Blackberry technology is well known among mobile professionals. Designed originally to connect remote users with corporate email accounts, this enterprise solution has evolved to provide amazing capability today as the Blackberry 7100i branded by Nextel.

Featuring a large, bright, sunlight-readable 240 x 260 display you’ll have a host of tools at your command with the device. The 7100i incorporates email from corporate or personal accounts, SMS text messaging, phone with speakerphone, personal organizer software, web browser, and even a built-in GPS. The Nextel walkie-talkie feature is another plus, allowing you to connect with co-workers with simple push-to-talk connectivity. This feature, new on the Blackberry, has been a powerful tool for Nextel customers in real estate, sales, construction, and many other team based enterprises.

All this comes in a well designed package that’s a bit bigger than other smartphones but comfortable and convenient to use. Many features are accessed through a thumbwheel with a push-to-select feature. This is great for fast scrolling through menus and displays which can be awkward on other phone browsers. Spinning the wheel moves you through the basic icons on the main menu. Press the wheel to select a feature.  Spin again to get where you want next and press to select. Busy web pages and long emails are no problem. Please review the full video report on our website for a look at Blackberry 7100i functions.

For email, the Blackberry continues to integrate with server based business account systems running MS Exchange, IBM, and Novell solutions. For personal accounts, Blackberry Internet Services allows remote integration with MS Outlook, Lotus Notes and other applications. Attachments are no problem, and many software formats are supported, including MS Office, Corel Word Perfect, Adobe Acrobat Reader, and many graphics and image file formats. The idea is to have your work and personal correspondence easily reached from remote locations with a small but versatile wireless tool.

To enable this goal, the Nextel network solutions add more capability. Wireless internet browsing is easy with WAP and HTML pages supported. Between the handy phone “send” and “end” buttons you’ll find a dedicated browser access button. Handset software allows everything for communication from phone calls, to IM, to email, to the Nextel walkie-talkie service can be initiated right from the contacts list in the address book. The menus are well designed with characters that you can actually read – no micro text. The 7100i also incorporates Bluetooth technology for connecting headsets and other devices.

The handset Help icon will guide you through the features and operation of the phone.  Again, the click-wheel interface is great for selecting and scrolling here.