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News, Review, and Pictures of the Blackberry 8700 PDA cell phoneWe've all seem them - the ubiquitous Blackberry email/phone devices that busy business people all over the world depend on, hacking out emails in the car, at dinner, even in bed. So popular, they have even been nicknamed "crack"berries. What is a Blackberry? Though there are many models, basically a Blackberry is a small, wireless communication device, allowing you to access the internet, email, and telephone services in one small, handheld package. They were innovators by including the popular thumb-keyboard, a complete mini-keyboard that makes email and data entry much easier than tapping or using some kind of handwriting recognition. Modern Blackberries also include functions of organizers (PDA), paging, and instant messaging (IM). In this review, we will take a look at the different Blackberry models, learn about their features and benefits, and get some idea about prices and services available. Keep reading below.
Blackberry FeaturesWireless email is probably the key feature of the Blackberry. It integrates and syncs with your existing enterprise email account, so you keep your current email address, and no need to update your business card. Blackberry Enterprise Server software runs on your corporate network, or you can use Blackberry Internet Services to connect to your business email account. You can also connect to personal email POP accounts (up to 10). You can also set up a new blackberry email address, just for use on your Blackberry, with no need for a computer or laptop. Blackberry email allows you to view Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint files, JPG, BMP, and TIFF images, PDF files, and more. Blackberry instant messaging is another popular feature. You can connect to Yahoo Instant Messenger and Google Talk for Blackberry.Web access and web browsing on your Blackberry is also popular. Although the diminuitive 32x240 screen won't be like using a computer, it is still functional enough for checking weather forecasts, getting stock quotes, directions, etc. You can also go a Google search to look up info at a moments notice. Many sites are also optimized for Blackberries, with minimal graphics and appropriately sized screens for easier viewing. The latest, greatest Blackberry model is the 8700. If you are a business traveler, the 8700 provides Quad-Band network support on 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS and EDGE networks to allow for international roaming between North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. Simply put, your phone and email works wherever you go. The Blackberry 8700 also features a new light-sensing screen, making it easier to read indoors and outdoors. With 64MB of built-in memory and new Send/End/Mute keys, the 8700 takes the Blackberry to a whole new level. While the Blackberry does come with Bluetooth support, at this point in time it is only for wireless headsets, not for syncing up to a computer or transferring files. The 8700 is available with service plans from Cingular Wireless and T-Mobile. Basic monthly service plans for phone time and unlimited email start at $59 (1000 whenever minutes), or $79 for 1500 minutes and unlimited email and internet data transfer. These are nationwide data and voice plans with no roaming or long-distance charges. The 8700c and 8700g also support polyphonic and mp3 ringtones, totally customizable, and comes with a built-in speakerphone for hands free use, even when you don't have a bluetooth headset. Blackberry Website - Help with your BlackberryIf you need help with your Blackberry, like trying to figure out how to connect to Yahoo email, the Blackberry.com homepage will be a big help. They have a pretty comprehensive knowledge base with questions and answers to most common (and sometimes uncommon) questions.They offer support for Blackberry devices, Blackberry Enterprise Server, Blackberry Internet Services, and Blackberry Paging. They have the complete documentation for all the Blackberry phones - the 5790, 5810, 6210, 6230, 6510, 6710, 6750, 7100, 7100g, 7100c, 7105t, 7130e, 7210, 7250, 7290, 7510, 7520, 8700, 8700c, 8700g, and 8700r. You can type in a question and browse potential matches for a solution. They also have large FAQ section to help with software downloads, paging, email setup, and much more. They even offer free online courses and webinars in using your Blackberry, and even a few paid ($30), in depth training courses.Blackberry Accessories - Blackberry PicturesThere are plenty of Blackberry accessories available, mostly in categories like antennas, automobile chargers, smart card readers, battery chargers, holsters, travel chargers, and Blackberry batteries. You can check the website of your service provider (Cingular, T-Mobile, etc.) for a list of compatible accessories. Somthing like a travel charger will set you back about $15. A cigarette lighter charger costs between $15-$30. A Bluetooth headset is around $60-$90, while normal headsets are more like $15. Amazon.com carries a lot of cellphone accessories, and there are many cellphone only websites that offer just about every accessory available for the Blackberry.Buying a BlackberryWhere can you buy a Blackberry? You can start out at your local mall or cellphone outlet. T-Mobile and Cingular Wireless have stores all around the US. You can see and touch all the models there, see what they look like, how heavy they are, what the screen looks like, etc. You can buy a phone and setup or upgrade a service plan right in there store, including forwarding your existing cell phone number to your new Blackberry. You can also buy a Blackberry online at sites like Amazon.com - they sell complete service plans and everything, and will ship your phone to you in a few days. Currently, Amazon has specials running that include a $150 rebate when you sign up for a new service contract, reducing the price of the Blackberry 8700 to FREE. Not a bad deal for a hot piece of telecommunications hardware.
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