Why a BlackBerry can change the way you do business
by Shane on 22/10/09 at 5:44 am
1 comment
I’ve been a BlackBerry fan for some time now and couldn’t wait to try one out. Thankfully BlackBerry rocked the house and allowed me to review the BlackBerry Bold 9000.
So, for the past 3 months I’ve been living the BlackBerry life and I must admit, I’ve really enjoyed it.
So why does the BlackBerry make one of the best business smartphones on the market?
1. The BlackBerry Service means unlimited email and device internet browsing.
In South Africa where bandwidth costs are out-right criminal, this is a big drawcard. I have spent many an hour browsing websites, FaceBooking, Tweeting etc, knowing that its only going to cost R60 per month in addition to my normal contract rate. That’s it, no surprises. For the entrepreneur on the go, this is a huge benefit.
[Be warned -Video streaming, for example via Youtube, is not included in this. I did warn you.]
2. BlackBerry Push Email
BlackBerry push technology lets you receive your email effortlessly because your email is automatically pushed to your device with push email.
The HTML and rich text email allows you to receive your mail in it’s original format. In other words you get to see all the little pictures and pretty colours as they were originally intended to be. This was really helpful and a big step up from the Gmail App that I previously used.
A downside of Push Email is that you are always connected – you need to develop a bit of discipline and not check your email on your way to bed or when you are having dinner with the family.
3. Social Media on the BlackBerry
You might not have the same selection of apps available to you as you would on the iPhone, but there are enough quality apps available to make sure your social media life is not neglected.
ÜberTwitter – I found this to be the best free Twitter app available and I did try a few.
Facebook for BlackBerry - Works just like the real thing only condensed.
Flickr Uploader – Post your pics directly to Flickr from your phone.
LinkedIn – As far as I can tell there is no LinkedIn app for the BlackBerry. LinkedIn does however have a Mobi site which seems fairly usable. http://m.linkedin.com
4. The QWERTY keyboard
The QWERTY makes communication even easier and for many will allow you to abandon your computer permanently. I know QWERTY is nothing new, but when you’ve been relying on Nokia’s predictive texting for the past few years Miss Qwerty looks and feels damn hot. (I made a point of writing most of this post on the BlackBerry just to prove a point).
5. Built in GPS – Vodaphone Sat Nav
Vodafone Sat Nav upgrades your BlackBerry into a handy voice prompted GPS unit. Whether driving or walking, you will have access to a comprehensive, turn-by-turn satellite navigation system, helping you to find your way anywhere in SA quickly and efficiently.
This became invaluable when I had to spend a week in Jhb. It successfully took me to and from my B&B, found me the nearest Steers and ATM and got me safely back to the airport. The phone comes with a 2 year free subscription to this service.
Closing thoughts
The BlackBerry is a compelling business device that is set to become a major player in the South African market. (Have you noticed the increasing BlackBerry media coverage and the special offers from the service providers?)
Don’t compare BlackBerry with the iPhone. In my opinion, they are two different animals. If you are looking for fancy apps and internet browsing, then rather go with the iPhone. The BlackBerry plays best in the email space and for a busy business person on the go this is ideal.
For fun – Celebrity BlackBerry Sightings.
Shane Dryden is the 'Maven' at Ideate. The driving-force of Yuppiechef, Shane loves to write on advertising and innovation. He spots the non-obvious stuff behind the obvious, which seems obvious, but isn’t really that obvious (obviously). View more articles by Shane.
StevenMcD
Oct 22nd, 2009
I got my Blackberry Bold a few weeks back and I’m completely in love with it! It is an amazing device!