Updating The Blackberry ConsistentlyThe blackberry software update comes ready to run. Each unit is registered with the user's information when purchased. The only requirement is that you install the desktop software. The blackberry software update includes both a desktop manager program, used to configure all of the PIM synchronization and e-mail redirection settings, and a program called the Redirector, which applies filtering rules to any newly received messages. Using these filters, the BlackBerry software determines which e-mail messages to forward wirelessly to the handheld unit. The Redirector also sends e-mail messages from the BlackBerry to the proper recipients through Outlook. Unlike the Palm VII, BlackBerry offers an option for larger companies. The $2,999 BlackBerry Enterprise Server, set up and maintained by an IT department, takes care of e-mail redirection for all users in the company. This means that end-users do not need to configure filtering rules, and messaging does not depend on users' desktop machines running the Redirector. Setting up the Palm VII was similarly simple. When I first switched on the unit, I was walked through the activation procedure. The Palm VII was activated across the wireless connection and was ready to run within minutes. The Palm VII desktop software does everything the normal Palm desktop software does, including PIM synchronization. Unlike the BlackBerry, the Palm VII can run all of the applications developed for the Palm platform. Use of the Palm VII's iMessenger program, its e-mail application, requires a second e-mail address, that is formatted as username@palm.net. Unfortunately, it provides no easy way, short of configuring forwarding rules on the corporate e-mail system, to use one e-mail address for all of your users' correspondence. In contrast, the BlackBerry uses an existing e-mail account to send and receive messages. The Redirector software provides an easy method for setting up filters so that e-mail messages are forwarded to the BlackBerry. I was also very impressed with the BlackBerry's keyboard. Although it is miniscule, it is laid out as a regular keyboard, so learning to use it is easy. I've been a PalmPilot user for more than three years, but after only a few hours, I could type faster on the BlackBerry than I can write in Graffiti, the Palm platform's handwriting recognition software, on the Palm VII. But the greatest difference between the two handhelds is the wireless service now offered by their vendors. Research in Motion provides services for the BlackBerry nationwide in most areas. |