Current Blackberry / Outlook user, possible change.

[CrackDeez]

I'm currently a BB Storm user and use my phone primarily for business (as if I had a choice). I'm in IT and travel A LOT. I love that my BB works well with Outlook but I have to admit, I wish I had the fun stuff that goes along with the Android OS.
I'm way past my 2 year contract with Verizon and want to stay with them but I've been holding out for 4G. Should I?

I like the look of the Incredible. I thought I would wait for the Pro but have to say I'm not a fan of the look AT ALL. Why waste the screen size?

I currently use these functions and have to have them on a new phone:
- Outlook functionality, not just email, but tasks and memos too.
- Tether app. Not the Verizon crap that requires additional monthly fee. I have to have this because I can't tap into the network of many of the sites where I work.
- Copy paste
- Camera. I'm currently at 3.2 mp but would love to be at 8 mp.
- Enough space that I can have more than 5 apps on my phone without the memory running out. This is my most frustrating complaint about my Storm.

I appreciate the feedback. Again, I'm staying with Verizon but will wait longer if something else is coming.

 

[Devlyn16]

I'm in the same boat (litterally bought my Storm on the 1st day of release)

It looks like my wife & I be getting Droid 2s this week (wed get the droid 2 Global if it had a BOGO deal like the regular Droid 2).

I'm going this route becasue personally I found from time to time If i used larger font on the Storm's screen it made it difficult to see what i was typing (I'm looking at you SocialScope).

I would have waited for a LTE Android phone, but unforseen circumstances are requiring we upgrade now.

 

[aweber1nj]

I was in (almost) the exact same boat. Stood in line two Nov's ago the day the Storm1 came-out. Liked the phone, never totally in love with it.

Got a Droid 2 Global on Monday. It's head-and-shoulders above the Storm in terms of features and performance. Here's my short-term review for you:

The Good

• I did a little research and immediately bought and installed TouchDown for Exchange. So far this is just as fast as BB for push email and sending. The D2G's display is so much nicer and TouchDown does a nice job of rendering the emails. I feel like I'm missing nothing from the Storm for email (which is my most important feature of a smartphone).
• Most of the droids have a hotspot feature that enables the phone to be a WiFi router for (up to) 5 devices. Have not tried this out, but it would easily meet your tethering needs. That costs $20/mo from VZ. If you want to go something else, I know there's an app just out of beta ("PDANet", maybe?) to do it -- probably without paying the extra to VZ. And if you root, there's other ways to tether. (Anything other than VZ's option is probably a "gray area" when it comes to VZ's terms of use, etc.)
• Camera will depend on which phone you pick. I don't use it that often, and the 5MP on my D2G will be fine.
• Running multiple apps? Please. Andorid does this just fine, and there are tons of options to d/l and run.

The Bad
Maybe specific to my phone choice: I'm having trouble with battery life. Again, I'm only two days into it and there is lots of help and opinions on the boards about how to improve it, so I'm still working on it, but OOTB, without mucking-around with various settings, I only got a dismal 5hrs of battery yesterday. That's totally unacceptable to me. Again, I'm working on it with help, but if I can't get an acceptable solution within the next 28 days, I would have to return this phone.

Android still rules as a phone OS though, I'm already convinced of that!

Hope that helps, as always, YMMV!
AJ

 

[takeshi]

- Outlook functionality, not just email, but tasks and memos too.

"Outlook" really doesn't mean anything in this context. Outlook is an email client and your device won't interact directly with Outlook for email. It's the email server that really matters. Are you on Exchange (not the same thing as Outlook despite how many seem to misunderstand) or using something else for email?

If you need standalone Outlook sync (because you're not on Exchange), Home | syncdroid.net - because Androids need a good Outlook sync lists many of the Outlook sync options for Android. There are also countless threads on all the Android forum sites that you might want to reference.

- Tether app. Not the Verizon crap that requires additional monthly fee. I have to have this because I can't tap into the network of many of the sites where I work.

Your options are use Verizon's tethering or root and try to tether under the radar.

- Copy paste

That's hit-and-miss in the Android world IMO. It's mentioned below but Touchdown (if relevant to you) recently added copy and paste which is lacking from many email apps.

- Camera. I'm currently at 3.2 mp but would love to be at 8 mp.

Don't assume that MP is all you need to assess picture quality. My Droid is 5MP and takes terrible photos unless I'm in extremely bright sunlight.

- Enough space that I can have more than 5 apps on my phone without the memory running out. This is my most frustrating complaint about my Storm.

Number of apps doesn't really mean much. Some apps are just KB in size, others are several GB in size. Odds are that any device can run 5 apps or more though. Check the tech specs. Each device lists its app storage capacity.

I appreciate the feedback. Again, I'm staying with Verizon but will wait longer if something else is coming.

There's always something else coming.

I did a little research and immediately bought and installed TouchDown for Exchange.

Touchdown is frequently recommended but don't overlook the other Exchange clients such as RoadSync, Moxier etc.

I personally prefer Touchdown but it's not a one-size-fits-all world. Any app can be returned within 24 hours for a refund so even if there isn't a free trial you can try out an app to see how well it suits your particular needs/wants.

Maybe specific to my phone choice: I'm having trouble with battery life.

No, it's common to many devices. Look for threads that focus on battery usage analysis strategies. It doesn't help to randomly implement "solutions" that aren't relevant to your particular usage. You want to identify the major battery hogs and address them first. Your battery info screen is a good starting point -- just be sure you know how to read it as it only covers usage since your last charge.

 

[aweber1nj]

No, it's common to many devices. Look for threads that focus on battery usage analysis strategies. It doesn't help to randomly implement "solutions" that aren't relevant to your particular usage. You want to identify the major battery hogs and address them first. Your battery info screen is a good starting point -- just be sure you know how to read it as it only covers usage since your last charge.

Thanks for that. I'm posting under the D2 forum about it. Currently trying to figure out what "Cell Standby" and "Phone Idle" are, and if they are what I think they are, why would they have used 24% of my battery since this morning, and yet I'm down to 30% battery after 6hrs. Maybe that indicates a faulty battery, or I'm not understanding if they're "hiding" traffic from other apps or something while the phone is in its case.

 

[gobluejd]

Check out my site for some helpful tips as well.

http://blackberry2android.com/

Although I have not updated in a while, start at the end and there is allot of useful information for you transplanter....been there done that

 

[SiLkk]

Check out my site for some helpful tips as well.

www.blackberry2andriod.com

Although I have not updated in a while, start at the end and there is allot of useful information for you transplanter....been there done that

Link does not work...

 

[Patrick.Steele]

- Tether app. Not the Verizon crap that requires additional monthly fee. I have to have this because I can't tap into the network of many of the sites where I work.

As a current BB Storm owner (who is moving to the Droid X shortly -- not soon enough!), I can tell you that I currently use "Tether" for the BlackBerry. It's an awesome solution for tethering and they just announced their Android client last week:

Tether your Android Smartphone! | Tether

Try it out for free and see if it works for you.

 

[gobluejd]

Sorry spelled android wrong...should work now...

 

[wckesq]

Came from Storm 2, love my DInc with Touchdown.

 

[fwdixon]

PDANet by junefabrics works for blackberry, iphone, Windows Mobile, and Android and requires not rooting/hacking/jailbreaking etc. and, unless you visit secured site (https), you don even need to pay for the app!

Regarding Exchange syncing, first thing is to make sure your company's IT policies allow for exchange syncing to non-RIM devices. I bought a WinMo phone a few years back thinking I could sync it with my company's Exchange server (both MS, right?) but came to find out that our IT department only allows syncing to BB's. (Argh, means that no sync to android either).

As for office apps to sync with outlook, I currently use DejaOffice and love it. It sync contacts, calendar, tasks, and categories with outlook. I use K-9mail for my email client on my phone, and with RDP I can access outlook on my computer from anywhere.

Anyhoo, GL and happy hunting.

 

[_X_]

I'm currently a BB Storm user and use my phone primarily for business (as if I had a choice). I'm in IT and travel A LOT. I love that my BB works well with Outlook but I have to admit, I wish I had the fun stuff that goes along with the Android OS.
I'm way past my 2 year contract with Verizon and want to stay with them but I've been holding out for 4G. Should I?

I like the look of the Incredible. I thought I would wait for the Pro but have to say I'm not a fan of the look AT ALL. Why waste the screen size?

I currently use these functions and have to have them on a new phone:
- Outlook functionality, not just email, but tasks and memos too.
- Tether app. Not the Verizon crap that requires additional monthly fee. I have to have this because I can't tap into the network of many of the sites where I work.
- Copy paste
- Camera. I'm currently at 3.2 mp but would love to be at 8 mp.
- Enough space that I can have more than 5 apps on my phone without the memory running out. This is my most frustrating complaint about my Storm.

I appreciate the feedback. Again, I'm staying with Verizon but will wait longer if something else is coming.

Well as chance would have it, I too came from Verizon sporting a BB Storm who also needed to sync with Outlooks, memos, tasks, calender, but not email.

At first I could not find a suitable solution and I almost switched back to my BB. However I know have a solution that I'm even happier with and would not dream of going back to a BB.

See Andriod, unlike BB, is not tailored for heavy PDA/email usage but does have apps that can turn it into a powerful device. Also there is no real solution to sync PC <-> Android. All sync is done in the cloud.

Here is what I did.
For my Outlook client, I purchased an app called gSync ($15), it syncs email, notes, task, and calenders to the google account. (Note notes are synced to google docs)

The phone comes with a mail and calendar software so all you need to do is install "gtask" for your tasks, and "gdocs" for the outlook notes. These apps are free

The copy-n-paste on the Android is no where near as good as the BB, but it's there and works. However the email client on the Android does NOT copy and paste. You will have to install a 3rd party app mail client like K9 (free). This app rocks, it has Copy/paste, folders, multiple email, one folder for all email, poll/push support.

I also recommend the "Agenda Widget" this widget allows one to view Tasks and Calendar items on the home screen, something no BB theme did.

"Theter" works for Android and so does PDANet. With 2.2(froyo) you root your phone you can turn your phone into a hot-spot and do not even have to pay for a tether app.

As of right now, all of the major BB apps have been ported to Android or their are equivalent. Podtrapper has been ported and the BB license also works for the Android version. But for some reason most of the Android apps are more feature rich than the BB counter part.

Then add the new apps that BB does not have like PSXemulator, Quake,

Android might not be "build for business" out of the box but it is extremely flexible and customizable and can be tailored to fit almost anybody's need.

In the end it takes a bit to get use to but when you do, you will not want to go back to BB.
=X=

 

[Sailmaker]

BB Storm To Droid Issues

I too came from a BB Storm...loved it at first then got to where it drove me NUTS!

Re: Battery Life, I doubt there is a smartphone out there where everyone doesn't complain about the battery life. The Droids have so many more capabilities so you probably use your phone for more tasks.
Also, like most people who get a new phone, there is a lot of initial "playing with your new toy" which diminishes battery life; after awhile, when you start using it for "just the stuff" you need to use it for, your battery life will likely improve.

Yeh, you can't directly sync Outlook and THAT really SUX. However, after you get used to the cloud system with Google, it's really not too bad. I'm guessing you will initially want to export calendar & contacts to gmail. The good news, Google Calendar Sync will keep your Outlook Calendar in sync with the Google Calendar. The bad news, without an additional sync program, no can sync Outlook contacts to gmail contacts. Also, at present, cannot sort contacts by last name...hopefully the Gingerbread update will fix that.

As for tethering, there is a program that requires only a one-time fee: Easy Tether ($9.95) on the App Market. Haven't tried it but it appears to get good reviews.

Summarily, there are a few things I miss about the ol BB Storm, but not too many. I have a Droid X and am thrilled by the added capabilities it has over the BB Storm. (especially like the large screen )

And, the DROID X has soooo much onboard memory and SD memory compared to the BB Storm. You probably won't have to worry about adding too many apps and Battery Pulls will be a distant memory. Android OS does a darn good job of managing memory utilization and allowing you to run multiple apps at the same time without affecting performance.

Good Luck, with whatever Android phone you choose.

 

[TEP#AC]

I just recently switched from the original Storm to a Droid X. I was holding out for the next Storm to materialize and it now looks like that will be sometime next year. I just decided that if I keep waiting I will always be waiting.

Anyway, now that I have taken the plunge and am about a week into it, I am definitely enjoying the Droid X. I opted for the Corporate Unlimited Data Plan (expensive, but I get a discount because of my company). With the corporate plan came the ability to sync my mail, contacts, and calendar entries over the air using the Exchange ActiveSync protocol which is an available feature with every Microsoft Exchange server installed. It is up to your I.T. department to set it up and configure it. If your company is already providing web based access to your email, the configuration for ActiveSync is only a few steps and few minutes away from enabling.

I am syncing three separate active sync accounts with the application that came with the phone and the data plan that I selected. I have full sync for all three calendars, all three mailboxes, and all three contact lists. It is wonderful to have push email without having to manage a BlackBerry Enterprise Server to do this for a BlackBerry. One less server to manage.

The one thing I am not getting over the air is my tasks. I am looking for a solution to resolve that but haven't found something just yet.

I can say that while a BlackBerry has most of the features and functions pretty much polished, Android is catching up. I have found applications to fill the voids that my BlackBerry provided natively. For instance, on a BlackBerry, you can create a separate signature for each of your configured mailboxes. On the Droid X that I have, there is one signature that is used for all added mailboxes outside of the GMail application. This was almost a show stopper for me until I found a little application called "Inserty". Once I set that up, I can now type an email and insert which ever signature I need to add. Does it take a few more steps, sure, but at least I can add the proper signature.

The one thing that I thought I was going to miss was BlackBerry Messenger. That was until I came across a cross-platform messenger called Kik. One of the founders of Kik used to work in some capacity with RIM and BlackBerry Messenger. It is a real-time client for Android, iPhone, and BlackBerry. All of my buddies that have BlackBerry's installed Kik, and nothing was lost. I gained the ability to talk to all of my iPhone friends now. It provides the same core functionality as BBM (sent, delivered, read, and typing a message). More features are coming. BBM isn't really a reason to stay with BlackBerry anymore.

Anyway, I apologize for the long first post. I just wanted to share my thoughts and travels thus far in being a Android convert. I feel guilty after having had a BlackBerry for as long as I can remember and walking away from the platform. Maybe I will go back one day but then again I may just stay with Android now that I have found suitable replacements for the things my BlackBerry was able to do. I believe in time the Android operating system will continue to be refined and the few small things that are missing will be a thing of the past.

 

[takeshi]

Yeh, you can't directly sync Outlook and THAT really SUX.

You can. I posted this earlier in this very thread:
www.syncdroid.net

With the corporate plan came the ability to sync my mail, contacts, and calendar entries over the air using the Exchange ActiveSync protocol which is an available feature with every Microsoft Exchange server installed.

The standard $29.99 data plan gives you that ability as well. It's what I use for my Exchange account with ActiveSync. It's a common misconception that the corporate plan is required.

 

[_X_]

Re: Battery Life, I doubt there is a smartphone out there where everyone doesn't complain about the battery life. The Droids have so many more capabilities so you probably use your phone for more tasks.
Also, like most people who get a new phone, there is a lot of initial "playing with your new toy" which diminishes battery life; after awhile, when you start using it for "just the stuff" you need to use it for, your battery life will likely improve.

I'm not sure the Battery life is connected to the Android phones. I really think it's the hardware, most android phones have huge screens and a screaming processor. That said my storm like my android phone never made it through the day without a charge.

Yeh, you can't directly sync Outlook and THAT really SUX. However, after you get used to the cloud system with Google, it's really not too bad. I'm guessing you will initially want to export calendar & contacts to gmail. The good news, Google Calendar Sync will keep your Outlook Calendar in sync with the Google Calendar. The bad news, without an additional sync program, no can sync Outlook contacts to gmail contacts. Also, at present, cannot sort contacts by last name...hopefully the Gingerbread update will fix that.

HTC sense does offer direct link, but those solutions are Vendor specific.

The free gCalendar app does sync contacts and calendars, but it has a nasty bug that it will not updated calendars appointments that where not created by oneself.

I ponied up and paid $15 to get gSyncIt and it works great. It's great having a solution that automatically syncs all the data. I tell you what it is FAR better than the BB solution. I always hated the fact that the only time my Outlook/BB would sync is when I connected my device to my PC or I manually started a sync.

 

[SiLkk]

The one thing that I thought I was going to miss was BlackBerry Messenger. That was until I came across a cross-platform messenger called Kik. One of the founders of Kik used to work in some capacity with RIM and BlackBerry Messenger. It is a real-time client for Android, iPhone, and BlackBerry. All of my buddies that have BlackBerry's installed Kik, and nothing was lost. I gained the ability to talk to all of my iPhone friends now. It provides the same core functionality as BBM (sent, delivered, read, and typing a message). More features are coming. BBM isn't really a reason to stay with BlackBerry anymore.

This Kik app you mention, does it offer group chats like BBM? I am looking for something cross platform that has group chatroom feel.

 

[Bru1ns]

I am switching over from the BB to the Droid X this weekend. This is probably a dumb question...

On BB, I was able to set my email (I own my own website and have my own branded email with my domain ex:webmaster@website.com) and I was wondering if I will still be able to configure such on the Droid, and if so, will it require me purchasing an app.

Again, I'm a total newb and figured to ask. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[aweber1nj]

I am switching over from the BB to the Droid X this weekend. This is probably a dumb question...

On BB, I was able to set my email (I own my own website and have my own branded email with my domain ex:webmaster@website.com) and I was wondering if I will still be able to configure such on the Droid, and if so, will it require me purchasing an app.

Again, I'm a total newb and figured to ask. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

I'm not sure what you mean here. OOTB, almost all (if not all) the droid phones can sync with IMAP & POP servers. POP3 will always be a scheduled "poll" for new emails. Most of the IMAP4 supported clients can use IDLE, so if your IMAP server is anything fairly up-to-date, you can get near-real-time push of your email from those servers.

The latest ones allow for ActiveSync (MS Exchange Server) sync as well. The default clients that comes with the phones may or may-not meet your needs. There are a bunch of alternative mail-apps that you can d/l from the Market to see which meets your needs best.

Did that answer your question, or did I guess your intent wrong?

 

[_X_]

I'm going to assume that you are using a server farm. Most of these services configure their email servers to use IMAP or POP. These standards are supported by most email clients including Android

I too have my own email and access my emails just fine.

On an aside you might want to forego setting up the stock email client and go straight to K9-client. It's the only client that has features comparable to the bb