Penn Computing
Computing Menu Computing A-Z
Computing Home Information Systems & Computing Penn

PDA/Handheld/Smartphone Purchasing Guide for LSPs:

Recommendations for First Quarter, FY 2009

Specifications effective July 1, 2008

BlackBerry

Research in Motion (RIM) BlackBerry devices are designed to work best in Microsoft Exchange, Lotus Notes, or Novell's GroupWise Mobile server-based infrastructure. These servers require a BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) in addition to the normal email server hardware requirements to push email, calendar, contacts, and other information to BlackBerry handhelds.

ISC Support Statement:

ISC offers email accounts on Microsoft Exchange 2007 with a connected BES, and considers BlackBerry handhelds to be supported devices when connecting to this service. For more information on these new services, including pricing and options, please visit Networking and Telecommunication's website for email services.

As always, faculty and staff should speak with their LSP to determine which product(s) are supported or recommended before choosing a device. LSPs consider local costs and operational requirements, and are responsible for ensuring that connectivity to University-wide systems is maintained as necessary.

Cellular Influence:

Different cellular providers carry different devices, so be sure to check with your preferred carrier before making a commitment to one device over another. ISC Networking & Telecommunications has partnered with AT&T and Verizon Wireless to provide discounted cellular phone service for Penn affiliates. Where available, we recommend purchasing insurance on these devices, as replacing them outside of the warranty period is expensive. Please ask your preferred wireless carrier for more information about mobile phone insurance.

Whenever deciding on which BlackBerry service to purchase, keep in mind how it will be used. For example, if end users intend to travel internationally, it's best to choose a service that will be compatible with the overseas cellular networks of their destination. Please see the Provider Notes article on cellular standards for more information on the various cellular network protocols.

Devices

Below are the base models of BlackBerry devices that each of our preferred cellular vendors currently sells. They all vary by features and style, but each one will receive push email, calendar and contact updates from ISC's Microsoft Exchange 2007 server.

Verizon
9500 Series
BlackBerry Storm
 The Storm is the first BlackBerry to have no discrete keyboard, instead having a touch-click screen. The Storm has 3G, no wifi, and can roam globally on GSM networks.
8800 Series
BlackBerry 8800
 The 8830 is the only BlackBerry with a discrete keyboard in Verizon's lineup that can roam globally on GSM networks.
8700 Series
BlackBerry 8703e
 The 8700 series represents an increase in network speed, incorporating the newer 3G higher speed network capabilities (EV-DO).
8300 Series (Curve)
8300
 The 8300 series is a more consumer oriented BlackBerry, with camera, flash and video capture featured.
8100 Series (Pearl)
BlackBerry Pearl
 The Pearl is a slim version of the larger BlackBerry line. Also more consumer focused, it uses SureType predictive typing instead of having a full QWERTY keyboard.

 

AT&T
9000 Series (Bold)
BlackBerry 9000 (Bold)
 The BlackBerry Bold is the first BlackBerry OS 4.6 device. This device features a faster processor than earlier BlackBerrys, as well as wifi and GPS.
8800 Series
BlackBerry 8820
 The 8820 is the first Wi-Fi enabled BlackBerry from AT&T. This device will allow simultaneous data access via Wi-Fi while on a GSM phone call.
8300 Series (Curve)
BlackBerry 8300 (Curve)
 The Curve is aimed more at the consumer market, with features such as voice-activated dialing, a 2.0 MP camera and micro SD slot.
8100 Series (Pearl)
BlackBerry Pearl
 The Pearl is a slim version of the larger BlackBerry line. Also more consumer focused, it uses SureType predictive typing instead of having a full QWERTY keyboard.

 

Return to PDA intro page

Page maintained by Robert L. DeSilets, Jr.
updated August 1, 2008
Next update as needed
top

Information Systems and Computing
University of Pennsylvania
Comments & Questions
University of Pennsylvania Penn Computing University of Pennsylvania Information Systems & Computing (ISC)
Information Systems and Computing, University of Pennsylvania