Help Scared Blackberry user, need help.

[jasondhsd]

I'm currently rocking a Blackberry Tour 9630 and frankly it's getting a bit boring to me. And the Bold 9650 is essentially the same phone. So I ordered a Droidx, but I've already dialed sales to cancel twice but hung up before I got to an operator. Thing is even though my BB is boring and slow it does everything I need it too do. Email, calendaring, reminder notifications.

I'm currently using gsyncit to sync my outlook calendar and contacts to gmail so I don't think that's a problem.

Here are a few things I need the Droidx to do.
1. Be able to talk and input a new calendar appointment at the same time. A lot of times a customer will call and make an appointment. I need to be able to edit my calendar while they are giving me their information.

2. Instant email, I use gmail for personal but my business email I have hosted on a dedicated server it's not exchange but does have imap idle. I understand the default mail client is only pull / polling every X minutes but theres alternatives like maildroid and K-9. Are these decent and will it display a mail icon on the main screen with the amount of new msg?

3. Reminder notifications, I have Blackberry set to remind my of appointments 30mins in advanced with popup covering my screen, audible alert, and blinking LED. Same goes for when I receive a new msg whether it's email, facebook, sms, mms. I want the same thing with Droid.

4. Copy and paste. I copy and paste a lot for example I'll copy and paste a number from my call log to an email or calendar entry. Or a web address my email or sms.

I would also like to hear from other ex-BB users who switched especially ones that actually used a Blackberry for calendaring, email, messaging, etc. How was the switch, are you happy? What do you miss from the Blackberry if anything? Thanks.

 

[darklide]

Droid can:


1. Yes Android multitask, so you can call and enter a calendar appointment at the same time.

2. Yes there is push email that you can setup your personal email address to.

3. And yes there is reminder notifications.

4. And lucky, there is copy and paste on Android too.

 

[nkk]

It will do everything you ask. I do not know about the DX (I have the DINC), but here is my advice, which may be misguided given the device differences:

Get K-9 Mail (this is the only suggestion that is phone dependent. Moto's mail (stock?) may be to your liking)

Move your calender to google. Even if you just use the google/outlook sync that google has, make sure google has your calender. This will provide the most seamless calender experience.

Move contacts to Google. Again, just easier.

Get google voice. The on line archive of every text and voicemail is very nice, and the texting is free b/c GV uses 3G. Oh, and once you put multiple phones on it, the features go up exponentially. Switching calls from one phone to another seamlessly, Gmail talk integration (that you may not care about), screening calls and listening to voicemail in real time so you can jump in, one button call recording, etc.


The only thing I miss from my BB is the large LED. And 3 day battery life of moderate to heavy use. I never really used BBM, so if you do you may miss that, too.

-Nkk

 

[takeshi]

2. Instant email, I use gmail for personal but my business email I have hosted on a dedicated server it's not exchange but does have imap idle. I understand the default mail client is only pull / polling every X minutes but theres alternatives like maildroid and K-9.

The stock apps support push and IMAP idle if your mail account does. A lot of people do prefer K9 though.

I would also like to hear from other ex-BB users who switched especially ones that actually used a Blackberry for calendaring, email, messaging, etc. How was the switch, are you happy? What do you miss from the Blackberry if anything? Thanks.

The completely centralized alerts management that the BB offered. The Android profile apps come fairly close and even add some functionality that the BB didn't have but still...

I definitely wouldn't switch back to a BB. Even with RIM's hyping of the Torch.

 

[CriticalMass]

Besides BBM, Best thing I ever did was to dump that P.O.S. Tour (But before that I got them to send me a Bold replacement for trackball issues).

 

[crboone]

I finally got my X notifications set to where I like them -- but it was a bit cumbersome and time-consuming for me to get there. And I do use Gmail pretty much exclusively (email and calendar). I never could get the LED to come anywhere CLOSE to the BB's LED notifications. It simply doesn't work the same. That's been my only disappointment, other than the fact it took me much longer to set everything up like I like. Then again, that's just how Android is. It's much more of a customizable interface, and yet in some areas it's more limited simply because it's a different phone/OS.

 

[jasondhsd]

The stock apps support push and IMAP idle if your mail account does. A lot of people do prefer K9 though.

Are you sure? My father has Droid1 that was updated to froyo I borrowed it and setup my email account with imap and it didn't get pushed through. Had to wait the 15min interval until it arrived or manually refreshed. I run outlook 2007 on my home computer and even though it's set to automatically send/receive every 30mins if I do a test email from another account it arrives in less then 30seconds to my outlook inbox.

 

[jasondhsd]

Oh and former BB users reading. The keyboard obviously with the Droidx I'm not getting a physical keyboard. I know a lot of former BB users opt for the regular droid or droid2 since it has a physical keyboard but then realize they hardly ever use it. Has this been your experience too? If your doing a lot of emailing and messaging how well does the on-screen keyboard hold up, are things like swype and multitouch all that its cracked up to be or are they merely the best touch keyboards but a physical blackberry keyboard still trumps it? Hope that made sense. thanks.

 

[crboone]

Oh and former BB users reading. The keyboard obviously with the Droidx I'm not getting a physical keyboard. I know a lot of former BB users opt for the regular droid or droid2 since it has a physical keyboard but then realize they hardly ever use it. Has this been your experience too? If your doing a lot of emailing and messaging how well does the on-screen keyboard hold up, are things like swype and multitouch all that its cracked up to be or are they merely the best touch keyboards but a physical blackberry keyboard still trumps it? Hope that made sense. thanks.

I was used to the T9 portrait keyboard on the Storm and I miss that. If I want that on the Android I'll have to pay for it. I wish it came with the Android like it did on the BB. Not that a couple of bucks is a big deal, but it seems like it should be standard. I have the "Lite" version of an app keyboard with T9 disabled, but the keys are in a different order than the BB and just not as nice. So ... I haven't been able to get used to the Android soft keyboard yet and I make a lot more mistakes. I will say that the app keyboard is excellent in landscape mode -- but I really like to type in portrait.

I know someone at work with the Droid 2 who switched from one of the BB models, and the physical kb just doesn't come close to the BB's keyboard. It doesn't have that "feel" where your fingers just hit the right buttons. So yeah, you could have some difficulty adjusting. It's not impossible, but just expect some disappointment in that area for awhile. Then again, maybe your experience will differ and you'll adjust quickly -- but better to manage your expectations low and be happily surprised than vice-versa.

 

[Demache]

I was used to the T9 portrait keyboard on the Storm and I miss that. If I want that on the Android I'll have to pay for it. I wish it came with the Android like it did on the BB. Not that a couple of bucks is a big deal, but it seems like it should be standard. I have the "Lite" version of an app keyboard with T9 disabled, but the keys are in a different order than the BB and just not as nice. So ... I haven't been able to get used to the Android soft keyboard yet and I make a lot more mistakes. I will say that the app keyboard is excellent in landscape mode -- but I really like to type in portrait.

PROTIP: There is a modded version of the HTC_IME keyboard floating around here somewhere. Its the same one that comes with HTC phones, but modified for more options. It supports T9 in portrait mode and QWERTY in landscape.

[MOD] HTC_IME (8th June) v27: Small fix - xda-developers

You will want the hi-res version since you have the Droid X.

 

[jasondhsd]

I was used to the T9 portrait keyboard on the Storm and I miss that. If I want that on the Android I'll have to pay for it. I wish it came with the Android like it did on the BB. Not that a couple of bucks is a big deal, but it seems like it should be standard. I have the "Lite" version of an app keyboard with T9 disabled, but the keys are in a different order than the BB and just not as nice. So ... I haven't been able to get used to the Android soft keyboard yet and I make a lot more mistakes. I will say that the app keyboard is excellent in landscape mode -- but I really like to type in portrait.

I know someone at work with the Droid 2 who switched from one of the BB models, and the physical kb just doesn't come close to the BB's keyboard. It doesn't have that "feel" where your fingers just hit the right buttons. So yeah, you could have some difficulty adjusting. It's not impossible, but just expect some disappointment in that area for awhile. Then again, maybe your experience will differ and you'll adjust quickly -- but better to manage your expectations low and be happily surprised than vice-versa.

Heh yeah I actually think I'm going to miss the trackball more then the keyboard. With my BB a little roll of the thumb I can navigate anywhere on the screen, with the Droid I'm going to have to traverse the phone with my thumb or finger to click on stuff. I'm assuming there's a way to advanced to different text fields via touch keyboard, like the Tab key on a desktop or laptop? I hope!

 

[crboone]

PROTIP: There is a modded version of the HTC_IME keyboard floating around here somewhere. Its the same one that comes with HTC phones, but modified for more options. It supports T9 in portrait mode and QWERTY in landscape.

[MOD] HTC_IME (8th June) v27: Small fix - xda-developers

You will want the hi-res version since you have the Droid X.

Thanks for that link -- I'll give it a run. I downloaded both versions (for 2.1 and 2.2) in case I can use it when Froyo is pushed out.


EDIT: So far this seems to be just what I need. The only thing I might suggest for improvement is to be able to hide the "XT9/ABC" button as I tend to hit that when reaching for the leftmost letters at times. The auto-correction doesn't seem quite as precise as the BB keyboard. On the other hand, I can space out the keys better (a huge plus), and now that I'm used to the Android screen, it actually hurts my hand having to "press" (or click) the Storm's screen as I type. It takes a lot more effort on the BB once you're used to the touch-only Android screen.

I actually like T9 on compact querty better than Swype, but maybe I haven't given enough time to adjust to Swype yet.

 

[dookie1]

I actually like T9 on compact querty better than Swype, but maybe I haven't given enough time to adjust to Swype yet.

had a pearl and got pretty good at t9 compact. decided to give swype a whirl on the x and while there was a bit of a learning curve, i much prefer it now.

tip: trust it. don't be so deliberate (letter, stop, letter, stop, letter, stop...), and don't stop to tap every word suggestion. just flowwww, baby.

 

[stevez444]

We found the SlideIt keyboard to be much more accurate and the suggestions are on a banner, not the pop up that distracted us. You may want to give it a try.

 

[android.convert]

I can't wait to drop my 8530 (first and last BB) for my back ordered DX

 

[Guardsix]

In my opinion....As a former BB Curve user for over two years, I would not recommend an android cell over the BB because the Android OS is made to be customized by every user therefore you will spend a lot of non-productive time modifying (tinkering) with your Droid X, guaranteed. Even after you've got it fixed just right, someone will come up with a new app or screen, or something that you will want to try. I speak from experience!

As for mail, with BB, you are only relying on the RIM servers who do a pretty good job of pushing your email instantly to you. Android relys on Gmail and pop-email. Gmail is pretty reliable but not to the extent of the BB email system. Pop email is mostly fetch unless you fiddle around with it and Gmail, again a waste of productive time.

To bad RIM can't be a little more imaginative in designing cell phones. If you want a cell phone to get work done, stay with RIM. If you like to tinker and experiment, go Android and get the Droid X.

I love my Droid X; had it since 15 July. I am also very retired and have all the time in the world to tinker!

 

[android.convert]

In my opinion....As a former BB Curve user for over two years, I would not recommend an android cell over the BB because the Android OS is made to be customized by every user therefore you will spend a lot of non-productive time modifying (tinkering) with your Droid X, guaranteed. Even after you've got it fixed just right, someone will come up with a new app or screen, or something that you will want to try. I speak from experience!

As for mail, with BB, you are only relying on the RIM servers who do a pretty good job of pushing your email instantly to you. Android relys on Gmail and pop-email. Gmail is pretty reliable but not to the extent of the BB email system. Pop email is mostly fetch unless you fiddle around with it and Gmail, again a waste of productive time.

To bad RIM can't be a little more imaginative in designing cell phones. If you want a cell phone to get work done, stay with RIM. If you like to tinker and experiment, go Android and get the Droid X.

I love my Droid X; had it since 15 July. I am also very retired and have all the time in the world to tinker!

Don't need a phone for work, need one for play. Hate social networking and emailing and texting. Just want to surf the web, play games, and watch videos.

On a side note I think BB should stop making it's own operating system and adopt android. They could focus on hardware then.

 

[rafairchild2]

I just came over from a BB!

I love my "X"!!!

Don't fear, you can set things up quite nicely and have all the features you need and had on the BB. It takes a little time and patience, but it can be done.

I now have all my contacts, tasks, calendar, and also using Voice though Google. I have to say it is quite easy and functional.

Have a go and enjoy!

 

[curtisdr]

I'm assuming there's a way to advanced to different text fields via touch keyboard, like the Tab key on a desktop or laptop? I hope!

Since you're a hardcore BB user, I think you're going to be mighty frustrated moving to Android. There are a lot of things you take for granted with a BB and the OS that just aren't available or poorly implemented on Android. Only recently, with the DX, is bluetooth phone dialing available (although, IMO, it doesn't work as well as the BB voice dialing).

As far as moving between text fields...that's not something I've seen.

 

[android.convert]

Since you're a hardcore BB user, I think you're going to be mighty frustrated moving to Android. There are a lot of things you take for granted with a BB and the OS that just aren't available or poorly implemented on Android. Only recently, with the DX, is bluetooth phone dialing available (although, IMO, it doesn't work as well as the BB voice dialing).

As far as moving between text fields...that's not something I've seen.

Your post surprises me. It seems that everyone that is switching to Android lately is a former BB User. I must say I truly love the look and fell of a BB but I just hate the RIM hasn't kept up in the smartphone game. If BB would use Android OS, and focus on developing a phone that has a comparable screen rez and processor as the Droids or iPhone they would keep alot of their users.

 

[curtisdr]

Your post surprises me. It seems that everyone that is switching to Android lately is a former BB User. I must say I truly love the look and fell of a BB but I just hate the RIM hasn't kept up in the smartphone game. If BB would use Android OS, and focus on developing a phone that has a comparable screen rez and processor as the Droids or iPhone they would keep alot of their users.

RIM certainly dropped the ball, browser-wise, that's for sure. But as the OP suggests, he depends heavily on his phone for email. RIM still has the command in that area. I certainly liked my DX, and if it wasn't for the volume issue and for me, the size, I'd still have it. But during the time I did have the DX, I still missed some things that my BB had.

 

[midijunky]

9530, 8330, 8530, and 9630 owner here. yay verizon? I used my BB when I was doing mobile tech support. Lots of emails and lots of dates to manage.

Yes, guy above, the droid does have the potential to waste productivity, but we're all grown men here I believe, I personally can exercise a little restraint.

OP, the droid does all that as was stated earlier, for best results switch your contacts and calendar to google. why aren't you there already by the way?

I don't miss the hardware keyboard at all. I fell in love with the concept and the feel of my BB 8530 (Storm), but the honeymoon was short due to buggy OS and lack of support. The touchscreen of the X was easy to adopt to after using the 8530, durable phone too. I counted 24 vertical drops of 2-4 feet onto concrete/asphalt before she gave up the ghost (body glove case).

Honestly, I think the ease of converting depends on the tech savvyness of the consumer. If you give an X to somebody who can hardly turn on their TV, yeah they're going to have issues. I'm familiar with linux and fluent in compootor, so i'm not really surprised it was an easy adoption for myself.

 

[Teegunn]

RIM/Blackberry is YEARS behind the technology that the current Android phones have. That may not matter for some who just want to text/chat/email/call. The Blackberry browser sucks bigtime. Bottom line, you can set up your droid to do get emails to almost the same level as BB offers. Beyond that, a current droid will make a blackberry feel like a dinosaur. I came from a blackberry so I know.

 

[initialjdg]

I had used blackberries for years prior and was a huge fan.
the android email isn't as good, period. it does the job and it does work, just not as quickly. the email viewing is massively superior though. the web browser is also dramatically better.
the keyboard takes some getting used to but I've come to really like swype and I like that the landscape keyboard gives you the room to peck keys easily. the lack of a physical keyboard has it's drawbacks in that you have to look at the keyboard to type, but whatever.
setting the phone up takes time, there's a lot of tinkering to do, but once it's where you want it you're good to go.

 

[android.convert]

RIM/Blackberry is YEARS behind the technology that the current Android phones have. That may not matter for some who just want to text/chat/email/call. The Blackberry browser sucks bigtime. Bottom line, you can set up your droid to do get emails to almost the same level as BB offers. Beyond that, a current droid will make a blackberry feel like a dinosaur. I came from a blackberry so I know.

This is why I am leaving BB. I use my phone for web surfing, games a little texting and phone calls.