BlackBerry - The Ultimate All-in-One Phone Organizer

I have a friend that’s constantly on the road, and I suggested to her that she should really get Blackberry to help her get organized and check e-mail while traveling. Not being a tech-savvy girl, she really didn’t know what I was talking about, and I had to explain to her that I wasn’t referring to the fruit.

BlackBerry is all the buzz, but a lot of folks still don’t know what it is. It’s basically a wireless connectivity solution that gives you access to a wide range of applications on a variety of wireless devices around the world. It combines devices, software and services to keep you connected to the people, data and resources that drive your day. With an integrated phone that includes a browser, organizer, SMS (Short Message Service) and applications, you can organize all information and communications with one single integrated Blackberry device.

People often get Blackberry confused with WiFi and Bluetooth. In a nutshell, think of it this way: WiFi is wireless ethernet. It has identical application and uses, but without the wires. Bluetooth is similar to Infrared (IR), but without the necessity of line of sight, and it has better distance reach. Blackberry is like a two-way pager that has a directory connector to an Exchange server, thus enabling you to constantly check your e-mail.

This Blackberry technology brings you the freedom to stay in touch with work and home, using existing company or personal e-mail accounts. The devices available to you are dependent upon what service you have, or want to have. T-Mobile offers the Blackberry 7100t, Nextel, the Blackberry 7520, and Cingular Wireless, the Blackberry 7290.

T-Mobile’s Blackberry 7100t is a full-featured mobile phone with integrated Bluetooth connectivity, speakerphone, and downloadable ringtones. Plus you can surf the Internet with an ultra-large, high-resolution color screen. This phone allows you to stay connected anytime with up to 10 e-mail accounts, delivered to the palm of your hand. You can also use its easy-to-use keyboard to instant message your buddies via Yahoo, AIM or ICQ. This one appeals to me the most with its relatively compact size. The retail price is $299.99 on www.tmobile.com.

The Nextel BlackBerry 7520 is the only BlackBerry handheld that combines Bluetooth, Direct connect and speakerphone. It features a personal organizer and web browser, supports Nextel Online® Wireless Web and Direct Connect. Other features include Java software applications and enhanced attachment viewing. The retail price is $249.99 on www.nextel.com.

The Blackberry 7290 from Cingular Wireless includes a quad-band phone, e-mail, SMS, browser and organizer applications and Bluetooth. Retails for $399.99 on www.cingular.com. Blackberry devices are available at your nearest GCI Wireless store. Call for availability (www.gciwireless.com).