BlackBerry® Compared to Typical PDA
The Division of Information Technology (IT) feels that the BlackBerry
family of devices is superior in many ways to other PDA offerings. In
light of this, IT has invested in a BlackBerry Enterprise Server (the
“BES”) that allows users to synchronize their BlackBerry devices to
their UW Microsoft Outlook services (e.g., e-mail, calendar functions,
contacts). The BES provides data storage and routinely scheduled backups
to prevent data loss.
The table below highlights some important characteristics and reflects
IT’s preference for the BlackBerry devices:
|
 |
 |
| |
BlackBerry® |
Typical PDA Device |
| International use |
Yes – CDMA/GSM dual mode |
Not on most models |
| Navigation thru applications |
Quicker and easier |
More difficult and cumbersome |
| Auto-backup feature |
Yes |
Not on most models |
| Handset charging |
AC adapter and computer USB port |
Most use AC adapter only |
| Roaming set-up |
Automatic |
Many are manual |
| Accept voice commands |
Yes |
Not on all models |
| Weight |
4.6 ounces |
6+ ounces |
| Global positioning system |
Yes – (BlackBerry Pearl) |
Not on most models |
| Display clarity |
Good |
Most are good |
| Viewable MS Office files |
Yes |
Available on some models |
| Modify MS Office files |
No |
Yes (limited) on some models |
| Phone easy of use |
Easy |
Easy |
| Camera capability |
Yes |
Yes (on most models) |
| Built-in Video/MP3 player |
Yes |
Yes (on most models) |
| Access functions during a call |
Yes |
Yes (on most models) |
| Removal of applications to free memory |
Available |
Not available on many models |
| External antenna |
No |
Yes (on most models) |
| UW-owned server |
Yes |
No |
| UW Information Technology supported |
Yes |
No |
| Battery life |
Good |
Marginal (on many popular models) |
