This is not a feature comparison or a technical comparison. Clearly, based on many examinations, the iPhone 3GS wins by a wide margin in most every category. Even now, the HTC EVO 4G is about to ship, which will change the game even more, possibly eclipsing the iPhone in it's wow factor. But anyway, I'd like to address why many people choose the Blackberry (still) over the iPhone. Many claim that the Blackberry is superior "for business" but are unable to explain why that is. They say things like "it just is" or "it's faster". I aim to verbalize what they are attempting to explain, but are unable to. The true reason that many still prefer the Blackberry over the iPhone is for two primary feelings:
Familiarity Effect: The Blackberry users are all too familiar (and totally comfortable) with using the Blackberry device (most are experts at texting and emails) and experience, or think they will experience, great difficulty in adapting to the iPhone's way of doing things. They may claim that it is the physical keyboard of the Berry, but really it is just that they have learned to type so quickly using the BB's keyboard, and don't want to go through the perceived "hassle" of retraining themselves to type fast on the iPhone's touch keyboard. The same goes for hot buttons and other features of the Blackberry Bold 9700 (and other models). This is parallel to the PC (Windows) user switching to a Mac (OS X) - same thing. Although I think some PC users are just hell bent on not being associated with Apple culture. They have deep-seated principles and standards that they feel obligated to support. So it is the familiarity with the Blackberry and its OS that is the first driving force in keeping users with their beloved Berry's. They like the name too, the alliterative pleasure of uttering BlackBerry. I bet if they could eat their BB, they would.

Also, the personal image of having a Blackberry is key. For example, the Blackberry Bold is an aesthetic marvel of beautiful lines, ridges, textures and proportions. If you take some time to study the look and feel of the Blackberry Bold 9700, it truly is marvelous in appearance. The thinly machined chrome accents, multi-colored action keys, the fonts, icons on both the display and the keyboard -- all very carefully positioned and well thought out. The back is equally fine, with it's textured leather-like substrate inlaid panel. The display looks incredibly serious and sinister - like the command bridge on a a starship. A must have in the corporate boardroom. Far more technical looking in appearance versus the iPhone, the Blackberry appeals to the world-wide image of what a proper business phone should look like. People (especially Americans) like to associate business with hard work and no fun (or the illusion of such). It is very important to the minions of corporate america that they are viewed as having jam-packed schedules, with no time for anything and are constantly on the move. They love to brag about how busy they are or how "crazy" it is for them at any given moment. The BB is a perfect icon for this image. Their self-worth is based on how others perceive them. Don't let me ever catch you having fun or being calm and relaxed! The iPhone is more friendly in appearance. Bright and cheery, with loads of colorful icons, which beckon the user - touch me I am fun! The iPhone users, while also conscious of their image, are more focused on the result of their actions, rather than how someone else sees them. Blackberry users don't wish to be associated with that sort of behavior, after all they want to be taken seriously, and their Blackberry is all business and so are they.

I stereotype the Blackberry users as borderline manic individuals, whom pride themselves on their ability to appear busy most of the time. Much of there time is consumed by staying in contact with as many people or organizations as they possibly can. Their vacations are more like work than relaxation (they are always on their BB); Everything is planned and scheduled. He or she with the most contacts, texts and emails wins. Appearing to be super busy and business-like is of paramount importance.

The iPhone users are stereotyped as fun-seekers, and do not care about how busy they appear to be. Perhaps sloppy and bit lazy, not wanting to commit to schedules and time constraints. Their vacations are totally open with nothing planned, but travel, location and lodging; Everything else is random. They walk through life with an open mind, but also are prone to errors (but they don't care). Highly creative and visionary, or on the road to becoming as so, they do not like to be told what to do - they make their own future and therefore have no need for entrenched schedules, except by their design and pace. They have sworn their allegiance to Apple when it comes to smart phones (and computers), and are always ready to upgrade to the next S. Jobs device. Appearing hip and with the in-crowd is their mantra.

Of course, not all iPhone or BB users fall into the above stereotypes. But I'd bet when you meet someone for the first time, you can guess by their appearance and actions, whether they use Blackberry or Apple. I suggest that people buy both, which is clearly more fun than just picking a side.

So we can infer now, that it is the personality of the user that chooses the device. The choice has nothing to do with the phone's features or hardware, but everything to do with the person who holds it, and most people have a hard time looking at themselves in a clear light. And so it goes, they are unable to explain why they like one over the other.