How to utilize a BlackBerry

The following useful information for practicing attorneys is provided by Todd H. Flaming, a member of the ISBA Committee on Legal Technology

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Q. What is a BlackBerry?

A. BlackBerry is a small cell phone-like device that provides constant access to e-mail. It has a little keyboard you type on with your thumbs. It fits in your pocket. You can read, respond to, and delete e-mails while traveling.

Time otherwise wasted waiting for a plane, or sitting on a train or bus, or even sitting in a boring movie, offers an opportunity to stay ahead of the increasing volume of e-mail messages you get.

Q. Is it a cell phone or a PDA?

A. It can be both. BlackBerry devices started as strictly e-mail devices, but more recent versions also act as cell phones and PDAs (PDA stands for “portable digital assistant”). They have calendars, task lists, notepads, calculators, web browsers and even games.

Q. Who is using them?

A. BlackBerry devices started with big law firms and corporations, but now you see them practically everywhere.

Q. Who sells them?

A. The devices are made by a company called Research in Motion, but they are sold through other companies such as cell phone companies. Mine comes from Cingular.

Q. What do they cost?

A. The device itself runs a few hundred dollars, depending on which one you buy. You also need to pay for service, which can be in the range of cell phone service.

If you want to integrate with your e-mail from the road so that changes are made instantly, you will need a server. The server can cost a few thousand dollars, and you'll need to hire someone to connect it to your system and configure it.

Q. Are there other devices that have these functions?

A. Yes, although they vary. Ordinary PDAs can handle some of the e-mail functions. One popular PDA that performs functions similar to the BlackBerry is the Treo.

Q. Where can I learn more about these?

A. Subscribe to the newsletter of the ISBA Committee on Legal Technology. Our upcoming edition will cover these devices, offering helpful advice for comparison shopping, practical how-to ideas, and time-saving tips. You may e-mail technology questions to AskCoLT@isba.org