Well, reading all the posts above. I may be the only one standing up fr Blackberry! Ive been in a habit of flipping phones too soon and too often. Out of all the phones i've come across, the only phone which has really made me want it has been the BB Bold 2(9700). As everyone, even i started with a Nokia, then some other phone of various sorts. And then when my knowledge about phones started to creep into my mind, I had my first Iphone 3Gs in my hands and then experimenting all kinds of phones available in the market. I got rid of the Iphone just because of the poor battery life it had as i used to text very frequently and running other apps untill the battery choked out. Though it used to run out too soon too fast. Then i had my hands on my first Android, SE X10. Which everyone knows is'nt too good. But at that time was considered to be real good. I had it for 2 or 3 weeks max. Then i was in a hurry to get rid of it as i really was frustrated keeping it. The touch was too unresponsive and handling such a big phone does become a pain. And there were too many flaws to bring up, but then i would like to share my story of the blackberry. All my friends were hooked up with their BBs so i naturally got into the trend. And i seriously felt happy with the BB 9700. Good battery life, decent sound quality, decent camera and the keypad was the smoothest ever. I loved the design, then chrome by the sides, and the leather at the back(which some of you may find it crazy that why did i like it?). But i did! Nevertheless i was really satisfied and i never really got bored of my BB than what really happened with my other phones. Though yes, apps maybe less than compared to Android and iOS. But still i was really enjoying my BB. BBM is fun, and i really liked the approach. BBM is what lead to people create WHATSAPP. The OS5 of the BB was flawless in my phone and i really enjoyed it as i had never experienced my phone hanging up, which happened very frequently with my X10(Yes, the newer phones having Android may not have the same problems but the X10 really made my hate Android which i still do). And yes, the BB OS is way better than Symbian which can guranttee.
Ofcourse, the BIS plans are an issue. And without which your BB is lifeless. But yeah there are benefits when you have it. Specially when you're giving your exams. I send pictures of my question paper to my friends who in return send me the pics of the answers, hence which helps me to pass.
But yeah, thats not advisable though. Ive been more comfortable using Social networking sites on a BB than any other phone. And also, when you're on roaming BIS does not charge anything. And thinking about portable gaming, why not buy a PSP or someother portable gaming gadget than playing on your phone. And yeah, how long can you even go along playing a game on your phone? The heavier the app, reduces the battery life of your phone accordingly. Also, Blackberry is not a multi-media phone. So you cant really think of gaming on a blackberry when buying it. It supports a decent enough media player to really fill the needs of a music player. Even the camera is good enough for the purpose. I wont say its useless or crap but yeah i get good quality images when i click with my phone.
Many may not like the designs of the Blackberrys out, but i've found found them all really attractive. Specially the Bold series and the Torch ofcourse. I really like the feel of the phone when i have them in my hand. I find them real handy and comfortable in handling them. I wont say Blackberrys are a waste of money, anything which doesnt fit in your purpose is a waste of money. It fitted in my purpose, im very much satisfied with my expenditure on my phone.
So, basically its totally upon you. What are your purposes on a phone. Here on TE, the mates can you give you thousands of opinions. But at the end its you to decide. And also, what really attracts you. It should not be a case where you end up regretting buying the wrong phone.
