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Thoughts and things I care to shareBlackBerry – ‘OK’, but getting better…
I was slightly amazed by this post over at RIMarkable. For a fan of any particular style of device to be so blunt and honest about their favorite device is refreshing.
What I want to say to Robb Dunewood about this is that, yes in comparison to the current state-of-the-art in Palm and Windows Mobile devices, the added functionality is behind the curve. But that dismisses the advances in the devices and software themselves.
When the BlackBerry came out several years ago, it really reminded me of an overgrown pager. And that is really how I viewed it for a long time. The functionality was little more than that of a two-way pager. Now fast-forward to today and you can do a side-by-side comparison with a Treo or an HTC Wizard based device for phone & PIM functions and it is a LOT closer. (I think the Treo 700p would win the PIM ‘war’ at the moment, though I have seen one yet.)
The truth is that there are currently three completely viable mobile platforms (Windows Mobile, BlackBerry, Palm) and one runner up (Symbian). You can get good push-mail and PIM functions on BlackBerry, Palm, Windows Mobile, and Symbian devices. If you want to get advanced functionality, it drops to really two options – Palm and Windows Mobile.
The interesting thing that has started to change my perception of BlackBerry is the expanding number of 3rd party applictions. That is a true indicator of a growing, robust platform.
Disappointing Verizon Business Service
While testing out different BlackBerry devices on all the major US carriers, we have received all but one device. Can you guess which carrier is late in delivering? That’s right – Verizon Wireless.
Its been over two weeks, and still no device. The other carriers (including Nextel) have delivered their devices, and we have been using them for over a week or more in our development system.
Hmm, emaluation of customer service for Verizon… Poor.
Back to a connection
Well, I’m back from our mini-getaway feeling refreshed, and glad to have a fast connection to the ‘Net again.
While I was out of range, I had a chance to think a bit about what I’m trying to accomplish with my blog here. I’ll be talkiing about that in another post, but in a nutshell I’m going to change how I blog a bit, it’ll be more focused on my perspective rather than continuting to point all over the place without a plan.
Until later!
Mobile Posting
So after last night I wanted to compare the posting experience on the Blackberry to my MDA. It is similar, though the biggest difference is in the keyboard and the network speed. I had not had the opportunity to use my MDA in this area yet, and I have found that there is only GPRS available. oh well. I have to say that I enjoy the keyboard on the MDA better, however it seems the 7250 Blackberry renders the screen better.
I’ve got to adjust the layout in Opera on the MDA as its really hard to see what I’m writing.
2am posting with BlackBerry
So we are taking a few days off this week and are up at the cabin in northern Minnesota. The first thing I had to do when we got in was to check out the service on the sPrint BlackBerry 7250 that I brought with. Too cool, we’ve got 1xRTT service here!
So I’m posting completely mobile using the BB browser. Also note that the BB is compatible with WordPress, something that I had not looked into before. Ugh, time for bed.
HP iPaq hw6915 Mobile Messenger Review sited
Over at Mobile Tech Review, they have a review of the HP iPaq hw6915 Mobile Messenger. Looks like a nice device, but the 240×240 resolution always throughs me off on these things. The new Treo 700p has a 360×360 resolution, too bad the Windows Mobile team didn’t see fit to work further on making the OS more resolution independent – maybe in the next version?
Picocell WCDMA
Interesting…
Mobile Gadget News has a post on some information about discussions on leaving WiFi out of phones, and moving forward on WCDMA/UMTS “picocells”. Carefull though, some of this info came from The Register, so take it with a grain of salt. Could be interesting if it all works out.
But I still like WiFi 🙂
Moto Q – Finally?
Is next week the week? Will it really happen? Is it really a BlackBerry ‘killer’? Can I stop asking silly questions?* According to Engadget Mobile, Motorola has announced that the Q will be released next week.
I’m really excited to finally see a slim & trim Windows Mobile Smartphone-based phone with a QWERTY keyboard and landscape QVGA screen. Yes, this is the CDMA/EVDO version, so it’ll be available on Verizon (and later Sprint) right away, but we’ll have to wait until the end of the year for the GSM/UMTS version – or so they say. Go check out Engadget’s post on the latest Q news.
* No, ask my wife
Ilium Software will support the UMPC
Yesterday, Ilium Software announced on their blog that they will be producing UMPC versions of all their software in future releases. This marks the first Teir 1 vendor of Windows Mobile software to support the new platform.
“The UMPC is a natural evolution for users seeking a comprehensive mobile experience,†stated Marc Tassin, Senior Product Manager for Ilium Software. “We’re very excited about the prospects for this new platform.â€
I’ve used several of Ilium Software’s products. My favorites are currently eWallet and ListPro, but their new RSS reader (NewsBreak) has gotten a number of great reviews, and I guess I’ll evenually give it a try – I’ve not had a real need for a mobile RSS reader yet.
Microsoft .NET Micro Framework
So, along with the Windows CE 6.0 announcement, Microsoft announced the .NET Micro Framework. This article over at msmobile.com, gives a good overview of what the Micro Framework is.
I hope the leadership of the Republican Party will take his word seriously. Because this is exactly right.
This is very simple: only Americans citizens should be allowed to vote in American elections.
The SAVE America Act is common sense, and we need to pass it now!
I don’t recall you complaining when gas was $5.00 under Biden.
Hypocrisy much?
Please RT!
This Middle Ages bullshit is a cancer on the planet👇👇🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸