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After 12 years of using a Windows-based PDA, I finally got a BlackBerry!!!

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Metro Life Homes RS-78439 / BRE #01708344

Having been a PC technician and web designer for over 15 years prior to becoming an real estate agent, I would always favor anything Microsoft Windows based because I felt I had the best options as far as compatibility with other programs.

And since I use Outlook, I thought that having a Windows-based PDA would be best.

Well, it took me this many years to break down and admit that Microsoft isn't always on the ball.

For years, I had problems with email on my PDA.  I mean, I would get it, but there's was always something funky I had to put up with.

Anyway, I am LOVING my new Blackberry Tour 9630.

And my emails are working as smooth as butter.

My partner and I are saving alot of money, because we combined our plans and are now getting more and paying less with Verizon Wireless.  Plus we were able to take advantage of the Buy-One-Get-One-Free offer!!

Lesson learned:  Don't think you know it all no matter how many years you've been in the business and always stay flexible.

For me, it came down to iPhone vs. Blackberry.  The Safari browser on the iPhone is a little richer, but all-in-all, the Blackberry's advantages from a business standpoint stacked up better than the iPhone.

REALTORS:  AS AN ACCOMPLISHED PC TECHNICIAN, TRUST ME ON THIS ONE.  YOU'RE MUCH BETTER OFF AS A BUSINESSPERSON WITH THE BLACKBERRY.

Comments (18)

Edward & Celia Maddox
The Celtic Connection Realty - Queen Creek, AZ
EXPERIENCE & INTEGRITY - WE TAKE THE HIGH ROAD

Thanks for artcle. Blackberry is great for a lot of application.s

Sep 28, 2009 03:05 AM
Dennis Duvernay Broker/Owner
Hillview Realty - Northbridge, MA

Hey Ralph,

I have both but I just use my palm for appts and keeping contacts....I know I can do this with my Blackberry but my habit keeps me using my palm to hot sync with my desktop.... maybe one day I will streamline to just the blackberry but for my sphere and farm area it is just easy to keep in my palm....my contact keeper....LOL

Sep 28, 2009 03:07 AM
Mike Jaquish
Realty Arts - Cary, NC
919-880-2769 Cary, NC, Real Estate

Ralph,

That you would move from MS to BB with your experience has my attention.

I am a 6 months into contract on an HTC Touch Pro with WinMobile 6.1. 

It goes from great to aggravating.  It seems I will spend the next year looking at other options, and trying to streamline what I have.

Sep 28, 2009 03:11 AM
Pat Champion
John Roberts Realty - Eustis, FL
Call the "CHAMPION" for all your real estate needs

This is great advice always be open to new and exciting things that will help increase your business. I have been thinking about the Blackberry thanks for sharing.

Sep 28, 2009 03:12 AM
Dennis Herman
Crossroads Real Estate LLC - Howards Grove, WI
Dennis Herman

What OS does BB use?  I thought it used Windows Mobile.  I had that on my HTC. Great phone but the WIndows OS did strange things like loose my entire list of contacts, which I had to resync from Google.  The same problem with the calendar.  I finally gave up and went with the Google phone.  Three months and no probelms.

I still think the MS caused problems because I did not purchase the Outlook for my PC.  Everytime I connected the phone to the PC it would bring up an offer to buy Outlook.  Could MS be programing faults in their own systen to get you to buy their products?  I don't know.  All I know is, there are a number of companies on the heals of MS, willing to do a better job and offer more for less cost.  Gotta love it.

Sep 28, 2009 03:22 AM
Brian Brumpton
Keller Williams Boise - Boise, ID
Boise Idaho Real Estate

Ralph,

I was the same way.  I went from having a sprint contract with a windows mobile device and couldn't stand how clunky the OS was.  The I switched to a Palm and was amazed at how much faster it ran, especially the eKey.
Then I went to a Verizon plan and got the BB storm. 

The email feature is great but the phone itself is a bit slow.  Windows mobile would have to do something drastic to win me back.

Sep 28, 2009 03:24 AM
Bill Gillhespy
16 Sunview Blvd - Fort Myers Beach, FL
Fort Myers Beach Realtor, Fort Myers Beach Agent - Homes & Condos

Hi Ralph,  My cell just crashed and I'm considering an IPhone.  Do you ( or anyone here ) have an opinion ?

Sep 28, 2009 03:25 AM
Ralph Gorgoglione
Metro Life Homes - Palm Springs, CA
California and Hawaii Real Estate (310) 497-9407

Bill,

I read many reviews about iPhone vs. Blackberry, and the consensus for most business users was the Blackberry was much better.

Email is much better, keyboard is much better than the touch screen keyboard (especially if you have large hands).

As a realtor, I think you'd like the Blackberry much better and find less frustration.

 

Sep 28, 2009 03:33 AM
Jane Penttinen
V.I.P. Mortgage - Tucson, AZ
NMLS #222178

We all learn something new everyday.  Great advise and information

Sep 28, 2009 04:18 AM
Donne Knudsen
Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA - Simi Valley, CA
CalState Realty Services

Ralph - Hubby got a the same blackberry a few months ago and absolutely loves it (he's a sales person in another field).  He tried to get me to go on the same plan you and your partner have but I HATE verizon and will never use them again.

I'm with T-Mobile and I get my emails on my phone just fine and that's all i need.  I just wish there was better service here in Wood Ranch.  No service providers have great service up here.

Sep 28, 2009 04:53 AM
Scott Leaf Personal Real Estate Corporation
Keller Williams Elite Realty, Port Coquitlam, BC - Port Coquitlam, BC
Scott Leaf & Associates Real Estate Team

ya shoulda got the Storm! :)  Love mine

Sep 28, 2009 05:46 AM
Ralph Gorgoglione
Metro Life Homes - Palm Springs, CA
California and Hawaii Real Estate (310) 497-9407

Scott,

I thought about the Storm, but I just can't take the touch screen keyboard.

Sep 28, 2009 06:00 AM
Ralph Gorgoglione
Metro Life Homes - Palm Springs, CA
California and Hawaii Real Estate (310) 497-9407

Donne,

I actually hate Verizon too, but it's still to my best advantage and the family shared plan really is the best way for you to go.

Your hubby will end up paying less money for the Verizon service, so in a sense, you'll be getting back at them (in a twisted sort of way, I guess).

Sep 28, 2009 06:02 AM
Tom Boos
Sine & Monaghan Realtors, Real Living - Grosse Pointe Farms, MI
Providing the very best of service to Sellers and

I've been wrestling with the IPhone vs. the Blackberry for months now.  After reading your post, I think I'll take the plunge and get the Blackberry.  Thanks for sharing your experience.

Sep 28, 2009 06:49 AM
Douglas Fischer
East Oahu Realty - Selling Honolulu, Hawaii Condos - Honolulu, HI

Many have told me the learning curve for the Blackberry is pretty high.  I've been using the iPhone since it first came out and have absolutely no complaints.  Of course, everyone has their own unique set of needs and expectations.  I never thought I need to be that "wired" until I got connected.  Now I can't live without it.

Sep 28, 2009 09:38 AM
Michael J. Gallo
Florida Luxury Realty - New Port Richey, FL
Florida Luxury Realty - Gulf Home Sales Team

I just ordered my blackberry from T-Mobile yesterday.  It was time to hang up the old Razor and get on with life.  I got the Blackberry Curve in Titanium.  I cant wait for it to get here.  Good Luck with Your New Toy.

Sep 28, 2009 11:57 AM
Sandra White
John L Scott Real Estate - Port Townsend, WA
Experienced Residential Resale Broker

I just got a new Blackberry Tour after 4 Treos.  I did not use the e-mail function before but am now and this is a great phone.  I am slow to learn all about the applications, but the ones I have figured out are great. 

Sep 29, 2009 01:06 PM
Terry Lynch
LAR Notary and Closing Services - Saint Clair Shores, MI

I also switched from a Treo  to a Blackberry Curve after many years and haven't looked back.

I think you will love the Blackberry

Sep 30, 2009 04:37 PM