 | Blackberry Curve: $49-$99 |
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 | Blackberry Bold: $100-$200 |
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 | Blackberry Storm: $200 |
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| BlackBerry's latest smartphones are fully compatible with Microsoft Exchange, which helps synchronize email and calendars. This means integration with existing corporate email is simple, and IT administrators can control security permissions and wipe out data on lost or stolen units. | | |
| Typical costs: | - The BlackBerry Torch and BlackBerry Storm series are the company's principal touchscreen models. The Torch is available from AT&T for $50 with a two-year contract. The Storm 2 is available from Verizon for $199 with a two-year contract. Both phones have a touch screen, and the Torch has 5-megapixel camera with flash, a video recorder and 4GB of onboard memory. The Storm has a 3.2 megapixel camera with flash, a video recorder and 2GB of onboard memory. The retail (no-contract) price for the Torch is about $400, and $449 for the Storm 2.
- The BlackBerry Bold 9000 series is available from Verizon for $100 (after a $50 online discount), $200 from Sprint and $110 -$130 from T-Mobile. With a QWERTY keypad, the Bold is often held up as one of the best on the market. Attachments can be viewed in their native format such as MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat. Unlocked phones (without contract) cost about $500.
- At $49 -$99, the BlackBerry Curve series is slightly smaller and less expensive. It's equipped with a QWERTY keyboard and essentially the same multimedia bundle (camera, document handling, etc.). Retail price (without contract) is $400.
- Some BlackBerry models are available with pre-paid plans. For example, Virgin Mobile sells a BlackBerry Curve for $179. Plans cost $25 -$60, depending on the number of minutes and data usage required. Verizon sells two pre-paid BlackBerry models for $150 -$245, depending on the model. Plans for pre-paid Verizon phones start at $65 for minutes and $30 for unlimited data, which is required with a BlackBerry smartphone purchase.
What should be included: | - Most BlackBerry phones have 3G or 4G high-speed data and voice capacity, which allows web browsing, e-mail functions and text messaging. BlackBerry phones should have Bluetooth connectivity and a speaker phone function. All BlackBerry devices have access to BlackBerry's App World.
- The BlackBerry Enterprise Server allows business user remote synchronization not only of email but also corporate calendars, contact lists, note pads and to-do lists. The BES option associates the smart phone with a Microsoft Outlook, Lotus Notes or Novell GroupWise work email account. More information can be found at BlackBerry's email support page. One can send and receive e-mail from up to 10 supported email accounts.
- BlackBerry users can synchronize the device to their own Microsoft Outlook suite (with no strings to the workplace), in addition to using browser-based programs such as Hotmail or Gmail.
Additional costs: | - Service plans vary by service providers, and individual consumer prices will differ from bulk-plan corporate prices. Because the BlackBerry allows for several service providers, including AT&T, Nextel, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon, it's smart to comparison shop. BB Geeks compares the companies' prices and offerings.
- Bluetooth earpiece and stereo headphones are recommended, and required by law for talking and driving in many states. For more information, see How Much Does a Bluetooth Headset Cost.
- BlackBerrySource.com has supplemental chargers starting at $13 for a vehicle charger to $20 for a charging cradle.
- Many customers have found that augmenting memory to at least 2GB via MicroSD cards yields optimal performance. BlackBerrySource.com also offers several cards of varying capacity, ranging from $20 for a 2 GB card to $190 for 32 GB.
- Insurance coverage on smartphones is typically $5 -$10 per month and generally covers lost, stolen or damages phones. Payment of a deductible may be required to replace a phone, but it's usually less expensive than paying retail for a phone.
Discounts: | - Major cell phone service providers offer periodic rebates that can lower the price. For example, Sprint is giving customers a Blackbery Style 9670 for free with a two-year contract.
- A refurbished or pre-owned BlackBerry device is less expensive than a new one. For example, Verizon has a variety of pre-owned BlackBerry phones that cost as little as $0.01 when purchased with a two-year contract.
Shopping for a blackberry: | - Blackberry allows consumers to compare features on up to five models.
- BlackBerry provides a store locator based on carrier services available across the U.S.
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Article updated July 2011 |
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