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Digest ArchiveManaging Your Handheld Device
Created by: Mike Barnett, Information Technology, San Diego, CA
Date: Dec 20, 2007, Number of Replies: 1
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By Mike Barnett
VP of Technology
InternetCrusade's RealTown
InternetCrusade's RealTown
Last month, I wrote about "Which handheld device should I buy to best manage my eMail when I am out of the office?"
As a point of reference, here is the beginning of last month's article which was titled: "Managing eMail with a Hand Held Device."
The answer is: That depends."
Before you buy a handheld device, you need to take a look at your business and determine what functions you would like the device to perform and what features you will need.
In addition to sending and receiving eMail, will you use the device to manage your contacts? Will you use it to carry around listings from your MLS? Will you use it with your lockbox? The answers to these questions will help you narrow your choice. If all you want the device for is sending and receiving eMail, your choice will be based on the types of devices supported by your Internet Service Provider.
Let's first focus on how to best manage the eMail itself. And, in next month's article, we will discuss the different handhelds available.
This month we will discuss the different handheld devices that are available. However, as you can imagine, we really can't discuss "all" the devices here in this article.
As an alternative, we will discuss a few of the more popular "operating systems" that are available with products such as the Blackberry (RIM), Palm, and the devices that use the Microsoft-based operating systems.
We won't be discussing all of the details of the actual devices themselves, but will be posting responses to eMail Heaven community on RealTalk.
Different operating systems:
During this past year, I have had the opportunity to use the Palm device (with both the Palm and Microsoft operating systems). I have also tried the Q (with the MS OS) and two Blackberry models, both using the RIM OS), one Blackberry that used the 'wheel' and the other with the 'track ball' for navigation. As a point of reference, my carrier is Verizon.
However, for the most part, the devices have almost identical functionality and features regardless of the carrier.
My experience with these different devices is that (for the most part) they all attempt (and accomplish) the same things, which include: contact management, calendar (appointments), to-dos, eMail and web browsing. In addition, they all offer applications that allow you to view and manipulate different types of files and documents.
What I find interesting is that for years Palm told us that the operating system we want to use is Palm., and that the Palm OS is superior to the Microsoft OS. So what changed? Did the Microsoft OS get that much better overnight? My summation is that Palm wanted to sell a lot more hardware devices, and it wanted to compete with the devices that were using the MS OS. So they released the model with the Microsoft OS. Is it any better.? In some ways yes, and in some ways no.
Why yes? Because, the Microsoft products should look familiar to you (Outlook, Word, Excel.), and the Microsoft OS "should" make it easier to synchronize with your computer and handheld device.
Why no? Because while the synchronization process might be a 'little' easier, the problem is that (at least for me) with the volume of eMail that I send and receive (700-900 messages per day) the device would crash sometimes during the downloads which rendered the device totally 'useless' and required a reboot to use any of the functions again (sound familiar?).
While the first two levels of tech support at Microsoft and Palm (and Verizon) were very nice and cordial, none of them could help me. And, in fact, they all denied that a problem existed. They decided to replace the device twice, no charges. What was the result? No changes. Just a lot of rebooting.
Then I get a call from Verizon that they have a new upgraded unit running a newer, updated version of the Microsoft OS. They said it should fix the problem (that they said didn't exist in the first place). I said I would try it. While it did reduce the number of crashes, they didn't go away.
Last year, I also used two different Blackberry models: one with the wheel and one with the trackball.
For those who haven't used a Blackberry, I am sure you will agree that it also does the same things as the other devices: contact management, calendar (appointments), to-dos, eMail and web browsing, but does it with their own proprietary software.
I like both devices, but personally prefer the one with the trackball. I find it easier to use and, more importantly, it will probably help to eliminate the occupational medical condition known as "Blackberry Thumb" which can cause pain (not unlike Carpel tunnel syndrome).
Regardless of the device you use, as with my article from November, I suggest you use the IMAP protocol for your eMail so that you can share it with other devices and team members.
I am sure some of you must have questions about the devices briefly mentioned here. And if so, don't hesitate to send questions to Mike@eMailHeaven.RealTown.com or as mentioned above, visit the eMail Heaven community to review other questions and answers.
Until next month..
Mike
Mike Barnett is the CTO and VP Technology of InternetCrusade®. InternetCrusade is the creator and provider of e-PRO (NAR's only technology certification course) as well as the host of RealTown.com, the oldest and most respected social networking site in real estate. InternetCrusade also manages tens of thousands of eMail accounts representing millions of pieces of e-Mail on a daily basis.
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