The Blackberry: in memoriam

I write with regard to Nick March’s

op-ed My BlackBerry has reached the end of the road (March 31): Thank you for the article. I’m another BB KeyTwo user resigned to an iPhone. Looked at the “Titan” and others from the same company, with the physical keyboard, but the reviews spoke truths that I am not technologically capable of dealing with. I weep.

Lugh Davey, Dubai

When I read this piece, I could not help but respond from my own KeyTwo. I have experienced similar feedback but I stubbornly hold onto my device.

I keep thinking that when, now more likely if, a manufacturer brings out a new model, that it will take the world by storm, but I fear not!

I am sorry to hear of your resignation, and that even if a new one emerges like a Phoenix from the ashes, you will have moved on. Rest in peace, Nick’s BlackBerry. A devotee of a truly remarkable device that fell inelegantly from grace!

Lynn Stuart, via email

I am relieved to find out there is someone else who was still using BlackBerry until now. Actually, I got several people to go back to BlackBerry when they realised they were still about, although very difficult to obtain).

The article is certainly spot on. It describes what most of us BlackBerry fanatics must have endured: constant explaining they still do exist, and justifying that we were not dinosaurs, and that they function well, and have far superior abilities than any Android, let alone Apple.

With me it was the battery that made me switch to Samsung (recharging at least twice a day made life a bit difficult). The rest was still working very well.

Still, I miss the ease and versatility of my KeyOne daily! Most of us still don’t understand why BlackBerry just gave up on their handsets. They were just near impossible to find.

Did not know a movie is coming out, will surely watch it.

And thanks for the bit of nostalgia. A friend of mine is quite high up in the Dutch government; he showed me that all official message have BlackBerry vetting.

Rik Heymans, Flanders, Belgium

I have a BlackBerry and am using it right now. I have used a Samsung phone for work and it was just fine.

It is a shame what happened to BlackBerry in the consumer phone market. They had many firsts. I live in Kitchener and those BlackBerry buildings are still standing in Waterloo. I will watch the movie, and have my fingers crossed that they will remake the phone.

Battery is a problem. I know the time will come to put this phone to rest, and I will not join the Apple club by choice, it does not suit my style. Thank you for the article. Susanne Kish, Ontario, Canada