Hi guys. Finally moving with the times and investing in a smartphone! I'm thinking of getting a Blackberry (most likely 8520 curve) as I don't like touch screen phones, find them really annoying. I've asked a few people and everyone seems to have said that they've had a few problems with their Blackberry's. What is your experience of them? Am I best to stay away? Thanks

The 8520 was released in August 2009 and is running software that is two versions behind the latest available, with no way of upgrading. In addition to this, it was designed to be a budget handset when it was first released, never mind now - so the specifications are, to put it mildly, poor.

In answer to your question, no, I would not recommend buying a blackberry. I wouldn't even recommend one of the latest models. Unless you want BBM, the OS offers few advantages to the other big players at the moment, but many disadvantages (lack of apps, poor UI etc.).

The 8520 will be slow, and generally provide a terrible smartphone experience.

However, given that you don't like touch screens, your phone options using a 'modern' OS are very limited (basically none).

There are a few Android phones which come with a keyboard in addition to a touch screen - The Samsung Galaxy Pro and HTC ChaCha being examples of phones that have a similar form factor to the Blackberry Curve.

I've had a BlackBerry and wouldn't now have any other phone.

I can see this thread turning into an iPhone v BlackBerry v Android.

At the end of the day, these are only our opinions. Your best bet is going into a phone shop to have a play around with a few handsets to see what is best for YOU.

I've never been happier with my phone since I threw out my blackberry and got an android. Blackberry did nothing but crash and was too complicated.
Only thing with the android is there is no "hang up" button, kind of useful in a phone you know.

This is true - it's all very subjective and if you really don't like touch screen then perhaps BlackBerry is for you.

However, given the age of the 8520 I don't think there is any way that it could be recommended. Similarly, I wouldn't recommend an Android phone from 2009.

My HTC ChaCha has a lovely red button for hanging up calls!

lol I'm so immature that I laughed about your 'chacha' having a lovely red button.

I have the android galaxy and it's lacking button.

Snort!

(also childish)

Ive got Blackberry 9900 and love it. I didnt want a touchscreen for texting. This phone is perfect as it has a qwerty pad for texting, but also has touchscreen for everything else.

I got the Bold 9700 and am due an upgrade soon. Thinking of going for the 9900, how good is the HD camera on it?

I've got a blackberry and I love it. For those that complain about it being old fashioned. Did you know that the browser on BB OS7 is rated as more HTML5 compatible than iOS? That there are over 60,000 apps now in BlackBerry app world? Ok, so it's not millions, but it's a start.

However, the 8520 is an old handset now. It is underpowered, no 3G, poor camera, and frankly it's an embarrassment that BlackBerry have let it stay on the market this long!

I wouldn't give up my BlackBerry for any other phone on the market

Have a look at the Curve 9360. Great camera, lovely slim design, runs the latest BB OS7.

Only people who dont know anything about phones buy Blackberry's. I doubt Blackberry's will still even exist in a year or two.

Wow, thats so constructive and helpful. What phone would you buy then genius?

I want something that has a keyboard BTW...

If you want a physical keyboard but don't necessarily want BBM, the ChaCha is excellent. Really easy to use,great screen, more than decent camera and,being Android, thousands of free apps available.

BUT: be aware it has limited memory. Make sure the first app you buy is something like "Apps to SD" so it doesn't fill up.

ALSO: the battery is pretty poor, at least with internet switched on. (You can get a second battery off Ebay for around six quid)

If you want a hardware keyboard, you're pretty much screwed.

How about a nice Sony Ericsson Xperia Pro

http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_ericsso...a_pro-3779.php

or the Mini Pro?

http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_ericsso...i_pro-3713.php

Physical keyboard ÷ good form factor ÷ good size = blackberry

No I would not recommend a blackberry. Everyone I know including myself thats had one its broken on. Plus it doesnt have all the fun apps android, iphone and windows phone had. Blackberry is only good for BBM and even thats crap to be honest.

EDIT: Oh and the physical keyboard is rubbish too its way to small and half the time the track pad or roller ball freezes on you.

Yes anyone with phat fingers really should avoid trying to use a Blackberry keyboard. You may find it a tad embarrassing!

Typed and sent from my 9900 using non-phat fingers

I seriously recommend you do not get a BlackBerry. The phones tend to have the words "General Fault" written all over them.

It was the other night when my BB Bold 9700 decided to completely die on me after I put the Battery back in. The reason i took it out in the first place was because the phone was being rather slow and unresponsive as are most BlackBerries.

No general faults here
No slow, unresponsive or dead units here

I had a Blackberry Curve 8520 and a Blackberry Torch and never had any problems.

If you had the money, you could buy a 9700 which is 100x better than the Curve http://www.amazon.co.uk/BlackBerry-B.../dp/B002YDZSQM

So out of 20 posts, it really seems like Blackberrys suck.

Although my friend just got the 9900 and loves it, but she's odd

Out of 20 posts, 5 were negative about blackberries, 2 of these were from the same FM, and only 1 post was from an FM who actually owned a blackberry. The other 15 posts were from either happy blackberry owners, or people with alternative suggestions

Blackberry? YUK!!

And there are better alternatives on both major OS's