so disappointed in the blackberry z30...anybody else?

[sad_blackberry_z30_us]

no apps, fragile screen, cheap design, sad I had such fond memories of blackberry. the dream is dead...

[WRKSAD]

I moved from BB and went to the Motorola Droid a few years back, before BB had the Z10 or the Storm.  Got really tired of all of the Android phone issues with all the multiple device manufacturers, and their problems and fighting for features.  I never was an apple FAN mainly because it really is a toy and not much of a real business tool, yeah they try to pass it off as a business tool but when you have 1 million and one apps that really do nothing to improve productivity, then my point is made.  But back to your question.  I really love the Z30, it has all of the functions that I need or want.  I purchase the leather pouch to protect it (don't know why BB didn't include one like in the past).  But it does exactly what I needed it to do.  The biggest issue I've had with Apple and Android is when accessing corporate mail.  Most companies have restrictions or have the ability to wipe your personal phone when accessing exchange server.  I never liked this big brother approach, but it always required the need to add additional layers of software.  BB does not.  So far I have had the phone for 1 Week and I am extremely happy with the functional aspects of the phone as well as the cosmetics.  I really hope that BB stays in business because I will never want to go back to the Samsungs, Apples, HTC's, Nokia's, LG's of the world.  Blackberry just works.  Oh and by the way, the call quality is amazing compared to my last phone (Samsung S4) which sucked for sound quality, and staying connected to the Verizon network!!  I would also like to see quicker response to software updates (this is a Verizon problem not a phone problem), 10.3.1 would be nice.  Hope this helped!

[Saxxman]

Not at all!

I admit, I have very little need for apps. The apps that are available suit my needs fine. As for fragile and cheap? Those statements make zero sense to me.

[47seijar]

I agree. While the Z30 might not be milspec for ruggedness, every BlackBerry I've ever owned has bee extremely durable and dependable.

If you're an app hound, BlackBerry is definitely not the platform for you. But if you're all about productivity and security you simply cannot do better than BlackBerry. Still the only mobile operating system certified to operate on secure DoD networks. "Elliptical Curve Encryption." Say it with me...

[Sonic12040]

The only thing that has disappointed me about my Z30 is the button on the top of the device, which gave way rather quickly. Overall I like the BlackBerry 10 OS and its workflow (I am currently on 10.2.1), and the rest of the device has proved durable. I wish Verizon would be more proactive in providing software updates and in creating visibility for BlackBerry devices, but that is probably more of an employee level mindset. [I frequently have encountered employees who say not to buy a BlackBerry because they're awful, which isn't really true, and does a disservice to the reputation of both Verizon and BlackBerry.]

I'm hoping to see BlackBerry maintain a screen dimension consistency going forward though, so companies can provide things with a 1:1 ratio for the keyboard devices and a 16:9 or similar for the touchscreen devices, making it easier to develop for the OS.

Appwise, Evernote works fine for me, as does the CIA World Factbook, Reddit in Motion, WebEx, etc. Music support is also very good, and I love having FLAC support. Security is also a must, since I occasionally work with documents that are under NDA.

[daveomatic72]

The only thing disappointing about the Z30 is that there is STILL no NFL Mobile app for this device, despite the fact VZW advertises that is it.

Z30 is a total beast of a phone unless you're expecting it to be an app machine. Even then, Amazon's app store fills in some gaps.

It'd do even better if VZW would get off their lazy tails and release 10.3.1 so they'd run better.

[UncleQuilly]

Nope. Not disappointed with my Z30 at all! I can't stand touchscreens, but this one won me over. I'm just waiting for Verizon to push 10.3.1 like most of the other carriers in the world has so I can take advantage of the new features, but then again, Verizon doesn't seem to care about its BlackBerry customers. Their sales reps always try to push us towards iPhones and Samsungs, and know basically NOTHING about BB10. If T-Mobile hadn't (temporarily) severed their relationship with BlackBerry, I never would have left.

[DickLewis]

Z30 is an amazing phone. If apps are that important, sideload Snap or use Amazon store to load Android apps.

Easy, peasy.

[BB10SK]

Actually VERY happy with it.  Between BB World and Amazon App Store, I've found most of the apps I NEED for my business, though fewer of the fun ones I'd like. Then again, I'm a cheapskate, and mostly use free apps, so there are plenty more than I'm noticing. 

I am looking forward to being able to get to Google Play through SNAP  -- I'm waiting for 10.3.1 to be available, as I don't feel like going through the side-loading rigamarole [C'MON, VERIZON, let us update already!!].   Hopefully, as sales increase for the various BB 10s, there will be more native apps.  I have actually seen a couple of places with BB apps available for download.

The advantages for me are:  a very good operating system (though it did take a little while to get the flow); a nice big screen and an elegant design; SECURITY, fantastic sound.  Also, I understand there are quite a few improvements in 10.3.1. [VERRRIIIIZZZON, DO YOU HEAR US?] 

I hate virtual keyboards, but compared to all the others, this one is good. Reviewers have raved that OS 10.2.1 has the best word predictor on the market, and that it learns and adapts to one's writing style. TRUE; sometimes, it's even uncanny. I was waiting for the Classic, but my old phone died in the meantime.   Still, many after years on the BB Bold, on which I could type multi-page documents super-quickly, I am having a hard time adjusting.  For me one big plus to a virtual keyboard is that I can easily switch among the three languages I write. Yet, in truth, were I to have $500 to spare, I'd get the Classic, and keep the Z30 as a small tablet).

I don't find the phone feels cheap, though I'll concur re the screen. My Bold 9930 sustained falls that would have broken ME.  It was tossed across a room, dropped from six feet, and fell out of my hands, off tables, etc. at least once a day.   After 3 years, a purple leak developed under the screen, but it stayed intact. I mocked my iPhone friends with their cracked screens. Buuut...It took a little over a month to break the screen on my Z30, and every time it drops another little chip appears. But, I think fragile screens are a problem for all the smartphones. 

[JackCarr]

Upgraded from a Q10 to a Z10.  Very likely the Z30 will be my next phone, but that will be a while.  Z30 is one of BlackBerry's most popular phones.  I'd get a Passport in a heartbeat if Verizon offered it.  Looking forward to BB10 OS 10.3 being ready for prime time.  Hopefully by the time summer rolls around, Verizon customers will get it. 

[JackCarr]

Was at a friend's house the other day who had just picked up a brand new Moto G, an Android phone.  They asked me to help them figure out how to navigate around on it and after playing with the thing for a few minutes, I figured out what did what.  I found the layout and functionality of it to be disjointed.  Granted, I was only on it for a few minutes, but I didn't care for it at all.  That was my first experience with Android.  I was not impressed.  I've had an iPhone in the past and thought it was well laid out.  I liked it, but still prefer BlackBerry's new OS.  After experiencing Android's OS for the first time, I would never get one of those phones. 

[ynggrsshppr91]

I wouldn't base your Android experience off the most low end Android device currently in the making...

[JackCarr]

It was a very brief brush with it granted, but I'm basing it on the OS, not the physical handset.  Are you saying that more expensive phones running that operating system would provide a radically different experience?  That's interesting.  I'll have to see if I can find someone with a higher end Android phone.  Thanks for the tip! 

[ynggrsshppr91]

Most brands have their own interface on the phones so it does differ drastically

[Sonic12040]

That's actually one of the biggest problems I have with Android phones. They are not a consistent workflow from device to device, which can create a lot of disparity when switching. I have a similar, though less striking issue with BlackBerry, which is I would like to see set screen ratios for their touchscreen devices, and for their keyboard devices, so that programming for OS10 only takes two screen ratios to account for rather than a Fruit Roll Ups "What will they think up next?" moment.

I do wish that the Passport were on Verizon, though, as it was an attractive phone for me, and I like my phone upgrades to be a solid upgrade in as many areas of the device as possible.

[RustyWingNut]

Holy Cow.... My first BB was the Z10. More or less loved it. Then when the contract was up, I went to iPhone 5s. Then I started missing my Z10. I then thought I would try Android -- Hated it. So danged invasive in my life. I had the Motorola Droid Turbo. Couldn't stand that phone or the operating system. I gave it to my sister and bought the Z30 from BB. I LOVE my BB Z30. It is like a mini office computer and does everything I need logically. I am so addicted to BB os 10.  Now that os 10.3 is being released, I can't wait. I would really like to test drive a BB Passport, but I will have to wait

for Verizon to offer it.

Sorry you don't like BB. I think it is the cleanest OS in the phone business and very stable and secure. Most of all, it doesn't pry into every aspect of my personal life like all the lame apps in droid land.

[bb10qnx]

Seriously?

Been running the Z30 since the day it was released, without a single issue. Rock solid device. Fragile, cheap? What? Got to be kidding. This device has been dropped a number of times, drug through the dirt (literally), still tickin'. Tried droids, seen many friends/coworkers struggle with their iPhones, this is the best device I've ran to date. Wife also running one, loves it, and she's rough on electronics!

No apps? Again, seriously? Have you installed Snap? You can run just about every single droid app out there, if that's your preference. If VZW connects with the program and releases the already released 10.3._, this device will smoke many on the market (it already does in several ways).In fact, there's already talk that BB will be making an Android device with BB patented OS features that Droid lovers love about the BB10 OS to go head to head with NSApple, so, as far as the dream, not even close to dead.

Are you sure you're handling a Z30, because your post certainly does not match this incredible device...