Reasons Why You Should Not Buy a BlackBerry
One of the most popular deceives is the BlackBerry by RIM-Research In Motion- (since it was one of the first wireless e-mail devices to crop up in the corporate world). Its integration into the corporate world has revolutionized the development and innovation of subsequent units for business solutions. Originally, Blackberries were simply data only, C++ devices operating on antiquated Mobitex and Motient data networks. Newer RIM devices run on J2ME operating systems, and are therefore functional on a variety of more capable networks including GPRS, iDEN (Nextel), and 1XRTT (allbusiness.com). The newer RIM devices also feature integrated phones. The BlackBerry supports three methods for accessing e-mail wirelessly (1)Internet – Access to POP3 e-mail (2)Desktop – Requires a PC to be connected to the network to redirect e-mail to the BlackBerry and (3)Enterprise which operates on RIM’s proprietary BlackBerry Enterprise Server, which connects to Microsoft Exchange or IBM Lotus Domino servers.
So now that you know a little about how BlackBerry’s technology works, lets explore some of the cons about the device. First off RIM was sued by NTP for patent infringement. The latest development in a long-running legal battle between Waterloo, Ontario-based RIM and U.S. patent-holding company NTP is the supreme courts decision that declined to consider an emergency appeal by Research In Motion to review the long-running patent suit that could shut down RIM’s BlackBerry service in the United States. As a result, the case is scheduled to head back to U.S. District Court in Richmond, Va., which issued the initial injunction in 2003. RIM has continued selling its BlackBerry devices in the United States for the last two years while courts have reviewed the case. RIM is going to have to figure out some sort of licensing arrangement with NTP in order to keep doing business in this country. A nail biting situation for BlackBerry consumers if both these organizations cannot come to a reasonable agreement.
Secondly, the questionable phone quality and the closed development environment of it’s software are other concerns. It is very difficult to hear the person on the other end during phone calls. Furthermore, the hang up button is in the wrong place on the BlackBerry. I’ve hung up on several people already mistakenly. Brace yourself if you are trying to use its administrative functions. It’s okay for quick emails, but I don’t recommend it for website functions, unless you’re really desperate and equally patient. They have proprietary software and are a little cumbersome to use. If you want something small, go with a standard PD with the Windows OS as opposed to the BlackBerry. With the Windows OS, it will more easily integrate with your desktop PC. Make sure you get one with Outlook, Excel, and Word. Also, they have limited compatibility with Mac, third party software is often needed to successfully sync the device. Therefore, some implementations require various downloads and synchronization. Time is money! Oh did I forget to mention, the RIM BlackBerry Enterprise Server doesn’t support non-BlackBerry devices. Talk about trying to create a monopoly.
Lastly, the phone is expensive. There are high data costs involved with the device. Other comparable devices, like the Cingular 8125, are offering built in WiFi. Consequently, eradicating the need for subscribing to over priced data packages if you can locate a hot spot.
The problem with the BlackBerry is that it is a great email tool but a substandard phone. The number keys are small, you look and feel ridiculous holding the phone up to your ear, and it has very poor integration with the SIM cards that are normally used to store contacts on most mobile phones (which is especially annoying if you have 120+ numbers saved to your SIM card like I do). It is difficult to discern the difference between the icons used for text messages and emails. Scrolling through options in the home screen doesn’t wrap (returning to the first icon when you move past the last icon). All the text, voice and email messages you receive and send are lumped together in one great big list. Hopefully with the development of new devices to compete with it (like the Nokia 770) BlackBerry will revamp, and remodel the quirks in it’s system. Until then, keep and open mind and look beyond the BlackBerry for your wireless messaging needs.
