New RIM keypad patent; RIM looking for parts more breakable than its trackball?
If you think the trackballs on RIM’s popular BlackBerry handsets are prone to breaking, just wait until the keypad described in one of RIM’s latest patents is realized – if it is ever realized. While a design of this nature would allow RIM to build a significantly more narrow handset, it would also seemingly be infinitely less usable and fragile. Three rows of the device’s keypad would be positioned on the face of the handset beneath the display. Standard 0-9 keys would be present an accessible at all times to allow standard usage. When used for messaging however, keys located on the devices side panels fold open to provide a full QWERTY or SureType keypad. Yes, trying to use a BlackBerry with a jumpy trackball can be pretty annoying but try using a BlackBerry after half the keys snap off…
[Via Cellpassion]
Eek. That’s a step back from the Pearl. I’d break it in a day.
since when was the trackball prone to breaking?
what are u talking about?
On my third blackberry; pearl, curve, and now the bold. Never had a trackball break? In fact, never had anything break? Huh?
trackball problems are real but not really that bad. this however does look like it would be an issue, but they could reinforce it I guess.
personally I think they need to work on the OS rather than the devices at this point.
you guys need to cut this shit out at BGR.
first you spread rumors of storm retrn rate at 50%, which is an outright LIE. then you bash every product or concept coming from the company.
what’s wrong boy genius? forgot to sell your RIMM stock at $150? bitter, and want to see the stock go back to $30?
give it a rest.
Blech. Just hope it’s a blocking patent (and not production-intent) to prevent others from using SureType in a different form not described by the original patent(s).
trackball problem are real? yes i guess for about 10 people in a million, and they just like to put it up to the couple of blog sites. name me 1 mechanical interface on any consumer electronic product that does not have a problem.
julius its more than 10 per million. just because you don;t see the problem doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.
and this is hardly bashing, man the BB fanboys are sensitive.
Way to innovate RIM. This is absolutely ridiculous.
hmm, actually it doesnt look that bad, but i think they could have make it better in a way that if the sides are not expanded the keyboard should be sure type as now in Pearl, and once its expanded it should be a qwerty, then it does make sense, to me of course.
dtest:
lets see some statistical comparison of this trackball problem vs. whatever any other interface you have out there, touchscreen, srollwheels, etc.
without any real data, theres nothing to back up your claim.
C’mon RIM. Let’s take a minute, sit back, and re-think this idea… This idea isn’t the brightest crayon in the box now is it?
I just don’t see why this is even necessary. Who on Earth thinks the Pearl is too wide as it is?
I wonder when the last positive post for BlackBerry was on this site? Even when they reported positive earnings, your tone was negative.
I also love how we are all hardware experts now – I’m sure the hardware designers at RIM know a thing or two on how to make a decent device and I doubt they will allow anything as ‘fragile’ as you say to go into the market.
What’s the deal BGR folks – lots of hating on the BlackBerry?
It’s official; RIM is officially out of ideas.
RE: “BlackBerry Hating”
Frz and others, the only way you would now this site is Blackberry negative is if you actually read it every day. Why don’t you do all the non-whiners a favor and jump over to Crackberry or something similar, instead of whining about how your feelings are hurt here. This is a blog, not “Oprah.” Wusses.
Its not happening, those specs were abandoned before we came up with the pearl flip. For those of you interested in the 8900 US release, we sent the phones to ATT, now its up to them when they decide to release
It’s the Sierra Wireless Voq incarnate!
Looks like they’re trying to make a phone with the same proportions as a pearl but with a full qwerty. Thing is, the inconvenience of it all.
Texting, depressing the buttons to unengage the expanded keyboard, reengaging for another lengthy text. The convenience factor – low. isn’t that supposed to be high on the list of priorities when they’re creating a new model? I can’t believe this idea got past anyone and actually made its way to a patent office. Ugh.
@dtest54 – no kidding. I hate the browser. Sick of the parsed out software/hardware and them just chucking every idea down the corridor to desperate bb users looking for the next new thing when in reality we’re just guinea pigs for whatever idea they fathom. every update on their software is minimal with “updates”. Do something rim? Maybe if rim stopped investing in crap devices they’d actually have the time to create a new music player – browser – and integrate new ideas into their phones!
@julius. I’m a bb fanatic. I get every new device that comes out. And seriously, I’ve had 7 exchanges in one year relating to os issues and trackballs kicking the bucket. It may be RIM but it isn’t impervious to flaws with builds. Those trackballs are handy but again – not impervious to damage.
@erica: Don’t treat the trackball like it’s a part of your anatomy and you probably won’t wear it out so fast.
@ perspective…
I’ll go and read whatever I damn please, thanks
. Apparently, you’re so caught up on generalizing all people who post, that you’ve become delusional.
My point is that if you’re going to complain about anything, it should be OS issues, which have undoubtedly increased in the past 2 years.
It just seems to me that every little thing regarding BB is negative right from the outset.
BB hardware is usually good, and yes – there are obviously failures as well, regarding trackballs, maybe certain keys, etc.
Nothing has ever been made fool proof – but do provide me with some stats (as someone has already stated), then we can have objective discussions.
U guys have become f*ckin apple fan boys. Cut this sh*t out. Common. First of all who knows if this is going to come to life or not. Even if it did, RIM’s head is bigger then urs & they will make it doesn’t break.
And who hell says that the trackball is breakable? It will be if you f*ckin drop & or feed it your dog
Damn bg. I like you & everything, but this is getting stupid
My trackball on my pearl has gone out. Twice. It seems it always loses the ability to go a certain direction. One time, it won’t let me roll down. Another time it wouldnt let roll right. Both times however, tmobile sent me a replacement for free.
@illa.
Maybe if you minded your own trackball you wouldn’t be concerned about mine. And if you’re hellbent on pseudo mediocrity with sexual references I’m sure there are a plethora of midget porn sites thatd be happy to extend a trial. Doubtful bgr is a forum for your expertise or lack thereof.
But enough sidetracking. Back to the bb bashing!
Been a BB user for a long time and never had a trackball go bad. I am sure they do…but wouldn’t call it a major issue. I know lots of BB users and have never really heard of any major issues with the hardware. I am sure it happens, but once again wouldn’t call it a major issue. That being said, I think this design looks pretty gay!