- ASIN: B00004WGTA
- Item model number: 957 BlackBerry Internet Edition
- Average Customer Review:
(28 customer reviews)
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Product Description
Amazon.com Review
Research in Motion's BlackBerry wireless handheld has been one of the most talked-about handhelds on the market recently--and the press coverage it received due to it being the communication gadgets of choice for Al Gore's presidential campaign certainly didn't hurt. But thanks to its full-function organizer, synchronization with many popular desktop PIMs (personal information managers), thumb-operated QWERTY keyboard, and, of course, wireless e-mail, the RIM 957 BlackBerry is more than just hype.
Product Description
RIM Wireless Handhelds include the most advanced wireless technology allowing you to send and receive e-mail from the palm of your hand. Creating and retrieving information is amazingly simple using the optimized keyboard, thumb-operated trackwheel, easy-to-read backlit screen and intuitive menu-driven interface. With RIM Wireless Handhelds you don't need to retrieve your e-mail. Your e-mail finds you. No dialing-in. No initiating connections. No antennas to rise. No effort required. The handhelds are designed to remain on and continuously connected to the wireless network, allowing you to be discreetly notified as new e-mail arrives. Now you can easily stay in touch with your colleagues and clients while you're on the go. BlackBerry Internet Edition is designed to allow leading service providers to offer an end-to-end wireless e-mail solution with single mailbox integration. The BlackBerry solution includes a choice of powerful RIM Wireless Handhelds with integrated e-mail/organizer software, PC docking cradle, PC synchronization software and affordable airtime. BlackBerry allows mobile users to access their e-mail and personal organizer wherever they go.
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Research in Motion's BlackBerry wireless handheld has been one of the most talked-about handhelds on the market recently--and the press coverage it received due to it being the communication gadgets of choice for Al Gore's presidential campaign certainly didn't hurt. But thanks to its full-function organizer, synchronization with many popular desktop PIMs (personal information managers), thumb-operated QWERTY keyboard, and, of course, wireless e-mail, the RIM 957 BlackBerry is more than just hype.
You won't receive instant wireless gratification right out of the box--you'll need to juice up the internal rechargeable battery via the docking cradle (AC adapter included). Also, the activation process requires you to first register online and wait three to five business days for a confirmation e-mail.
The biggest challenges we faced, thanks to years of Palm usage, were the keyboard and the trackwheel controller. There's no need for a stylus with the RIM 957--all text input is performed using the minikeyboard. At first we were all thumbs, but we got the hang of it after a day's usage and could type away--even hitting the ALT keys (which cover numbers and symbols)--like a pro. And for longer e-mail messages, the RIM 957 is certainly easier and quicker than writing Graffiti characters with the Palm stylus.
And instead of tapping screen icons to access functions or scroll through a screen (the RIM 957's screen is not touch sensitive), you use the trackwheel on the right side of the device. Just roll to a desired item and press it in to select it; this is also how you access menu items when in a list, such as the address book. To return to the previous screen (or get out of the menu), simply press the Escape key below the trackwheel.
We easily synchronized the device with our Outlook contacts, to-do lists, and calendar. The RIM 957's desktop software includes Intellisync, which can synchronize the device with Microsoft Outlook and Schedule+, GroupWise, Lotus Organizer and Notes, Symantec ACT!, Goldmine, and Netscape.
Once out on the road, e-mailing was a breeze--we maximized our time by sending messages back to our office from New York taxis and while waiting for a delayed flight. With the device on, e-mail was received automatically, and we were notified with a simple tone. You can also set the device to vibrate, which is helpful when the RIM 957 is stored in the included belt-clip case.
The RIM 957 does have some shortcomings. There's no Web browsing, and you won't be able to use applications developed for the Palm OS, the predominant handheld platform. Also, you will have to work with your company's system administrator or your ISP to receive messages from your company or other e-mail account. Finally, if you are in a rural area, you might not get any connection, as the monthly wireless service (provided through Aether Systems) is primarily focused on larger metropolitan areas.
That said, if you're a modern-day road warrior who needs to be connected to e-mail at all times, the RIM 957 offers all the tools of a personal organizer without the hassle of having to jack into a modem or cell phone to get online. --Agen Schmitz
Pros:
- Wireless e-mail as easy as paging
- Typing long messages with built-in keyboard is easier than writing using Palm Graffiti
- Full-function organizer and easy synchronization with desktop PIMs
- Not compatible with Palm OS applications
- Most rural areas won't receive service--be sure to check Aether Systems for availability in your area
- Won't automatically connect to your company e-mail account
Product Description
RIM Wireless Handhelds include the most advanced wireless technology allowing you to send and receive e-mail from the palm of your hand. Creating and retrieving information is amazingly simple using the optimized keyboard, thumb-operated trackwheel, easy-to-read backlit screen and intuitive menu-driven interface. With RIM Wireless Handhelds you don't need to retrieve your e-mail. Your e-mail finds you. No dialing-in. No initiating connections. No antennas to rise. No effort required. The handhelds are designed to remain on and continuously connected to the wireless network, allowing you to be discreetly notified as new e-mail arrives. Now you can easily stay in touch with your colleagues and clients while you're on the go. BlackBerry Internet Edition is designed to allow leading service providers to offer an end-to-end wireless e-mail solution with single mailbox integration. The BlackBerry solution includes a choice of powerful RIM Wireless Handhelds with integrated e-mail/organizer software, PC docking cradle, PC synchronization software and affordable airtime. BlackBerry allows mobile users to access their e-mail and personal organizer wherever they go.
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