Blackberry 7290 Roars

Back at the blackberry 7290 software, the message is decrypted and stored for retrieval. Likewise, messages composed and sent from your BlackBerry are encrypted and routed over the wireless data network to the BlackBerry Software running back at your office.

Unless of course, they belong to the airline. Incidentally, on that note, I would love to hear about a single documented incident where a cell phone or laptop computer interfered with the airplane operation.

Blackberry 7290 software then decrypts and sends the message to the recipient(s) specified in the message from your Microsoft Exchange account. The result is that messages sent from the handheld are identical to messages sent from your PC -- they both originate from your corporate email address and copies are placed in your "sent items" folder. BlackBerry also allows for automatic synchronization of your contacts, appointments, tasks and email by placing the handheld in a cradle to exchange and update information between handheld and PC.

However, the BlackBerry isn't cheap; carrying a cost of $ 849 for the unit plus a $ 89.99 flat rate monthly charge. Unlike some of the cell phone deals, you don't have to sign up for a fixed term and the unit carries a 30-day money back guarantee. You should know if it would benefit you by the end of the first month.

Personally I was surprised at how much I used it and how much more productive I became during normally non-productive periods. Then again, maybe I simply felt I had to use it since I had it.

Naturally, prices for the Blackberry will come down but currently, there is not much Canadian competition. While that will probably change soon there is also a chance that rates for wireless units will remain high for a while. After all, few people absolutely need 24/7 email, but for those who do, price isn't a big concern.

The new device appeals mainly to corporate customers, though RIM also makes a version for the consumer market, which retails for about $499 (Canadian) plus monthly air time.

"The demand for the device is very large," said Motient's director of corporate communications David Wonderling. "It's very attractive to large corporate users. I think RIM may have to increase its manufacturing capacity to meet it."

Mark Guibert, Research in Motion's director of marketing, said the company has previously announced plans to expand capacity as required.

Blackberry Software