Taking the plunge, I am now teaching all Smartphones

HI Dick,

I do sync to 2 computers. Do I need to do them them same day? One is at office, other home. I always thought of it as a double backup to do both.

What counsel would you give to someone looking to purchase their very first smartphone? Does the Palm Pre have a write on the screen program that changes notes to type. I am a big note taker and would love that kind of feature.

Hi. I'm new to the group. I am in the market for a new smart phone, so I will be trying to learn all I can about the different models. I have service with AT&T and currently have a Palm Treo 680.

I guess my major problem with the Treo is that it will not sync with my newer Vista 64-bit computer. Before, I had an XP and really got used to having all my Outlook contacts and calendar up to date on both phone and PC. My son found a way to "fool" the systems into syncing one time, which at least gave me the Outlook contacts up to that date. But a few months later they all disappeared out of my phone! I don't remember doing anything to cause it, but they're gone!

Then, a couple of weeks ago my computer hard drive crashed and I was without any contact information! I thought I was backing up my hard drive automatically, but it hadn't been working. Maybe that was because the hard drive was failing, I don't know. Anyway, the tech guy was able to install a new hard drive and retrieve all my contacts and most of my other documents so I am now back in business and have reliable backup. Now I want to either find a way to sync or find a new phone that will sync with Vista 64-bit as well as Supra. I am happy for this new forum so I can learn more. Marilyn Brown

Hi Marilyn,

I have a Treo 755 thru Sprint. I have Supra, Top Producer and of course my Palm calendar all on this phone which is backed up to my Dell computer with Vista. My advisors (the guys at Sprint) tell me this is the best phone for the apps I use. I find that to be true. I hope this helps.

Lynn Warren, CRS,GRI,ABR,e-PRO, Associate Broker

Realestate.com, REALTORS

Sierra Vista, AZ 85635 520-266-1354

I have used a Treo 680 for a couple of years now, with the extended life battery it goes all day long no matter how many calls I make or emails I receive. I have been pretty happy with it's operation and love the fact that I only have one device to keep track of which keeps me in touch with my business, no matter where I am.

That being said it is now old technology. What is the best choice for a replacement smartphone given that I really like the Treo 680. I have heard that there are problems using the window based smartphones. I currently use TP, Supra lockboxes and AT&T.

Well Hello Dick, it was a big step but i switched from my old beatup Treo 650 and now the the Pre. I tried the Black berry but was spoiled by the touch screen and took it back. there is quite a learning curve here and i'm looking forward to your advice. I don't seem to get this ActiveSync stuff. You got anything on that yet? Love the phone though. Janet Graham/ Lodi CA

It probably depends on how informed the sales people are in the phone store as to which phone one selects. I think I got bad advice the last purchase. My Moto-Q has been terrible. However in November, I will purchase a new smart phone. I'm reading all of your posts to see which one will meet my needs. However a big problem in our area is dead zones affecting all types of phones. Someone mentioned antenna boosters?

My husband's iphone does seem to work everywhere but not always on the 3G network. It is a cool phone, however, and great for email. I like the touch keyboard, but one does have to get used to it.

I'm open for any suggestions?

I am taking my e-pro course now and on this assignment found your group. Thanks for starting it. I am tired of my new smartphone being smarter than I am!! I hope I can pick up helpful hints about using this new device. Thanks. Carol

Hi Carol

Welcome aboard. I found this group last year when I took my course. There is lots of help on many different levels.

Lynda

Lynda Martin Group

On Thursday, October 15 at 11 a.m. Pacific time (2 p.m. Eastern), you're invited to this

no cost webinar with Randy Eagar and Amy Chorew for an in-depth interview about smart phones and how they can improve your business.

Randy Eagar & Amy Chorew on Smart Phones and How They Can Improve Your Business.

Amy will cover:

• The top 3 features every email enabled phone has to have
• iPhone vs Blackberry vs Palm - who wins?
• Top 5 Apps - to make your real estate business easier
• Are these things addictive? Come here Amy's opinion

Amy Chorew is a national real estate trainer highly experienced at helping managers and agents maximize the infinite opportunities that technology offers them. Her knowledge of the industry and the latest technologies available along with her unique ability to translate it all into easy to understand language make her a consistently top-rated trainer throughout the country. Her expertise in the area of Social Networking and the tremendous impact it is having on the industry has given agents and brokers the tools to move from traditional marketing to Web 2.0.

Randy Eagar, 2006 CRS President, CRS Senior Instructor for 20+ years, and author of CRS's technology 2006 course, will walk you through the first steps to marketing your website on the Internet.

Randy is the Internet strategist/consultant for real estate's most successful agents who are generating six figure incomes from their websites alone.

Title: Randy Eagar Interviews Amy Chorew

Date: Thursday, October 15, 2009

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Pacific Time (2-3 PM Eastern)