Considering buying a Blackberry, but not sure if it is a good investment or not. I'd like to be more mobile with the business so that I'm not stuck at home watching for orders or inquiries all day via email.

Does anyone have any input positive or negative? Or any words of advice re: purchasing a Blackberry and/or service plan.

Thanks!

Considering buying a Blackberry, but not sure if it is a good investment or not. I'd like to be more mobile with the business so that I'm not stuck at home watching for orders or inquiries all day via email.

Does anyone have any input positive or negative? Or any words of advice re: purchasing a Blackberry and/or service plan.

Thanks!

We have a Blackberry in our household (not tied to the business) with service from T-Mobile. The email functions work pretty well, and the small keyboard is ok for replying to or sending short messages. The phone service works fine, but the Blackberry is too bulky (for my taste) to hold up to my head for any extended amount of time. T-Mobile offers a short period to try out a device and return if you don't like it. I assume the other carriers would, too.

I've been thinking about something like this as well, and I'm leaning towards the Audiovox VX6600 for a couple of reasons. First, it looks like a traditional PDA with a huge screen and few buttons for navigation. It also has an internal membrane keyboard that slides out if you need to type something (any of these devices are good for little more than hunt-and-peck typing). I think both devices work with Verizon's wireless broadband as well, so if you live in an area that has this service, you can get DSL type speed while you're sitting on the beach checking orders. Another device that looks interesting is the Nokia 9500. It has a very unique clam-shell form factor that results in a much wider screen than most smart phones. I'm not sure about its wireless internet capabilites however.

You've got to decide whether you're going to work or do other things. If your planning on processing orders, doing many emails or much of any work via the web, then ANY hand-held device is a mistake IMHO. (I'm not saying you've got to sit and watch the PC all day...maybe you can get by checking in every few hours.)

I've used Blackberry, a couple Palms and even a Jordana. These are all fine and can accomplish some things pretty well. Even more things can be done with some pain. However, they are not for serious day-in / day-out work. So I would not set up my business plan being to work from one of these devices every day.

IMHO if you want to get things done, you need a bigger screen, fullsize keyboard and some sort of optical device (mouse, nub, ball, pad). If you decide you do need to be mobile, I recommend a laptop...even one of the ultra-lite ones...for anything other than "in a pinch" remote access.

Ed

In my opinion blackberry's are best for communicating with staff while you are on the road. They are good for yes and no answers, and short email conversation. Beware, they are quite addicting... Kind of like teenagers with text messaging on their cell phones.

Hi Renee,
I've been using a Blackberry for about 6 months now (for my primary job).

Pros:
Cell Phone
You can e-mail someone in a flash, especially if you need a quick answer.
You can get web access, but its hard to see because of the small screen size.
Storage for contacts, account lists etc..
Section for notes


Cons:
The entire cell phone feature is crappy in my opinion. It looks like you are holding a calculator up to your ear.
It is very difficult to hear the person on the other end during phone calls.
The hang up button is in the wrong place on the Blackberry. I've hung up on several people already (by mistake, of course... ).
Forget about trying to use it for Admin functions. as their servers aren't always up to par (eh-hemmm... sound familiar?).
As I think of more, I'll edit this post...
Ben N

I borrowed one from a friend and found it extremely slow. It took like 10 minutes to log in to the admin. It's okay for quick emails, but I dont recommend it for website functions, unless you're really desperate and equally patient.
I broke down and purchased a notebook computer (3 pounds) that I can tote around with me. And, of course, I have a separate cell phone.

Well, that would be my next option, buying a laptop. I do have some concerns about the blackberry being easy to use, etc. I do appreciate all of your feedback. I think I'll have to find someone who actually has one and ask to try it out. I'm skeptical about it and all of your answers make me feel as though there is reason to be. I appreciate you all!

renee,

Personally, I would advise against the blackberry. They have proprietary software and are a little cumbersome to use. If you want something small, go with a standard PD with the Windows OS as opposed to the blackberry or palm. With the Windows OS, it will more easily integrate with your desktop PC. Make sure you get one with Outlook, Excel, and Word.

A laptop would be really great if you don't mind waiting for it to boot. Also, there are more services coming out that will give you wireless broadband. I would suggest a Sony Vaio. I have owned 2 and my brother has had 1. In all 3 cases they have been good reliable machines and were not to expensive.

Good luck,

My eye has been on a Sony Vaio. They have some really neat machines and not as bulky as some of the other laptops, although a bit more pricey. I'm not really willing to give up cell phone quality with the blackberry. That's a concern. Also, not sure it's going to help if I can only make short responses with the keypad. I tend to write longer replies to customers. Thanks for your valuable input.

Hey reneewood...
The Vaio line is cool--buy an extended warranty and screen protection. The screens on many Vaios have been known to wig out, and for a costly laptop, it just might be well worth the cost.

Mine's a Vaio, too. t-250.

I have a BlackBerry 7230 (T-Mobile) and a Sony VAIO VGN-S360P and I love them both ..

I'd recommend looking at a Palm Treo 650. PDA, Phone, MP3 player and camera. I love mine.

As for notebooks, I recommend Dell. Get an onsite service plan.

I've dealt w/ Sony's in the past and if something goes wrong, you have to mail it service center (in CA). This means going weeks without a computer.

With an onsite service plan, Dell comes right to your house or office. And Dell makes a great product. I manage over 200 Dell workstations/notebooks and I can count on one hand the number of times I've had to call support for a hardware isssue.

A little off subject, but everyone enjoy the outdoors during breaks from your site. The day is coming soon when Wi-Fi will be all over the sky's and we won't be able to resist working on our sites on the beach, park, etc... Does the cell phone ring a bell? I used to be able to get away from the phone by going for a drive. Now the cell phone is everywhere I go.

On subject, I think the Blackberry is still in the early stages and will advance in the near future.

Best of luck on your decision,

Blackberry, MS Exchange and Cingular!!
Cant beat it!!

Look into the trio. I LOVE my trio 600.

Umm . . . are the Blackberry users here aware that RIM just lost a big court appeal and may have to stop offering their service?

I can't decide what to do I bought a T-Mobile power Blackberry phone and tomorrow is the return deadline

http://news.yahoo.com/s/usatoday/20051027/...eblackberrycase

PALM TREO




Scooter