Blackberry: is it worth the cost?

[foodfiend]

I'm doing more freelance work, and I like to keep in touch during the day with contacts. It's a drag if that means having to sit by my computer all day. But I'm not a big fan of extra technology unless it's absolutely necessary. I'm guessing it will be about the cost of another phone line per month. Can I hear feedback from Blackberry users? Thanks.

[Beth]

I wouldn't buy one until they get the patent issues resolved -- you could get something you can't use. Not likely, but possible.

[Miss Giggles]

can you get by with just a regular pDa? Does it really need to be wireless?

[MISSINDI]

I thought I needed one, and dh got me one for my birthday last year. I ended up getting a laptop a month later, and never used the Blackberry (in fact, if you know anyone who want to buy a never used, still in the box one, drop me a line!). If I didn't have the laptop, I definitely would have used it all the time, especially since we're going away a lot more, and I'm doing more freelance writing and branching out with other things. I can't stand not to be connected. ;)

[mbrogier]

Rob has a pocket PC/phone through Verizon. It's a UT Starcom. I'd definitely get the additional insurance because Rob had to replace one because he got so many emails one night it vibrated it's way off the kitchen table.

I have an HP IPAQ pocket PC that has bluetooth. I can get internet wherever there is a connection--like at Starbucks, Barnes and Noble or Borders. I can check my email or browse the internet. I don't have a monthly plan because it isn't a big deal for me to check my email when I'm away from home.

Blackberry is just a brand of this type of device. It runs on its own network. There really isn't anything different between the devices. Just pick one you like.

[blazedog]

If you are freelancing and your client base requires you to respond to email, you definitely need some form of portable email system. In many ways, it is more critical than a cell phone since more business people communicate by email than by phone -- it's way more efficient and quicker.

It's a complete tax deduction for you by the way -- both the cost of the device and the monthly charges as it is something that you would be using for your business and you are an independent contractor.

As others have pointed out, Blackberry is just a brand -- it was the first and is probably the most popular among corporate users but most of the cell phone companies have devices that transmit email and have teeny keyboards -- like sidekick. You might start with your cell phone provider and also read opinions on the internet to get the pros and cons.

I wouldn't worry about Blackberry being obsolete though -- whatever happens with the patent suit, the technology and the brand will be around and be supported.