On my old site I wrote about my biggest gripe with Symbian, but my beef with BlackBerry has, no matter how odd it might seem given the bashing RIM’s OS is getting lately, nothing to do with the OS.
I also posed the question of the point of BlackBerry beyond push email, and that is related to my biggest issue with BlackBerry. I am talking about RIM’s BIS/BES server (for an excellent explanation of the two servers, read this); the idea of adding a whole other service layer on top of the carrier completely puts me off, and when you take into account the consequences of RIM’s extra layer it immediately becomes a non-option. We have all seen what happens when those servers are down: it means not only no e-mail but none of features you would expect on a smartphone, i.e. you BlackBerry turns into a dumb-phone which will only allow you to make phone calls and send texts. Another result of going through BIS/BES is that the download speeds depend on the server (as opposed to your network) and email attachments have a maximum size limit, which is again limited by the BIS.
It is a real shame because as an OS I actually like it (sans the infamous battery pulls) and the new Webkit browser is actually very good, with pinch-to-zoom text reflow! Add to that that I am a sucker for front-facing QWERTY keyboards – the upcoming Bold 9900 would be the ideal phone for me as far as design is concerned! – but alas….
I have to agree with you on your points. I am currently a BB user and using the BIS though my carrier Digicel, I’m having issues with downloads as well as the “Truncated due to size” notification. This has become a fustration. I honestly appreciates RIM’s security features. But security features won’t be enough to stem the tide of Androids and iOS offerings currently flooding the market.
Due to this readon and current operational fustrations I’m seriously considering an Omnia 7 from Samsung, with hopes of upgrading to Mango build soon.
It’s shame because I honestly like the OS (I know, I’m probably in a minority!) and I really like their phones – I think the new Bold 9900 is the best looking phone out there right now and would immediately buy it if it weren’t for the restrictions of going through the BIS servers.
And as you say, I think RIM will have to loosen their security policy if they want to stay competitive (perhaps going through a BIS can be optional?), and hence my prediction that their upcoming QNX phones won’t require it.
Regarding the Omnia…. If you have read a couple of my WP7 posts you will know I am not a fan of it, and I would honestly prefer any of the new BB devices that were just announced over a Mango device.
Thanks for the feedback!