Ok let me clear up some confusion...
@thefool This is threaded SMS (on the iPhone):
http://www.quicklybored.com/wp-content/ ... ed_sms.png
BlackBerry OS 5.0 has threaded SMS built-in and the first device to employ the new OS is the Storm2. Updates for all current generation BlackBerrys will come soon, I can feel it
AutoText on BlackBerry is not predictive input like T9 on Nokia. Some (read: Pearl / Pearl Flip / Storm series BlackBerry) have predictive input built-in (called SureType). AutoText is like auto correction. If you're too speedy texting you might have some typos there and AutoText is the magic you'll never want to live without once you've tried it out. I've seen AutoText only for English, maybe some other languages are supported but for instance these kinds of corrections it makes automatically: i -> I, im -> I'm, acn -> can, dont -> don't. IMHO it is great, because you don't need to be so precise when typing yet the result looks professional. BlackBerry ftw!
Fangbeast: MGMaps is a free J2ME (supports BlackBerry too) map software (no real navigation), which uses the GPS only (NOT assisted GPS or A-GPS, you can set this explicitly in the options). Also, the older you are the more you should lean towards BlackBerry. I don't understand your reasoning! One awesome feature of EVERY BlackBerry is that you can configure the OS font. You can choose the style, size, family (IMHO BBAlpha Sans is best on eyes) and this setting (under Options -> Screen/Keyboard) changes the font EVERYWHERE. SMS/e-mail, calendar, tasks even the options menu, you name it. IMHO this is something many other platforms can't do no matter what screen resolution (and if you're after high res screens, get the Tour or Curve 8900).
@blue: I get charged per SMS too yet I actively SMS people as if it was IM. Still my monthly bill never exceeds 10 EUR (and the prices aren't that cheap either it's just that I skip data completely, living with WiFi
)
WiFi is a power killer, but that's true for every other smartphone (iPhone isn't that innocent anymore, isn't it?). Anyway you might want to buy a charging pod for your Curve. It's so convenient to use and I've got used to just plugging it in right when I get home so it's always charging. Previously I never bothered charging because that meant to take the charger out and plug it in and blah blah... The charging pod is just easy to use and my Curve is ready to go at any time, just lift it from the pod without any cabling to worry about. Check eBay they sell for like 10 USD.
Dedicated Media buttons on BlackBerry? Brother, remember, these are originally enterprise and business grade devices. Media buttons haven't got that much demand in this sector, don't you think? The Curve 8520 you are referring to is kind of the first real consumer BlackBerry (with full QWERTY, the Storm is even more consumer grade). However sans trackpad I don't see the need to upgrade just because of dedicated Media buttons. Currently the Mute key + Volume Up/Down combination works just fine for me. Be grateful RIM put a powerful media player in your Curve, I mean... compare to something like 8800 series. Those are definitely NOT consumer or media friendly devices.
blue there is nothing you'll "lose" if you give up your BlackBerry Data subscription. Only e-mail. That can be workarounded though with Gmail + Google Sync or Funambol (I use the latter as it is WiFi friendly whereas Google products not). You can use the Hotspot Browser (WiFi) or download a special Service Book to use your carrier network (GPRS) and the BlackBerry browser (check out Anworm Service Book or similar on Google). Of course you can go the less hackish route and install Opera Mini or BOLT (my favorite). BIS is so overrated. When I had the chance I did activate a prepaid BIS (I was abroad, in my home country there is no BIS/BES). I don't miss the "true" e-mail much, in fact I grew up on the Funambol interface that I found it to be counter-productive to use the inbuilt e-mail client. Also BlackBerry App World isn't that great, I prefer to download my applications OTA (App World is filled with unnecessary crap like Apple App Store so why bother). The only thing I miss is the Facebook app, but there are some alternatives to that (like just firing up browser and go to m.facebook.com) so not a big deal IMHO.
@utopiomania: You know, there is the possibility of just buying the phone you like retail. I know that BlackBerrys are sold unlocked and unbranded too, maybe not in great quantities, but there is a market for such needs too (be prepared though to pay the full price, but for peace of mind and the possibility to use one's own carrier, why not?)
Lastly, the argument of Android vs WinMo vs Maemo is just unnecessary. Each and every phone out there utilizing any of these is most likely a very mature and stable device so all it boils down to is user interface and available apps. Pick what you like.
- talisman
