RealTown's RealTalk

I spoke with Verizon yesterday as I am planning to purchase the VX6800 and was told it is made by UTStar.com.  There is a good overview of the phone on that site.

Pam DIshman, Associate Broker

RE/MAX Select
Hampton, Virginia
757-880-1115
Serving Virginia Peninsula and Middle Peninsula
mailto:pamdishman@cox.net

Hi Elizabeth,

In response to "Treo or Blackberry???", I would definitely suggest the Treo if you want to be able to access your lockboxes that use infrared technology.  That is a function that the Blackberry does not have and was my deciding factor of choosing the Treo.  I wanted one device.  My MLS/key authorization downloads wirelessless every night.  I have access to the listings while out showing property, so I can check for showing instructions, property info., listing agent contact information, etc.  I don't know how I ever lived without that tool.  As you know, when you are out showing property, buyers always ask "what about that house?" and now you can answer.  I also have access to the entire agent roster from my MLS.

When I first purchased mine, I bought the 650 which had limited email capability.  I have now moved to the 750.  I have set it up an exchange server that syncs my Outlook to my phone all the time.  I can respond to emails at any time, letting me take care of urgent matters right away.  Plus all my contacts, calendar, etc are synced as well.  So I can add an appt in Outlook on my computer or on my phone, and within minutes it's reflected in both places.

If it is your first time using a PDA, be patient.  The 'smart phone' really has so many capabilities that is can be a bit overwhelming the first week or so.  Try to focus on just learning one feature at a time and that should make it easier.

Good Luck, Maria

Maria Vieira-Lee

Century 21 M&M and Assoc.

Modesto, CA  95350

MLee@C21mm.com

209-758-4902

I sit back and read all the comments about what is the best PDA/Smartphone on the market, I live Smartphones.  I have about 15 of them on my desk as I write this.  I enjoy reading how one person says this is the one another going oh my no this is the one.  There is not a standard answer for all, so just like one size doesn't fit all well no one Smartphones fits all.  Like Maria in Modesto said it opens my lockboxes which over 900,000 agents in North America have to think about. 

Before you buy you need to make a list of how this mobile computer will help you in the way you do business.  What programs can I add that helps my real estate career?  What works where I live?  Do yourself a favor, go to my website www.DickBetts.com and read about features that work with REALTORS.  Email me off line and I will give you more info!

Dick Betts
National Speaker and Trainer
NAR Certified e-PRO Trainer
Dick@DickBetts.com
www.DickBetts.com

I have used the TREO 650 for the past 21/2 years with good results.  Although it is somewhat difficult to make or retrieve calls on the fly, I have finally mastered the device.  Initially I had problems with the keyboard not registering correctly on the screen but finally resolved that issue by calibrating the device properly.  The 650 certainly has good capability and the new 755 which I am about to purchase for my wife should do everything but scratch your back!  Although we are all working toward a paperless society it still seems years away-the PDA and specifically the TREO products are certainly a giant leap toward that goal.

Jim Fentress, Principal, REALTOR

Fentress & Company, Inc  JFentress@FentressandCo.com

Great phone for kids, lousy device for Real Estate Professionals.  This is why I said "Each person has to decide how the Smartphone will help them do their job".  I can list about 25 reasons why a REALTOR should steer clear of an iPhone.

Dick Betts
National Speaker and Trainer
NAR Certified e-PRO Trainer
Dick@DickBetts.com
www.DickBetts.com

Why would you reccomend a device that 90% of the country would have to carry a second device to open their lockboxes.  If email is that important to you then download "Blackberry Connect" which gives other devices with IR the same email technology as the blackberry and has tons of 3rd party software you load.  Have you heard of or used PDA Net?  Blackberry can't be loaded on it which makes the Smartphone so much more REALTOR friendly.

Again how can any of us reccomend a device without knowing how the user plans to use it?

Dick Betts
National Speaker and Trainer
NAR Certified e-PRO Trainer
Dick@DickBetts.com
www.DickBetts.com

RE: What's the best PDA/phone product?

Well it's what ever you are going to use the most and feel comfortable with as the user.  I personally have and used both a "Blackberry" and "Iphone".  With regards to the Iphone you will have to be very patient since email is only retreived every 15 mins. at the most or manually.  If you are one that like to fly then the Blackberry is for you it;'s almost instant.

Both PDA phones has it's other little ups and downs I would recommend the Blackberry since it's more business minded or  I have heard that the treo is also a great one.

Aloha,

Kevin A. Makizuru (RA)

Prudential Locations, LLC.

(808) 738-3178

kevin.makizuru@pruhawaii.com