One-Size does not fit all in the world of Smartphones

Great idea for a group!

I'm trading in my Motorola MotoQ for a new Smartphone this week and I have been weighing the differences between the Treo family of phones and the Blackberry clan.

My advice for anyone looking for a MotoQ is probably the same advice that everyone else I know offers about that device that used it - DON'T BUY IT! Most of the people I know who had it have traded it in for a better phone.

You are right about the MotoQ - it isn't very 'Smart'! I think your decission to move on is a good idea! Maybe I can help you with the difference between the Treo family and the Blackberry clan.

If you are just out of the office in small spirts and email is your only concern, the Blackberry clan will meet your needs.

If you find yourself out of your office more than in it, I would suggest the Treo family due to the amount of available third-party software and the compatibility to other tools. It will handle the email and much more.

Let me know which Carrier you use and I will be glad to send along the names of the Smartphones to check out; each company had different ones. I can also direct you to a few places to find discounted prices!

Shelby Betts

I just got an email from an agent who was shopping for the Infrared Keyboard I use and cover in my classes. She went into a Best Buy to pick one up and was told they do not have a IR keyboard that works with her Treo 755p. It so happens I have Treo 755p here in my pile and the Palm model number 3196ww IR keyboard. After loading the software into the 755 all the functions work correctly.

In my opinon, I think somebody is attempting to market their new $99 Bluetooth keyboard to make current owners of the 3196ww upgrade. Also new buyers spend $30 more to get the Bluetooth when the IR not only is cheaper but I need to check on one fact. The phone manufactors state the phone will only work with one Bluetooth device at a time. So if you are entering information with your keyboard and on the phone using Bluetooth one of them isn't going to work, (I think).

I plan on testing the Centro soon, the one from my pile is missing as we loaned it to a family friend.

Here's what you need to look for;

Dick Betts

National Speaker Real Estate

National Real Estate Speaker

Mobile Technology Trainer

www.DickBetts.com

Although Best Buy staff is generally friendly and helpful, I too have had recent problems with them giving me incorrect information regarding the compatibility/connectivity of certain electronics.. I don't think that they intend to mislead, I just think that they aren't thoroughly educated on the products they sell.

I've learned to not rely on the advice of any electronics seller...I do the research myself then make an informed buying decision.

In my involvement with Mobile Technology Training I have found that so many normal 'sources of information' (i.e. Carriers, Geek Squad, technology stores, etc.) are not geared to the needs of the Real Estate Industry. You are right - it isn't that the intend to mislead us, they just aren't 'up' on what is most important to us.

Sources like this discussion group on RealTown tend to be a much better place to get advice on products. (REALTORS do tend to be opinionated!) Most of the employees of the stores tend to only keep up with the newest, smallest, hottest items that other 18-year-olds use, not what is need to manage a business!

Shelby Betts

REALTOR & Real Estate Training

www.DickBetts.com

If you read my other post about the Treo 755p and infrared keyboards you will know I have challenged the manufactor of the expandable keyboard when they fail to list the Treo 755p and Centro. So I went into my lab, put on my white smock, gloves and safety glasses and beamed the keyboard into a Centro. To my delight and without the Centro blowing up the marriage of the keyboard and the Centro passed the test with flying colors.

So if you have a Centro and want a Infrared Keyboard go buy the 3169ww at your local electronics retailer or online.

Dick Betts

National Real Estate Speaker

National Speaker Real Estate

www.DickBetts.com

I remember my first smart phone experience.....I was at a closing and the Buyer asked me if the Drivers License was reciprocal with her state. I said, wait I have this new phone I can get on the internet and check. I did it right then and there and I was HOOKED! Smart Phone user FOREVER!!! Convenience is everything!

Thanks for your story, they do make our lives so much easier, even when they act up I can't imagine my life without one.

Dick

Hi Dick,

I'm a smart phone infant, I just got a blackberry curve & wish I would have found this discussion before purchase! Is this my best mobile choice? I have t-mobile & am locked in for another year.

Thanks, Heather