New 5G BlackBerry in 2021.

[the_boon]

... Yeah, I can see myself reacting the same way! I still loved how iconic and varied the BB10 series and OS was. How you got notifications was pretty top-notch, as well. BB Hub was pretty great.

Varied is the key word here for me, when it comes to phones in general. I like a nice selection of form factors to choose from.

I feel like just between the Classic, Passport, Priv and KEY series, BB has brought more variety of form factors to the table (between 2014 and 2018) than most other brands have in the last decade, even if you include foldables/dual screens.

 

[the_boon]

Ahh, the Classic. That was my favorite.

Unfortunately for die-hard Classic fans, there's a low chance that the OnwardMobility device will be a "Classic 2" of some kind, or if it is, it will have to be a much enlarged version of it (which will reduce its charm in a way).

This is because the CEO Peter Franklin has firmly stated in every interview that this device will be someone's only device, not some companion (like the failed TCL Palm revival) or work-only device.

This does increase the chances of a Priv-Iike slider, which I think would bring the highest chances of any meaningful success.

In a world where people prioritize big screens over typing experience, this device should have a big OLED screen first and foremost, and a decent hidden keyboard.

Imagine the kind of productivity beast it could be, if you open two apps at once and have a full PKB that doesn't get in the way of either app in the slightest.

They would have to be very careful in the weight distribution though, so that it doesn't end up top-heavy when the keyboard is open.

 

[Morty2264]

Varied is the key word here for me, when it comes to phones in general. I like a nice selection of form factors to choose from.

I feel like just between the Classic, Passport, Priv and KEY series, BB has brought more variety of form factors to the table (between 2014 and 2018) than most other brands have in the last decade, even if you include foldables/dual screens.

You do have a point there. BlackBerry was always trying something new. There was 'something for everyone' for quite a while.

 

[anon(50597)]

Unfortunately for die-hard Classic fans, there's a low chance that the OnwardMobility device will be a "Classic 2" of some kind, or if it is, it will have to be a much enlarged version of it (which will reduce its charm in a way).

This is because the CEO Peter Franklin has firmly stated in every interview that this device will be someone's only device, not some companion (like the failed TCL Palm revival) or work-only device.

This does increase the chances of a Priv-Iike slider, which I think would bring the highest chances of any meaningful success.

In a world where people prioritize big screens over typing experience, this device should have a big OLED screen first and foremost, and a decent hidden keyboard.

Imagine the kind of productivity beast it could be, if you open two apps at once and have a full PKB that doesn't get in the way of either app in the slightest.

They would have to be very careful in the weight distribution though, so that it doesn't end up top-heavy when the keyboard is open.

I hate sliders. That would be a no go for me.

 

[Morty2264]

I hate sliders. That would be a no go for me.

I'd be open to trying a slider device, as long as I'd be able to test it out in stores beforehand to get a general feel of what it would be like to use it. As long as it's manufactured correctly, I'd think about it. It'd be something fun to do absent-mindedly - snapping the phone shut and then sliding out the keyboard again.

 

[anon(50597)]

I'd be open to trying a slider device, as long as I'd be able to test it out in stores beforehand to get a general feel of what it would be like to use it. As long as it's manufactured correctly, I'd think about it. It'd be something fun to do absent-mindedly - snapping the phone shut and then sliding out the keyboard again.

I had the Blackberry slider, 9810 I believe. They feel fragile and awkward when open. They're thick too. Maybe that's just me though.

 

[the_boon]

The Priv was perfectly sized for a slider I believe. The same footprint but with a bezel less screen would be nice.

 

[dangerousfen]

The Priv was perfectly sized for a slider I believe. The same footprint but with a bezel less screen would be nice.

This is the ONLY way they'll cut it.

 

[the_boon]

This is the ONLY way they'll cut it.

Whatever they make, I'll buy it regardless. But I'd trade a more balanced fixed PKB device for a not as well balanced slider if it means better sales of the device.

And besides, it's really nice to have a big OLED display with a hidden physical keyboard for when you want it to type longer text entry. Only a slider can provide a full 18:9 aspect ratio with a keyboard.

There are some fake "KEY3" renders on YouTube, where they try to stretch the screen as much as possible and then stick a tiny tiny keyboard way down at the bottom with no chin for typing comfort. The thing would feel so top heavy when typing that it would be far worse than typing on glass...which completely defeats the entire purpose of a real keyboard lol.

 

[Morty2264]

I had the Blackberry slider, 9810 I believe. They feel fragile and awkward when open. They're thick too. Maybe that's just me though.

The Torch? I unfortunately never had one, so I cannot speak for its build quality. It looked fun to play with, though!

 

[anon(50597)]

The Torch? I unfortunately never had one, so I cannot speak for its build quality. It looked fun to play with, though!

That was it. It was interesting.

 

[cckgz4]

I'm intrigued to see what happens, but the functions Samsung puts on their phones can't be beat

 

[the_boon]

I'm intrigued to see what happens, but the functions Samsung puts on their phones can't be beat

That's true, so they'll have to excel in those areas where Samsung doesn't care to put efforts in (keyboard, grippy industrial build, notification LED...)

 

[anon(50597)]

That's true, so they'll have to excel in those areas where Samsung doesn't care to put efforts in (keyboard, grippy industrial build, notification LED...)

Who's asking for a grippy industrial build?

 

[J Dubbs]

I've never used a physical keyboard on a phone, but I don't see how it would be any better than a touchscreen keyboard. You can't swype or change keyboard layouts, use any of the advanced touch features, and the blackberries I've seen gave a huge amount of screen real estate away while still having tiny little buttons. I'm sure I'm missing other parts of the user experience, but I just never understood the draw ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[anon(50597)]

I've never used a physical keyboard on a phone, but I don't see how it would be any better than a touchscreen keyboard. You can't swype or change keyboard layouts, use any of the advanced touch features, and the blackberries I've seen gave a huge amount of screen real estate away while still having tiny little buttons. I'm sure I'm missing other parts of the user experience, but I just never understood the draw ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

For 99% of people this is true. That is why, most likely, none of these will be successful. There are people like Boon who still like them and find the pkb experience better but not enough to make a difference.

 

[the_boon]

Who's asking for a grippy industrial build?

People who don't want a fragile glass artifact with curved edges?

 

[the_boon]

I've never used a physical keyboard on a phone, but I don't see how it would be any better than a touchscreen keyboard.

Well there's your answer.

It can't be explained verbally...it has to be experienced.

And that experience is why my sim remains in this 2018 KEY2 with mediocre overall specs instead of my S10+ which is a beast of its category.

 

[anon(50597)]

People who don't want a fragile glass artifact with curved edges?

So the same people who want a pkb?

I hate curved edges. I love that Apple is bringing back the old flat sides on the new 12.

 

[the_boon]

So the same people who want a pkb?

I hate curved edges. I love that Apple is bringing back the old flat sides on the new 12.

Rugged industrial build is a separate thing from PKB. You can have one or the other, or both.

For example:

F(x) Tec Pro 1 (not rugged, has PKB)

Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro (rugged, no PKB)

Unihertz Titan (both rugged and PKB)

And yes, finally Apple is doing one thing right with their phones design if they have completely flat screens and frame edges.