|
|
|
 |
 |
| | | BlackBerry's reputation is built on being a superb corporate communication tool. Its latest smart phones are fully compatible with Microsoft Exchange. Integration with existing corporate e-mail is simple, and IT administrators can control security permissions and wipe out data on lost or stolen units. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Although manufacturer Research In Motion (RIM) long maintained that a physical keyboard is best suited for typing, the BlackBerry Storm 9500 -- priced around $199 depending on the carrier's criteria -- yields to market pressures with the debut of a touch screen. While true to its business phone roots, it features key multimedia and consumer features: a 3.2 megapixel camera with flash; a video recorder; and an integrated music and media player. An 8GB storage card comes pre-installed. The retail (or no-contract) price for the Storm 9500 is $549.
- For the mobile professional, the BlackBerry Bold 9000, which sells for $299 (with a 2-year AT&T contract, after a $100 mail-in rebate), is often held up as the best on the market. It has a push-button keyboard. Its 2.75-inch display is regarded as having the sharpest quality on the market. Attachments can be viewed in their native format such as MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat. It has similar multimedia functions to that of the Storm, but its die-hard enterprise orientation is what steals the show. Unlocked phones (without contract) run around $570 -$620.
- At $149 (or possibly even $49 after Sprint rebates), the BlackBerry Curve 8300 series comes in price-wise at the lower end, offering practically all of the features of its brethren, albeit in a slightly smaller unit. It's equipped with a push-button keyboard and essentially the same multimedia bundle (camera, document handling, etc.) Retail price (without contract), $219.
What should be included: | - 3G high-speed data and voice capacity.
- A web browser and multimedia functions such as a camera and a music player.
- Text and instant messaging.
- Bluetooth connectivity.
- Hands-free speaker phone.
Additional costs: | - Service plans vary as each of the devices is married to different telecom service providers, and individual consumer prices will differ from bulk-plan corporate prices. Because the BlackBerry allows for several service providers, including AT&T, Nextel, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon, it's smart to comparison shop. BB Geeks provides a landing page that serves as a good launching pad to begin comparing the companies' prices and offerings.
- T-Mobile offers one of the lowest individual rates starting at $39.98 per month (which doesn't include phone minutes), however, expect to pay in around $79 or more for comprehensive service including Internet access and Web browsing.
- Bluetooth earpiece and stereo headphones. Check How Much Does a Bluetooth Headset Cost.
- Blackberrysource.com provides a guide to terrific deals on a variety of supplemental chargers, starting at $13 for a vehicle charger to $130 for an external battery pack.
- Built-in memory capacity will depend on the chosen model but even some recent models ship with a meager 256 MB. Many customers have found that augmenting memory to at least 2GB via MicroSD cards yields optimal performance. BlackBerrySource.com also offers four cards of varying capacity, ranging from $30 for a 2 GB card and topping out $100 for 16 GB.
- To access corporate e-mail and wirelessly synchronize employees' e-mail, calendar, and contacts with desktop applications. The small-business owner (with one to 20 employees, for example) can investigate options in the $3,000 ballpark at BlackBerrySource.com.
Discounts: | - Verizon, AT&T and Sprint offer periodic rebates that can lower the price; in the case of the Bold and the Curve, up to $100. Ask the representatives about any promotions.
Shopping for a blackberry: | - The BlackBerry Enterprise Server allows business user remote synchronization not only of e-mail but also corporate calendars, contact lists, note pads and to-do lists. The BES option associates the smart phone with a Microsoft Outlook, Lotus Notes or Novell GroupWise work e-mail account. For more about e-mail options, visit BlackBerry's e-mail support page. One can send and receive email from up to 10 supported e-mail accounts.
- BlackBerry's back-end integration capacity, though useful for team-oriented corporate objectives, is entirely optional at this stage. Users can now synchronize the device to their own Microsoft Outlook suite (with no strings to the workplace), in addition to using browser-based programs such as Hotmail or Gmail.
|
| |
Article updated August 2009 |
|
Digg this
del.icio.us
E-mail
Post