RIM 957 Blackberry Wireless:

   Research in Motion's BlackBerry wireless handheld has been one of the most talked-about handhelds on the market recently--and the press coverage it received due to it being the communication gadgets of choice for Al Gore's presidential campaign certainly didn't hurt. 

  But thanks to its full-function organizer, synchronization with many popular desktop PIMs (personal information managers), thumb-operated QWERTY keyboard, and, of course, wireless e-mail, the RIM 957 BlackBerry is more than just hype.

  You won't receive instant wireless gratification right out of the box--you'll need to juice up the internal rechargeable battery via the docking cradle (AC adapter included). Also, the activation process requires you to first register online and wait three to five business days for a confirmation e-mail.

  The biggest challenges we faced, thanks to years of Palm usage, were the keyboard and the trackwheel controller. There's no need for a stylus with the RIM 957--all text input is performed using the mini-keyboard. At first we were all thumbs, but we got the hang of it after a day's usage and could type away--even hitting the ALT keys (which cover numbers and symbols)--like a pro. And for longer e-mail messages, the RIM 957 is certainly easier and quicker than writing Graffiti characters with the Palm stylus.

  And instead of tapping screen icons to access functions or scroll through a screen (the RIM 957's screen is not touch sensitive), you use the trackwheel on the right side of the device. Just roll to a desired item and press it in to select it; this is also how you access menu items when in a list, such as the address book. To return to the previous screen (or get out of the menu), simply press the Escape key below the trackwheel.

  We easily synchronized the device with our Outlook contacts, to-do lists, and calendar. The RIM 957's desktop software includes Intellisync, which can synchronize the device with Microsoft Outlook and Schedule+, GroupWise, Lotus Organizer and Notes, Symantec ACT!, Goldmine, and Netscape.

  Once out on the road, e-mailing was a breeze--we maximized our time by sending messages back to our office from New York taxis and while waiting for a delayed flight. With the device on, e-mail was received automatically, and we were notified with a simple tone. You can also set the device to vibrate, which is helpful when the RIM 957 is stored in the included belt-clip case.

  The RIM 957 does have some shortcomings. There's no Web browsing, and you won't be able to use applications developed for the Palm OS, the predominant handheld platform. Also, you will have to work with your company's system administrator or your ISP to receive messages from your company or other e-mail account. Finally, if you are in a rural area, you might not get any connection, as the monthly wireless service (provided through Aether Systems) is primarily focused on larger metropolitan areas.

  That said, if you're a modern-day road warrior who needs to be connected to e-mail at all times, the RIM 957 offers all the tools of a personal organizer without the hassle of having to jack into a modem or cell phone to get online. --Agen Schmitz

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