|
|
|
 |
|
Home / Washington Business - March 2006 / Technology - Blackberry Alternatives: A Smart Phone Arms Race |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Technology - Blackberry Alternatives: A Smart Phone Arms Race |
|
|
|
Written On: March 2006 |
|
|
|
Written By: by Alexis Nepomuceno |
|
|
|
With more than 3 million subscribers in the United States, the Blackberry, developed by Canada's Research in Motion, Inc., has become the primary communications tool for many business owners, executives and sales professionals. However, a recently-settled patent infringement lawsuit against RIM has had users on edge and looking for alternatives for years.
Other articles that attempt to present alternatives to the Blackberry often miss focusing on two very important things:
1. The only true alternatives to the Blackberry have a QWERTY keyboard and primarily function as a messaging device. Often, non-tech savvy analysts regard the Blackberry as just another smart phone. However, Blackberry users will be the first to tell these people that their device isn't just a smart phone. The design lends itself to e-mail and messaging features first, and a phone/personal digital assistant second.
2. The email capabilities must include support for Microsoft Exchange server, or at least present potential e-mail workarounds.
Three of the best devices are offered through the major wireless carriers servicing Washington state—Verizon, Cingular, Qwest, T-Mobile, Sprint and Nextel.
T-Mobile's SideKick
This device is often overlooked because it has been marketed toward the younger generation and is touted as the "gadget of the stars," being used by Jessica Simpson, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie. However, Sidekick's newer iterations are Internet/e-mail/messaging powerhouses, providing as much if not more functionality than the Blackberry, Treo and similar devices. Through a wireless data network, Sidekick users can surf the web, check e-mail, chat on AOL Instant Messenger or do phone text messaging. There are synchronization tools that allow the Sidekick to sync up with Macintosh or Windows-based computers for address books and calendars.
Although the Sidekick does not have the classic MS Exchange capabilities of the Treo or Blackberry, there are reliable workarounds that allow users to access work e-mail through the device, including Exchange e-mail.
Palm Treo 650
Most companies' network administrators will most likely opt to move from the Blackberry to the Treo 650. It is not the newest Treo available. However, it is the most proven model from the Treo line and is offered by most of the wireless carriers. This device also offers true Microsoft Exchange support, so integrating the Treo into most office networks should not present a problem.
The Treo 650 runs on the Palm operating system and can open Microsoft Office documents, which should help with the product's learning curve. The only complaint about the Treo line has been low battery life, but this is a problem with most multi-functional "always on" communication devices.
Audiovox Pocket PC 6700
There are several different versions of the Pocket PC 6700 to accommodate the requirements of different carriers, but the features and capabilities are essentially the same. This innovative device offers Bluetooth support, Wi-Fi and a large, high-resolution screen. Because it runs on a Microsoft-based operating system, it integrates well with Exchange servers and Office applications. The 6700 also boasts a standby battery life of 200-plus hours.
Another advantage the 6700 has over the Treo is the larger QWERTY keyboard that slides out. Both the Sidekick and 6700 are far superior on the keyboard front. Many network administrators prefer going with the Pocket PC operating system because of its easy integration into existing Windows-based networks.
Regardless of which device a company chooses, any of these should more than suffice as a solid replacement, or even upgrade to the Blackberry. For people willing to carry two devices (one phone and one messaging/PDA), the Sidekick or Pocket PC 6700 far outweigh the Treo in terms of messaging and Internet features. For all-in-one device users, the Treo would likely be the best alternative; although the 6700 and the Sidekick have solid phones built in.
Fortunately, a resolution has been hashed out in the Blackberry patent infringement lawsuit, so "Crackberry" users won't have to scramble for alternatives anytime soon.
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
