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Product Review: BlackBerry 7520 By Mark Long March 31, 2005 12:56PM     The 7520's push-to-talk function is a walkie-talkie style capability for enabling mobile personnel to talk directly to one or more co-workers at the push of a button. This feature should prove to be a boon to service-oriented businesses in which groups of workers need to stay in constant communication.   Related Topics BlackBerry 7520 Latest News Plasma-TV Ban Could Be Costly Barnes & Noble Nook Is Delayed Flat PC Shipments Hurt Dell's Stock Ballmer Says Windows 7 Sales Good New Pogoplug 'Cloud' Gets Social (Page 2 of 2) Like all other current-generation BlackBerry models, the 7520 is equipped with password protection and a keyboard lock. In addition, the BlackBerry 7520 is designed to directly connect with a number of corporate data applications targeted at financial, government, distribution, professional services, real estate, field sales and service, construction and manufacturing markets. Based on a Java-based development platform, the 7520 handset integrates a Personal Information Management (PIM) capability that enables the handset to wirelessly synchronize its calendar, contacts, e-mail notes and task list with the contents of a desktop PC or notebook. The onboard Bluetooth radio is also designed to work in tandem with Bluetooth-enabled headsets and compatible hands-free car kits. Highlights and Drawbacks The 7520's push-to-talk function is a walkie-talkie style capability for enabling mobile personnel to talk directly to one or more co-workers at the push of a button. I liked having the ability to get immediately in touch with others without having to dial a telephone number or encounter a busy signal. This particular feature should prove to be a boon to service-oriented businesses in which groups of workers need to stay in constant communication, regardless of whether the push-to-talk users are located in the same town or across the country from one another. I was disappointed to learn that the BlackBerry 7520 can only deliver about 2.5 hours of talk time from a single battery charge. The new handset also lacks a voice-dialing option to go with its Bluetooth hands-free capabilities. Globe-trotting road warriors will also find little merit in owning a single-band device that is unable to roam beyond the reach of Nextel's nationwide cellular coverage zones. I was most impressed by the fact that Nextel is currently offering the BlackBerry 7520 online at prices that are nothing less than fantastic. Those who are willing to trade in an old PDA at the time of purchase can buy the new handset for as low as $49.95. Customers without a PDA to contribute to the bargain can purchase the handset for $149.95, after the application of the mail-in rebate. Keep in mind, however, that the buyer must sign a two-year service agreement to take advantage of these special offers. The Bottom Line Although the BlackBerry 7520 will not necessarily prove to be the best smartphone choice for all comers, RIM has achieved what it set out to accomplish: Deliver an all-in-one handset that can replace the pager, cell phone and walkie-talkie equipment that formerly hung from the utility belts of mobile personnel working in service-intensive industries. On a scale of 1 to 5, I give the Blackberry 7520 a 3.9 rating. < Previous Page  |  1  |  2   Advertisement  Wireless Tech 1.   Palm Pixi Is Stylish But Sluggish 2.   TV on the Go Is a Little Lacking 3.   AT&T Fires Back at Verizon with Ad 4.   Court To Hear AT&T, Verizon Ad Fight 5.   Verizon: AT&T Wants To Hide 3G Truth Dell Will Debut Mini 3 in China, Brazil Android-powered phone is a big step. Average Rating: Palm Pixi Is Stylish But Sluggish Smartphone's charm quickly wears off. Average Rating: TV on the Go Is a Little Lacking Programming pickings are slim. Average Rating:

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