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Contrary to what you might assume after reading this site, not everyone loves the BlackBerry. Real estate agents, for example, benefit from the Palm Treo and its eKey application, which allows them access to for-sale homes. I have a friend who works for a major consulting firm who insists on his device having a touchscreen interface. And I can’t count the number of complaints I’ve heard about the BlackBerry 8830’s keyboard. Yet, many people consider BlackBerry’s brand of push email to be the best in the business. RIM has a compromise: BlackBerry Connect. This allows business users to connect to BIS and BES from the compatible device of their choosing.

There’s not a whole ton to talk about regarding BlackBerry Connect, but since we haven’t touched on the subject yet at BBGeeks, I figured we’d give an overview. Basically, many IT departments prefer the BlackBerry platform. This means the business is likely to adopt BlackBerry handsets. But, as I said, not everyone prefers this.

The benefits are security for IT departments and choice for users. The BlackBerry Connect program is especially helpful for Enterprises or small businesses already using the BlackBerry Enterprise Server. This allows them to integrate different devices without having to completely overhaul their servers.

Compatible devices

Of course, not every PDA or smartphone is compatible with BlackBerry Connect. But if you prefer HTC, Motorola, Nokia, Palm, or Samsung devices, you might be in luck. However, the most limiting factor is the carrier availability. Currently, most BlackBerry Connect compatible devices are available on AT&T. They include the following:

Palm: Treo 650 or 680
HTC: Tilt
Motorola: Q Global
Nokia: 9300 and E62

T-Mobile has one compatible device, the Samsung T719. The Nokia E62 is available in Canada through Rogers and Fido, while the Motorola Q is available through Bell.

Installation

After you set up your chosen device with a BlackBerry data plan and have installed sync software on your computer, you can download the BlackBerry Connect software from your service provider’s website. Once you install it, set up your BES or BIS, and you’re set to go.

Of course, if you’re working with a business, you’re going to want to talk with your IT department before making such an installation.

Thoughts, anyone?

Without a spare compatible phone, nor with service to go with it, it’s not easy for me to test the BlackBerry Connect software. But surely someone out there uses it, or knows someone who does. What’s your or their take? Can you compare it to pure BlackBerry use? What nuanced advantages does it have over the native system?

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