A question we are asked quite frequently; which type of handheld device should I buy a BlackBerry or a device running Windows Mobile?

We tell everyone the same thing, our clear hands-down preference is any Windows-based Smart Phone (Windows Mobile) especially for business users with a small business server.  Examples of this are Sprint’s Moto Q, Verizon’s Samsung SCH-i760 or any provider’s Palm Treo 700wx.

All and all, Blackberry is more cleverly marketed and the term is frequently used synonymously with mobile phones like Coke is used for cola.  People will say they want a BlackBerry but in fact are thinking about the concept of receiving their e-mail on their phone vs. actually buying a BlackBerry product/service.

A quick summary of each platform:

Windows Mobile:

• Usually cost less per month for data service (depends on carrier)
• No need to purchase expensive server software, connectivity included with your server
• Maintain just one inbox, delete something on the phone and it deletes from your Outlook
• Your calendar, contacts, tasks can all be synchronized wirelessly easily (no more cables!)
• Secure transmissions through an SSL certificate
• Intuitive user interface as it is designed on Windows XP
• Broader range of application support built-in, including Word, Media Player, Internet Explorer etc.

BlackBerry:

• More expensive data service per month
• Expensive server software required, high administrative costs to maintain the software
• Unless you have the add-on software installed on the server, you will maintain 2 inboxes (one on the phone, one in Outlook), plus your calendar, contacts, etc will only go to the phone via a cable sync.

For some people, the BlackBerry does make more sense, especially if they are sole proprietors or home users where synchronized information is a luxury not a necessity.