Geekzone: technology news, blogs, forums
Guest
Welcome Guest.
You haven't logged in yet. If you don't have an account you can register now.


rdecast

2 posts

Wannabe Geek
Inactive user


#4387 12-Jul-2005 12:33
Send private message

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...

Create new topic
freitasm
BDFL - Memuneh
79285 posts

Uber Geek

Administrator
ID Verified
Trusted
Geekzone
Lifetime subscriber

#16454 12-Jul-2005 12:47
Send private message

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.





Please support Geekzone by subscribing, or using one of our referral links: Quic Broadband (free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE) | Samsung | AliExpress | Wise | Sharesies | Hatch | GoodSync 




tonyhughes
Hawkes Bay
8476 posts

Uber Geek

Retired Mod
Trusted
Lifetime subscriber

  #16476 12-Jul-2005 20:04
Send private message

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







SNicolle
539 posts

Ultimate Geek


  #16481 12-Jul-2005 20:32
Send private message

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
BDFL - Memuneh
79285 posts

Uber Geek

Administrator
ID Verified
Trusted
Geekzone
Lifetime subscriber

#16483 12-Jul-2005 21:02
Send private message

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.





Please support Geekzone by subscribing, or using one of our referral links: Quic Broadband (free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE) | Samsung | AliExpress | Wise | Sharesies | Hatch | GoodSync 


kiwiana
35 posts

Geek


  #16485 12-Jul-2005 21:17
Send private message

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

2 posts

Wannabe Geek
Inactive user


  #16495 13-Jul-2005 03:20
Send private message

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
539 posts

Ultimate Geek


  #16508 13-Jul-2005 13:12
Send private message

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

 
 
 

Trade NZ and US shares and funds with Sharesies (affiliate link).
Jama
1420 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

  #16511 13-Jul-2005 13:33
Send private message

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
1420 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

  #16512 13-Jul-2005 13:42
Send private message

...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
Hawkes Bay
8476 posts

Uber Geek

Retired Mod
Trusted
Lifetime subscriber

  #16516 13-Jul-2005 14:06
Send private message

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







Create new topic





News and reviews »

Air New Zealand Starts AI adoption with OpenAI
Posted 24-Jul-2025 16:00


eero Pro 7 Review
Posted 23-Jul-2025 12:07


BeeStation Plus Review
Posted 21-Jul-2025 14:21


eero Unveils New Wi-Fi 7 Products in New Zealand
Posted 21-Jul-2025 00:01


WiZ Introduces HDMI Sync Box and other Light Devices
Posted 20-Jul-2025 17:32


RedShield Enhances DDoS and Bot Attack Protection
Posted 20-Jul-2025 17:26


Seagate Ships 30TB Drives
Posted 17-Jul-2025 11:24


Oclean AirPump A10 Water Flosser Review
Posted 13-Jul-2025 11:05


Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7: Raising the Bar for Smartphones
Posted 10-Jul-2025 02:01


Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 Brings New Edge-To-Edge FlexWindow
Posted 10-Jul-2025 02:01


Epson Launches New AM-C550Z WorkForce Enterprise printer
Posted 9-Jul-2025 18:22


Samsung Releases Smart Monitor M9
Posted 9-Jul-2025 17:46


Nearly Half of Older Kiwis Still Write their Passwords on Paper
Posted 9-Jul-2025 08:42


D-Link 4G+ Cat6 Wi-Fi 6 DWR-933M Mobile Hotspot Review
Posted 1-Jul-2025 11:34


Oppo A5 Series Launches With New Levels of Durability
Posted 30-Jun-2025 10:15









Geekzone Live »

Try automatic live updates from Geekzone directly in your browser, without refreshing the page, with Geekzone Live now.



Are you subscribed to our RSS feed? You can download the latest headlines and summaries from our stories directly to your computer or smartphone by using a feed reader.