Email appliances much like the RIM 950 are becoming almost standard-issue at several large companies because they allow workers to be constantly connected to network email without having to establish a connection every time. That is because the RIM devices are always on, always connected, meaning they constantly communicate with the network wirelessly, using the Mobitex Network in the case of the RIM 950.

The RIM 950 offers several service options, making it appealing to network administrators. For instance, corporate users can choose the BlackBerry Enterprise Edition of services, where with the device, users get the standard email/organizer software, PC docking cradle, desktop software, server software, single mailbox integration, and flat-rate airtime. For corporate security, encryption is added between the desktop PC and the handheld. The Internet Edition allows users to access an Internet mailbox from wherever they are. In this case, the Internet email account is usually bundled together with the wireless email service. Users get email/organizer software, PC docking cradle, PC synchronization software, single mailbox integration, and usage-based airtime. If paging is more your speed, the RIM 950 will allow you to send and receive full-length alphanumeric messages using the Interactive Messaging PLUS service option offered by Cingular. Users of this plan will get integrated email software, an address book, and usage-based airtime.

Those are the ways and means of using the RIM 950. But what exactly is this device made of? Well, it is a 2.5 x 3.5 x 0.93 inch, 5 ounce handheld, that gives you text and icon-based display on a six or eight-line screen. To maneuver through emails and appointments, you are given a full QWERTY keyboard; however, it's so small, you will need to operate it with your thumbs and the thumb-operated trackwheel. For email alerts you can choose a tone, vibration, or on-screen message.

The 950 runs on a fairly robust 32-bit Intel 386 microprocessor and connects to the Internet via an embedded RIM wireless modem. It is also equipped with 4 MB of flash memory and 512 KB of SRAM. Don't fear losing information, though, because the 950 does come with a docking cradle, so you should be able to sync up those contacts and emails with your desktop computer. Power for the RIM 950 is generated by one AA alkaline battery.

Pricing and Availability

The RIM 950 device will cost you $399, plus the monthly service fee for whatever you plan you choose.

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