Blackberry questions

[skymama 37]

We are looking at getting the Blackberry 7100i now that it has direct connect on it, something very important to us in the construction biz.

If you use a Blackberry, are you happy with it? Any cons to buying one? Is it user friendly for someone who is not a computer nerd?

Most importantly, does it syncronize with Outlook? We need a way to connect with all of the info we have for our subcontractors. Right now we are using ACT with an old version of Palm, but we keep having technical difficulties. In addition, the guys carry around a separate cell phone. It sure would be nice to combine everything if the technology is out there.

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[SkyDekker 1,465]

I have a blackberry with direct connect and love it. It synchs wirelessly with my outlook...email...contacts, calendar...everything.....

[Mixxit 0]

Couldn't live without mine. It syncs with Outlook great as well.

[skytash 0]

I have one so that I can check my diary while on the go and it's the only gadget the company will let me have to do that. It's easy enough to use, although on the one I have it's easy to click the 'back' button accidentally - a pain if you do while loading a webpage. Not sure whether they've designed that out on the newer ones.

Also bear in mind that to enable them to use it as a phone and do all the other stuff at the same time, they'll need the hands-free kits too.

tash

Don't ever save anything for a special occasion. Being alive is a special occasion. Avril Sloe

[mdrejhon 8]

Quote

We are looking at getting the Blackberry 7100i now that it has direct connect on it, something very important to us in the construction biz.

If you use a Blackberry, are you happy with it? Any cons to buying one? Is it user friendly for someone who is not a computer nerd?

Most importantly, does it syncronize with Outlook? We need a way to connect with all of the info we have for our subcontractors. Right now we are using ACT with an old version of Palm, but we keep having technical difficulties. In addition, the guys carry around a separate cell phone. It sure would be nice to combine everything if the technology is out there.

Hi,

I am the moderator of a forum called www.BlackBerryForums.com and maintain a BlackBerry FAQ at www.BerryFAQ.com -- You might want to check out those. You notice I would probably be the resident BlackBerry expert here on dropzone.com

1. The 7100i is a very nice BlackBerry if you are using Nextel. However, it is different from other BlackBerry models in that it is not a full QWERTY keyboard -- however, it is much easier to type on than 10-digit or T9 keypads used on other cellphones like Nokia or Motorola. Still makes texting and emails much more user friendly. Basically the 7100's keyboard has a learning curve that's slightly bigger than a regular BlackBerry, but a lot less than 10-digit or T9 keypads. The 7100 series has the big advantage of not looking nerdy -- They look more like ordinary cellphones than other models of BlackBerry. So it will still look good to a non-nerd.

2. I am very happy with BlackBerry (but then again, I'm biased!) I am looking forward to the BlackBerry model 8700 which is coming at the end of this month. It's like the 7100 but has a full QWERTY keyboard. Unfortunately, the 8700 won't be available on Nextel until maybe 6 months later, if it happens.

3. Cons.
-- BlackBerry can be relatively expensive compared to an ordinary cellphone, but there can be a lot of advantages. (See "Why BlackBerry?" and other BerryFAQ.com articles).
-- Less features than TREO. Although BlackBerry can nowadays do many of the things TREO's can do, such as MP3 ringtones now available in the newer BlackBerry 8700r model with a bright hi-res screen, BlackBerry cannot yet do everything that TREO can do. It is slowly getting there though. However, BlackBerry can outweigh that in reliability and ruggedness (See "BlackBerry Survival Feats - Survives 9 Feet Drops" and "BlackBerry Myths Busted: The Modern 2005-Era BlackBerry")

4. Yes, it synchronizes with Outlook - Outlook synchronization over the cable is included with all BlackBerries. If your business has the money, it will even do the Outlook synchronization wirelessly (using a paid BlackBerry Enterprise Server) so you never have to connect the BlackBerry to a computer.

I would be happy to answer any BlackBerry questions that you may have.

[skymama 37]

Thanks so much. I just told my boss that he can't get mad at me for surfing dz.com ever again!

I'll read your forums and let you know if I have any questions.

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[Ashtanga 0]

If Skymama comes on your website and posts you should ban her for 15 days just for the hell of it.

[DeepThought 0]

just be aware that at the moment RIM are being sued over patent infringments, and they are no longer allowed to sell them in the US.

RIM think they have found a way around the problem with a software patch, see this story http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/11/17/rim_ntp_workaround/


I am sure that mdrejhon will be able to tell you a lot more about what is actualy happening there.

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You only have one life, make the most of it.

[mdrejhon 8]

Quote

I am sure that mdrejhon will be able to tell you a lot more about what is actualy happening there.

Excellent question. A lot of people are understandably worried.

There are lots of things going for RIM in this case:

1. As you mentioned, RIM has developed a workaround already. They can keep running. NTP is out of luck, they can only sue for retroactive damages -- and the network keeps running.

2. This patent tussle is stuff that has been going on since 2003 and they haven't been shut down. RIM has had plenty of time with lots of backup plans that the media hasn't been publicizing. Some of us know more a lot more about these plans than the media does.

3. RIM already set aside nearly half a billion dollars to pay NTP. Although they are fighting over details, the money is already set aside. RIM will do a last minute settlement if they have to. The money is already there, but will only be used during an emergency elevent-hour settlement.

4. Even if worse comes to worse, the U.S. government - by way of DOJ - is on RIM's side. Even if they don't deploy the workaround, the USA government has asked for an exemption because the U.S. government is remarkably dependant on this Canadian technology (surprise, surprise!). This gives RIM plenty of time to deploy a workaround at their own leisure. No shutdown necessary.

5. You would have several million angry customers, since BlackBerry is also the most popular PDA (more popular than Palm now -- and many more units than TREO). You can bet RIM is going to play hardball to the eleventh hour, before they give a red dime to NTP.

6. The patent may be invalid. NTP may be suing over nothing. RIM wants to keep its half billion dollars.

Therefore, RIM is never going to be shut down in USA. RIM is wearing six reserve parachutes -- you are skydiving with only one. Don't believe the media hype one little bit. The media thinks you always die if your parachute does not open.

It's a total non-issue now. It shouldn't be affecting BlackBerry purchases anymore since the network isn't going to be shut down with all these good news.

[Vectracide 0]

I've got a 7100. I have read up on how to put MP3 ringers on there, but it seems so friggin complicated. Do you have any options on this endeavor?

------------------------------

Controlled and Deliberate.....

[PhreeZone 20]

If anyone is on T-Mobile and wants a free 7290 or 7100t let me know. I bought some new tires recently and on the way out the door they handed me a coupon for a free phone if I sign up with Tmobile. I don't want to change carriers right now so this will be thrown away unless someone wants it.

Yesterday is history
And tomorrow is a mystery

Parachutemanuals.com

[mdrejhon 8]

Quote

I've got a 7100. I have read up on how to put MP3 ringers on there, but it seems so friggin complicated. Do you have any options on this endeavor?

It gets a lot easier with newer BlackBerry models such as the 8700 -- that BlackBerry directly supports MP3 ringers.

Unfortunately it's harder to do MP3 ringers for the current 7100. You need to convert the MP3 into ADP file format before installing it on your BlackBerry. However, you can use a service such as BlackBerryTunes.com or the following alternative:

Easy Instructions for MP3-style Ringtones on BlackBerry 7100
If you just want to test out pre-existing MP3-style ringtones for a BlackBerry 7100, try this:
1. Open BlackBerry Browser on the 7100
2. Type http://www.adamdaley.com/wap/ into your BlackBerry Browser
3. Download the music ringtone wirelessly.
4. Play the music back. Full MP3 style polyphonic, baby!
That's the easiest way to do MP3-style ringtones on a BlackBerry at the moment (download existing ringtones, MP3 files already converted to ADP format.) The above steps works ONLY on the 7100 series.

If you need to use your existing MP3 files without needing to deal with converting files, it's easiest to wait for the BlackBerry 8700.

Most of you business user types won't care about MP3, but I know some of you multimedia user types are waiting for more multimedia-friendly BlackBerry models.

[mdrejhon 8]

skymama -- Just asking. Need any help?

[skymama 37]

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Need any help?

Well, after reading some of the reviews, I'm not sure that unit is the one for him. Some people said it was hard to read the screen in sunlight, and being in construction, he'll often be outside using it. Also, people mentioned the keys weren't good for fat fingers. He's 6'4" with big fingers, so he might get very frustrated with that. Any suggestions?

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[mdrejhon 8]

Quote

Well, after reading some of the reviews, I'm not sure that unit is the one for him. Some people said it was hard to read the screen in sunlight, and being in construction, he'll often be outside using it. Also, people mentioned the keys weren't good for fat fingers. He's 6'4" with big fingers, so he might get very frustrated with that. Any suggestions?

The reviews were referring to the older 7100t's -- the 7100i reportedly has a brighter screen. So you need to really give that a trial. A lot of color cellphones have problems in the sun, but this is not applicable to all BlackBerry models nor all cellphone models. Was it a 7100i review or a 7100t or 7100r review?

If he wants to stay on Nextel, try the model 7520. It's got a really clear sunlight readable screen that's much better than other cellphones and a much bigger keyboard. It's not as sexy looking as the 7100i but it is certainly an option.

All the BlackBerry keyboards are still bigger than TREO keyboards -- so if he has big fingers, there goes that option.

The keys on the 7100 is still the same size as the keys on a regular cellphone, so if he can dial on a small cellphone, he won't have problems with the 7100 which is slightly larger anyway to accomodate the few extra keys. It is important to go to the phone store and test all the smartphones out -- Treo, BlackBerry, etc.

If this is purely for business, and he does not mind a bulky cellphone, the 7520 might be a preferable option -- it's a more industrial looking unit that will look good being carried by any construction manager anyway. It also has Direct Connect as well.