| Recently, I've had a couple of conversations with | | | | devices. Most models that sport bluetooth (and |
| people from varying backgrounds about whether | | | | some that don't) can also act as a modem for a |
| or not they should consider purchasing a | | | | PC to access the Internet without WiFi. |
| BlackBerry. As mobile phones become more | | | | However, most cell phones don't provide push |
| sophisticated and mobile devices of all types begin | | | | email access (meaning the user must choose to |
| to offer overlapping features and as mobile | | | | check their email instead of receiving it |
| technology becomes more mainstream and cost | | | | automatically). Most also don't offer the tight and |
| effective, the choice between a BlackBerry or a | | | | easy to use integration with office applications like |
| more conventional cell phone is becoming a more | | | | Microsoft Outlook, that can make a BlackBerry so |
| blurry line for small business owners, other mobile | | | | attractive. |
| professionals and even the general public. | | | | Typically, cell phones also offer a smaller screen |
| Cost | | | | and rely on the numeric keypad for entering text |
| The first question is cost. BlackBerry devices and | | | | (be it into an email, a web browser, or any other |
| service was once considered too expensive for | | | | type of feature). This can make relying on a cell |
| anyone outside government or big business circles. | | | | phone as a two way communication device (other |
| Even in some of those areas, cost relegated | | | | than voice calls or walkie-talkie features) difficult |
| devices to only those individuals who had a need | | | | and cumbersome. The screen size also limits the |
| for solid and constant contact. However, as | | | | ease of use for reading messages or viewing |
| mobile technology prices continue to fall, | | | | websites or other visual elements. |
| BlackBerry adoption for small and medium size | | | | On the flip side, mobile phones are smaller and |
| business executives and those employees outside | | | | easer to carry. They are often much more |
| the executive or management areas has | | | | comfortable to use for voice calls. This is one |
| increased. | | | | reason several consumers I know choose a |
| Perhaps more important than the decrease in | | | | feature-rich phone over a BlackBerry. Some |
| cost of the devices themselves is the fact that | | | | phones sport designs that offer PDA functions in |
| data service packages, particularly those that | | | | a more convenient manner (with the phone |
| include unlimited data access (as opposed to | | | | flipping or sliding open further to reveal an |
| earlier per-MB plans) has made actually using a | | | | alpha-numeric keypad) - though again, these |
| BlackBerry or similar device much easier on both | | | | phones lack the push email technology of a |
| businesses consumers. Coupled with increased | | | | BlackBerry. |
| deals that include discounted BlackBerry models as | | | | Application Features |
| part of a new contract (much as a free or | | | | As far as applications and data storage, mobile |
| reduced cost handset associated with a cell phone | | | | phones now run the gamut of embedded java |
| calling plan) from a mobile service provider have | | | | technology that allows most phones to offer a |
| also helped make BlackBerry use more attractive. | | | | wide range of application features. However, |
| However, BlackBerry devices still remain more | | | | these are not as standardized as a BlackBerry (or |
| expensive than many traditional mobile phone | | | | Palm OS or PocketPC device), which may limiting |
| models. Thus, cost must be a concern when | | | | in terms of function and support. Also, most |
| considering purchasing one as a consumer or | | | | consumer-level phones have limited storage |
| owner/exectuive of a small business (and | | | | capacity and are only now just shipping with |
| choosing an unlimited data plan should go without | | | | options for expanding beyond the phone's built-in |
| saying). The real question isn't just whether the | | | | memory by using industry standard memory |
| cost is higher, it's whether the value of the | | | | cards. |
| BlackBerry's features are worth the added cost. | | | | When comparing a mobile phone to a BlackBerry |
| Or put another way, will they be used and if so | | | | on this front, you'll need to focus on a specific |
| will the truly provide better results than can be | | | | mobile phone model. While many do stack up, |
| achieved with a more traditional phone or other | | | | they also tend to be higher-end phone models |
| combination of devices. | | | | with higher price tags. You may find that the price |
| Feature Sets and Ease of Use | | | | is close enough to justify a BlackBerry. The same |
| Most of todays cell phones offer similar capabilities | | | | is true if you are also considering a new handheld |
| to a BlackBerry. They can text message, check | | | | PC, as these devices often offer the same |
| and send email, include a web browser, store | | | | feature sets as BlackBerry models. |
| calendar and contact information, and can serve | | | | Source: mobiletechnology.suite101. |
| as cameras and other media storage/access | | | | |