I don't understand the appeal of clamshell phones. In their folded position, they're useless, so you're constantly folding and unfolding, and then the hinge breaks.
Also, is it just me, or does that thing look huge? It looks like it's probably as big as the Pearl, except you don't have to unfold the Pearl to use it.
To Mike Cerm: I guarantee that LCD screen breakage occurs FAR more often than hinge breakage - I've never had any issues with either but none of my friends have ever had a hinge break on their clamshells - but many have had screens break. However, it's usually the OUTER screen, not the INNER screen - which is naturally protected due to the design.
So I counter your comment by saying "Why would anyone by a candy bar style phone, leaving the most delicate and expensive part of the phone completely exposed? Furthermore, what about accidental keypresses forcing you to enter in codes to unlock phones and whatnot? It's easier for me to flip my clamshell open than to enter in an unlock code.
Clamshells fit very nicely in the pocket. My first gen razr, other than being a POS was a very nice fit in the pocket. Now I have an iPhone and it's pretty good in the pocket but not as compact as a razr. The tradeoff gives me the big screen and eliminates carrying my nano. No phone is perfect for everyone but this form factor is quite nice and I do like it. If I wasn't hooked on the iPhone I would definitely consider this phone.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
MastrCake @ Apr 30th 2008 10:50PM
A clam-shell Blackberry? Seriously???
SIGN ME UP!!!
James @ Apr 30th 2008 11:02PM
Dubbed the ugly.
happy_penguin @ Apr 30th 2008 11:27PM
I think it looks fine. It's not for me, but it's fine.
Mike Cerm @ Apr 30th 2008 11:39PM
I don't understand the appeal of clamshell phones. In their folded position, they're useless, so you're constantly folding and unfolding, and then the hinge breaks.
Also, is it just me, or does that thing look huge? It looks like it's probably as big as the Pearl, except you don't have to unfold the Pearl to use it.
Ty @ May 1st 2008 12:07AM
Put the mask back on.
thethirdmoose @ May 1st 2008 12:21AM
Clamshell phone screens don't get scratched in your pocket
Za @ May 1st 2008 12:26AM
To Mike Cerm:
I guarantee that LCD screen breakage occurs FAR more often than hinge breakage - I've never had any issues with either but none of my friends have ever had a hinge break on their clamshells - but many have had screens break. However, it's usually the OUTER screen, not the INNER screen - which is naturally protected due to the design.
So I counter your comment by saying "Why would anyone by a candy bar style phone, leaving the most delicate and expensive part of the phone completely exposed? Furthermore, what about accidental keypresses forcing you to enter in codes to unlock phones and whatnot? It's easier for me to flip my clamshell open than to enter in an unlock code.
happy_penguin @ May 1st 2008 12:30AM
Clamshells fit very nicely in the pocket. My first gen razr, other than being a POS was a very nice fit in the pocket. Now I have an iPhone and it's pretty good in the pocket but not as compact as a razr. The tradeoff gives me the big screen and eliminates carrying my nano. No phone is perfect for everyone but this form factor is quite nice and I do like it. If I wasn't hooked on the iPhone I would definitely consider this phone.
Sean @ May 1st 2008 12:40AM
clamshell phone means fashion here in Japan, and they are all very nice, but none of them look like this one.
James Cameron @ May 1st 2008 3:00AM
Blackberry need to fire their designers. A calculator mobile phone and now this?? I guessed Blackberry are aiming at old folks market.