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Consumer Reports Needs a CrackBerry Fix

by Kevin Michaluk on 17 Dec 2008 01:03 PM
137
 

Consumer Reports Needs a CrackBerry Fix

Update: It seems the blogosphere let us down slightly here. The blogs we referenced on this article had some data wrong. Turns out the Pearl Flip wasn't #5 - CR didn't even rate it. That spot goes to the Pantech Duo. Which all in all just makese these ratings even more out of whack! *

I'm posting this under the CrackBerry Humor category as I'm pretty sure what I'm reading here must be a joke. Take a look at Consumer Reports' top ten device picks for their latest round of smartphone ratings:

1. BlackJack II
2. T-Mobile Wing
3. Motorola Q9c
4. T-Mobile Shadow
5. BlackBerry Pearl Flip
6. AT&T Tilt
7. Palm Centro 685
8. Palm Treo 800
9. Palm Treo 755P
10 Apple iPhone 3G (8GB) 

Over at WMExperts Dieter is jumping for joy seeing as how 4 out of the top 5 picks run Windows Mobile. Seriously?! How is this possible? Does Microsoft secretly own them or something?! I guess I shouldn't be too mad since a BlackBerry ranked 5th which puts it ahead of Apple's iPhone, but even having the 8220 as the top-ranking BlackBerry is a bit suspect. Nothing against the Pearl Flip, but as a CrackBerry Addict who has used pretty much every BlackBerry, I would have expected the Curve 8330 or Bold to rank higher (won't mention the Storm or 8900 as they're too new).

So what do you guys and gals think? I know what I think... that CrackBerry Rambo needs to make a few houses call to teach some people a thing or two about what makes a good smartphone. I know Consumer Reports picks their ranking categories and figures out the ratings from there, but for real... when the results turn out like this it's a sure sign that the way you're ranking smartphones is broken and you need to fix it. These are just out to lunch. End Rant.  

[ ZDNet via WMExperts ]

Filed Under: CrackBerry Humor;
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137 Comments

Posted by Gonzy88 Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

WTF?

 
 
Posted by BTsee Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

The headband on the phone is a nice touch!!

 
 
Posted by msblueline Thursday, Dec 18, 2008 1152 days ago

Yes, but a bayonet on the rifle slicing through the "Consumer Report" logo would have been better...

msblueline

 
 
Posted by Guy from SU Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

This has GOT to be a joke!!

 
 
Posted by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

I stopped paying attention to Consumer Reports 20 years ago.

Are they still in business and providing very biased views?

 
 
Posted by liz_309 Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

i've always relied on consumer reports too. what gives?

 
 
Posted by Delegator Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

Consumer Reports is a fine magazine that is great for rating things like blenders, washing machines, and reliability ratings of automobiles.

However, they are lousy at anything having to do with technology: home theater, PCs, phones, and so on. Their preoccupation with quantifying value distorts reality when it comes to things like ease of use or feature richness. They often put too high a weight on price instead of letting the consumer decide how much they value a particular feature.

In other words, they just don't "get" technology, and never have.

 
 
Posted by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

Consumer Reports is not a good source for anything. Their ratings are based on consumer experience, but the problem is that they don't represent a good cross-section of the population, so many times products that are rated poorly are the result of not enough members that use the product. For consumer electronics you are better off with sites like this, or checking the customer reviews at companies like Newegg.

 
 
Posted by Delegator Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

yes, an automobile is "technology." That's why I specifically said that they were good for talking about automobile RELIABILITY. Anything beyond that -- performance, cool features, comfort, audio systems -- I'd look at a more substantive magazine like Car & Driver, or a site like Edmunds.

But, I don't think anybody has better reliability data than Consumer Reports. The JD Power initial quality survey isn't worth that much in my book, because it's so focused on the short term after a purchase.

 
 
Posted by Delegator Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

yes, an automobile is "technology." That's why I specifically said that they were good for talking about automobile RELIABILITY. Anything beyond that -- performance, cool features, comfort, audio systems -- I'd look at a more substantive magazine like Car & Driver, or a site like Edmunds.

But, I don't think anybody has better reliability data than Consumer Reports. The JD Power initial quality survey isn't worth that much in my book, because it's so focused on the short term after a purchase.

 
 
Posted by ATC7 Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

Dup post

 
 
Posted by ATC7 Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

I agree with Delegator.

The only things CR Magazine is good at rating are appliances and automobile reliability, and even at that some of their past ratings were out to lunch. For everything else consumers should look elsewhere. This has been the case with them for years.

 
 
Posted by Xader Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

They DEFINITELY put a large weight on price.

T-Mobile WING? It's alright, but nothing special.

The only advantage is has over the Sprint Mogul is a lower price tag (and a better network IMHO). The mogul is the exact same device, but with a faster processor.

Just evidence that they have NO idea what they're talking about.

 
 
Posted by Jayp03 Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

Top 4 should all be blackberries!!!

 
 
Posted by deanabmf Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

Blackjack II??? Are you kidding? That is the WORST smartphone I have ever tried to use.

 
 
Posted by CMIndy Thursday, Dec 18, 2008 1152 days ago

Oh come on, the Blackjack II is a great phone...if you like horrible menu lag, a four second camera shutter delay, squeaky keys and the instability of WinMo.

 
 
Posted by wadsy Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

I have been a Nokia smartphone user for years and they don't even rate. I have just received the new Blackberry 8900 (my first Blackberry) and it is awesome. I will never go back and I mean never.

 
 
Posted by Queen4111 Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

Hate to tell ya, but the average consumer does not use a Blackberry.

And that's what Consumer Reports ratings go by, the AVERAGE Consumer...

There's NOTHING average about a BlackBerry.

 
 
Posted by siha Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

These aren't average phones they're rating...they're SMART phones...if that's what they're rating, why not rate the best smart phone?

 
 
Posted by robbinsgj Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

I was a previous Windows Mobile user and for as long as I can remember, a Blackberry was never considered a Smart phone, it was... Well... a Blackberry.

Most people don't understand what a Blackberry is or does or how it compares to other Smart Phones.

I never thought a Blackberry could do what it can until I bought one.

 
 
Posted by Queen4111 Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

Exactly, the AVERAGE consumer has NO IDEA what a BlackBerry can do, so the buy Samsung, TMO Wing, Motorola.............

 
 
Posted by Queen4111 Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

deleted

 
 
Posted by syb0rg Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

that is a good point. really good point....

 
 
Posted by bobojay Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

This is one reason why this rag DOESN'T come through the door of my house, or warrants a look see at the news stand by me.
It's biased as hell, and never tells the WHOLE story.
And, by the time we get to see it in print, it's old news....

 
 
Posted by Kostantinos Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

I think this calls for a Kevin Smash!!

 
 
Posted by bobdelt Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

I don't expect many blackberrys to be up there since they aren't very user friendly and have their quirks. They originally werent intended either for the average consumer.

That being said, the fact that windows mobile does make it, is weird! I guess microsofts windows mobile ad campaign works.

The treo makes sense, they're dated, but easy to use and understand.

 
 
Posted by does it really matter? Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

If you dont understand how to use a blackberry then you probably do not understand how to use a computer.
If you do not understand how to use a computer then Geico can use some more Cavemen.

 
 
Posted by bobdelt Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

Ok and how easy is it to delete that program? How easy was it for that program to install? How easy is it to set it up to sync with a computer?

If my firm didnt have an IT group, I know at least 50% of my coworkers would have returned their blackberrys. Sometimes it took even days for IT to get it going, which seems more like the carriers problem than the user, since it's their fault the data isn't going through, but that's because of BES, a problem other phones dont have.

How easy is it to push the menu button, scroll to the program, and click the trackball? easy

How much easier is it to push the calendar button o n a treo? MUCH easier. My dad had to call me when he traded his win mo treo in for a blackberry, he didnt know to click the track ball.

I even get fustrated with my curve, when I get a call, and I just see a hourglass as I hit the answer button, and it goes to voicemail. So what good is a phone that half the time I can't answer, and yes I've updated to the latest OS from alltel.

 
 
Posted by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

There is a nice little user manual that comes with these 'smart phones'.
I would highly suggest using it to get by the easy stuff.

The buyer has to take some responsibility when purchasing one of these highly complicated devices and take the time to learn or go back to your samsung flip phone.

 
 
Posted by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

Hey bobdelt, SUCK IT. Treo? Get the fuck out of here, the OS is from BC. Adam and Eve used a Treo. Plus its the size of a Zack Morris phone. Idiot. Tracball is the greatest ever, do you know you are on crackberry.com not i have a treo that was used by moses.com, moron. WTF is your deal? Heres a tip, read the FUCKING manual idiot, you probably drive a 1968 dodge dart texting on your treo. Does a treo txt? I think Sloth used a treo in the movie goonies. Give me / us all a break. Oh and your dad didnt know how to click a tracball???? Really???? Does he have the IQ of a bag of stones???? FUCKING IDIOT.

 
 
Posted by Craig Johnston Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

Really? BlackBerrys are not user friendly?
Hmmm. You seem to be in the minority here with that one.
Moving a trackball around and pressing it in to start an application seems pretty user friendly to me.

 
 
Posted by Anonymous Jones Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

I replaced my Blackjack II with a Bold. The Bold is absolutely a better smartphone than the BJ II. The browser, keyboard, screen, speakerphone, calendar, and email are all superior, not to mention the inclusion of WiFi.

The BJ II is definitely a good phone and is cheaper, but I would imagine that the Epix is a better phone than the BJ II as well.

I think this speaks to CU being behind the curve (pun intended). Their reviews often seem out of date to me. I think they should accept advertising so that they can better keep up. They claim to be impartial, but I don't accept advertising revenue (well, I would if it were offered) and I am extremely partial.

 
 
Posted by numus Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

Consumer reports are anything BUT consumer reports. They have OS X and Windows Vista listed above ubuntu on the number 1 Operating system for a computer.. I MEAN HOW MUCH MORE CONSUMER DO YOU GET THEN FREE?
They are in it for the money just like everyone else, dont believe what you read on their website or in their "consumer guides". They are paid for their opinion by the manufacturer of the product they are reviewing.

 
 
Posted by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

I had the T-Mobile Dash prior to my Curve. I have to say, the WinMobile software isn't all that bad. It's definately more buggy than the BB OS, but it can do a lot of the same things, if not more. One thing I like better is the amount of upgrading/hacking that can be done to the phone. Of course, this is good and bad. Overall, it's not bad. I do admit I like my Curve better, but basically because it's more stable and is more battery friendly (I still can't believe how long my battery lasts compared to the Dash).

You're right though, more Blackberry phones should be on the list

 
 
Posted by itsdawnwithanawn Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

wooowwwwww.
i think i'm speachless.
this definately has to be some kind of a joke.

i almost spit my coffee out & all over my moniter while reading the ratings.

yuck.!

 
 
Posted by syb0rg Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

I'm in a local VW Auto club and i know alot of people like the Palm Series phone. good great grand wonderful. Nice phone "somewhat" easy to use. My father had the Tmobile Shadow, but after the third one he chuck'd it to the wind and got another phone. but the Q9c and Wing?!?!? ok enough is enough... i'll leave it there..... but only ONE BlackBerry..... but you know what... the BB rated higher than the Apple iPhone...

 
 
Posted by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

further proof that consumer reports isn't worth the paper it's printed on or the bandwidth that reading the site takes up.

 
 
Posted by mustangdriver Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

I stopped reading consumer reports years ago. They are out of touch with everything.

 
 
Posted by Whats it to you Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

What do those guys know at Constipated Reports!!?!? They say McDonald's coffee is the best and they praise Toyota and Honda cars. I love when I read crap from them...bunch of narrow minded old farts!!! Their writings are just for entertainment and most of the time a good laugh.

 
 
Posted by Q1911 Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

LOL at blackjack being number 1.

And there should be a different BB then the flip on that list.

 
 
Posted by BlackBerryBob Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

I had this WM device and it was a POS! The Dash was much better...(for WM) Can't say anything about the Blackjack.

 
 
Posted by BB_Storm4me Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

This is just an example of what a joke CR is. I just have to get a hold of the whole report just to see how bad they botched this one. Their analysts must have been fired from Taco Bell. What was their criteria? Most included games? I had little respect for CR because of previous reports, now I'm totally done.

 
 
Posted by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

are you kidding me? i've used most, if not all of the phones on the list, and i have to say my 8330 is most defiantly number 1. by a mile or two at least. who are they talking to?!

 
 
Posted by bellxx Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

I am sure the writer of this list called the editor (by landline) and the editor told him sure fax it over and it went to print. They are obviously a little behind over there at CR.

 
 
Posted by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

Are they kidding? They are totally out of touch with the smartphone market. Blackjack #1? Really? I rely on Consumer Reports for their ratings and recommendations on other stuff, but for this, no way!

 
 
Posted by crispycutz Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

i will sick the BB Terminator on these mofoes....

 
 
Posted by ChuckH0308 Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

I stopped reading Consumer Reports years ago when their top rated car audio speakers were from Radio Shack. I can honestly say that I have never found anything useful in that magazine and I feel sorry for people who believe in it and follow their advice.

 
 
Posted by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

Well, If you are talking about early to mid nineties, radioshack did have the best speakers in the low and middle price range, for home and car. Without a doubt the most bang for your buck. RS is worthless now, but they were more imporatant to consumer electronic than anyone else until best buy came along. Then the discount retailers came along and crushed them. Use crutchfeld.com, they are the newegg of entertainment.

 
 
Posted by Vizag Dude Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

If I were to take a stab... I would say the top pics would have been...

1. Apple iPhone 2G / 3G
2. BlackBerry 8300
3. Blackjack
4. Tilt
5. BlackBerry Bold

 
 
Posted by willsc Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 1152 days ago

Who let this iPhoner on the site! Give Blackberry 3 years to "perfect" the Storm and Bold and iPhone won't even be a topic for discussion. It is a pretty toy not a smart phone:)

 
 
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