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Technological advances in mobile phone technologies have created a marketplace where consumers expect incredible computing power in the smallest packages possible. One of the leaders in such technology is undoubtedly Blackberry. Cell phones of yesteryear were large, cumbersome, and bulky - the range of smartphones available today is truely astounding in comparison. The Blackberry 7290 is a good example of the features and capabilities of a smart mobile phone today. It offers email integration, HTML browser, integrated keyboard, and an active, friendly user interface all in a 114 by 74 by 23 millimetre (or 4.5 by 2.9 by 0.9 inch) package perfect for talking and walking. Of course, the Blackberry 7290 is not only a mobile phone – it is a fully-featured PDA capable of providing professional as well as personal assistance. With 32MB of flash memory, and a bright LCD, this little Blackberry has fans around the world. The Samsung Blackjack phone is another such device offering more than a simple talk package. This phone, developed for Cingular, is ultra-thin and lightweight while delivering an all around package for consumers. With voicemail, e-mail, and HTML browser capabilities, the Blackjack was designed to deliver a truly seamless connection between people. When it comes to capability, the Blackjack also sports a 64MB memory that assists in storing important data. Both the Samsung Blackjack and the Blackberry offer a traditional QWERTY keypad, a mAh Li-Ion battery, and an internal antenna perfect for those wanting a seamless experience between home PC and PDA. In addition, both the Blackberry and the Blackjack are capable of playing media such as music and even movies; both offer consumers the option of talking, emailing, or even instant messaging a friend. Another popular choice when comparing a Blackberry to another PDA is the Palm Treo 650. This impressive PDA offers some tough competition for the favoured Blackberry. The Palm Treo offers customisable POP3, SMTP, or IMAP4 email settings as well as being capable of playing a steady stream of music via RealPlayer. Navigation is accomplished through a traditional QWERTY keypad, as well as a delightful touch screen, and measures in at roughly 112 by 58 by 23 millimetres. Perhaps one of the most important factors in choosing a PDA is the screen, and we can break this down by size, type, and resolution capabilities. The Palm Treo measures in at an impressive 65000 colours with a 320 by 320 max resolution; the Blackjack measures in at 65000 colours with a 320 by 240 max resolution; and the Blackberry measures in at 65000 colours with a 240 by 160 max resolution. The difference in the colour depth is non-existent and the real difference comes in the number of pixels. While the Blackberry may have the least number of pixel resolutions, it is also slimmer, sleeker and sexier than both the Blackjack and the Pam Treo. Most consumers find that a PDA must be able to take a lickin' and keep on tickin'. While the Blackjack and the Palm Treo have a high success rate when considering the durability factor, the Blackberry has clearly been found by consumers as being the PDA that can take a real beating. The internal antenna of the Blackberry also tends to improve the durability rating. The Palm Treo has a small external antenna which can be damaged in a fall – clearly the last thing a busy executive needs. When comparing the Blackjack, the Palm Treo, and the Blackberry, many factors will jump out at the consumer. The Blackberry has won the hearts of many people simply because it is so easy to use. There are many benefits to all three options, but the Blackberry definitely has the look, the feel, and most importantly, the price tag that consumers prefer.
Staff editor, Mobile Phones Section, February 2007 |
