Can you tell me more about Blackberry email

Asks FridaX
A. Blackberry is the new wireless email device (similar to a two-way pager) from Research in Motion (RIM). It is due to hit high street shops this summer, with BT Cellnet set to distribute 175,000 units.

�

Q. What is new about it
A. It is the first of its kind on the market and it will offer everything you need to receive and send email while you're away from your desk. It is similar in size to a PDA and enables the user to write, read, send, forward and reply to email. As it incorporates GPRS it remains on all the time, so there is no need to reconnect to the Internet to access your email.

�

It is a wireless handheld device that has a built-in Intel 386 processor, wireless modem, 5MB of flash memory, 512k of static RAM, single mailbox integration, address book, calendar and an organiser. It also has a thumb-operated tracking wheel, a miniature Qwerty keyboard and allows 20 lines text at one time.

�

Initially it had a PC docking cradle that allowed quick and easy updating and synchronisation of all information with a PC. In March, however, RIM announced that wireless calendar updating had become an integral feature on all models - which is likely to give it a lot more pulling power with business customers as it is currently the only device with a wireless updating facility.

�

Q. What are its main advantages
A. As stated, it permits access to your email account when you are out of the office or away from your computer. So you can respond to urgent messages, stay connected with colleagues, update appointments and make the most of any downtime you have during the day. It also supports Microsoft Exchange or Lotus Domino email systems.

�

Q. Is it secure
A. As Blackberry integrates seamlessly with a user's existing corporate email account, it provides a wireless extension of their usual email inbox (and the user shouldn't be able to tell the difference between them). To ensure that all email transactions are secure it incorporates advanced Triple DES encryption technology that meets stringent corporate security guidelines for remote email access. Email messages remain encrypted at all points between the Blackberry wireless handheld and the corporate email account, which ensures the integrity and security of the data.

�

Q. When will I be able to buy one
A. It is available in the US and Canada now (it launched last year) and will be available in the UK from BT in July.

�

Q. Will I be able to make telephone calls from it too
A. . Not when it launches, it will only transmit data initially, but it is hoped that a voice option will follow in 2002.

�

Q. How much will it cost
A. It is believed that it will cost approximately �400 in the UK. A monthly-unlimited airtime charge will also be levied, thought to be in the region of �30 per month. BT will be targeting the business, not consumer, market initially.

�

You can try it out before then, however. One website - http://www.sessionware.com/ - is currently offering a free 30-day trial.

�

Q. Does it have any disadvantages
A. It is a device for sending and receiving email and does not allow you to access the Internet. It could also use a stylus, the track wheel works well but when you're used to a stylus - you actually miss it. It is also quite expensive; especially as it won't replace a mobile phone (not yet anyway) for another gadget.

�

Q. I have never heard of Research in Motion before, who are they
A. RIM is a Canadian company that focuses on designing, manufacturing and marketing wireless solutions for the mobile market. Its portfolio of products includes the RIM Wireless Handheld product line, Blackberry wireless email solution, wireless personal computer card adapters, embedded radio-modems and software development tools. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq: RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSE: RIM). Websites: http://www.rim.net and http://www.blackberry.net

�

If you have any other Internet & Technology related questions, please click here

By Karen Anderson

�