Breaking News: BlackBerry Torch is not an iPhone (Op-Ed)

Last Friday, GSL posted a review of the BlackBerry Torch 9800. It was generally a positive review, based on what we saw as improvements over previous BlackBerry devices. Such was not necessarily the case across the web. A review published on Gizmodo included comments like, “The software is a mess and fixes none of the major problems with BlackBerry.” At least in Gizmodo’s case, they didn’t use the words ‘Apple’ or ‘iPhone’ in their write-up. Other sites posted reviews that were little more than comparisons of the device against Apple’s infamous iPhone 4. Less than a week later, we hear respected sources like PC World report that, based on disappointing sales, RIM has decided to drop the contract price from $199 to $99.

First and foremost, it’s sad that RIM has such little faith in their own product. A decision to drop the price only gives the perception that they subscribe to the negative reviews that have been published. Secondly, it’s seems like a reality check might be in order for tech reviewers, in general. The Torch or, for that matter any other BlackBerry, is not an iPhone. It doesn’t look like an iPhone. It doesn’t act like an iPhone. The only question that remains: Why do tech reviewers insist on determining the success or failure of the Torch (or any other device) by comparing its features, performance or sales figures to those of the iPhone?

Does it have to be either this or that?

In all fairness, it is human nature to compare things. We polarize things by default. It’s either hot or cold, fast or slow, or good or bad. When it comes to gadgets, things are no different. We often compare technical specifications, features and performance. This is part of the process. We digress, though, when we decide to label the device as good or bad. What tech websites and their reviewers seem to have lost sight of is the fact that reviews are supposed to help consumers decide…stay with me this is the hard part for many to understand…which device is the best for them.

What exactly is the definition of ‘the best’ in the context of tech reviews? For many reviewers, best is defined as the newest, fastest, largest (in terms of storage), or cheapest. If it doesn’t fall into one of these categories, it is labeled as ‘not the best’ or, in some cases, ‘just plain bad’. More often, though, summaries of reviews will say something to the effect of:

“Device A is technically and aesthetically inferior to Device B.”

Actually, this example is far more eloquent than most reviewers would take the time to write. It’s easier to say Device A is the worst, a waste of money, or ugly. Yes, such is the world we live in.

Where have all the objective reviewers gone?

I maintain, though, that a review of any technology device must, above all, remain objective. It cannot be clouded with our own personal perceptions regarding the device, its manufacturer or our personal preference. Unfortunately, it happens all too often. Since 2007 and the release of the first generation iPhone from Apple, the problem has only worsened. Now, in addition to the subjectiveness that some reviewers demonstrate, they also feel compelled to compare every new smartphone to whatever the current generation of the iPhone is on the market.

For the purposes of objectivity, I must admit that I own an iPhone 3GS. With the exception of the iPhone 4, I have owned every generation released. Within the next six months, I will undoubtedly buy an iPhone 4. Why do I continue to buy them? They are excellent devices. They are well-designed, aesthetically pleasing and feature rich. There is no debate about it. I also own a BlackBerry Torch. Before that, I owned a BlackBerry Bold 9700. Both have advantages and disadvantages. I prefer to type lengthy communications on the QWERTY keyboard of BlackBerry, but I prefer to play games on the iPhone. I like that I can buy music and videos directly through the iTunes Store on the iPhone, but I also like that I can download apps from different websites and vendors on the BlackBerry without invalidating the warranty. It is convenient to be able to plug the BlackBerry into the computer and easily transfer files to the Micro SD card. I also like the iPhone because I can sync email, photos, music, movies, and books from a single application. Honestly, I could go on, but I’m sure the point has been made.

What I cannot responsibly do is make the generalization that the iPhone, or the BlackBerry, or any other smartphone is better than any or all other smart phones. This might be confusing to some, since I just said how great I personally feel each is in the previous paragraph. It is great, but so is the BlackBerry. The important point to understand is that these devices are great for me. I may write tech reviews of products and serve as the editor of Geek Shui Living, which exists to provide technology news and reviews. Obviously, the purpose of the reviews published is to highlight the good things, acknowledge the potential detractors, and, ultimately, help readers decide for themselves if the device could possibly satisfy their needs and wants. At the end of the day, though, I am a consumer. I may play with devices in order to review them and help others form an educated opinion, but the devices I choose to buy are based on my personal needs and preferences. That is the distinction that is often lost in today’s tech reviews.

So which one is better? The iPhone or the BlackBerry?

Wait a second? Wasn’t the whole point of this article to avoid saying which one is the best? The answer is yes and no. Yes, one of the points made herein is that making a generalized statement that the iPhone is the best device should be avoided in tech reviews, whether it is directly stated or communicated indirectly in the criticisms of the the other device. On the other hand, the point is not to stop comparing technical specifications, features, and performance, altogether. Moreover, the point is that any comparisons should be done for the purpose of educating the consumer. He or she should be able to read the overall review, examine the technical specifications, and, ultimately, form an educated opinion that allows them to make an educated decision as to which device is best for them and their individual needs.

Tech writers and reviewers are allowed to have an opinion. Everyone is. We’re allowed to express those opinions in the company of family, friends, and coworkers. When communicating with readers, though, news and reviews should be reported the same way newspapers and television news should be…with objectivity. The writer should presents the facts, cite statistics and specifications, and credit the source of their information. We can point out things that hint of an opinion, but we must be careful to point out such instances. That’s why GSL includes words like ‘Opinion’, ‘Op-Ed’, or even ‘Rant’ in the title of a post.

Is there hope for tech reviewers to regain their objectivity?

There are many good tech writers and reviewers out there. Some have just lost focus as to what it means to be objective and what is acceptable in terms of comparisons. Tech reviewers simply need to refocus on what it means to review something. If they receive a ‘seeder’ device from a company to test it out for review purposes, they should be up front and tell the reader. They should also make it clear to a company that providing the device to test doesn’t necessarily mean it will receive a glowing review. Unfortunately, this happens more often than we would like to think. After all, if you upset the company, will they provide you with more devices to test in the future? This really shouldn’t matter, though. When reviewing anything, a cardinal rule is that writers should point out potential advantages and disadvantages. These advantages and disadvantages, though, should be ones that they feel will be of importance to the consumer, not themselves.

A device can be compared to a similar one, from another manufacturer. Trying to correlate features one by one, though, shouldn’t be a goal. In some cases, there is no equivalent. Device A might not have anything similar, in terms of media management, to that which Device B has. That’s okay. Some people are not concerned about filling their smartphone with music and videos. The final analysis can point out perceived deficiencies, if they…again…might be of importance to the general consumer.

The bottom line is that the practice of comparing tech apples and tech oranges, for the purposes of determining a winner, goes against the whole idea of objective reporting. Tech reviews of smartphones or any other gadget should be written to help the average user make the determination, as to which device is best for them. In the end, that’s why websites like this one exist. Without the variety of manufacturers and products on the market, we would have far less to write about.

A final note to tech writers and reviewers.

You have a unique skill. You can examine a device and determine its pros and cons. On top of that, you can write about it in an educated manner and make it available to millions. Stop there, though. Please do the consumer a favor, by presenting an objective review of the features, technical specifications, and performance without trying to influence them either directly or indirectly to buy what you personally prefer. Let them decide if it is the right product for them…again…based on their personal needs. They might not thank you for it, but your fellow, objective tech writers certainly will.