Two devices that stack up well against the BlackBerry.
As of this writing, BlackBerry maker Research In Motion's legal troubles had many wondering how they'd exist without their regular CrackBerry fix. Read about the messy patent dispute in "Ease Up on BlackBerry Use, Analysts Advise."
Regardless of how RIM's legal situation works out, it's always a good idea to have a back-up plan. So this week, join me on a tour of two handheld e-mail devices that are worthy BlackBerry alternatives.
The Good: Palm's smart phone is a popular choice for many mobile professionals. Unlike the buttoned-down, corporate-feeling BlackBerry, the Treo combines a camera, MP3 player, Web browser, and, of course, top-notch PDA functionality. The Treo 700w is expected in early 2006, with a Windows Mobile operating system instead of a Palm OS. In addition, RIM has announced it is developing BlackBerry push-style e-mail software for the Treo, giving Treo users even more options.
The Bad: I've read complaints that the Treo 650 is prone to crashing. Also, the Treo 650 offers only a meager amount of memory (32MB of RAM, of which only 23MB is usable), and it's chunky and awkward to use as a phone.
Costs: The Treo 650 is available in a GSM version from Cingular and a CDMA version from Sprint/Nextel and Verizon Wireless. Without discounts, a Treo 650 is $450. With a two-year contract, and after rebates, Cingular offers the Treo 650 for $350; Sprint/Nextel, $320; Verizon, $300.
Service Plans: Cingular's Data Connect monthly plans range from $20 for 5MB to $40 for unlimited e-mail, messaging, and Web browsing (in addition to the cost of a voice plan). Sprint PCS Vision Access Pack delivers unlimited e-mail and Web browsing for $10 a month, in addition to a voice plan). Verizon Wireless charges $50 per month for a data-only plan offering unlimited Internet access, which includes its high-speed BroadbandAccess network. The combined cost of unlimited data access combined with a Verizon national calling plan of 450 minutes is $80.
The Good: Like the BlackBerry and the Treo, HP's Windows Mobile-based Pocket PC smart phone, the iPaq hw6515, has an integrated QWERTY keyboard. It also has a built-in 1.3-megapixel camera, a Global Positioning System receiver, and Microsoft Pocket Streets mapping software. With pocket versions of Microsoft Office programs included, the hw6515 makes it particularly easy to carry, view, and edit Office files on the go. You get 64MB of ROM and 64MB of RAM, too.
The Bad: The handheld's GPS function lets you find your location on a Pocket Streets map; but for driving directions, you need a third-party package costing $130 or more. In addition, its integrated camera interface is awkward to use, says PC World reviewer Grace Aquino. And the iPaq hw6515, which some users may feel is too large for easy phone use, is currently available only from Cingular.
Costs: Without a discount, the iPaq hw6515 currently goes for $500. With a new two-year Cingular contract, it's $450.
Service Plans: Cingular's Data Connect monthly plans range from $20 for 5MB to $40 for unlimited e-mail, messaging, and Web browsing.
If you were forced to live without your BlackBerry, what mobile e-mail device would you rely on instead, and why? Send your what-if scenarios to me via e-mail.
Mobile Computing News, Reviews, & Tips
In Consumer Reports' annual survey, readers again rank Verizon Wireless as the best national wireless service. Nonetheless, only 47 percent of respondents said they were either completely or very satisfied with their cell phone service--a low showing for any kind of U.S. service, the magazine notes. Among cell phones, those receiving the best overall scores include the Samsung e335 and Samsung SGHp735 (both with scores of 66; both offered by T-Mobile) and the Motorola E815 (with a score of 65; offered by Verizon and Alltel). Complete results are available online for Consumer Reports subscribers.
On a recent cross-country flight on US Airways, I plugged my notebook into an armrest power port. A flight attendant took notice and said, almost apologetically: "Enjoy that while you can." The airline would be removing the power plugs during its merger with America West, he explained.
But now comes good news: US Airways plans to keep power ports on its planes after all, bowing to customer demand. The ports are available on US Airways' Airbus jets only, however, and won't be added to the America West fleet.
M-Audio's new Podcast Factory is a portable podcasting studio promising everything you need in one box. For $180, you get an XLR microphone with a stand; an audio interface device that connects to your notebook's USB port; and various software programs, such as Audacity. (Note, however, that Audacity is a free download.)
Beginning podcasters may wish the manual offered more hand-holding, and cynics will point out that you can create good-quality podcasts with equipment costing under $50. Still, for those who want to take their podcasting on the road, this all-in-one package may provide the head start they need.
Is there a particularly cool mobile computing product or service I've missed? Got a spare story idea in your back pocket? Tell me about it. However, I regret that I'm unable to respond to tech-support questions, due to the volume of e-mail I receive.
James A. Martin
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