Email is EVERYWHERE!
Written: Jun 13 '00 (Updated Jun 13 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Small, Easy to Use, Email Access Without a Modem
Cons: Service Area Has Dead Spots, Particularly in Big Buildings, Pricey When Figuring in the Monthly Access Fee
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| RichBoston's Full Review: RIM Blackberry Two Way Pager |
Getting a little tired of trying PDAs on my own I wasn’t too excited when my employer placed a box on my desk and asked me in a note to try this. I honestly had never heard of BlackBerry. While it has some things in common with my Palm IIIxe, it is more of a device to send and receive email without having to use a dial up connection. i.e. like a pager - it’s always on and ready to not only receive but can send like a modem connected PDA.
So now, not only can people reach me on my cell phone, I have a device almost exclusively for email! Ahrrggghhhhh! But I digress. Yes, I like the BlackBerry. I just wonder when enough is enough.
As I said, it more closely resembles a pager in both form and function, than it does my Palm IIIxe. It easily fits in my pocket and weighs around 5 ounces.
The desktop software installed easily and uneventfully. Just follow along with the prompts. The BlackBerry syncs with Outlook using Intellisync and in this sense it resembles my Palm, albeit with a smaller screen. In addition to Intellisync, the software includes Redirector Configuration, Backup/ Restore and Application Loader. Intellisync is a $70 add on to the Palm and this was my first experience with it. The Palm uses the less expensive Chapura Pocket Mirror that works fine but is not as versatile as Intellisync.
The keyboard takes some getting used to for us Palm users. Initially I preferred the pop-up stylus Palm keyboard but the BlackBerry buttons grow on you after awhile. This is not something you want to write a long letter with but you can easily compose a short paragraph or two in little time. There is also an Auto Text feature to provide further assistance.
I did have problems in various areas sending and receiving. The signal coverage is far from flawless - particularly in the bowels of large buildings. I found I needed to be right next to a window. Not enough of a hassle to recommend against it but just know that this thing isn’t perfect.
Price? Like I said, it belongs to my company and I am just testing it but I understand the base price is $400 and the monthly access fee is $40. Expensive? Yes. Worth it? Yes - IF you are in need of being constantly in touch with your email and want to be able to respond quickly.
Final verdict - what do I recommend to my company? IT’S A KEEPER!!! I have to admit, even though it isn’t perfect that I’m pretty amazed by its versatility. The monthly fee would be a little too pricey for my personal needs but it’s perfect for my work responsibilities.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
RichBoston
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Member: Rich
Location: Boston, MA
Reviews written: 92
Trusted by: 134 members
About Me:
I live for the latest gizmos and doo-dads!
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