BlackBerry's iconic keyboard patent has expired
-
60% Bluetooth, but what's the other 40%?
They're on discount. You don't have to pay for the extra 40% of a keyboard.
-
Hah, yeah, I had a work one in latter days, too, and there was definitely a sense of weird self-importance associated with it you don't get from touchscreens.
I don't know if people reviling virtual keyboards would get much from it, though. Honestly, typing on it was just as annoying. I am probably faster and more accurate using swipe inputs than I was on that thing.
Swype is the best method if don't have individual key feedback IMO. I find it's generally pretty good at figuring out what I'm trying to say, and in the odd case it doesn't I'm usually spelling something wrong, or using a word I almost never use. And then, typing individual letters every once in a while isn't the end of the world.
-
60% Bluetooth, but what's the other 40%?
With our luck? Carcinogens.
-
Haptic feedback maxed out plus the tap sounds with the volume turned up to 100% is the way to go.
Might as well use a typewriter. https://youtu.be/o4nwe7cW_og
-
Swype is the best method if don't have individual key feedback IMO. I find it's generally pretty good at figuring out what I'm trying to say, and in the odd case it doesn't I'm usually spelling something wrong, or using a word I almost never use. And then, typing individual letters every once in a while isn't the end of the world.
Yeah. I genuinely don't know how universal that type of usage is, but I don't even consider anything else at this point.
Well, an actual full size keyboard. But, you know, for a phone.
-
Yeah. I genuinely don't know how universal that type of usage is, but I don't even consider anything else at this point.
Well, an actual full size keyboard. But, you know, for a phone.
Kinda unwieldy to use when I'm out tho
-
What's special about Blackberry keyboards that every early slider phone didn't have?
I would love to have something like my HTC G1 again with modern hardware and screen.
Maybe the layout or that little nipple that could work as a mouse.
-
Haptic feedback maxed out plus the tap sounds with the volume turned up to 100% is the way to go.
-
Oh my god, I was at probably 50 WPM on that thing, I would write whole emails without looking down at it. It was glorious. I live (sic) the iPhone, don’t get me wrong, but that keyboard was amazing.
-
What's special about Blackberry keyboards that every early slider phone didn't have?
I would love to have something like my HTC G1 again with modern hardware and screen.
I want the Palm Pre form factor back. Sooo satisfying to slide that thing open or snapping it closed.
Keyboard was ok but not as good as the BB, IMO.
-
I had two BlackBerry devices for work, right about the time they were going away. I'd heard the keyboard was good on earlier models but it seemed like the quality had gotten pretty cheap on the later phones. The BlackBerry 10 OS on my last phone was actually pretty good, and probably would've kept them in the market if they'd launched it 5 years earlier.
There have been a bunch of other phones and devices using that style of keyboard. I used a Nokia E63 for years. Were they under license? What about the one Lilygo sells now? Maybe whoever manages RIM's portfolio just stopped caring. Anyway this is kind of interesting. I always liked that keyboard.
-
What's special about Blackberry keyboards that every early slider phone didn't have?
I would love to have something like my HTC G1 again with modern hardware and screen.
It’s hard to explain. The keyboards they built just felt and worked better. They clicked just right, they had the shape right. Once they licensed out production like their Android branded phones it wasn’t as good.
There was a device called Typo that copied their keyboard exactly but attached to iPhone that was good but they must have really copied BB because they got sued into smithereens.
-
God I don't know how anyone likes the haptic feedback. Turn that shit off.
Swiping is pretty cool though.
I never tried swiping. Maybe i should look into that.
-
Swype is the best method if don't have individual key feedback IMO. I find it's generally pretty good at figuring out what I'm trying to say, and in the odd case it doesn't I'm usually spelling something wrong, or using a word I almost never use. And then, typing individual letters every once in a while isn't the end of the world.
Was the best method. Swype has been dead for a while. SwiftKey is an okay substitute.
-
God I don't know how anyone likes the haptic feedback. Turn that shit off.
Swiping is pretty cool though.
I've been swiping for years. I can't believe no one else in my tight circle does it.
-
There have been a bunch of other phones and devices using that style of keyboard. I used a Nokia E63 for years. Were they under license? What about the one Lilygo sells now? Maybe whoever manages RIM's portfolio just stopped caring. Anyway this is kind of interesting. I always liked that keyboard.
Lilygo uses old stock bb keyboards, I think. Looks exactly like the one an employer had me carry.
-
What's special about Blackberry keyboards that every early slider phone didn't have?
I would love to have something like my HTC G1 again with modern hardware and screen.
The build quality and tactile feedback were much better. I never owned a BB but the keyboards were definitely something that I envied.
-
You can get these folding keyboards that will fit in a pocket, often have a roughly-cell-phone-sized case.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=folding+keyboard
Still another item to carry, but it might fit the niche you're looking for better if you're not happy with hauling a regular 60% keyboard. Larger than those Blackberry-style thumbboards.
I have the protoarc, and it's awesome. Got it for using with my tablet when I'm stuck in a parking lot (long story) for several hours. Only trouble with it is that the design of the case means you have to use their charger, because the insertable length of the USB c is slightly longer than normal, and the case makes it so a standard USB c won't fit.
I hate having to have multiple chargers, especially proprietary ones, so I took a knife and carved away the plastic around the charging port, and now I can use whatever USB c I want. Just thought I'd mention, because I'm sure it'll void the warranty. Lol
-
Yea looking forward to this kind of keyboard XD
-
I've been swiping for years. I can't believe no one else in my tight circle does it.
I can’t get my head round it.
