iphone hands down for user friendly! One major problem - no MMS capability but you can send pictures via email and still upload them to facebook via iphone. Texting is tougher on the iPhone and it took me about two days to get used to it. Auto pop for texting on the iPhone is NICE! Maps suck and I miss telenav from my curve BUT I will just get a garmin or nuvi and call it a day.

Otherwise, it is SO much better than the difficult to use curve!

Candice,

AR Brad told me that I would be calling him once I purchased an iPHONE, he thinks it is to thank him...I think it will be to ask him how to use it! LOL

Thanks for your opinion. I want to hear them all.

Karen - the Blackberry Curve does not compare to the iphone but the Blackberry STORM does! Watch the video and you'll understand.

Renee,

Thank you for your opinion.

I want the navigation. I am trying to get rid of all the other toys I need as a Realtor(r).

I want one system that I can use for everything...I know, I'm probably looking for the impossible.

I also want to be able to access my local MLS...sometimes I need it.

Here in south Flo...it's probably as hot as it is in Vegas...Do you see heat issues? with the phone?

Susan,

So the STORM is the newer version of the Curve? Is that what you are saying?

Karen,

Have you considered the Palm Pre. I will probably get it for my next phone because it seems very REALTOR friendly and based on several reviews. It is better for multi-tasking and Sprint has a more economical full service plan.

You can get a lot more information about the Palm Pre from Dick Betts. Dick@DickBetts.com or you can try his cell phone 717-860-3107.

Dick Betts is a National Speaker specializing in Smartphones, business building skills, management programs and keeping agents up-to-date on the latest technology. He is also a Certified e-PRO Trainer.

On Dick's website it says: Coldwell Banker "has worked out a deal with Sprint and the Pre. The plan offers a $40 gift card with some strings attached for details check out the website below.
http://coldwellbanker.sprintshops.com/default.aspx"

JUL

Gary,

I knew CB had some info on this...I hate to say it, however, I grew up in PA and I know who Dick Betts is...LOL...never thought.

Thanks...too funny...I'm still smiling...I know of this guy...b4 I moved to FL.

Karen-Thanks for brining up this discussion- like many others I have been waiting and wondering which product is most user freindly and most economical. I have found Sprint has excellent coverage here and elsewhere which is the primary reason I stayed with them. But eventually like you will have to make a difficult decision when it is time to get a new phone. I have found many of these comments to be very helpful and insightful.

We do have better coverage here in south Florida with Sprint, however Verizon has some great coverage areas as well.

Sprint is just very expensive. I have the $99.00 plan with the phone I have now and have unlimited talking, unlimited texting, picture mail, camera phone, etc... Until it's all said and done with taxes, etc. It's $125.00 a month. On top of that I'm paying $65.00 a month for a Verizon air card.

I saw someone running their lap top through their cell phone so they didn't need an air card...anyone know what that is?

Hi Karen,

You might also want to check on a phone that is coming out very soon (Next one to two weeks I believe). It's called the Blackberry Tour. Do a google search on it and you will find alot of good info on it. I love smartphones and can't live without one, so I like to check on the newest ones that come on the market. As a realtor, we need a phone that we can depend on with no Problems or glitches. The Tour Seems like it will have a smooth operating system and possibly be one of the best blackberry's in my oppinion. It is going to be a cross between a blackberry curve and a blackberry storm (without the problems of the Storm). I would highly recommend not to get the storm due to the phones known problems of lagging. I know all this mainly due to the fact that I have many friends who work At verizon and keep me updated on whats good and what's not. Also you can use your phone to go online when it's hooked up to your computer without a wireless card. It shouldn't be a problem. I don't have the need for it because I have a verizon wireless Card, but many of my friends use their phones for their laptops to go online (It kills the battery of the phone though). If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

Jeff Chin

Big Realty

Jeff,

Thank you for all that information. It is user friendly? That is the most important thing to me plus the phone have a long battery life.

OK everyone,

I am still reading up on these phones.

There are 4 Blackberry curves, the 8310, 8330, 8350i, and the 8900...any of you who have talked about the curve...which one are you talking about?

Here is what I found when I compared the Blackberry Curve 8900 with the Blackberry Tour:

The Curve allows 5.5 hrs of talk time vs. the Tour 5.0 hrs.

The Curve has 356 hrs of stand by time vs 336 hours with the new Tour.

The Tour has no Wi-Fi:802.11 b/g (which I totally have no idea what this means.

The Curve has no dual-band 800/1900 mHz CDMA2000 1X Ev-Do networks (? - no clue)

The Curve also has no 2100 MHZ UMTS networks (again? - no clue)

The Curve has no UMTS/HSPA networks: 2100 MHz.

Anyone care to explain this to me?

Now I'll check out this iPHONE...and get back to you...might have to turn this into a new blog...

More info...The iPHONE (3 GS 32 GB) will cost me $299.00 plus a fee of $200.00 a month for unlimited time, unlimited text, GPS, etc...

JUL

The iPhone by far is the more versatile choice. However, that price also detracts heavily from its attractiveness.

I've been quite happy with my BB Curve for the past year. My only issue has been with getting all my different calendars to synch properly - but that's user error, I'm sure!

Good luck in your choice!

--Tim

Tim,

You also agree with Brad. I have had phone calls with kudo's for the iPHONE.

What is the monthly fee for service on the iPHONE and what server would be the best - in a cost effective way, do you know?

JUL

Thanks for the post. I am trying to decide on a new phone myself!

iPhone is easier to use. the web browser is much better. I have used both the blackberry and iphone. its fairly priced as well.

Allen,

You are welcome. AR Brad recommends the iPHONE and actually sent me a huge tutorial on it.

NOW, I want to know who carries it and which company is better. Is it Verizon, AR&T? who?

Ryan,

Thanks for the information now which carrier?

Karen, I have not had the iphone, but bought one for my daughter for high school graduation. She swears to this day she does not know what happened, but it got water damage (was the day of a snow storm and I suspect she dropped it). I am sure that is not an issue in Florida--although you have a lot of pools, but I did not like the replacement policy AT& T had. She was 7 months into her contract and they would not sell her a new phone at the discounted price (the price paid by almost everyone else). As a college student, she could not afford the full $400 (vs. the $299 and $199 options offerd usually) and we would not pay to replace it, on principal.

So now she has an flip LG that one of my friends got free when they bought another phone and is just waiting out her 2 year contract. We did renegotiate down the price, but it was really irritating since she could just be on my Verizon Friends and Family if it were not for the stupid iphone...it soured me on it a bit! I will reconsider when it is not exclusive to AT&T.

Holly,

That is something very important to consider. I never did like At&T, that is part of my problem with this phone. Brad swears by the iPHONE.

I'm still considering the Blackberry Tour...it comes out this weekend...that's if I can keep my phone charged until then. Thank goodness it's not season here or I would have already had to purchase something else.

Water is an issue here. It's our rainy season.

Thanks for your opinion on this matter.

JUL

Karen,

I love my Blackberry Curve because it pushes my emails to me just like incoming phone calls. I don't have to stop to think to go retrieve emails.

Mike in Tucson

Karen

I have one of the original iPhones and I would not part with it.

As soon as I am able to upgrade I plan on getting the 3gs.

Good Luck

Jayne

JUL

Hi Karen,

i love the blackberry i just upgrade to 8900 with tmobile i love it. you can use it as a modem for the laptop and there is no extra charge

JUL

Don't confuse the woman. I know we all have our favorites, mine is the My Touch, but that is not what she asked. She asked for ease of use and tethering and by far the BB wins on both counts. The first BB I got many years ago was the first cell phone I ever had and I was able to set up email, text, IM and MMS without even reading the instruction manual. Now that's easy. Also, as to tethering, some places like, ahem, AT&T charge you extra for it and the IPhone can't even do it! T-Mobile doesn't charge you a cent and they have the best customer service (JD Powers thinks so anyway) that will help you hook it up. $200 a month for the IPhone calling and internet? Try I pay less than $70 for unlimited calling and internet, ask me how if you are interested. The 8900 would be my choice just because it is so sleek and pretty, but the Curve would be cheaper and does the same stuff. You can also get a Bold and unlock it to use with T-Mobile. You can find a used curve for $100 and then you wouldn't even have to have a contract. If you are worried about coverage, T-Mobile is nationwide and they roam for FREE on AT&T network, so you get the best of both worlds. I would stay away from touch screen (Storm) just because it is a pain (in my opinion) to text and email on the virtual screen. Try a couple out, you always have 14 days to take it back! Just pick the BB that looks prettiest to you and you will be set.

Well I bought the iPHONE, no AT&T service apparently at my home... 10 -20 dropped calls in the few days I've owned this...not going to work for me as a Realtor(r)...

Brian...what to do...the Blackberry Tour? Anyone know about this phone?

JUL

I love my Curve and am not a fan of touch technology. That being said, RIM launched a new phone yesterday that has trackball technology (LOVE LOVE LOVE IT) with the benefits of touch screen speed. Think iPhone with a trackball type thing. I can't wait to go take a look at it and then begin the hand-me-down process in my home...Curve to husband, LG Voyager to older son, etc etc etc!

JUL

Christianne,

I have the iPHONE 32G which Brad suggested. While I do not have a great signal in my home at this time, I didn't have a great signal with Sprint either. I am so happy with what I can do so far and I didn't even connect to my computer yet.

I was not that much of a fan to that touch techy stuff either. However, if Brad recommends it, there has to be a reason...he also has a tutorial on how to use it. He sent it to me, now if I can remember where I filed it! LOL.

Might have to ask him to resend it!

Thank you so much for your input here.

Who services the RIM?

iPhone, hands down. With the super fast 3GS, I get emails on the iphone about a minute before they hit my laptop or tower.

Contact lists, and voice dialing, GPS, and compass make it indispensable when on the road.. and there are now specific applications just for real estate.

It's better than having your computer with you..cus it's faster and looks good too! =)

My vote is iPhone, by far!

Have not heard of the Tour Karen, but it is probably just another BB variant. All BB's do the same things though, so it shouldn't matter. All phones are serviced by the carriers. When you have problems, you call your carrier to get service. And that is just one more downside to the Iphone I forgot to mention. If the battery craps out on the Iphone, guess what? You have to get a whole new phone! Batteries are only warrantied for 90 days, so that could get costly. Also, I understand that you can't get insurance on the Iphone, so if it is stolen or simply lost, there goes $600. That, and the price per month would send me running, which I have. Sounds like you have already made your mind, but if any of the rest of you want cell phone advice, I consult people on cell phone service, saving them thousands a year. Let me know if you have any questions.

Carmela,

I have purchased that one as well. The emails do hit the phone before the computer. It is impressive when you can pull up the map and show them right where the property is located.

Brian,

The Tour is the newest Blackberry that is coming out or did this past Sunday. It's a mixture of the storm and the curve...

I have insurance on my iPHONE through Best Buy which is why I bought it there. No questions asked - if something breaks or doesn't work, they replace it.

Thanks for your opinion.

JUL

If it wasn't for the fact that I have to have AT&T for the iPhone (which we cannot get here), I'd already have an iPhone.

Brenda,

My signal is not usually good 1 little bar at my house. I'm hoping they do something about the signal issue. To have a fantastic phone that you cannot use does not behoove them.

JUL

blackberry all the way for me... I get the best service and sound from it ...and really really good email..plus the camera and all is good..iphone does not work up here as well and drops calls and less reliable... the kids love it foe movies and songs... for business Blackberry all the way... i had the curve ..then upgraded and will get the storm or tour when I can... they also don't sell insurance on the iphone up here...not sure why... love my blackberry

Hi Karen, here's one for you. I have a Blackberry Pearl. Last Summer we were visiting Flordia and spent a day on the east coast, hot day humid etc.

Shortly thereafter, when my phone rang, when I answered it you could not hear anything. The only way I can use it is to put it on speaker phone (pain in the butt)

My provider had be remove the battery cover and there is a little strip of white material... well my little strip was red... they said I had water damage and tough luck. It was over a year old. The phone was not in the water, rain etc., only humid weather.

I'm still using it, everything else works, contract is up soon. Blackberry wouldn't fix the phone.

Debra,

Best Buy offer's in house insurance if you buy an iPHONE from them...At&T does not.

If you want to stay with the Blackberry, my friends say wait for the Tour...there are issues with the Storm...the curve is OK.

Al and Peggy,

As above...Brad strongly recommends the iPHONE, the problem I am having in my phone is the service. My feeling with At&T. If you are going to provide a great phone, you need to provide better service..I don't have good service unless I'm on my porch...But, Brad is so right, I love what this phone can do for me.

JUL

Karen - I have been reading this with great interest as once November rolls around I get to pick a new phone/service. I switched to T-Mobile from AT&T for the same reasons stated here- bad service at my home and nothing I could do about it. Also did not like the customer no-service!

T-Mobile service is great and I have had no problems with the phone or service. So hopefully another provider will offer the iPhone as I am a long time Mac user and would love to be able to use this phone for my business!

One thing I did before I switched was to check coverage in my area for the service. You can go to most providers web sites I think, Here's T-Mobiles (not sure if it will work if you're not logged in) T Mobile Coverage Map

Good luck with the iPhone - I have a friend who takes it to the Apple Store whenever he has a problem. I believe they gave him a new phone just because his battery was low. If you have a store in So. FL I would highly recommend a visit. They're very helpful esp when you're learning :)

I recently had the same struggle, to decide between the iPhone and a Blackberry. I purchased an iPhone for my daughter and she loves it! I purchased the Blackberry Storm for myself as I thought it was better for real estate. I had no problem learning how to use. I use "Top Producer" as my contact database. The Blackberry easily synchonizes with TP; the iPhone does not, at least not yet.

Something else to check out. I have insurance for the BB Storm incase of lost, stolen or damage. I was told I was not able to purchase insurance for the iPhone.

You hear a lot about the thousands of apps for the iPhone; well, BB has thousands too. Either one has more apps than I'll ever use.

I purchased BB Storm through Verizon. Verizon seems to have the best coverage for my area, Minnesota. Previously I had Sprint and could not receive a signal in my lower-level without purchasing a mini-tower to boost the signal strength. No such problem with Verizon.

Lastly, Internet rumors the NEW Blackberry Storm is due out late Fall, 2009. To further complicate your decision: do you purchase either the iPhone or BB Storm now or wait until the new BB Storm?

JUL

Thomas,

I purchased the iPHONE...not sure if I like it or not. Seems my settings change when they want to.

I also do not have a good signal at my house with AT&T.

I bought it at Best Buy, and they do offer an insurance plan through Best Buy not AT&T where they will replace it if anything goes wrong with it.

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