RIM's New Blackberry 7100t -- And Its Funky Keyboard

[Janak Parekh]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.engadget.com/entry/1128237470392225/' target='_blank'>http://www.engadget.com/entry/1128237470392225/</a><br /><br /></div>Yesterday, there was a flurry of announcements and quick looks at RIM's new always-on email communicator, which looks much more like a smartphone than any of their previous devices.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/parekh-20040908-Blackberry7100t.jpg" /><br /><br />I was initially not going to post on this, as it's more fodder for Smartphone Thoughts than Pocket PC Thoughts, since the new device doesn't have a touchscreen just like the old one. However, after reading some of the reviews, I thought the thumbboard was interesting enough to merit discussion. In order to make the device more compact and phonelike, they rearranged the keyboard so that two characters are on each key. They then use a T9-like predictive text entry system called SureType, where you hit each key only once and let the device guess which letter you meant. Since it's only guessing amongst two characters as opposed to three on any given key, the reviews say it's amazingly accurate. I'm now wondering if these kinds of keyboards should be adopted by Pocket PC phones or Pocket PCs in general to help shrink integrated solutions, or if the Treo-style thumbboard is still preferable.<br /><br />Rumors also suggest that this unit will have Bluetooth, which might make it an attractive companion to a Pocket PC (use this for email and phone calls, and Pocket PC for full-featured PIM functions and webbrowsing). What do you guys think?

[suhit]

So I was almost certainly going to get the Sidekick II when it came out (next week?) but after seeing the RIM, I think I am going to wait a month and get this instead.

BTW, given that this will probably be using a funky data plan much like the T-mobile Sidekick/II, will one be able to stream data over BT to a laptop/PocketPC for free? Or will one have to buy a separate extra data plan?

Suhit

[bcries]

So what happens when RIM adds WiFi to one of these devices? I can testify that their web browsing is already quick and pretty... a convergence device (that you can REALLY use with one hand) would be pretty fly.

Let me see if I understand this right. The PPC still finds its main appeal in corporate environments... but RIM has the better reputation among corporate buyers? Normally I'd root for M$, but it seems like they're going to get squeezed on both sides (PalmOne on the low end, RIM on the high end) unless they pull out some new tricks.

Honestly, I think PPC could compete if they'd make their platform more jogdial-friendly. Most PPC apps are no good with only one hand... any step in this direction would be good. I hate letting go of the subway pole to use my PDA!

[entropy1980]

Rumors also suggest that this unit will have Bluetooth
Not a rumor at all it will have bluetooth see here (http://www.blackberry.com/blackberry7100/specs.shtml).

[Vincent M Ferrari]

Getting a sneak peek at one next week in a training sponsored by RIM.

I can't wait :-)

[aliensub]

I think the idea of a "2 letter key" is great combined with the T9 wannabe. But I think it would require support for alot of languages because otherwise it will be of no use. The predictive text that PPC has is of no use for me since my native language is danish. They could make the task of supported dictionaries easier by using an open protocol so third party or other could supply to it.

[Underwater Mike]

Mossberg gave it a good review on WSJ.com, but I'd still rather have a full keyboard. If only MSFT would take a cue from RIM on the email and Web clients, PPC might be asier to use on those fronts.

[sfrank8734]

I'd like to see one. If the screen is as horrible as the screen on my Blackberry 7280 I'll pass.

[entropy1980]

I'd like to see one. If the screen is as horrible as the screen on my Blackberry 7280 I'll pass.
All the reviews have said the screen is one of the best screens they have ever seen. :)

[bcries]

I'd like to see one. If the screen is as horrible as the screen on my Blackberry 7280 I'll pass.

My friends working for RIM have test units... the screens look at least as bright and crisp as my Dell Axim X5.

[whydidnt]

I really like the idea of 2 letters/key and a T9 like solution. This could be a great innovation for those of us with fat thumbs and lousy handwriting. Alas, based upon RIM's history of protecting their designs and software, I doubt any other manufacturer will dare to try and copy this feature though.

Still makes me wonder why NONE of the recently announced VGA PPC's have a some sort of keyboard built in. The only one on the horizon is the XDA III PPCPE device. I remain convinced that difficult data entry is one of the largest barriers handhelds have to widespread acceptance and usage.

[darrylb]

There are others coming up with keyboards, but anyone who knows is under NDA.... so no can tell...

I'd say that next year we will have a two horse race.... Microsoft and RIM. And not just in the phone category, but in the PDA category as well....

I'm surprised that RIM have made up as much ground as they have as fast as they have.

[ntractv]

Is there a Dr. Frankesnstein out there in some garage that could lay this device on one slab and a PPC with at least the specs of an iPAQ 5555 on another slab and in some mad, manical way converge the two. This, this would be the perfect device for me.

I recently (and relunctly at first) asked my IT folks to switch my Blackberry and StarTac phone for a Teleberry (Blackberry phone with Verizon at that, got to have Verizon) and combine the two. I was initially worried about the battery life and also holding a device of its size against my ear. All fears were put to rest. I can go an average of two days without having to charge, but, I have a desk charger and travel charge so it's not really a big deal. I love it. One less device to carry. What is so hard (mind you I'm no engineer so I really wouldn't know, but) to have a PPC in this form factor ala Verizon, etc.

[twalk]

Let me see if I understand this right. The PPC still finds its main appeal in corporate environments... but RIM has the better reputation among corporate buyers? Normally I'd root for M$, but it seems like they're going to get squeezed on both sides (PalmOne on the low end, RIM on the high end) unless they pull out some new tricks.


There's one thing that PPC has going for it. A corporate windows developer can create/port vertical apps to it quicker by far than to RIM/Palm/Java. And there are quite a few more corporate windows developers than RIM/Palm/Java devs combined.

Of course when/if palmtops (OQO, Sony Uxx, etc) get really cheap (&lt;&lt; $1000), PPC really won't have much of a niche in the corporate world.

[donbacardi]

The New York Times edition from Thursday posted a review on this new Blackberry:

" A slimmer design does away with that feeling of talking into a frozen waffle"

Couldn't have stated it better........


:beer: