To Hardware:
The BlackBerry Q5 is quite a solid phone with the back, the volume rocker and the SD / Sim card slot to make a not quite as sophisticated look. However, the front of the large glass plate and the keyboard make a very good and stable impression. I use the unit since August now without Case and Screen Protector and it still looks like new. The keyboard is perfect for quick review. Since I previously had no BlackBerry it took some getting used to but this was fast.
The built-in BlackBerry Q5 cameras are not outstanding, but rich in daylight for snapshots from. Also perfect for scanning documents.
The battery life I would describe as very good, because I can easy survive a day (with activated WLAN and 3G). In the evening the battery is usually still 50-60% full.
Software:
I mage a clear, uncluttered design software and that's what provides the BlackBerry OS 10. There is on the one hand the "home screen" with the minimized windows of running apps. BlackBerry OS 10 here supports true multitasking, which means I can start a Flash movie in the browser window minimized (the sound is running on!) And then launch other apps to what to do there. Switching between apps proceeds really without delay. Also contribute to this the gestures which allow easy operation of the phone. A swipe from the bottom on the bottom of the screen, for example, minimizes the window. That's a lot more comfortable / faster as pressing the Home button on the iPhone.
From the home screen to get a swipe to the right on the app screens. Here you can start by pressing the various Apps. The normal workflow is however probably look like that one on the home screen simply typing the first two letters of the desired app and then in the opened search window opens the app (similar to webOS).
By swiping to the left from the home screen to get into the BlackBerry Hub. The BlackBerry Hub is so to speak the killer feature of the new BlackBerry OS. This is where all messages (SMS, BBM, Whatsapp, email, phone calls, Skype, ...) together. Not only that you here can watch the news, you can also respond to them immediately and respond to what is really happening without any delay. All the apps (Whatsapp, BBM, ..) must not be opened separately! This is simply fantastic and saves an awful lot of time in everyday life.
The operating system BlackBerry OS 10 is very comfortable and allows a very good workflow. The System One has to confess quite a few days getting used (especially when switching from another system), but then you want anything else.
Apps:
One of the common criticisms of the otherwise acclaimed BlackBerry OS 10 is the availability of apps. In my view, however, that is not a problem. I was all desired apps in the BlackBerry World will find (Evernote, Timr, radio, weather, flashlight, ...) Other important apps are integrated directly into the system (Skype, Dropbox, Box, Whatsapp, BBM, ...). I miss nothing. In addition, there is the possibility to install Android apps. Starting with the next OS version that appears soon, even directly from third-party app stores (fe .: Amazon). Even I have not tried because I do not miss anything.
Conclusion:
Those looking for a solid smartphone with a very well thought out operating system is the right place for BlackBerry. Those who want no hardware keyboard, the BlackBerry Z10 should watch that there are now very low.