LET S TALK ABOUT FORM FACTOR

LET'S TALK ABOUT FORM FACTOR

The biggest difference is the size and shape of the new 7100 handhelds compared to the other models mentioned previously. As I said, the 7100s are slimmer, about 2/3 as wide as my 7280, but just as tall and just as thick. That small change, however, is noticeable in both appearance and feel. Figure A.1 shows how the devices differ in size.

Figure A.1. A 7280 and 7100v side by side to show the size difference.

I've always felt sort of awkward using my 7280 as a phone. Because of its wide size it just didn't feel right as a phone. I also felt like people had to look twice when they saw me using it because it looks look like I'm talking into my shoe or something equally unusual. Of course, I got used to it and I think they did too as more and more people use BlackBerry handhelds, but I could never quite shake the feeling that it just wasn't a phone.

The 7100 changes this. It looks like a phone. It feels like a phone. In fact, unless you look closely, you barely notice that it is more than just a phone. Of course, that ruins the "Hey look at me! I'm cool and use a BlackBerry" aspect of it, but I don't think people will mind.

In general, I like how the 7100 feels in my hand. It's easier to hold and more comfortable than my 7280. I also don't feel like it will slip out of my hand as easily.

One thing I do notice, however, is that the trackwheel and the ESC button are positioned lower on the side, and this bothers me. On my 7280, my thumb could rest against the side and not have to be bent in order to use the trackwheel, and the ESC button was just under the joint in my thumb making it easy to press. Figure A.2 shows the slight difference in position of the trackwheel and Escape button.

Figure A.2. A 7280 and 7100v side by side to show the position of the trackwheel.

The trackwheel is also slightly depressed into the side and this makes it harder to click because my thumb is pressing against the side of the handheld as well as the trackwheel. As a result, I feel like I have to use the tip of my thumb to click the trackwheel. Because of this, and because it is lower on the side, it is not as comfortable to me.