Why I like BlackBerry over the others!

So here is the thing...

People often ask me how could I like BlackBerry as my daily driver over other phones?  Like the iPhone, the Note 4, the LG G3...etc.  Well, let me say it's not that I hate the others...I just think BlackBerry has a hidden jewel that others don't seem to care about.

There are tons of videos online talking about how BlackBerry needs to make a comeback, and that they are falling behind because of the so called 'App Gap.'  I call BS when I see it, and this is clearly a silly thing for people to argue.  There is no doubt that android, and iOS have LOTS of applications in their market or appstore.  I'm not gonna sit here and type anything other than the truth!  But after that...what else do you have?  With Android, I have one of the highest spec'd phones on the market.  From the QHD display, to the Quad-Core processor with 3GBs of RAM.  On my iPhone I have their latest power house, and the little brother.  iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.  But when the day is done, how can I say that just because of their specs it's better?  Or the fact that they have more apps, they are better?  We can't...can we?  NOPE!   Take a look over at this contest that Technobuffalo has been doing with today's smartphones, and look at how BlackBerry is doing?  Click here to Vote and check it out!

This is not a mistake, people like BlackBerry...and more than what you hear on the internet!  Yes it's true, BlackBerry World does not have a lot of the common apps, but there is now Amazon AppStore.  What happened when they launched that?  People still said OMGoodness, there STILL is not a lot of apps here, which is just non-sense!  So when people say 'how or why' do I like BB so much, all I can say is it does it all.

I've been using BlackBerry since 2003, and I've loved it up until the BlackBerry Z10.  Which is when I found out how much I really LOVE BlackBerry.  BB10 took BlackBerry to another level in the mobile world, and some just refuse to see it.  They are caught up on what they read online, and believe it all.  Some people only use a BB for less that a Month, and then say it's horrible.  When you are trying to switch OS's, you have to really give it some thought.  What can I live with, and what can I live without?  Not just BlackBerry, but every operating system has it's downsides.  But what you read online with some OS's, are only negatives.  If the Devs really get behind BB, and just take the time to do it some long overdue justice..we would see an explosion of love for BB.  For those that are on the fence about getting a BB device, I would say this.

• Don't waste time over thinking it, or trying to tell yourself reason why you will not like it
• Don't listen to others that say it's not good
• Don't believe EVERYTHING you read on the internet about BB10
• Get a BB device you think might fit your needs, ie (keyboard or full touch screen)
• Try to shop around and get the best price if you are paying full cost
• Buy unlocked if you can (more freedom of choice)
• Use it just as you did your other device you are coming from
• Buy a couple of cases

I could go on, but I want to keep it as simple as possible.  Right now, I would say to anyone that wants a BlackBerry device with a keyboard, to get the Passport.  It by far is the best I've seen, when using a full keyboard.  When I first saw it, I thought WTH???  Seriously I did!  But after putting all fears aside, it turned out to be my greatest purchase so far in 2015!  I hate that I waited so long, but I'm glad I pulled the trigger.  I originally started with the OG Passport, and ended up switching to the AT&T Passport!  I felt it was the best thing to do based on the design of the AT&T version, after using the OG for a while.

The AT&T version does cost more, by a little bit. But you can get it on contract at $199, or they have the next program where you can pay monthly.  If you are not wanting to pay full cost, $649 I say take one of those options.   The AT&T version feels really nice in the hand, but keep in mind you are still getting a big square device!  BUT, with that you get the following.

• 4.5 display with a ppi of 453
• Full 3 row touch sensitive keyboard
• 13mp camera on the rear
• Metal body, strong body
• 3450 mAh battery that last all day
• 32GB on board storage, with SD card support up to 128GB
• 3GB of RAM, for smooth multitasking
• Quad-Core processor, even though I think it doesn't really need it to run smooth

I think you all should give the BlackBerry Passport a serious look, or just BlackBerry 10 period.  You will be surprised at how much you like it!  I've review both, and the videos are below if you have not seen them or want to revisit!

                                     AT&T BlackBerry Passport unboxing and hands on!

Unlocked BlackBerry Passport review!

Need money for an application?

Earn Google Play credit by answering short surveys. Download Google Opinion Rewards now: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.paidtasks

Blackberry Passport, best in it's class.

A class of it's own!  Work smart, work 'wide' Blackberry Passport review!

When you first see the blackberry passport, you might be kind of Freaked out by its appearance. But don't let that sway you away from a beautiful experience on a mobile device. By today's standards, the average cell phone user might say that the BlackBerry Passport is weird. But they will be wrong.

Let's start by talking about one of the best features on the blackberry passport, the 4.5 inch display. It comes in at 1440 x 1440, which is a pixel resolution density of 453. I would say that is well above today standards, if not right at the top. The screen on blackberry passport is beautiful, and very vibrant. It displays text and pictures, and all colors when viewed beautifully.

Next let's talk about the keyboard, the three row keyboard that BlackBerry has placed on this device. BlackBerry markets this device as a device that you want to use to work wide, and they've succeeded in that area. Here are some of the functions that the BlackBerry keyboard can actually do.

• Gestures like flick to type
• Word predictions
• Voice to text
• Double tap keyboard to show cursor
• Touch sensitive keyboard
• Keyboard can be used as mouse
• Swipe down to expand on screen options
• Cut and paste
• Switch between languages easy

With this keyboard you can do all of those things. My first experience was with the BlackBerry Z10 using flick to type. I couldn't get used to this feature on the BlackBerry Z10, probably because it was already a touchscreen device. I know now that I just needed the sensation of something on my fingertips while typing. Typing on the blackberry passport won't make you any faster at what you're doing, but it will make you more accurate. I've noticed that I make less mistakes when using the blackberry passport, and that's a good thing.

Moving onto one of the best features of the blackberry operating system as a whole, is the

BlackBerry Hub. The BlackBerry Hub is essentially just a central location for all of your notifications. While others have tried to implement this type of notification Center, BlackBerry has done  it the best. From social media, emails, text, SMS picture mail, anything you can think of is housed in one location call the BlackBerry Hub. If you like to keep things organized, the BlackBerry Hub is for you.

BlackBerry include some great features with BlackBerry 10.3. One of the best additions to BlackBerry 10.3, is the Amazon app store. In the Amazon app store you can find tons of games, applications, and anything you need that can't be found in BlackBerry World. It may not be perfect, but it's a great addition to a fantastic operating system!

This time around BlackBerry included BlackBerry voice assistant, and it is very nice and very accurate. Web browsing, call quality, speaker quality, battery, camera quality, are all fantastic on the blackberry passport. The blackberry passport has a 3450 mAh battery, and it is sure to last you for at least a 24 hours and still have some battery left before you end your day. I've managed to get a full on every charge, while using the device. I would end mu day with about 20 to 30% everyday. Which is just great, considering I on it nonstop from the morning until. Emails, lots of text and BBM, and loads of Web browsing all of which won't run down the batter on the BlackBerry Passport in a day.

My overall experience with the blackberry passport is phenomenal, and I would highly recommend this device. Even if you're not a business person, or persons going to use this device solely for business. It is still going take good care of all your personal needs.   

The Blackberry Passport comes in 4 colors. 

• Black
• White
• Red (limited edition)
• Black/Gold (limited edition)

The Black one has a soft touch feel on the back, while the White version is more of a Matte feel.  I have not used the Red, or the Black/Gold versions.  But I would imagine they are about the same.  This device is just a joy to use as my daily device, and it has held up great for the way I use it.  It feels good in your hand, and will not slip out like some other devices we currently use.  This device has a nice texture on the back, so it will stay snug in your hand.  Speaking of slipping out of your hand, or dropping it.  I don't think the Blackberry Passport will break on the first drop.  Nor the second or third for that matter, because it is well put together.  It has a steel beam construction, that runs through the middle of the device which hold it together.  Great idea by Blackberry to go with this design element, it gives it a nice look as well.  When putting it in your pocket, or wherever you will know it's there....because it weighs in at 196g.  However, that is not a bad thing, because I like to know my phone or device is there while stored.  Don't let the weight fool you, it is not like what you would imagine.  By today's standards, it's right in line with tons of other devices in the weight category.  

All in all, I rate this device a 9.9/10...and that is only because of the way it is built.  For the average user, it will take them some time to get used to the size of the screen and how the device is shaped.  For me, it took all of 15 mins to an hour to fall in love.  I have/had lots of big devices already, (iPhone 6 Plus, Note 1,2,3, and 4, MediaPad X1, Mate 2, and so on), and this one fits in perfectly.

I think this is a must have/try to the non believers who might think it's not a good device.  You have to try it, before you can speak on it.  Check the video below at the break...you might like it.

A full listing of the specs can be found clicking on this link - Blackberry Passport specs sheet but I've listed some of the important ones below.

• 4.5 inch LCD capacitive square touchscreen (1440 x 1440 coming in at 453ppi)
• Custom 3 row touch sensitive keyboard by Blackberry
• Snapdragon 801 Quad Core processor, clocked at 2.26GHZ
• 3GB of RAM & 32GB of storage, with SD card support up to 128GB
• 13mp rear camera, 2mp front camera
• BBM messenger
• Blackberry HUB
• Dual band Wi-Fi
• Non-removable 3450mAh battery

If it's not tech, it's not worth talking about.

J. Williams

I've found another one that I like!

Nokia Lumia 830

There are very few offerings of Windows Phone devices currently on the market today, and Nokia is the leader.  If you were to ask some people if they have a Windows Phone, they might just look at you and laugh.  I will agree that WP is not very popular to most, or as popular as iOS or Android.  However, that does not mean it is not a great OS to use.  If you think about it, most people use a PC daily.  So you would think that a WP would be their first choice, right?  Wrong.  Today, there are more iOS and Android devices floating around than WP, and that's just a shame if you ask me.

One reason people may not choose WP over iOS or Android, is because they are not educated on the OS.  I also believe that store reps who sell phones, do not push the product enough so people will know how nice it really is.  I've actually experienced this in a local store.  When I asked about the Nokia Lumia 1520, all I was told is that I don't want to get a Windows Phone.  I should get an iPhone or Android phone, but when I questioned why?  There was no rebuttal at all from the rep, and he had no idea about Windows Phone OS.  Sadly, but I digress.

Let's move on to why this device is a really nice one to own, and why I think you should consider picking one up if you are in the market for a new phone.

I will start with some of the main things it has offer you...

• 5 inch screen (a nice sweet spot for a screen size)
• Removable 2200 mAh battery - this battery will last you at least 1.5 days on a single charge
• 10mp Carl Zeiss Pureview Camera - it takes some GREAT photos and videos
• MicroSD, that can hold up to 128GB SD card
• 16GB of on board storage, with 1GB of RAM

That's  just a few that I wanted to point out, but overall it's a good package for a phone.  (click here for a full list of the specs)  There are plenty of phones that offer much higher specs, but specs don't mean much if the phones doesn't perform well.  Most would agree to this.  I've been using this phone daily for the last week straight, and it has not failed me in any way.  There are a few short comings, but I will give my cons in a bit.  

The screen on this phone is a 720p 5 inch display, and has 294ppi.  Which equates to a clear, smooth, beautiful experience on a phone.  I did lots of web browsing, and watched lots videos.  All of which was solid, and it performed without a hiccup.   Netflix looks great on this phone, it's truly sharp crisp display and you will enjoy it.

The Camera on this phone to me, is the main highlight.  It takes some of the best photos I've ever seen on a mobile device, and I've got lots of them.  The Nokia Lumia 830 doesn't have the highest pixel count on a phone today, but what it does have is Carl Zeiss.  That name alone, says quality!  This is a huge jump over your average cell phone today, and the fact that I can have it on my $400 phone is just amazing.  The videos and photos produced from this 10mp camera, are just fantastic.  You will be amazed if you give it a try, and might even consider it one of the best you've used.  I tested this camera in more ways than one, and even put it up against some of my 'so called' higher end phones.  To tell you the truth, it held it's own!  See the issue I have with some people who do 'tech' reviews on mobile phones, is there standards.  They are too high, and in most cases phones that don't have super specs are overlooked sadly.  Well, on to the next topic at hand.

The battery!  All I can say is 'ALL DAY LONG' it will last you all day!  I had no problems making it through a full day on a single charge, and even made it almost 3 days.  That being said, screen on time was around 5 to 6 hours.  I'm a heavy user, so a person that is not constantly on their phone, will get even better battery than me. 

Cons?  Yeah I have a couple, and they are minor...very minor.  So the back cover on this phone is even worst than a samsung back over, and we know how bad those are.  I feel like I can break this thing so easy, it's scary.  I know we don't take the back cover off that often, but when you do it is not the strongest of the bunch.  Next is the front camera.  While I like it, and I think it is very solid for a front camera...I wanted at least a 2mp on the front.  Images are okay, and video chat is good...and I will leave it at that.

So that's it for now folks, check out the video at the break. You can watch my full review as well.

Remember, if it's not about 'Tech' it's not worth talking about.

J. Williams

4k video shootout! Moto X 2014 VS Samsung Galaxy Note 4

Do we really need 4k video recording?

With all the possibilities of today's smartphones, I'm surprised this is an option to be honest.  While I don't use this feature often, it is nice to have.  But does it really make a difference in the quality of videos we produce.  Do you think it does that much better than 1080p recording?  I would say no it does not, just based on the two videos I show here with two of the top smartphones.

I decided to take some video from both phones, and compare the two.  To my surprise, I prefer the Moto X over the Note 4 in the videos I recorded.  That doesn't mean the Moto X has the better camera, but in this particular capture it did better to me.  The Moto X appeared to be move vibrant in colors than the Note 4, and blacks were deeper.  Pictures on the Note 4 are much better in my opinion, and look more vibrant and clear.  But this is about video capture in 4k, and the Moto X takes the win in my book.  The Moto X also came across more smooth when panning left to right.  Check out both videos, and tell me what you think.

If it's not about Tech, it's not worth talking about.

J. Williams

My Ultimate smartphone. Is there one? Will there ever be one? Answer, NOPE!

Everyone wants something different, so there will never be a phone that everyONE person will want.  If you think I'm wrong, tell me why?  I'd love to hear how there can be a 'one size fits all' in the mobile world!

If you are like most people today, you have more than one smartphone.  At least 1 tablet, an SLR camera, or digital camera, a laptop, and a PC.  I have more than I need, but I'm a tech blogger part-time.  What's your reason?  Do you like the freedom of choice?  Using different OS's when you want to?  One has better battery than the other?  All of the above apply to me, and probably you as well.  I use all OS's, WP8, Android, iOS, Blackberry, and recently the Fire OS.

When you look back just 5 to 10 years, smartphones really were not that great.  Example to my left, lol.  The HTC Tytn.  If you had this, or the T-Mobile version raise your hand.  (Both of mine are up right now)  They had small screens, felt like a brick in your pocket, had resistive touch screens, spoor specs, no LTE, poor cameras, and the list goes on and on.  But at that time, we had the best phones in the world.  Wow, we had no idea how quickly that would change in the near future.  In 2008 on December 3rd, I reviewed my first phone on YouTube.  I sucked bad too, lol. The video was recorded in 240p, the lighting was horrible, and the list goes on lol.

But what I didn't understand at that moment, is that I was on the road to a very fun filled future on YouTube.  The T-Mobile G1 was extremely nice back then, I think if you are an android user you would agree.  I mean look at these specs!!  I was pumped! Weren't you?  (Video below)

117 x 55.7 x 17.1 mm

158 g (5.57 oz)

Keyboard QWERTY

Trackball

TFT capacitive touchscreen, 65K colors

3.2 inches (~46.8% screen-to-body ratio)

320 x 480 pixels (~180 ppi pixel density)

Corning Gorilla Glass

Android OS, v1.6 (Donut)

Qualcomm MSM7201A

528 MHz ARM 11

Adreno 130

MEMORY Card slot microSD

192 MB RAM, 256 MB ROM

CAMERA 3.15 MP, 2048 x 1536 pixels, autofocus

When Google first launched android, it was one of the best time in history for tech people.  Rejoice!!!  So what is the perfect smartphone, or the 'ultimate' smartphone.  What are the specs that go with this so called, killer device?  Well, let's be honest here...there is NO ultimate smartphone!  Every three months or so, there is a new device that will be better spec'd than the one you just bought.  But does that mean yours is now a brick in the pocket?  Nope, it simply means OEM's are trying to get more money from you, and that's just it.  

However, what if you could create your own smartphone next month?  You have free range to call any OEM, and tell them what you wanted them to produce for you.  What would be your specs be, and who would you like to manufacture it?  Here are some of mine, well at least the 'main' things I would want.

Manufactured by HTC

Colors - Deep Red, Blue, Black, White, Blue/White, Deep Red/White, Black/White, etc.
Screen - 5.8 inch QHD display (Sapphire)
Body - 150 x 78 x 7.5 mm (Metal frame)
Sound - Dual front speakers (boomsound)
Memory - 128GB, SD Card slot takes up to 256GB card
Cameras - Rear 41mp, Front 13mp
Processor - Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 3.2GHZ Quad-Core 
GPU - Kepler DX1
Battery - 4500 mAh
OS - Stock Android 5.0.2 (or whatever is current)
SIM - Nano SIM with multi-carrier support
Price - $749.99 UNLOCKED to ALL GSM and CDMA carriers

Now can you even imagine something like this?  For me, I could use this daily as my only device. I wouldn't have to take a tablet with me, nor would I need a spare battery.  I would be so happy to find something like this in my mailbox next month, made just for me.  Do you have a dream device?  I'm sure if you are a techie...you do.  There is nothing wrong with dreaming, it's a good thing.  I think that it won't be long, before we start to see specs like these are our devices in the near future.  So tell me, what's your 'ultimate' smartphone?

If it's not about tech, it's not worth talking about...

J. Williams

Amazon Fire Phone challenge update 2

So let's get into my second update for the Amazon fire phone challenge.

Since my last update I've been doing lots of voice dictation, and in this video below you'll find out how that turns out.  If you didn't know, I use voice detection nearly every day.  At least 20% of my written articles use voice dictation.  Voice dictation can be very useful, and really help out when you don't feel like typing. It's also great for setting appointments, taking notes, etc. Check out the video demo below, of the voice dictation used on Amazon fire phone.

Remember, if it isn't #tech it's not worth talking about.

J. Williams