Teleworkers should be aware of three new BlackBerry devices from Research in Motion.
For a couple of years, RI
M--aware that the line between business and consumer devices is largely fading--has tried to move from the corporate to the personal space. The latest three devices, the BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220, the BlackBerry Bold 900 and the BlackBerry Storm (which will launch soon on the AT&T network) are trying to tap into this convergence. This New York Times review gives all of the devices high grades.
The smartphone business is going through a major transition, and teleworkers can be the big beneficiaries. The devices themselves are more powerful, and the networks used to carry data offer far greater capacity. Moreover, these networks slowly are becoming open. This means that network operators will have far less control over what types and brands of devices link to them. Finally, new operating systems, such as Android from a Google-led consortium, are unleashing a great deal of competition and creativity.
This is all good news, and teleworkers should structure their purchasing with it in mind.