Author Topic: BlackBerry KEYone discussion - will you switch? Potential pros and cons. (Read 4462 times)

ExGingi · « **on:** May 02, 2017, 11:42:19 AM »

As evidenced elsewhere on DDF, I am a physical keyboard person.

I used the Palm in various iterations (mostly Treo), and then the BB (I actually liked the Palm keyboard better).

When the BB platform couldn't keep up with performance and apps, I switch to Android, and kind of grudgingly adapted to touch keyboards (much better once SwitKey came about). (When the iPhone was first announced, while I was impressed with the potential, I was put off by the on-screen keyboard, which I saw as a major productivity drawback).

At a certain point, I needed access to corporate email, which was only made available on the iPhone, so I switched (luckily by that time iOs had begun supporting third party keyboards, though no as well as Android). I've always had my eye on BB developments, tried out the Passport for a couple of days, looked at the Priv, but stuck to the iPhone for its excellent build.

Recently, the same corporate email that made me switch to iPhone, changed their MDM provider to Microsoft InTune. Unfortunately, with that switch, the ability to use SwiftKey in certain areas has been taken away, making phone use really straining. Apparently at this point Android support for the same corporate email is available, and a lot more flexible from an MDM standpoint.

The timing seems to be just right with the imminent release of the BB KEYone, and I am seriously considering a switch. I think it's available in Europe as of May 1, but in the US we are looking at 5/31 as a release date.

I just looked at some videos of the phone, and while it looks good, the one thing that does strike me is that for certain things one still has to use the touch screen, rather than physical keys. When physical keys are used, muscle memory is very strong, and one might be able to operate a device single handedly, and without looking at it. Touch screen keyboards require two hands, and two eyes looking at the screen. I doubt anyone might be able to use a touchscreen with the same level of confidence in accuracy as physical keys. Even when watching some of the KEYone demonstrations on youtube (for example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELtszoQLa50), careful observation shows the hesitation in the usage of the touchscreen (and I realize this is a demo that is intentionally slow, but I think the hesitation is still discernible) versus confidence of physical key usage.

What are your thoughts? Are you contemplating a switch to the BB K1? Are you looking forward to a superior device with a physical keyboard?

myi · « **Reply #1 on:** May 07, 2017, 05:04:59 AM »

That's why I didn't switch to another device, rather happy with my plain old BlackBerry classic.

It's a huge difference going from a physical keyboard to a touch. Wouldn't mind a BlackBerry to have some android apps with a full keyboard and a slim small phn and no slide out form of a keyboard.

Iz · « **Reply #2 on:** May 07, 2017, 10:14:49 PM »

Is it/will it be available for VZW? What is the price (w/o a plan)?

sillypainter · « **Reply #3 on:** May 07, 2017, 10:41:41 PM »

I was a BlackBerry guy since 2007, switched to the S7 edge after the Priv failed me miserably with bad battery life.

I am thinking of switching to the K1 once it's released ed because so far the S8 doesn't look attractive at all, no raving reviews.

sky121 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 11, 2017, 10:36:26 PM »

It actually looks like a fairly nice device.
For someone who wants that keyboard I think they might be pleasantly surprised.

And that battery life doesn't look half bad either.

Iz · « **Reply #5 on:** May 11, 2017, 10:42:40 PM »

Quote from: sky121 on May 11, 2017, 10:36:26 PM

It actually looks like a fairly nice device.
For someone who wants that keyboard I think they might be pleasantly surprised.

And that battery life doesn't look half bad either.

Yup! And I still wonder...

Quote from: Iz on May 07, 2017, 10:14:49 PM

Is it/will it be available for VZW? What is the price (w/o a plan)?

There are very few listed on Ebay and Amazon.

ExGingi · « **Reply #6 on:** May 12, 2017, 01:15:07 AM »

Quote from: Iz on May 07, 2017, 10:14:49 PM

Is it/will it be available for VZW? What is the price (w/o a plan)?

If they release a phone that doesn't support all LTE bands, like the iPhone, Pixel and newer Moto phones, that would be a major drawback. That's so 20th century.

Iz · « **Reply #7 on:** May 26, 2017, 02:58:21 PM »

http://www.blackberrymobile.com/us/

If the phone is as good as this video, that would be something.

cozmohoot · « **Reply #8 on:** May 26, 2017, 03:51:04 PM »

Looks sleek

ExGingi · « **Reply #9 on:** May 26, 2017, 05:59:49 PM »

Only a few more days to go for US release.

Hopefully we will get more details about compatibility and whether there are any serious drawbacks within a couple of weeks.

Iz · « **Reply #10 on:** June 01, 2017, 09:54:15 PM »

Available on Amazon for $549. Should I go for it, or wait a little for prices to come down?

sillypainter · « **Reply #11 on:** June 01, 2017, 10:47:52 PM »

It shows as backordered.

ExGingi · « **Reply #12 on:** June 08, 2017, 02:12:56 PM »

sillypainter · « **Reply #13 on:** June 16, 2017, 06:24:41 PM »

I just got my new KEYone. I'm liking it so far. I haven't typed on a PKB for a very long time, but nothing beats its accuracy.

Bring on the Covfefe :-)

Iz · « **Reply #14 on:** June 18, 2017, 02:15:47 PM »

Quote from: sillypainter on June 16, 2017, 06:24:41 PM

I just got my new KEYone. I'm liking it so far. I haven't typed on a PKB for a very long time, but nothing beats its accuracy.

Bring on the Covfefe :-)

Where'd you buy it?

ExGingi · « **Reply #15 on:** June 18, 2017, 02:39:25 PM »

Quote from: Iz on June 18, 2017, 02:15:47 PM

Where'd you buy it?

I got an email last week that it's available at BestBuy. Still not ready to pull the trigger.

myi · « **Reply #16 on:** June 19, 2017, 04:09:28 AM »

Quote from: sillypainter on June 16, 2017, 06:24:41 PM

I just got my new KEYone. I'm liking it so far. I haven't typed on a PKB for a very long time, but nothing beats its accuracy.

Bring on the Covfefe :-)

What you pay for it? ($)

sillypainter · « **Reply #17 on:** June 19, 2017, 08:35:25 PM »

Quote from: Iz on June 18, 2017, 02:15:47 PM

Where'd you buy it?

I bought it on Amazon, and returned it today. Used to be a HUGE PKB fan, now I don't like it anymore.

I think the only PKB device that can still make it is a 9900 style, even though it's small, it was a workhorse a HUGE device with a keyboard that you can't type with one hand, no thanks.

Iz · « **Reply #18 on:** July 12, 2017, 02:06:16 PM »

How can I transfer contacts etc. from old BB to Keyone?

ilherman · « **Reply #19 on:** July 12, 2017, 02:22:41 PM »

Quote from: sillypainter on June 19, 2017, 08:35:25 PM

I bought it on Amazon, and returned it today. Used to be a HUGE PKB fan, now I don't like it anymore.

I think the only PKB device that can still make it is a 9900 style, even though it's small, it was a workhorse a HUGE device with a keyboard that you can't type with one hand, no thanks.

I am in the exact same boat you are in. I used the Priv for a year but the battery life was terrible + the phone got really hot at times so I dropped it and bought a galaxy but I still miss the PKB. I understand that you lost your desire for the PKB so you returned it, but how about the phone it self? Mainly how fast is it and how is the battery life and does it turn hot like the Priv?