My new BlackBerry Priv!!!
Finally, the BlackBerry Priv was released this week. It’s the first BlackBerry device running android, with the full BlackBerry keyboard that we learned to love ages ago.
I’ve been waiting ages for this phone! Seriously, like since I left my BlackBerry Curve for the Nexus One. On 5 Jan 2010.
I’ve only had it for a half a day … but so far, I’m very impressed.
Some highlights:
- Scrolling with a touch sensitive key board is refreshing. I was getting frustrated by accidentally “hearting” tweets as I was just scrolling, or accidentally triggering links on web pages. I love the fact that I can scroll now without touching the screen itself. It also feels like I have more real estate, even though the screen is about the same size as my Note II.
- Setup was so easy. In less than 15 minutes or so, I was fully transitioned over with all my core apps: banking, multiple gmail accounts, BBM, weather, slack, google maps & directions, google authenticator, WordPress, and all of the security policies required for work. It’s pure & perfect android. Everything just worked.
- Gosh dang that keyboard. It’s good to be back. Having keys just brings a level of confidence for me that I just don’t think I’ll ever have with a virtual keyboard. The Priv also has a virtual keyboard (and it seems decent), but I haven’t used it, so TBD.
- Micro USB. Came home and hooked the Priv into the charging cables I already had laying around. There is something awesome about standardized hardware.
- I really can’t find anything wrong with it yet. Battery life, TBD. The power button is on the left side, and I’m used to it being on the right side. It has some lenses on it, so I figure it can probably take pictures or something?
We’ll see if the market acknowledges the device. I hope it does, because I think if BlackBerry is confirmed here with android, they’ll do even more awesome stuff. Here’s to hoping!
Spinach Monster. 