BlackBerry v. Mobile Phone

Recently, I've had a couple of conversations with people from varying backgrounds about whether or not they should consider purchasing a BlackBerry. As mobile phones become more sophisticated and mobile devices of all types begin to offer overlapping features and as mobile technology becomes more mainstream and cost effective, the choice between a BlackBerry or a more conventional cell phone is becoming a more blurry line for small business owners, other mobile professionals and even the general public.

Cost

The first question is cost. BlackBerry devices and service was once considered too expensive for anyone outside government or big business circles. Even in some of those areas, cost relegated devices to only those individuals who had a need for solid and constant contact. However, as mobile technology prices continue to fall, BlackBerry adoption for small and medium size business executives and those employees outside the executive or management areas has increased.

Perhaps more important than the decrease in cost of the devices themselves is the fact that data service packages, particularly those that include unlimited data access (as opposed to earlier per-MB plans) has made actually using a BlackBerry or similar device much easier on both businesses consumers. Coupled with increased deals that include discounted BlackBerry models as part of a new contract (much as a free or reduced cost handset associated with a cell phone calling plan) from a mobile service provider have also helped make BlackBerry use more attractive.
However, BlackBerry devices still remain more expensive than many traditional mobile phone models. Thus, cost must be a concern when considering purchasing one as a consumer or owner/exectuive of a small business (and choosing an unlimited data plan should go without saying). The real question isn't just whether the cost is higher, it's whether the value of the BlackBerry's features are worth the added cost. Or put another way, will they be used and if so will the truly provide better results than can be achieved with a more traditional phone or other combination of devices.

Feature Sets and Ease of Use

Most of todays cell phones offer similar capabilities to a BlackBerry. They can text message, check and send email, include a web browser, store calendar and contact information, and can serve as cameras and other media storage/access devices. Most models that sport bluetooth (and some that don't) can also act as a modem for a PC to access the Internet without WiFi.
However, most cell phones don't provide push email access (meaning the user must choose to check their email instead of receiving it automatically). Most also don't offer the tight and easy to use integration with office applications like Microsoft Outlook, that can make a BlackBerry so attractive.

Typically, cell phones also offer a smaller screen and rely on the numeric keypad for entering text (be it into an email, a web browser, or any other type of feature). This can make relying on a cell phone as a two way communication device (other than voice calls or walkie-talkie features) difficult and cumbersome. The screen size also limits the ease of use for reading messages or viewing websites or other visual elements.
On the flip side, mobile phones are smaller and easer to carry. They are often much more comfortable to use for voice calls. This is one reason several consumers I know choose a feature-rich phone over a BlackBerry. Some phones sport designs that offer PDA functions in a more convenient manner (with the phone flipping or sliding open further to reveal an alpha-numeric keypad) - though again, these phones lack the push email technology of a BlackBerry.

Application Features

As far as applications and data storage, mobile phones now run the gamut of embedded java technology that allows most phones to offer a wide range of application features. However, these are not as standardized as a BlackBerry (or Palm OS or PocketPC device), which may limiting in terms of function and support. Also, most consumer-level phones have limited storage capacity and are only now just shipping with options for expanding beyond the phone's built-in memory by using industry standard memory cards.

When comparing a mobile phone to a BlackBerry on this front, you'll need to focus on a specific mobile phone model. While many do stack up, they also tend to be higher-end phone models with higher price tags. You may find that the price is close enough to justify a BlackBerry. The same is true if you are also considering a new handheld PC, as these devices often offer the same feature sets as BlackBerry models.

mobiletechnology.suite101.com