I echo your sentiments about the iPhone, particularly this part:

“I can admire the Blackberry (I use one for work) for many aspects but it still feels like a device whereas the iphone feels like an extension of me.”

Agreed. To me the keyboard, to trackball/trackpad, back button, BlackBerry button etc and endless menus just get in the way of what I want to do. They’re just clutter. I also prefer the flexibility, speed of entry, and stress-free typing of the IPhone’s virtual keyboard to a physical one.

With the IPhone I feel directly connected to my data; tapping, dragging, pinching and flicking with my thumb or finger just feels natural. On a BlackBerry, I feel it’s like using pulleys, winches and levers to get stuff done.

There’s a part of me that also agrees with Shaun. I think some of the latest crop of touchscreen smartphones are trying too hard by cluttering up the screen with too many fancy widgets and interface elements, because that’s what they THINK the iPhone is about and they’re still trying desperately hard to capture that magic. In many ways, the iPhone is the least “flashy” of all the current touchscreen phones because the interface and the thought behind it goes much deeper than mere eye candy.

Sometimes I wish that I would have waited for the 9700 because of everything it has to offer and the optical trackpad. I went and played with the 8520 when it came to T-Mobile and just did not like the optical trackpad experience as of yet. Also it is something new for Blackberry; for me that means wait to see what happens. I remember what happened to the original Storm.

However, I will admit, that yes, there is a growing trend to the touch screen. I fell captive to it at one time as well. It is terrific to be able to see. However, on almost every count that I can think of, the keyboard falls short. One thing about RIM and Blackberries in general, maybe RIM doesn’t want to have a shorter battery life. Maybe they don’t want all of that flash and pomp. Their concept and train of thought is very cautious and meticulous. I remember when a Blackberry was simply a device for a business person. Now look at RIM. They are selling Blackberries to consumers in droves. I believe that they have the Zen that Palm used to have all those years ago. Flash and pomp are nice and catch the eyes. But, solid performance will always win in the end, I believe. This is what I think RIM knows and banks on.

I never believe I sell out to the “popular” world and like to tread my own path but I do believe that large screens and fancy interfaces are the way forward. What I love about the iphone is how natural it feels to use and that’s all down to the interface, large screen and the pinch touch.

I can admire the Blackberry (I use one for work) for many aspects but it still feels like a device whereas the iphone feels like an extension of me. For that reason the iphone will always win over the BB. I’m not a fanboy and have my frustrations with the iphone but they are few and far between. It’s just the device that I find easiest to use and most “comfortable” – and I don’t have a single fart app installed.

Sid