http://www.macnn.com/articles/00/12/05/earthlink.announces/
Earthlink announces BlackBerry wireless
updated 09:05 am EST, Tue December 5, 2000
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Earthlink today announced its BlackBerry wireless email solution as part of its Earthlink Everywhere initiative. The service allows Earthlink customers to check their mail, address book, task list, and calender from anywhere. The service will cost $40 per month for Earthlink members, and $50 for non-members. Two devices are available, the RIM 950 ($400) and RIM 957 ($500) Wireless Handheld.
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Nice, but still not there
I know some people that have been using a device very similar to this, and REALLY like it. Apparently once someone starts using instant messaging they keep using it, notice the widespread use on cell-phones in Australasia and Europe. I've been informed that it doesnt take long to get somewhat used to the "thumb" typing. And the device clearly has some great useful features, like a palm.
But it's NOT a palm - it's a proprietory (anyone know the OS?) non-mac compatible device. Ignore the installed and widely used palm market, ignore even the PocketPC market, go with a whole new thing.
Why can't someone come out with a device like this that runs Palm or PocketPC? They are, of course. The PDA-Phones are VERY high on someones list. It's just not quite here yet. Yes the Qualcomm was big and ugly, but Kyoceras update sounds promising. And someone is sure to do a PocketPC version soon.
Ignoring the Palm and PocketPC market marginalizes this device. Palm and PocketPC will be made to support Bluetooth, will adapt. The only real advantage this has is the keyboard, and even that is debatable. They should come out with the keyboard that attaches to the serial connection on a palm, adds the wireless, and works with everything (at least mac) that palm already does.
This is a nice idea, and certainly will be useful for some, but I doubt it will be preeminent.