Expert: DebiN - 2/6/2011

Question
Hello.

This is a follow-up to the topic: Blackberry vs. iphone.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi again.

Just a few more questions.

I've noticed that the iphones (as well as iphone 4) does not come in flip/clamshell types. Also, I am seeing less and less of them in regards to non-iphone types as well. I would imagine that flip/clamshells offers better protection to the buttons and screen, whereas, the iphones are a one-piece item and can easily get damaged.

1. Why are the flip/clamshell models declining in popularity? Is it because having two LCD screens cuts on battery life? Or is it because the hinges eventually wears out and breaks apart due to overuse? Or is it something else entirely?

The thing that I don't like about the current cell phones are the fact that the keys are way too small for me to text. In fact, I just checked out the Blackberry 8530 and the keys are so crowded together, even my cell has better key spacing than that model and yet, I still have trouble texting people. Next, I checked out tablets, the Samsung Galaxy Tablet in particular. It has web access, apps, texting, video chatting, and phone chatting via blue tooth. I'm told that this particular tablet is the best. I am seriously considering getting the Samsung Galaxy Tablet because it makes texting much easier than with a standard cell phone.

See link: http://www.tecca.com/product/samsung-galaxy-tab-3g/reviews/2/#page_content

2. What is your opinion on tablets?

3. Do you consider tablets to be superior to iphones/cell phones?


Best regards,

Julian
Answer:   There are many cases today that protect a phone as well as the flip/clamshell and so the flip isn't as necessary as it once was. If protection is important, I would recommend doing what I do, is having a case that has a front cover. The cover just flips up or to the side when you want to use the keys. iPhones also have screen covers that protect the screens as well. And the iPhone and other touch screen phones don't have keys to protect, so just protecting the cover with the plastic stick on sheet or case cover adequately protects the pone.

For a BlackBerry, the best one is by far the Torch. It has the best keypad and is not as tiny as the Curve series. The Galaxy tab is fantastic and is definitely the best one around today. My opinion on tablets is that if size is not an issue (some people want tiny phones), it is definitely the best way to go. They are all Android operating systems (a superior OS to Windows) and offer a nice large screen to work with. They have good protective cases also. A Galaxy tablet is not superior to an iPhone or iPad (Apple is by far superior to any other OS), but if you don't want an iPhone and since you can't talk on an iPad, a Galaxy tablet is a great option. If AT&T is your carrier, there's also the Dell Streak to look at, but Samsung makes pretty good Android devices. You can't compare a tablet to a cell phone nor a SmartPhone to a cell phone. It's all about what your requirements are. I hope this helps.


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1. Is the reason why clamshells are becoming less popular due to the fact that they are ugly and more prone to break?

2. Which providers carries the Blackberry Torch? Is it a good model?

If I decide to go with Boost, it's a toss-up between the Samsung Seek CDMA X Series or the Motorola il iden series. The reason being is because they appear to have better key spacing for texting, among other things.

3. Are both the Samsung Seek and the Motorola il models great for texting? Which one is better for texting?

In regards to the tablet covers, I've seen quite a few online and in person, but what I don't see are sport armbands for tablets. Considering that they are smaller than the standard laptop, they appear to be the right size to strap to your arm, but no such armbands for tablets exist.

4. That being said, is there someplace I can go to where I can get a custom made sport armband for a tablet?


Best regards,

Julian

Answer
Clamshells just aren't in as much demand anymore and SmartPhones are the main thing these days. It's not about whether they are ugly or more prone to break.

AT&T carries the Torch and Verizon will be carrying a version of it shortly.

I don't really like any Boost phones, but if you are going with Boost get a phone that works on iDEN and CDMA.

Texting is personal preference. Whatever phone has a full QWERTY keyboard and feels the best for you is what should be the determining factor regarding texting. All phones can text today.

There aren't armbands that I am aware of for tablets at this point. Probably too big. Eventually, they may have something from athletic folks to use.

I wouldn't get a custom one, I'd wait until one is available. Shouldn't be long though.