Tour: ***ESSENTIAL ADDITIONS needed for Side Convenience Keys ***

[ll]

I have been an active BB user for a decade, and was very reluctant to move from the side trackwheel to the center trackball format, but that is the only option now.  So I just got the Tour, which I generally like.

But there is a glaring oversight, which (once addressed with a software upgrade/app) would make the Tour much more approachable for former track-wheel users like me:  It is very simple:

Allow users to desitnate, as a Side Convenience Button, one convenience key to be another "ENTER" key, and also a side convenience key to be used as another MENU key.  

As it is, the only way to ENTER is to click the trackball or to push the very small return button.   The large side convenience keys would be much more suitable for this much used function (as well as the menu function)

To some, this may seem redundant, buf for those of us used to using the sides of the blackberry to perform essential functions, this would go a long way to easing the transition!!!

[nmchileman]

I disagree. I think it's perfectly fine the way it is now. The most logical way to select something is to push in the trackball because your finger is already on it when your scrolling around to select something. That way you don't have to lift up your finger.

So you just need to get used to it, because RIM will never change this, it wouldn't make sense.

What I think would be a good idea is to have two different options for the side key where a single press and a long hold would cause two different actions. Alas, this is not the place for this suggestion.

I recommend we take our idea's to the Blackberry.com forums. Because, ya know, VZW really has nothing to do with the design and functions of these buttons.

[LCromwell]

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nmchileman wrote:

I recommend we take our idea's to the Blackberry.com forums. Because, ya know, VZW really has nothing to do with the design and functions of these buttons.

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Or they have a direct email you can use it is BBSuggestions@RIM.NET  if this doesn't get removed? Please Verizon EE's this is for BB to get their equipment to work better and lessen your work fielding all the problems.

[ll]

{keep it relevant}

  What could possibly be the problem with RIM developing a simple solution that would help even a few Tour users?

The fact that you wouldn't use the option is not determinative of its value.   Remember, I am not suggesting that the convenience keys be permanently designated as an additional MENU or ENTER key for all users, I am simply requesting that the software be modified so that users are  able to be given this option, if they find it useful.   I have spoken to a number of Verizon customer service reps who agree that this is a wonderful suggestion.

So what possible objection would you have to simply providing this as an option??

[LCromwell]

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ll wrote:

{keep it relevant}

  What could possibly be the problem with RIM developing a simple solution that would help even a few Tour users?

The fact that you wouldn't use the option is not determinative of its value.   Remember, I am not suggesting that the convenience keys be permanently designated as an additional MENU or ENTER key for all users, I am simply requesting that the software be modified so that users are  able to be given this option, if they find it useful.   I have spoken to a number of Verizon customer service reps who agree that this is a wonderful suggestion.

So what possible objection would you have to simply providing this as an option??

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Did you know that the Storm has this feature? I have what use to be the Camera button set to the Keyboard now. I do not use the Camera very often and I do use the keyboard every day. Also when ever you picked up the storm you could accidentally push the side key and open the Camera. Someone else has his button set to quick launch.  So read my earlier post and send a suggestion to RIM.

[nmchileman]

My objections? It's illogical and ineffecient to have a side button register as the Enter action when there's already two ways of doing it. The Blackberry Pearl was the first trackball device that came out September 2006, if RIM thought it was a good idea they would have done it then. It's much more effecient to use the trackball because like I said; your finger is already on the trackball anyway. Scroll to something and click. How can it possibly get any easier than that? Making the side button to be the Enter action would defeat the whole purpose of the trackball and completely undermine the next evolutionary step that Blackberry took by moving to a trackball design. And of course reps are going to "agree" with you. They probably just nodded their heads and said yes just to let you finish talking. Could it be added as an additional option? Of course, all it takes is some software additions. Should it? No. RIM engineers should spend their time on far more important tasks like improving their painfully outdated and slow browser.

[ll]

If your sentiment is shared by RIM, of course they will lose marketshare for completely disregarding legitimate suggestions by consumers

This is a SIMPLE OPTION to add.  Don't worry, you would be under no obligation to use it.   BUT it would be a blessing to those of us (women) with fingernails that SLIP off the trackball, or have fingers too large for the ENTER Key.

I again ask-- if it is simply an option made available, and no one is obliged to use it but it could be a great help to many, why would anyone be so adamently against it?  Simple solution.

[nmchileman]

I'm adamantly against it because it's inefficient and hinders progress. {keep it relevant}

[ll]

New Mexico Chili MAN:

How could this simple suggestion for a CONVENIENCE KEY OPION possibly hinder your MANLY "progress"  --  you simply don't choose it as an option!

Maybe you should {keep it courteous} realize that many professional women PAY FOR AND use these Blackberry devices, and are constantly frustrated by what appears to be a disregard as to how women use them (i.e.-- the Storm's "keypad" does not work with fingernails, only the heat of a finger touch -- eliminating many women as potential purchasers.)

OTHER WOMEN OUT THERE, lets let RIM KNOW THAT OUR VIEWS SHOULD BE HEARD TOO, even if our numbers are not representative in the engineering department (or these MESSAGE BOARDS).

PROVIDE YOUR SUPPORT FOR THIS OPTIONAL work-around!

[JCM]

{keep it relevant}

[ll]

Complying with the request (by a women) for additional side convenience key options would go a long way to show that Verizon/RIM does care about their female consumer base.

This is not an isolated problem (but fortunately, here, there is an EASY programming fix).   Check this out:

Women Unite! “If you shrink it and pink it, it’s not enough”

By Kate O'Brien

I just finished reading this article in the Globe & Mail written by Sheryle Steinberg with a creative title “Smartphones for women: Pink is not enough”. The whole basis behind the story is how simply turning a device pink, or making it flip is not good enough and that majority of the devices out there are targeted to men.

Examples are the recent touchscreen devices such as iPhone and the BlackBerry Storm. Although some applications are targeted to women, the touchscreens are making it a challenge for us due to our fingernails. This is a big concern especially with SurePress on the Storm (Our fingernails crack).

Roberta Cozza, an analyst with Gartner Group said “Most of the vendors really are missing an opportunity,” Cozza says, referring to the fact that women are major consumers of mobile phones (the accepted industry stat is that women influence 89 per cent of consumer electronic purchases). It is a shame that the market is so much more oriented in design for a male audience.”