blackberry question

[boisewinesnob]

I may need to get a new cell for my job. I am not super-familiar with blackberry phones. Is it even a phone? And if I get a cell phone with internet access, why would I need a blackberry?

What I would like is to email from my phone/blackberry/whatever. Is that only possible with a blackberry or iPhone?

:confused:

[dixie]

some of these answers depend on your carrier bc they offer different equipment and capabilities...newer model blackberrys are also phones, as are treos, curve/blackjack...just similar pda/phones from different manufacturers. Some phones can access the internet but its usually not quite as fast and you don't have the full keyboard for emailing...just not quite as many functions as using a blackberry/curve/treo or whatever. One trade off in having one piece of equipment that functions as pda/phone is it will be larger than a lot of wireless phones we've gotten used to...but then you do pare down to one item instead of two...so that's good. The iphone is just the best of all of the above...its really not even comparable, in terms of how its used, set up, etc... I work for a carrier, but not in sales or marketing, so I know a little about a lot...but not a lot about much! Really, just enough to be dangerous.

[boisewinesnob]

thanks dixie! I sent you a PM :)

[aggie94]

Susie,

I have a Blackberry but do not have phone service connected to it. I use it exclusively for email, although I also use the Internet browser when I need to check football scores or look up directions or a location to someplace when we are out and about. I've also used it to check in online for flights or check flight status. It's very handy having immediate access to my work emails, although I find the Internet browser on the Blackberry a little tedious to use. The iPhone looks much better for browsing, although I'll admit I've never used one or even seen one in person.

BTW, the reason I don't have phone service for my Blackberry is that I often need to look at my calendar, contacts, or an email while I am on my phone. It's much harder to do that with the Blackberry if you're also using it as a phone at the same time, so I just keep mine separate.

If you're going to be composing a lot of emails on your Blackberry, I would DEFINITELY recommend the full keyboard.

[AliKat11]

I've had the Treo 700p for over a year without problems. To me, it's much easier to navigate the web than with a Blackberry, and the user interface seems much friendlier. It's also my understanding that the data service is cheaper than if I were to have a Blackberry ($25 versus $45 through Sprint).

Hope this helps!

[dixie]

Suzy, I think I replied to your PM, but I'm not sure I did it right! Let me know if not...

[swquilts]

If you have ATT (old Cingular, again) do NOT get an 8125. The battery life sucks.....

With a Blackberry, Treo, etc you can use the calendar (this I can't life without), phone, address book, all in one. I do agree with Aggie94 that it is hard to be on the phone and check something on the blackberry.

You could always get a Palm with no phone for all of the above functions and use a regular cell phone for calls.

Be sure to get something that will sync with your PC.....I use Outlook and LIVE by my calendar and address book.

[gabbyh]

I recently got a Motorola Q as my work phone...all the managers must have them so we're available 24/7:rolleyes:

I really LOVE it...and I don't even know all the features yet...but it's a phone, camera, and I have internet access so I can check my e-mails...they also have it set so if I don't answer my office phone after 5 rings, it goes to my Q:D

~Gail