Sad to say, but RIM is circling the drain. Watch them become a software company in a few years. They are already releasing BBM for Android and iOS. Next it will be a BES app, and then game over for hardware.

 

Their hardware is boring anyway. Their tablet was a complete flop in a time when tablets are the hottest thing around. I carry a curve for work but I only use it for work stuff. 

 

You are kidding me right?

 

Yes, BB may become software only, and that would be fine if there are other BB devices.  Now the Playbook, BB's Tablet was AMAZING technology.

 

People were complaining that the screen was too small. lol.  Guess what?  Now Apple claims that the iPad Mini is a success, look at how many sheep bought it. =)

 

The Playbook was never marketed to the broad public, in fact it did two things, 1. Serve as the testbed for BB10. 2. Marketed to existing BB owners.

 

The Playbook was SHUNNED by phone companies.... why? Because if you had a Blackberry phone.... you got FREE tethering over bluetooth to the tablet.  You did not have to pay additional money for a hotspot.  With Sprint. hehe.  Unlimited internet, without the stupid $10 extra fee, nor $30 a month for a tablet plan.  

 

Why would the cell phone companies support it?  It would be more costs to them, and absolute ZERO revenue.

 

RIMM was just stupid for thinking it would be supported.  However for a tablet... it was perfect size and it was a perfect companion to a BB owner, which is why they released it with the Blackberry Bridge, as there was no native email client.

 

so... No carrier support, and existing Blackberry owners only.  There was no native email or calender on it.  They did fix it in 2.0... but it was too late.

 

I paid $100 or $200 for my 16 Gig playbook, best money I ever spent on technology.  Together with my Curve, and then Bold... truly awesome.

 

I really do love the Z10.... and keep in mind, I am using side by side with a Samsung Note 2 and a iphone 5. I am looking forward to the Q10.... I miss the keyboard, even though the keyboard on the Z10 is the best software keyboard I have had.  I picked up my Bold 9960 today to get some contacts from it..., and it was again love at first sight.

 

Yes, BB is not the cool thing here... but overseas, in many countries it either holds its own or does very well. I believe in Philippines they still have a 50% marketshare. 

 

Edit.... but yes.... Iphone5... I love the apple ecosystem, and I love my ipad... but the size... quite small.  It is a good phone, but only if you have something else to browse the web.

 

Samsung Note 2. I love the hardware, and the size... but the Samsung keyboard is complete and utter shit.  The top row easily hits the numbers instead of the letters.  

 

Z10... not amazing marketplace... but perfect hardware, perfect size, the BEST virtual keyboard.

Edit.... but yes.... Iphone5... I love the apple ecosystem, and I love my ipad... but the size... quite small.  It is a good phone, but only if you have something else to browse the web.

 

I'll throw in my $0.02.  My wife and I have both had iPhones for a while.  The 'ecosystem' is a big plus for us as we can share Apps, music across all our devices (I also have an iPad).   I wouldn't consider either of us 'power users' in that I primarily use it for voice, text communication and apps like tapatalk, realblue, words with friends, and Map My Run. and for music while running. 

 

Yes, the size of the iPhone 5 is 'small' if it is your primary means to surf or if you're doing a lot of typing.  At the same time, it also fits in my pocket.   I have friends that have the newer devices from Samsung and HTC that have MUCH bigger screens and this real estate allows a better video and typing experience... but they're also like cramming a license plate in your pocket.

Another happy Z10 user here. I use and develop for most current and past mobile platforms, and BB10 is my favorite OS for personal use at the moment. The ui may not be intuitive initially, but it is very fast and efficient once you get the hang of it. I also tried the Q10 but decided to stick with the Z for now, because of the larger screen, and some other factors that probably don't apply to most users, such as better support for switching between latin and cyrillic keyboard layouts.