My jealous brother calls it a dingleberry, I call it magnificent!
Written: Oct 01 '99
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Send/receive email from anywhere, syncs to everything in MS Outlook, fun to use
Cons: Pricey, a little bulky even it if needs to be
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| BrianBlair's Full Review: RIM Blackberry Two Way Pager |
If you rely on Microsoft Outlook and all of its features at home or work and if your productivity depends on responding to your emails on a timely basis and staying on top of your to-do list and knowing what's on your calendar, you should consider a Blackberry. I recently got one for work to manage the massive quantity of email I receive daily, and let me me tell you, I have never worked smarter. If I step out of the building or go on a trip, I can still respond to inquiries, if news breaks and I have to be on top of something, I can email co-workers and take care of business. If I'm travelling and can't log into the network, I can at least stay in touch with my emails. But not just emails, everything in Outlook syncs to the Blackberry. You get your address book you've worked hard to build, your tasks, and your beloved calendar. Blackberry even reminds you of appointments you have made in you Outlook calendar--that feature earned my respect quickly.
The interface is dummy proof too. It has a scroller that doubles as a button that makes accessing all the Outlook components a cinch, and it's keyboard is small, smart and easy to use. Composing messages on the fly is simple too, I'd even call it fun. I love reading and responding to emails while on the subway or when I'm walking down the street. And my fingers have learned to "dance" around the traditional QWERTY keyboard. It even makes it easy to capitalize and use uncommon symbols.
I am just now delving into its numerous features, each which seem designed to make my work life a bit easier. You can set the Blackberry so it has a tone when it's not its case and vibrates when it is and vice versa--very handy. The manual it comes with is enormous, but for those not into reading, it also comes with a quick reference card that explains all the basics. These guys even throw in a couple of batteries (though it only takes one) just to show you they're on your team.
One the small downside, it is a little on the pricey side.. My company plunked down the $400 or so bucks for it, and I think it's $30 a month, but they're getting their money's worth. I use it constantly, staying better connected to my co-workers and clients, both who appreciate quick responses. It's also a little big. Sure it has to be to have a keyboard and a battery, but when my wife first saw it, she laughed and said, "what is that thing!?" But when I showed her the keyboard, she said, "oh, " and quickly understood.
Again, weigh out your needs. It's a lot of green, but efficiency and the latest technology don't always come cheap. But if your work or life or productivity depend on staying on top of your email, consider the Blackberry. It will change the way you work.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 400
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Epinions.com ID:
BrianBlair
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Member: Brian Blair
Location: New York, New York
Reviews written: 11
Trusted by: 55 members
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