Smartphone with keyboard ?

[marshalla]

HP have finally decided to pull the plug on the WebOS backup servers (eol scheduled for 15th Jan) so it's time to change phones.

I'd really like something as close as possible to the WebOS experience (card based multi-tasking and minimal use of buttons to change views), with a real keyboard either built-in or easy to add and inductive charging if at all possible.

Any thoughts ?

[marshalla]

Hmm - Blackberry OS 10 (QNX) does seem to work in almost the way I want it to. Might be the answer.

[marshalla]

MuffDaddy said:

The Passport is really nice. I also enjoy the Q20. I am no longer associated with BlackBerry so these views really are my own. If I didn't consume video on a daily basis I would have a Passport in my pocket right now.

What's the problem with video ? Is it just screen size or performance-related (or something else) ?

[marshalla]

Foliage said:

whats the issue with using a touchscreen as a keyboard?

have a look at the asha 205 and 210, but I don't think they have a proper smart phone OS.

a) I don't like greasy marks on the screen
b) I can type faster on a proper keyboard, even a small one
c) I have an innate inability to hit the right character on a virtual keyboard - even a large one.
d) My money, my rules.

[marshalla]

MuffDaddy said:

No real issue but I watch 3 hours of netflix on the train each day so a 1:1 aspect wouldn't work. The physical keyboard is a joy to use though.

Ah. That's OK for me then. I might use it to throw a Netflix session across to chromecast (if the Android compatibility layer can handle it), but don't watch a lot of video on the handheld. Ability to respond to emails quickly and clearly is more important for me.

Thanks for the clarification.

[marshalla]

Thanks to all who replied. Shiny new BB Passport is in my grubby paws now and it seems pretty good so far - particularly liking the ability to install Android apps alongside native BB - opens up a whole world of extra toys.