Blackberry vs. Pocket PC

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rdecast

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Topic # 4387 12-Jul-2005 12:33

I posted this on the Blackberry board, but this one looks like it has a lot more activity...

As of right now, we are a Blackberry shop. Almost 30 devices total, and it seems to be working well. Some management has caught on to the recent news of Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 and it's capabilities. They also have a hint that it might blow the BBs out of the water.

I'm looking for people who have possibly used both devices, and maybe get some feedback on how the 2 compare. As you know, different people have different ways of using these devices (from a functionailty standpoint), so I'm just trying to find the device that will be able to suit all of our users.

thanks in advance...

freitasm

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Reply # 16454 12-Jul-2005 12:47

I had a Blackberry 7230 for a couple of months while waiting my Smartphone to come back from repairs and to test it...

I didn't like the experience, overall. Since I was using the Internet version, not the Enterprise, I think it was a pain to have a desktop redirector for syncing contacts and calendar. Also, while the e-mails were delivered in a timely fashion, I was really annoyed by the fact that I didn't have the granular control of delivery times. Well, I don't want the device buzzing all the time during the weekends, and the Internet version does not have a control on the device itself. It's either on or off, but then I couldn't receive phone calls, etc.

Since I run my own Exchange Server and had the configuration working fine with Windows Mobile Smartphone and Pocket PC devices I feel more in control. Of course the RIM approach is interesting if your company doesn't have an IT department, since the management can be outsourced to the mobile operator.

And then there's the problem of having to add servers and software for this, which is not needed if you use the Windows Mobile plus Exchange Server solution.

The current Exchange ActiveSync AUTD works fine, but it can be costly if your operator charges for the SMS notification that initiates the ActiveSync. I use this option though because it is the only one available now, until Windows Mobile 5 and Exchange Server Service Pack 2 are released (I actually just got an e-mail confirming I am enrolled on the public beta for this combination, so will now more very soon).

The new Windows Mobile 5 plus Exchange Server Service Pack 2 combination works over HTTP, making it even better due to complete independence from the operator.

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tonyhughes

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Reply # 16476 12-Jul-2005 20:04

What do you do with your BBs, and what functionality would you potentially like that you havent got now?

SNicolle

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Reply # 16481 12-Jul-2005 20:32

in my opinion the blackberrys (both of the 2 available on vf nz) are too email centric. I understand it is the basis of the design and the 7100v takes some more contemporary features although for an email experience the 7230 is better and i think the trackwheel on the 7100v is a bad move.

PocketPC's I have only used the Qtek 1010 and the Harrier, the Pocket PC os is more flexible and empowering for users.
BB offered basic support for attachments which was great and the BB interface works very well over the snail that is GPRS data. The Harrier is perfect for large attachments due to its data speed and the flexibility with the OS with available software.

freitasm

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Reply # 16483 12-Jul-2005 21:02

SNicolle: in my opinion the blackberrys (both of the 2 available on vf nz) are too email centric.

And that's the main different. If your company want to incorporate mobility to its processes then you will find out that the e-mail centric Blackberry might not be the best option in terms of tools and frameworks for development. Of course you can develop for the platform using Java - but that's about it.

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kiwiana

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Reply # 16485 12-Jul-2005 21:17

I used the Blackberry whilst living in Australia and have just started using the Harrier (m/soft windows based) in NZ ... its simple for me. I wouldnt go back to the Blackberry. The harrier offers to much that the b/berry doesnt.

Thats my 2 cents :-)

rdecast

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Reply # 16495 13-Jul-2005 03:20

thanks again for all the replies...

From an IT standpoint, I think more is better! I am a big blackberry fan, been using them since the start. but seeing the capability of the pocket pc, well, needless to say - i'm pretty impressed. for the other users though, i think having more control over attachments would be a good thing. also, web surfing and having a "mini office" version is a plus.

Just as long as they can compete with Blackberry on the e-mail functionality, they will be happy. I think that's one thing that RIM did right.

SNicolle

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Reply # 16508 13-Jul-2005 13:12

in addition my BB experience especially the 7230 was great battery life, this reflects the functionality in a way (use email and voice - less device use = lower strain) I find the battery technology of PPC devices unable to compete and also the backup battery situation scares me. I'd put important data on SD card

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Reply # 16511 13-Jul-2005 13:33

I agree battery life sucks on PocketPC and losing your data is a pain. I can leave my Treo 600 for weeks (switched off) and there is minimal battery drain. I leave my Harrier (switched off) for a few days and it goes flat.

Jama

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Reply # 16512 13-Jul-2005 13:42

...And RIM only have 3.1M subscribers globally. That is a very small percentage of the 1b mobile market. There was recent Gartner report that said basically if RIM do not adopt PocketPC they will disappear. Given the size of MS and their never 'run dry' bucket of money I think PocketPC will end up ruling the world.

BTW - I see MS has released Windows Automotive 5. How would you all feel about having MS software in your car?

tonyhughes

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Reply # 16516 13-Jul-2005 14:06

Jama: I agree battery life sucks on PocketPC and losing your data is a pain. I can leave my Treo 600 for weeks (switched off) and there is minimal battery drain. I leave my Harrier (switched off) for a few days and it goes flat.

Same prob here, but i charge it every night, and i backup every week to an SD card