blackberry question - suretype

[gravitas]

I've used several generations of the blackberry product (going back to the 957) and they've all had the traditional qwerty keyboard. I've recently lost my last handset (7250) and our IT weasels have seen fit to replace it with a 7130e. From a phone POV it looks better (traditional keypad) but it uses a different technology (SureType) for message/text input. Has anyone else used this format and if so whats the learning curve like coming from a more traditional keyboard?

Gratzi

G

 

[Master Bater]

bit akward at first

I have used every generation of Berry. The 7100 series, which you are on to now does have nice features. However, it will be a 2 to 3 week learning curve to "learn" how to type again.

Best hint i can give you, is not to look at the screen, just type the words looking at keyboard. Watching the screen will fuck with you, and you will be trying to correct spelling before the whole word has been recognized.

MB

 

[Hardatwork]

I have the exact same Blackberry and have been using it since December. I love the Suretype feature. There are times when you have to back up and correct your typing, but it will learn the words you type and add it to your database and self correct in the future.

If you don't like the Suretype feature you can scroll down to "Options" and click on "Owner". In the Owner screen you can tap your wheel and a menu will pop up that will allow you to change from the Suretype back to the old multi-tap version if you prefer that style. I think that if you give the Suretype a shake you might end up liking it.

 

[CARGO1]

I've used several generations of the blackberry product (going back to the 957) and they've all had the traditional qwerty keyboard. I've recently lost my last handset (7250) and our IT weasels have seen fit to replace it with a 7130e. From a phone POV it looks better (traditional keypad) but it uses a different technology (SureType) for message/text input. Has anyone else used this format and if so whats the learning curve like coming from a more traditional keyboard?

Gratzi

G

I have the 7250 you can have it, what a piece of shit. Big, bulky poor reception..etc.. going back to my V-710, probably the best phone I have used in years.

Cargo

 

[milkchocolate]

i have the 7290 and the 7100...

shoot...i forgot who said it but...just look at the keyboard...lookin at the screen will mess you up...

it took me about a week to get used to mine..

 

[Penhold]

I received the 7100 shortly after it was first released in Canada because I did not like how my earlier Blackberry felt when I used it as a phone and I did not like the backlighting.

It only took me 15 minutes to get used to the SureType - and within half an hour it was second nature.

Here's a few comments and tips that may help you and others.

First, follow Master Bater's advice - do NOT look at the screen as you type unless you're inputting non-standard words (e.g. abbreviations, acronyms, etc.). Try it a few times by typing a sentence while looking at the screen - and then typing the same sentence while not looking at the screen. You'll find the former results in an exercise of frustration - while the latter almost always gets the words right the first time without any difficulty. When you know you'll be dealing with a word that is not normally in a dictionary (e.g. abbreviations, acronyms, names, etc.), you can force the SureType to the key combinations you want by looking at the screen and, as the menu of spelling options comes up after you hit a key, using the trackwheel to scroll to the selected spelling you want and depressing the trackwheel (you have to repeat this process for each letter).

Remembering to use the left shift key in combination with the "SYM" key to access a dropdown menu of the symbols takes awhile. Note that the dropdown menu consists of 2 pages and you often have to go to the second page to get the symbol/punctation you want. However, you can avoid using the trackwheel to select the one you want by simply pressing the key on the keypad that corresponds to the one shown immediately below the symbols in the drop down menu.

Biggest problem is that if you have big hands/fingers like I do, you sometimes inadvertently hit some magic key combination that immediately changes the input method from SureType to "Multitap" (i.e. the type used on many cellphones for inputting addresses & phone numbers). Finding the damn menu option to change back to SureType - or trying to remember the key combination to toggle back to the SureType input method - can be a real challenge. It's found under Settings - Options - Language - Input Method (you have to select "English" as opposed to "English Multitap"). You can also select various input options at that screen as well.

And while you're in your "options" menu, you can take the time to change the font type and size to something that may be much easier on your eyes than the default that comes with it when you first power up.

If you receive lots of emails or make lots of phone calls, make sure you have a charger in your car and also consider carrying a spare (charged) battery with you.

When travelling, don't bother taking the AC adaptor with you if you are taking a laptop. You can simply connect the Blackberry to the USB port and charge your battery through the USB port (so long as you remember to leave your computer turned on and you don't close the lid or otherwise let the laptop go into suspend or hibernation modes until after the battery is charged.)

 

[gravitas]

thanks to all for your input.......our IT fuckers (they've been upgraded from weasels for the delay in getting me my new handset) will be getting me my new 7130 tomorrow

looking forward to playing with it

G

 

[gravitas]

well....have played with my new 7130 for a few days now and have the following observations:
-much better screen then on the 7250....very vivid color
-the suretype feature is kick ass.....very intutitive and have picked it up right away
-I like the smaller format then the traditional blackberry.....narrower makes it easier to use as a phone
-the speaker phone is a nice feature....passable for two way communication but great for listening to voicemail
-being on the evdo network is nice as it makes browsing MUCH faster then 1x.....still need to futz with things to get it working as a modem for my notebook (will be nice to carry one less piece of crap in my briefcase)

all in all, I'd say that if you're looking upgrade to a blackberry and can't decided between a 7250 or 7130 (at least if you're on bell or telus) I'd say that if you're a heavy email user with limited phone use then stick witht he 7250, if you're a light to moderate email user who spends a lot of time on your cell then hands down the 7130

Note that the dropdown menu consists of 2 pages and you often have to go to the second page to get the symbol/punctation you want

thanks, that was a handy tip!

Biggest problem is that if you have big hands/fingers like I do.......

I have the same problem, but look on the bright side......big hands = big cock

If you receive lots of emails or make lots of phone calls, make sure you have a charger in your car and also consider carrying a spare (charged) battery with you.

Yup, have the car charger and I've put together a common set of tools for all my briefcases (USB cable, extra battery, a couple of wet wipes/brush ups/etc) that over time I've found come in very handy.

When travelling, don't bother taking the AC adaptor with you if you are taking a laptop. You can simply connect the Blackberry to the USB port and charge your battery through the USB port (so long as you remember to leave your computer turned on and you don't close the lid or otherwise let the laptop go into suspend or hibernation modes until after the battery is charged.)

I've made a very concerted effort to only buy electronics (digital camera etc) and have a mini USB connection that can be used for data transfer as well as charging. Its fucking insane how much extra weight it adds when you have different chargers and synch cables for different products. The manufacturers should pick one common connector (like the mini-usb) and stick with it.

G

 

[maverick73]

the best one is the one shane used on survivor!!!!!!!