Mobile Data Hardware Options, Part 3

by Debbie Levitt

August 12, 2002 —

Now is the time to consider setting up your staff with Blackberrys,
Pocket PCs, or Palm Pilots. Allowing them to have their data, logins and
passwords, client notes, and contacts with them is way more professional
than showing up with some passwords scribbled on a Post-It note. And if
questions pop up, they can email or message with you or co-workers...
rather than having to pick up the phone and say something embarrassing
in front of the client. Of course, when the client sees this handy tool
in action, he or she will certainly want a bid from your company on
integrating their data with the right wireless hardware and software! :)

For the last two weeks, we have looked at differences between the three
main types of mobile data hardware options. This week, we look at what's
available for different budgets (all prices USD, mail order, and current
as of June 2002).

The Blackberry 950, which looks like a pager, runs $399. The 857 and
957, which look more like traditional PDAs, cost $499. If you want to
run the Blackberry Enterprise Server, which allows for seamless
integration with MS Exchange and Lotus Domino, and allows your IT gang
centralised control, that's extra. The Enterprise Server software for 20
client licenses runs $2999.

Pocket PCs are made by a variety of well-known brand names including
Toshiba, Casio, Compaq, HP, and Sony. Prices start around $329 and can
run as high as $699 depending upon what you get and where you get it.

Palms are mostly made by Handspring and Palm. Handsprings start at
around $140, which means that you could dip your toe in the PDA waters
inexpensively. Check Handspring.com for any specials they might be
running. The most expensive Handspring models come in around $310.
Palm's models currently run from $149 for the m105 to $449 for the i705,
though you can get the i705 for around $360 from some online mail order
places. Some Handspring and Palm models are colour in case you like the
sound of Palm but can't give up colour.

Next week, more on budgeting for PDAs for the whole department, and what
about those mobile phone/PDA combo devices?

ITworld