If you're already a fan of Research in Motion's wildly popular little e-mail device (and some 24,000 businesses already are), then the 7780 will be the gotta-have toy of the holiday season. But if you don't need to tie into your corporate e-mail system, you might be better off with other alternatives.
The BlackBerry 7780 sports two big improvements over its predecessors: a beautiful 240x240 pixel, 65,000-color screen and an integrated phone. It gives the popular Treo 600 a run for its money. The BlackBerry's signature feature, of course, is its wireless integration with corporate messaging systems such as Microsoft's Exchange and IBM's Notes. Not only can you send and receive e-mail, but you can also wirelessly synchronize the calendar and address book with desktop and corporate databases. The unit's innovative thumb-operated track-wheel makes navigation easy but not quick, since traversing applications can require a lot of scrolling and clicking. It would be nice if the BlackBerry came with a touchscreen option for the times when two hands are available. Battery life is excellent.
E-mail navigation was smooth and intuitive in my tests. Datebook and calendaring, however, were awkward because the track-wheel requires so much scrolling. The BlackBerry provides good integration between its applications: click on an e-mail address in a message to launch an e-mail to the person, for example, or add a sender's contact information to your address book with a couple of clicks.
You can access online information through built-in support for AT&T Wireless' Mmode service, which is included in monthly service fees starting at $39.99. However, the BlackBerry was not a very good Web-surfing device in my tests. Graphics loaded sporadically or not at all and many sites were simply inaccessible. Mmode provides a nice range of basic information services, although the integrated AOL Instant Messenger feature was terrible.
The 7780's phone is excellent, offering clear, sharp sound and superb, one-touch integration with the date book. You can also easily run other BlackBerry applications while on a call, making it possible, for example, to create a contact or tap out notes during a conversation. The handheld unit is awkward to use as a phone, so you're better off using the included headset.
My biggest gripe about the BlackBerry is the keyboard. The 33-key QWERTY keypad is cramped and error-prone if you have big thumbs as I do. Special characters require the use of control keys, and I never got the hang of them. Typing numbers was a pain because the required Alt key was right next to the keypad. To be fair, the Treo has the same shortcoming. Nokia's 6800 is a much better alternative for users who just want to send short messages and don't need the e-mail integration.
Warning for prospective BlackBerry users: This little thing is addictive. The ability to check e-mail all the time might just make you want to do so. At $499.99, it's pricey but competitive with the Treo. Shop around because wireless providers will offer you deals for new service activation.
