vB Easy Archive - BJ2 or Q9G?

Pages: 1

BJ2 or Q9G?
(Click here to view the original thread with full colors/images)

Posted by: bothfly

Anyone played with them both yet?
I messed around with the Q, and it seemed a tad big, but not bad. The extended battery is nice but makes the thing way too fat with it on. My understanding is the BJ2 battery is the same as the Q's extended.
I have read most reviews saying the Q is the better of the two.
Thoughts......

Posted by: bgates22

I've played with both of them in the store yesterday. I'll be purchasing 1 of the 2 very soon. I'm leaning towards the Q9h, but this will be a tough decision.

Based on 5 minutes of use at the store, here is what I view to be the advantages of each device relative to each other:

Q9h
- Better build quality (but BJ2 seems pretty good). Overall, the build quality of the Q9h was probably the best of any device (phone or pda) I've ever head. The matte plastic seems stronger than BJ2 plastic and just feels better than the BJ2 plastic.Very smooth design and nicely rounded edges. No discernible bump where the camera is.
- Better keyboard (but BJ2 keyboard isn't bad)
- Much richer screen colors
- Excellent selection of keys on face of phone. There are dedicated keys for calendar, email, camera, contacts, and just about every other important function.
- Based on user reviews on internet, call quality is supposed to be superb. Based on this consistent feedback, I assume call quality is better than BJ2. However, when doing test calls in the store, call quality seemed similar and the BJ2 earpiece didn't sound too bad, as I have read on the internet.

BJ2
- Size - I'm a male with average sized hands. The BJ2 felt perfect in my hand. It is extremely light and the width is fine for accessing all buttons with one hand. The extra width of the Q9h makes it slightly difficult for me to reach the "phone" button with my thumb while holding the device with my right hand.

Both devices seemed equally fast to me. They are both nice looking devices. I wish there were more feedback on battery life available on the BJ2. This will be a tough decision.

Edit: added the word "bad" after the word "too" in the last bullet under Q9h.

Posted by: znutar

I checked out the Q9h (I am a longtime BJ1 user) and thought it was a really nice device with a few caveats:

likes:

keyboard was very nice to type on, better than BJ1 or BJ2...but not light years better like some have described (maybe because I'm a longtime BJ user).

lots of value added software (Opera mobile, MS pocket word/excel/powerpoint) and the Q9h download packs which actually feature some nice software. Much more extensive than the BJ1/2 selection.

good screen..but once again not light years better than the BJ1/2. Personally I thought the BJ2 and Q9h screens were roughly equivalent in quality.

free extra extended battery (compared to BJ2) and 3.5 mm adaptor

apparently ICS is on this phone but not on the BJ2 (works great on BJ1 and is a reason why I will not upgrade the OS and lose this functionality)

dislikes:

width. I have large hands and I still found the Q9h to be absurdly wide...uncomfortable to use one-handed like I often do with my BJ.

extended battery. With the normal battery it looks and holds reasonably well, but the extended battery implementation seems like a real afterthought and is retardedly designed. The extended battery is this enormous tumor on the back of the unit and makes it tremendously thick (heck, a Tilt looks svelte in comparison) and unwieldly. Why they couldn't do a nice integrated look like the extended battery on the BJ is a real surprising.

Concerns about Motorola quality. I know this can go both ways (there are a lot of folks who complain about Samsung as well), but my BJ has been rock solid and its even one of the "recall" era phones though I have had no connection or communication problems at all. I know folks who have older iterations of the Q as well as those poor unlucky souls who owned MPXs and until there has been some time in the market, I have real concerns about the Q's longevity considering Motorola's rep with smartphones.

Scroll buttons instead of scroll wheels. The button implementation, hands down, if FAR worse than either scroll wheel implementation on the BJ's. I have lots of stuff installed on my BJ and the constant click/click/click is slow, cumbersome, and a big step backwards in usability, whereas the scroll wheels just blazes along. I like both implementations of the scroll on the BJ's (though if someone figures a way to increase the speed in the BJ2 wheel I would be happier), and anyone who tells you a set of buttons is better than a scroll wheel should be kicked in the nether regions.

As you can see, my previous experience with the BJ might have biased me a bit, but hey if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I now have a BJ2 and have noticed some real improvements: better battery life, GPS (what I was waiting for in a phone upgrade), better email implementation, and a familiar, functional interface that I am used to in a really good form factor (though why did they go to glossy black and change the friggin charger connector so I can't use my old peripherals). I am pissed the AT&T in their tremendous wisdom borked ICS (heck, isn't $140 a month enough you money grubbers!!!), but since I still have my BJ1 (and it is small enough to carry in the computer bag as a backup)...besides, there are some clever folks out there who might find workarounds and we can hopefully get the best of both worlds.

Bottom line, both phones are good for somewhat different reasons though it really comes down to personal taste. I think you will always have to accept some limitations, but since you get 30 days, you can put them through their paces and figure out what works best for you

BTW, what is the Q9g? Is this Verizon's version? If so I just might have wasted your time as you don't have a Blackjack option...whoops.

Posted by: Tin Star

In response to the previous reviewers concerns about the extended battery hump, i think it actually makes the 9h more secure in the hand.

I think the 9h is probably the best all around device I have ever had. Nothing is perfect and has everything that everybody wants. Even if it had and did everything perfectly there would be people wanting different colors.

Posted by: znutar

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tin Star

In response to the previous reviewers concerns about the extended battery hump, i think it actually makes the 9h more secure in the hand.

I think the 9h is probably the best all around device I have ever had. Nothing is perfect and has everything that everybody wants. Even if it had and did everything perfectly there would be people wanting different colors.

I agree with you, it makes it a easier to hold, but it looks hideous and the way it latches, in my opinion, doesn't look that secure. Also, the "bulking" up effect sort of obviates the benefits of a smartphone (small size) and suggests that you should just get the pocket PC implementation (Tilt)...more functionality in an equivalent sized package. The reason I went to smartphone is so I didn't have to lug a brick on my belt. I've been using these things (PDAs) since the original palmpilot and for a convergence device, I want something functional and SMALL, not big and bulky. I absolutely agree that the Q9h is a very functional device with many nice features, but it's format is more Pocket PC than smartphone and hence is not what I want in a phone. This is one of the reasons I have never picked up a blackberry or Treo...there just so friggin large and first and foremost I want a phone. If I want something bigger then I'll get an Asus eee or just carry my 3 lbs Dell, but for that quick email, web info, or map, I'll grab my itty bitty BJ1 or BJ2.

However, there are a lot of happy people with the Q9h, so obviously my personal preferences are paramount in my decisions. Way all the opinions here, fondle the phones and take for a trial run, and see what works best for you. Some people drink wine, some like beer...and I like single malt scotch

Posted by: Tin Star

Quote:

Originally Posted by znutar

There are trade offs in life. We want a screen large enough to see. A keyboard large enough to type on. Long battery life. Then we want it to be smaller and lighter.

Posted by: bothfly

Thanks for the replys.
The Q9G, was for Q9 Global or whatever ATT calls the thing.
I almost stopped by the ATT store to check out the BJ2, but I would have bought it, so I'm taking some more time to get more info.
Since the BJ2's standard batt seems as big as the Q's extd batt, what are people getting on the std Bj2 these days.

Posted by: znutar

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tin Star

There are trade offs in life. We want a screen large enough to see. A keyboard large enough to type on. Long battery life. Then we want it to be smaller and lighter.

Actually, if anyone remembers the TV show "Earth: Final Conflict" what I want is a "Global:"

Flexible, touch sensitive color roll up screen ~6" diagonal monitor, GPS, two way video communication, camera/video capability. When rolled up it is the size a very small Nokia candybar phone...very slick and probably not that far off in the future

sort of like this:

http://www.engadget.com/2005/08/31/...play-prototype/

but smaller.

Posted by: Peruano_Loco

well after trying both blackjack 1,2 and motorola Q, it is true the they both have almost the same features but the motorola q have everything better and works like it has to be, plus the speakerphone is the best in any phone i have had before, it has bigger screen, better keyboard, faster processor, and it supports up to 32gb micro sd cards out of the box, well the only thing bad about the q is that is too wide but im getting use to it, Plus i love the scroll buttons for web surfing i really hate the scroll wheel on the blackjack it made my finger get tired very fast, so is up to you

Posted by: znutar

I'm just happy to have some choices. I think this is the first time AT&T has had smart/PDA phones from so many different manufacturers (Pantech, Motorola, HTC, Palm, Samsung) before.

Personally, I don't consider anything nowadays without 3G a "smart"phone, hence the iPhone isn't on my list (maybe in 6 months, though personally I was not that enamored by the phone myself...nifty for entertainment but I'm not an ipod fan anyway).

Posted by: TEXMudder

Quote:

Originally Posted by znutar

Scroll buttons instead of scroll wheels. The button implementation, hands down, if FAR worse than either scroll wheel implementation on the BJ's. I have lots of stuff installed on my BJ and the constant click/click/click is slow, cumbersome, and a big step backwards in usability, whereas the scroll wheels just blazes along. I like both implementations of the scroll on the BJ's (though if someone figures a way to increase the speed in the BJ2 wheel I would be happier), and anyone who tells you a set of buttons is better than a scroll wheel should be kicked in the nether regions.

Actually there is no need for click click click on the q9. If you hold the buttons down they speed up progressively the longer you hold them down. I was thinking my old BJ was going to be better with the wheel, but I can hit the bottom of a list 10 times faster by holding the down button on my q9 and not scroll a wheel for a minute.

The other nice thing about the q9 is the sound quality of the speakerphone and music. Below the battery are 2 hugh speakers for stereo sound. Miles ahead of any other smartphone speaker quality.

Posted by: znutar

Quote:

Originally Posted by TEXMudder

sound is definitely good on the Q, but I have no problems with my BJ2 either, though mind you, I'm not using it except as a phone..its not a substitute for a stereo (nor is the Q)

As for the control, I did notice the hold and scroll function, but I think it takes some getting used to because I was always overshooting my intended target. However, I would like to have some adjustability for the scroll wheel on the BJ2 since it is slow for scrolling through start menu items compared to the BJ1...and I do miss the quick menu when you hold the BJ1 scroll wheel down.

Posted by: bgates22

Quote:

Originally Posted by znutar

znutar, are you using the BJ2 as your primary phone? How has battery life been with moderate use (including syncing email through Outlook)? People have been reporting that the BJ2 is annoying because it wakes up out of standby mode and turns on the screen every time a new email comes in. Have you seen this?

Posted by: Outrigger

I tried the first Q when it came out on verizon a while ago and returned it after only a couple of days. it felt cheap and too plasticky and the input lagged way behind the speed I was typing (and I was not typing fast).

Picked up the Q9 last week and I must say that Moto went back to the drawing board on this one. One of the most sought after qualities for me is the speakerphone. So far, the phones that have the loudest earpiece and speakerphone is the Nextel phones. However, when I tried the Q9, I was just blown away at the loudness of it. No longer do I have to turn the volum ALL the way up and still wish it was louder. Even when you turn it all the way up, there's no distortion. Of course, everything else comes down to personal preference. Yes, the phone is a bit wide on the wide side and I don't use it for emails as I carry a BB8310 and it still can't be beat when it comes to emails and the ease of navigation. But I must give kudos to Moto, they did a fantastic job on the Q9.

Posted by: znutar

Quote:

Originally Posted by bgates22

yeah, the screen lights up...kind of stupid but I guess Samsung really wants you to know you got an email/SMS. I do like the new silent mode though because at least you don't have to hear it or watch it buzz around on vibrate.

Posted by: znutar

Quote:

Originally Posted by Outrigger

I tried the first Q when it came out on verizon a while ago and returned it after only a couple of days. it felt cheap and too plasticky and the input lagged way behind the speed I was typing (and I was not typing fast).

Picked up the Q9 last week and I must say that Moto went back to the drawing board on this one. One of the most sought after qualities for me is the speakerphone. So far, the phones that have the loudest earpiece and speakerphone is the Nextel phones. However, when I tried the Q9, I was just blown away at the loudness of it. No longer do I have to turn the volum ALL the way up and still wish it was louder. Even when you turn it all the way up, there's no distortion. Of course, everything else comes down to personal preference. Yes, the phone is a bit wide on the wide side and I don't use it for emails as I carry a BB8310 and it still can't be beat when it comes to emails and the ease of navigation. But I must give kudos to Moto, they did a fantastic job on the Q9.

where did you buy your utility belt for carrying all this? Wayne Industries?

Posted by: jyalexop2003

Quote:

Originally Posted by bothfly

Thanks for the replys.
The Q9G, was for Q9 Global or whatever ATT calls the thing.
I almost stopped by the ATT store to check out the BJ2, but I would have bought it, so I'm taking some more time to get more info.
Since the BJ2's standard batt seems as big as the Q's extd batt, what are people getting on the std Bj2 these days.

My BJ II battery is awesome.
Finally my battery went down to 1 bar tonight after 5.5 days on 24/7,
withe 120 voice minutes and more See this thread.
http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=1285990

Posted by: Outrigger

Quote:

Originally Posted by znutar

where did you buy your utility belt for carrying all this? Wayne Industries?

how did you know?

Posted by: Tanko

Besides the wideness, what bugs me about the Q9h is that it has no LED light. I don't want to have to push a button and wake up my phone every time I want to see if I have a message. The BJII doesn't do this out of the box, but it does have a LED indicator light so hopefully a fix can come around in the future, with the Q9h that is impossible. What I dont like about the BJII is that if you want to unlock the phone (or even check the time/messages) you have to push the power button located on top first. So, unlocking your phone requires three buttons, power->left softkey->*. With my s620 I just push the left soft key->*. Also, I am not limited to just pressing 1 button when i want to wake it up. Doesn't seem like a huge deal, but it gets very cumbersome to have to do that each and every time.

Posted by: gerardcon

You should go to the store. Like you were afraid you will probably buy the BJ2. I went in deciding to get the Moto q9 after extensive comparison with the BJ2 but I absolutely fell in love with the BJ2.

Posted by: jbzcar

I used the BJII for a day and exchanged it the next for a Q9h. The Blackjack II just lacked the functionality I wanted, especially in regards to Bluetooth.