I just started carrying a Blackberry for the first time, and I am in shock at how awful the user interface design is. I was stunned when I saw the actual message reading UI. And the calendar entry UI. And the message writing UI. Don’t these folks know about fonts? Colors? Readability? Layout? This thing feels like it was designed in 1990. It’s embarassing that they’re the market leader with such a poor product. I’m sure that the screen is capable and the processor is capable and the dollars are there to make it happen but it must not be important to them.
It’s a sad statement when you wish that Windows Mobile would come and eat their lunch.
Ironically, in 1993 I did some software development for RAM Mobile Data, who had packet radio modems built on RIM’s chipset. I built the first Windows and Mac email clients by porting a DOS stack — and got to be one of the few (only?) people in NYC at the time doing wireless email on my Mac and Windows laptops. Blackberry was a ways off, but the RIM stuff worked reliably if slowly. And that’s really the part that still works today — if only they would hire a decent design firm to redo their interface…please.
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One thing about Blackberry:- It works, and I mean email. Yes, the UI is sucky, but the device works (FYI, many people loved the UI of Microsoft BOB).
So, if it works, it works. (yes, I am a rabid Blackberry user)
I agree, it does seem to be pretty solid on the actual communications piece. I’m just surprised because improving the UI seems like it wouldn’t take much investment or time and could stave off competition longer.