BlackBerry outlines what makes the Passport so different

The BlackBerry Passport is the most unusual smartphone design we've seen in a while and it brings a unique phablet-sized QWERTY keyboard experience to the marketplace that's apparently designed for enterprise. BlackBerry has taken to their blog to outline some of the thinking that went behind the device as well as show what it looks like next to an iPhone 5s and a Samsung Galaxy smartphone. 

"The Passport offers a unique 4.5” inch square screen with full HD capabilities. It offers the same viewing space as a 5” inch phone but offers an even better viewing experience because of the screen’s width," explains the post. Hit jump to read more about it.

"Based on academic typology, the optimal number of characters on a line in a book is 66 characters (current rectangular smartphones show approx. 40 characters and BlackBerry will show 60 characters). BlackBerry Passport offers its size and aspect ratio to accommodate these characters, making it the ideal device for reading e-books, viewing documents and browsing the web. No more worrying about portrait or landscape modes, and no; you aren’t missing anything."

The post also reflects on some viable use cases where the Passbook would excel in.

• For architects and mortgage brokers, imagine being able to look at full designs and schematics on the go, and still being able to handle piles of virtual paperwork with ease.

• In the healthcare field, picture being able to go through x-rays or medial documentation in the office with a patient, on a device that can maintain the necessary security standards for HIPAA compliance.

• In the area of finance, how about navigating your Web-based trading platform on your device? With enough screen real estate, you can clearly see the fluctuation in your stock and determine whether it’s time to sell.

• Writers will truly be unlocked with a navigable keyboard, while the large square screen enables faster content development and delivery. When you are looking to type stories or notes, your virtual keyboard doesn’t cover most of your screen.

Convinced? What are your thoughts on the new design approach taken by BlackBerry and is the Passport a device you would consider?

Source: BlackBerry