My device selection, BlackBerry Pearl, T-Mobile Dash, or Motorola Q? The selection has been made

Finally, and for those who didn’t get a chance to participate in our Lunch & Learn webinar this week, I have selected the smartphone that I will be using now, knowing that the 81-day-experiment is over. The winning device is the T-Mobile Dash, and Jacob Bohall won the drawing and a smartphone (Jacob was one of many readers who guessed that I will be selecting the Dash, even though more readers were leaning towards the BlackBerry Pearl).

The BlackBerry Pearl was actually my first choice, however, the fact that it doesn’t have a QWERTY keyboard was the showstopper for me. I use e-mail extensively, and typing quickly is a critical need. The SureType™ method is actually quite impressive, but still, when you just have a couple of minutes in between meetings or calls, and you want to respond to an urgent e-mail, every second counts.

In the Webinar on December 5, I reviewed the 9 devices that I used in the 81-day-experiment, highlighted their strengths and weaknesses, and rated them in five different areas. The workbook (PDF format) which includes the presentation slides with the ratings, as well as the methodology for selecting a smartphone,  can be ordered at:
http://www.people-onthego.com/Wrkshps_Handheld.html (scroll down on that page to see the Workbook link).

In addition, we have the following upcoming live events that you will be able to register for soon:

a) A repeat of the 45 minutes complimentary lunch & learn Webinar about the 81-day-experiment and about selecting a smarpthone, which will be scheduled for the January/February 2007 timeframe.

b) A full 90 minute workshop about selecting a smartphone, also presented as a Webinar, which will also be scheduled for the January/February 2007 timeframe.

Meanwhile, the 81-day-experiment blog continues to provide updates on the latest devices, and additional tips and insights on selecting a smartphone, and more case studies from users who want to share their experience with selecting and using a smartphone.

Stay tuned for more!

Comments

[Antoine of MMM]

Congrats on the selection and I am glad that you have found a device that really works for you. I think that I am getting close to that point as well seeing my usage, but finding that its much less about the hardware and much more about how the software fits how I think and work that makes or breaks these smartphones even at this early part of the smartphone game.

Answer: Thanks Antoine, and I agree, the software and the usability of the software are a critical factor. Good luck, and let us know when you ready, and want to post a case study!
- Pierre