Which Is Better a Blackberry or a Pda???????

I've had a Palm Z22. I liked it, but I always had trouble trying to load anything onto it, particularly 3rd party software. I couldn't do Word or Excel files, because the software would crash the unit or disable the keyboard (and I tried a couple different brands). So I had the software to add Word files, but I couldn't use the pda to create a file. It was kind of frustrating. However, for a calendar and contact list and address book, it worked great. I also had pictures on it. It was easy to use, and held a charge for a long time. It's an inexpensive pda (about $100) to learn on, and get used to using. Sort of a pda-lite. It doesn't have a keyboard, but it does recognize handwriting pretty well, which is handy for notes and such. You can also bring up a tiny visual digital keyboard and use the stylus to type. This pda is not elaborate enough to warrant having an actual keyboard - without Word there isn't much need for it.

But I really wanted to be able to add MS Office files, and I wanted to be able to add expandable memory, and I wanted internet access. I recently received an HP IPAQ 211. I LOVE IT. I can wirelessly connect to the internet, and it comes with MS Office Mobile, with Word, Excel, etc. The memory is expandable, and the screen is bigger and the picture quality is much better. I can store music on it too, so it's also like an ipod as well. I can download my email. I absolutely love this thing. It does not have phone capability. It's much more costly than the Palm, but worth it. It's much more complicated to work, but IT WORKS (no crashes or lock ups like I had with the Palm Z22), and I can add software. Transfering files back and forth is better and easier if you do not have Vista, but it is still workable even if you have it. This pda does have the option of an additional keyboard you can purchase. This is very much like having a laptop, only it fits in my purse. I feel like I can do anything on this that I can do on my desktop.

I considered getting a blackberry or an iphone. However, the cost of the telephone service was much higher than a standard phone. You really need to consult with your cell phone provider, and see what the rates are, because they are all different. Ask if there are different rates for blackberries or iphones and ask if there are additional charges for downloads, etc. For me, it would not be worth the additional rates to have a phone on my pda. I'd rather pay a bit more for the pda, and forget the monthly charges and other charges.

I hope this helps! (PS Happy Anniversary!)

Hi M.,

I have a palm pilot and have had no issues with it. I had a basic one for a few years and then last year I got the tungsten model through freecycle. I don't need anything elaborate, I just wanted to keep track of stuff. I am in a moms group and I needed to keep track of our monthly events and have all the member contacts at my fingertips. I also love the fact you can sync up with your computer and then each month I print out and put on my bulletin board. I color code each family member so it is simple to see each day who has what.

Good luck
C.

I used to have a Palm Tungsten E2, and loved it, but then it crashed on me. It had an address book, calender, etc. The stylus is used to type on the keyboard or you can make the letters yourself on the screen.
My husband had a blackberry and was not too impressed by it. It's more for business people who need Microsoft Office to sync with their PC's etc.
Now I have an iPhone and LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE it! It has an address book, calender, email, internet, and phone all in one. It's very intuitive, easy to use, lightweight, and even the keyboard is easy.
Me being a Type A personality who needs to be on top of everything and super organized, the iPhone is terrific. The best thing I think is for you to visit AT&T store and play with the iPhone, and then visit a place that sells a Blackberry and Palm and play around with those. Everyone has their own style and preferences. The best way to learn what is your preference is to see them one on one and try them out.

The Blackberry Pearl is awesome.

M.:

tough decision.... a palm pilot would do what you are looking for... address'/calender/memos/tasks...

it took me a long time to "let go" of having two devices but having done so i love it/ i have a blackberry and would never turn back...

that said... go to a store and look at and lay with them.

P., RLC, IBCLC
Breastfeeding and Parenting Solutions

M.,
I have the palm z22, which is a slightly older model, but is great. I just bought it b/c I needed the same things you listed. I didnt want to spend tons of money on a newer palm or a blackberry b/c I dont need to get on the internet or all those other features. If you are just looking for something really simply-this is it. It is so easy to enter your contacts, track expenses, make a quick note or list. I have had mine for a little over a month and love it!!! You can contact me if you have any questions

get an iPhone. It does it all. Very easily. I know you didn't want phone too. But it totally makes sense and you will LOVE it!!! Trust me

I've had a blackberry for years before my iPhone and loves it.
But this is even better!!

K.

Get an iPhone. For years and years I rebelled against having a cell phone and kept my calendar in written format, but not always up-to-date at all. I absolutely love my iPhone though. It is easy to use - very intuitive - and much more useful for a mom than a blackberry (which is more effective used through an office/company). I have found that the way their on screen touch keyboard stuff works is exactly what I was looking for. If you go somewhere that carries iPhones, they will usually let you play around with one first to see if you like it.

Completely biased advice... GET the iPhone! I have had two Palms in the past and both crashed. One even was good enough that I lost all contact lists from the computer when I tried to reset it!!!! I have a Blackberry for work and it is not very convenient to manuver around in. I constantly want to touch the screen. The iPhone you do not have to worry about loosing a wand and the screen turns into a keyboard when you need to type something! Another nice feature about it is that it is completely updateable via the internet. NO need to upgrade with a new phone in the future, but plug it in and download the upgrade. Photos are very nice with this phone! We have often not had a camera and this served very nicely.
I love the MAPS feature. I was out late getting ready for by son's birthday party. I just typed in the name of a store I wanted to go to, it drew a map of where it was, I touched the arrow next to the name and called the store, asked if they had the items in questions, clicked back to directions on maps and was able to navigate from 'current location'. It saved SO much time. I cannot say enough!
Another nice thing is that the media (e-mail/internet) package is part of the calling package with the iPhone and not additional.
Feel free to contact me with any other questions!
Good luck and Happy Birthday and 10th Anniversary!
C. Kalemba

Hi M. - I have a blackberry and love it. I do not use it for the internet or email, so I didn't add that service. We only pay the normal cell bill.

Good luck with your choice....I think the best way to decide would be to go into a store and play with them. I know with AT&T you can get a phone and if you decide that you don't like it you have 30 days to go in and exchange it for a different one.

M.,
My husband and I recently got Blackberrys. He got the World Version and likes it. It does not have a camera but can call in other countries and e-mail there too. He needs this as he works for a global company. I just turned in my Blackberry Pearl because it had poor sound and I had to keep resetting it. The screen is also small so it was hard to read things and I could not getfull screen. I now have the newest Blackberry curve which is on sale at Verizon for $149! I like it much more with the larger screen and key board. Plus each letter has it's own key as opposed to the Pearl that 2 letters share a key. As for the extra fees, if you want e-mail and internet access I think we pay $30 a month. My husband insisted and I hesitated due to the expense. I must say it has saved me a lot of time at home as I can check e-mail @ doc visits, baseball games, or waiting for the kids. Hubby likes me not on the computer as much in the evening at home. I also like the calendar and task lists. Hope this helps!
Take Care,
M.

Get the phone/PDA in one - you will wonder how you lived w/o. I have the Motorola Q - "keyboard" is easy to use & screen is phenomenal (not Iphone, but we are not mac compatible). I love it b/c it syncs to my Outlook so I get calendar/email/address - so much more efficient. Plus w/ Outlook I can invite my husband to calendar apts that he needs to know about & they sync w/ his calendar at work/blackberry. Not sure on costs for service. Happy Birthday & 10th anniversary!

Having had a blackberry and PDA both stand alone and separate, stay with a PDA. you can get stand alone PDA's, but the phone/PDA combination is sooo good these days.
Blackberrys are best when you have a corporate server that you're linking up to, but if you get one with Microsoft Mobile 6.0 then you can also view Word and Excel docs. So if you have your shopping list in Word, you can download it to your PDA device. If you want your contact info in it any way, then it's easy to have the phone/contact all in one device.
I just purchased the TMobile Shadow and LOVE it. But I had specific requirements that the iPhone did not have. The iPhone did seem much easier to use and I would have gotten that had it met all my requirements.
For the fees, if you don't need live updates from email or internet, then you do not need to get the data package. But you would plug your PDA into your computer and do manual synch ups. I like the live updates, but then I'm also a working mom so like to take care of emails etc when I'm on the train/bus and not do any of that when I'm at home.

Hope that helps!

I just got a blackberry in Feb and I love it. I love it for everything. I am not sure you can get one though just for what you are looking for and not to use as a cell phone. I love my blackberry though and I am addicted to it sometimes. I love to be able to check my email from it. That is so cool.

S. Bailey CLD
Aurora
www.tendermomentsdoula.com

I also have a Palm (Tungsten E2). I don't have a physical keyboard, but there is an on screen one you can tap at. I think they may sell a compact keyboard accessory.. at least they use to. Works great for calendars, groceries (use free Handy shopper), pictures, etc.
I have a separate phone. My MIL has a palm treo? phone. It's pretty neat. I don't think the touch/tap screen always works in every mode, but I'm not real familiar with it.
I'd love to test drive the iPhone. If you don't need the phone service portion, maybe you could out the iPod touch. Apparently you can have internet on that too, but it must have the phone portion removed. Though it might be just as cost effective to buy the phone. You might not necessarily have to hook up service unless you aren't paying full retail price.

Good luck & Happy anniversary.

I have a pda and prefer it over the blackberry. It is smaller and more user friendly. Most company's have plans that will suit your needs for internet and phone use. I really like mine, its a palm treo and it meets all my needs and some are very simular to the ones you listed.