RealTown's RealTalk

Can someone help me with some basics? I'm thinking of either a Blackberry or
Treo for my next phone. I have U.S. Cellular as my carrier. What the the
basic differences, strengths and weaknesses of each? Also, what about price?
Thanks for your help

What about the I-Phone? Is it just fun and games or can it be used as a serious business tool? Does anyone have experience with it? I haven't made the leap up from a regular cell phone yet.

Thanks!

Elizabeth T. Yndo, Broker
Buyer Agent
Austin, TX

Can someone help me with some basics? I'm thinking of either a Blackberry or
Treo for my next phone. I have U.S. Cellular as my carrier. What the
basic differences, strengths and weaknesses of each? Also, what about price?
Thanks for your help

Smart phones are expensive, although the major carriers have deals now. I got my Curve for $49.00 after rebate. But they cost $30 or more per month above your basic service fee. Only get one if you are sure it will pay for itself. Also be prepared for the learning curve. The more you want it to do the more work to learn how to use it. Blackberry has a couple of online training courses which are easy and very helpful. The iPhone is very impressive, but only available on AT&T. The Treo is a large heavy phone on an old platform, and has a bad history of freeze-ups and poor sound quality (just look at some of the past msgs from disgruntled owners). If you get any one, be sure to get the unlimited data plan and avoid surprises when you get the bill. Check EV2, Voyager , Instinct and Moto Q also. Don't buy more than you are sure you will use.

Rob Wanser, REALTOR®, SRES®

Keller Williams Realty

Office: (510) 796-7900

Direct: (510) 468-5749

E-mail: rob@RobWanser.com

Web Address: www.RobWanser.com

Please I was in your shoes a week ago. When I finally made my decision to go with the Treo, Verizon told me they were sold out in Michigan and I'd have to wait up to a week.

I had heard positive reviews about the Blackberry and decided to give it a shot and got the Curve. Love, love, LOVE it! I'm a heavy gmail/Google user and the Curve syncs with Google calendar beautifully. Email is a breeze and with apps for social networking like Face book & Flicker, I now can't imagine doing without it.

Can't give an opinion about how it compares with Treo, but I'm sold on the Blackberry.

Response:

I have been using the TREO for a few months now. In the beginning I have trouble with the software updating. I have trouble with the screen freezing a second or two when you take out battery.

I like the windows style and be careful the some smart phones don't have single letters on the key pad- single letter on pad am faster to type. Network is exceptional for reliability. Sync to pc data is easy.

9 /6/2008 11:49:20 PM

Can someone help me with some basics? I'm thinking of either a Blackberry or
Treo for my next phone. I have U.S. Cellular as my carrier. What the
basic differences, strengths and weaknesses of each? Also, what about price?
Thanks for your help

I have been using Treos for many years, and tried a Blackberry only once, without success.

The reason for sticking to Treos is because I love the touch screen, has a lot of applications that you can download, great for the business in the sense of access to the MLS, electronic key (you may want to check with your service), GPS, great contact list with enough room to enter all of your clients information and much more, I can go on and on. Also, unlike the Blackberry is very user friendly, no need to take a class to learn how to use it…

Yes, it is true it can freeze, and I had one (my second) that did it frequently, but now I am on my fourth palm, and enjoying it very much, since the others have never given me issues.

Bottom line, they are both good, but in spite of its freezes Treo is the best in my opinion.

What about the I-Phone? Is it just fun and games or can it be used as a serious business tool?

I recently purchased an iphone and basically threw out my laptop. This is no toy it is a serious business tool. Why?

I will sum up the Apple i phone 3G in one word...Awesome. This phone is simply unbelievable and is an absolute must for anyone who needs a smart phone. I have been putting off getting a smart phone until the new 3G version came out recently.

Now after having it for 4 weeks I can say it has but one flaw...the battery. Despite a relatively short battery life (about 8-12 hours for me if I use all the features a lot) it is worth the trouble of buying an extra travel charger. The features are customizable, the keyboard is easy to use and the size is manageable enough to be carried in a front pocket.

The Camera is great and easy to use. It is a 2 mega pixel camera. You can take photos and email them instantly. The down side is no flash but it takes great photos in low light as long as you have a steady hand.

The GPS is idiot proof. Simply hit a button and the phone zooms to your location and shows you as a blinking blue dot. It will show either Satellite view or Map view.

Safari (the internet browser) is as good as you can get on a smart phone. You will be amazed at how good it looks. Most importantly the links in an email are active and you simply click on it any it takes you to the web page.

Photos can be uploaded from all your listings and you can scroll through any of them with easy. I organize them by listing so I can show the photos to any potential prospects on the fly.

The i pod is great too. I can upload videos (from you tube) and show them to clients at a moments notice. If you gat a call on the phone while listening to music it pauses and continues as you finish the call. It beeps at you too to remind you that you have new mail or a text message.

Text messages are shown as a conversation rather than individual texts. It saves all conversation over multiple session too. If you text a lot you'll love it.

If you are a Realtor, I assure you it is well worth the cost and it will impress your clients. If it got you one listing it would be worth the cost don't you think?

Also there are lots of usable programs like mortgage calculators, etc which are reasonably priced. I absolutely love it and would pay $500 for one if I had too.

Call me if you have any specific questions.

Jules Yates, ABR

Associate Broker

Exit Realty Paramount

Traverse City, MI

231-218-5199