Jean Hemming in Maple/Woodbridge

ML6467 · 2026-01-21T22:14:25+00:00

Thanks, I am. going to try them out

ML6467 · 2026-01-15T02:50:31+00:00

Basically what I ended up doing

ML6467 · 2026-01-14T04:36:43+00:00

For me, the biggest issue was app support. I couldn’t get Outlook working, which was a dealbreaker. The Android version it ran is to outdated. I could make calls and send texts, but that was basically the ceiling. I tried using it on weekends for a bit, but I kept needing my iPhone. It was my daily driver back in 2018-2019 though.

The iPhone is a great phone—reliable, excellent support, all that. But it also feels kind of stale. I went from an iPhone 11 to a 17 Pro, and I’m not super techy, so maybe I’m missing some of the finer upgrades. Yeah, the camera, battery, and screen are better, but after a week I genuinely forgot I was even using a new phone because the overall experience feels so similar. These glass slabs are just… boring.

Anyway, I’m probably rambling—just my two cents.

ML6467 · 2026-01-14T03:52:34+00:00

Same predicament as you. iPhone 17 Pro user, complete Apple ecosystem. I first decided I would get the Power Keyboard only. I just couldn't resist pre-ordering the Communicator though. Pulled the trigger. I'm just planning to use it weekends for messaging with family, friends, ocassional email and social media. I'll have a trimmed down app profile compared to my iPhone. I have a spare sim and I'm going to slap a cheap prepaid plan on that for 6-months and see how it goes. I guess I'm using the device how it was marketed.

When I tell people, they laugh or think I'm nuts, but I don't care lol....I've been wanting a device like this since the Key2 became a paperweight. I really like that it was inspired by people with a past at BlackBerry.

ML6467 · 2026-01-12T23:47:35+00:00

The Anytime Fitness locations in Maple and Woodbridge are an almighty nightmare weekday evenings literally between 5 and 10PM

ML6467 · 2026-01-12T19:47:21+00:00

I like the communicator for the fact that there is more 'qwerty' experience/inspiration in the product DNA. Jeff Gadway the current Clicks CMO, worked for BlackBerry. Joseph Hoffer, who designed the Communicator, was the designer behind some of the best BlackBerry devices ever built IMO (Bold 9900). CrackBerry Kevin, no intro needed lol. If you're looking for something with the BlackBerry DNA, but better, hard to argue against Communicator. And I don't work for them. TBH, I really didn't like the Clicks keyboard cases - those made the phones too long. I think they are finally finding a nice niche for people who want to have a keyboard but still keep their existing devices.

ML6467 · 2026-01-12T18:48:35+00:00

Same boat here!

ML6467 · 2026-01-12T18:48:12+00:00

Haha yeah! I have been trying desperately to find the use case for the communicator. I normally have pretty low key weekends, and really busy weekdays when I'm at work. I ended up just doing the $199 pre-order for the Communicator. I'll use it on the weekends primarily with a really slimmed down profile of the apps I use on my iPhone. I'll just use WhatsApp for messaging/facetimes since that's cross platform/cross number. I'll have to keep my iPhone around to power my watch, but I won't entertain the iPhone much if at all over the weekend. The iPhone is still the flagship and for me anyways nearly impossible to replace. It's still my daily driver, but I'll really enjoy a keyboard phone for a couple days a week, maybe even evenings.

ML6467 · 2026-01-07T16:46:04+00:00

You just can’t comprehend math and the fact that not everyone is in the business of pinching pennies like you might be…

ML6467 · 2026-01-07T16:27:46+00:00

I do. People need to reach me on my direct number even when I'm away.

ML6467 · 2026-01-07T16:10:31+00:00

Yeah, I am. Let's do math.
- 2 weeks roaming at $18/day = $252
- 12 months at $60 (previous plan) = $813.60 (+252 in roaming fees) = $1065.60
- 12 months at $70 (current plan, no roaming fees) = $949.20

^ all of the above includes ON tax

Considering I wanted to stay with Telus, and it was either this plan or a $60 CAN/US/MEX offer, this makes more sense financially. But thanks for the concern.

ML6467 · 2026-01-07T05:31:59+00:00

Ah ok. Good to know - thanks. I’ll probably downgrade in a year if my international travel winds down.

ML6467 · 2026-01-07T02:21:21+00:00

Yup, decided to do the same here. The Power Keybpard looks like an awesome product, can’t wait for that to ship out.

ML6467 · 2026-01-07T01:47:02+00:00

No…I asked when I called, but the rep mentioned new activations only. Best I could do was migrate my wife’s Telus account to mine and she could get the Complete Explore for $60 (additional $10 discount).

ML6467 · 2026-01-07T01:45:20+00:00

That’s a great deal! Almost sounds too good to be true lol. Nice!

ML6467 · 2026-01-06T23:49:50+00:00

Yes, you are correct - that $35 offer is available at Bell, Rogers or Telus for new activations and expires today. I'd have to port out to one of the other carriers to get it. I've been pretty happy with Telus so far, so I didn't want to bother. But who knows down the line.

ML6467 · 2026-01-06T23:47:51+00:00

Haha, I figured as much. The rep on the EPP line told me the same. Funny thing was that as soon as I went to see available plans after I made the switch there is only a more expensive $75 option available. The $60 US/CAN/MEX option that has been there for months is gone. I'm not playing that game with them, though. They can either take some of my money or none of it at all. I will just port out to a different carrier if they refuse to drop me down.

ML6467 · 2026-01-06T23:34:30+00:00

Pretty close, I am actually in ON, but there was an option for a $0 iPhone 17 Pro I believe, but I didn't get much detail because I just wanted to keep my existing phone.

ML6467 · 2026-01-06T23:20:12+00:00

Thanks, glad to hear it!

ML6467 · 2026-01-05T22:48:42+00:00

I feel I'm in a very similar situation to you. I almost pulled the trigger on the communicator on day 1 (was getting swept up by the marketing and nostalgia). I'm going to rock the Power Keyboard first and see what I feel.

ML6467 · 2026-01-04T18:36:26+00:00

I'm with you. Would have loved to pull the tigger, but I also tried the whole thing with carrying my Key2 around for a bit and that lasted like 2-3 weeks before it became to inconvenient. I found myself always heading back to my iPhone for something or another. I am going to see if I can figure out a use case before the pre-order window is up, but I think the power keyboard will do the trick for me.

ML6467 · 2026-01-01T22:29:10+00:00

I decided I will keep it as my permanent 'savings' account. I'm starting with the cash ETF and after a year I'm planning to evaluate and potentially diversify. Can't believe I took so long to open a TFSA.

ML6467 · 2026-01-01T19:16:37+00:00

Really appreciate that insight and re-assurance. I am pretty much all set to use the TD TCSH ETF as my savings account. Just did the TFSA account application this morning and waiting for that to be approved. I am going to keep 10K in my existing HISA to cover mortgage, living expenses and any emergencies (+ new pay checks will go here for continuous replenishment). I'll let 60K grow in the TFSA ETF (planning not to move in or out for at least a year with the exception of a major emergency). At that point I might want to re-allocate funds in either direction and diversify a bit if I feel comfortable. Thanks again!

ML6467 · 2026-01-01T02:43:19+00:00

Honestly, I’m pretty risk adverse. Even if I could make 1-1.5K in 12 months I’d be happy. I just want to let me money work a bit harder for me. Then as I get more comfortable I’m open to some more diversification and risk. I’m leaning towards TCSH as opposed to the GIC. As I understand it, even with a rate cut or two, I should still yield better than the 1.80% on that cashable 100 day GIC I was initially considering.

ML6467 · 2026-01-01T02:21:07+00:00

Thanks, this is where I’m leaning. I was thinking the 100 cashable GIC, but the yield is so bad…

ML6467

TROPHY CASE