A broker that I met with mentioned that everyone has Blackberry devices for checking and responding to emails, and that is something that I should consider purchasing.

I've looked into the costs and the monthly plans and am not sure which way to go (type of device, how many minutes)

Can anyone experienced with these devices please let me know what you like, dislike, and average minutes used per month.

Thanks

I have the Motorola Q and I love it. I have the plan with unlimited data and 4000 voice minutes per month. I like it because its smaller than the TREO and is lightweight. I only wish it had a touch screen like the TREO.

I use Cingular 8525 or HTC Hermes PPC Mobile v 5

I use a palm Treo 700wx with Windows mobile 5.
My service is through sprint and I pay $30/month for unlimited data + 500 minutes. I use the device for emails only. The plan is called SERO, if you are interested do a search at fatwallet.com

TAB: Having cool gadgets are nice. However, before even evaluating features, pricing, how is your business going? Will it be able to support ALL the expenses you are putting into the business now? If not, then you have to carefully decide whether you need it based on a priority list (which you will set up).

At the end of the year, we all intend to make more than we spend. That's the only secret to staying in the business long-term.

I have the Motorola Q which uses the wireless sync...works great.

The other agents in the office who have PDAs have the Treo, but they dont have wireless sync. Every appointment, contact, phone number, notes, etc... that I type into either my phone or laptop syncs automatically. Even if you are on the road and enter appointments in your phone, you come home and see all your info has been shared to your Outlook.

I got rid of my blackberry because I want a Motorola Q. Since I love Macs, I'm all over the Apple iPhone now. It will replace my iPod, Blackberry, phone, and PDA. I'm hoping it works as well as all of my other mac products.

I have a Blackberry 8703e and it does everything I need it to do. I love the one handed operation that the thumbwheel allows.

Hi Dee, I love Macs too, and in my previous business used only Macs. I have a Mac laptop also. Unfortunately, some real estate related services are not compatible. For example, our MLS and the public record need Explorer 5.5 and Mac is only supported to 5.1. I just went to the point2agent website to set up a web page, and found that the part where you set up your page also requires Explorer 5.5. I can only do this at the office, not at home.

I ditched a WM5 device for a Blackberry 8703e and I haven't looked back.

Now if we could only get the data plans you guys have access to!

Palm TreoW here. It now works with lockboxes and I'll add that functionality when my e-key lease expires. Plus there's all kind of software that works with it through the MLS service and the wireless internet is handy too.

AMEN! I wish that new agents would remove themselves from the mentality that having all of the latest "gear" will make them a good agent. Believe it or not, my favorite business tool is one of those small yellow legal pads and a nice pen. Scribbling notes and appointments on it while I am on the go is much easier than trying to enter it into my BlackBerry or PDA. If anything, those devices add work, rather than free up time. (I do own them nonetheless)

You really need to grow your gadgets as you grow your business. There is no need for elaborate websites, $10k watches, or every piece of equipment available at your local Best Buy, when you are just getting started. You only need to invest in those items neccessary to efficiently run your business, especially when starting with limited available funds and an unknown future income.

I pay $185/mo for my service through Nextel. I have a BlackBerry with unlimited data and incoming/outgoing calls. Why? Because I end up using 6000-7000 minutes per month and respond to my website leads via my phone when I am out and about. A plan like that would be a complete waste of money if you weren't doing the business (or making that many calls) to justify the payment. There are a million other examples that I can think of, but the point is to slow down and take this business step by step!

(Sorry about the lecture, lol)

Of course having gadgets won't make you a good agent, but if nets you even 1 deal you otherwise would have missed then its probably worth it. You don't always have to be "good", but you do have to be "there", thats why instant email while on the go is so important. I had 2 listings in 2006 where the asset managers chose me because I responded to their emails quickly (they told me so).

I agree that a yellow legal pad and pen are among the best tools one should carry. In fact, I refuse to use a laptop for my listing presentation. Too much can go wrong, and I'm there to listen, not to talk or fool with electronics.

I forgot this is the 'aspiring agents' section, so that does change my opinion somewhat. As a new agent, controlling expenses is very very very very important.

That being said, every agent needs a cell phone.
Prices of smartphones have fallen. Being new is a great time to get your organizational skills down, so learning calender/contact functions is good practice. If you don't develop a system in the beginning you will be a mess when you get busy.

In my humble opinion.

Well since this thread is "aspiring agents", I don't actually have a business yet. I was looking for information from those of you with experience. I teach pre-k part-time and the broker I referred to in my original post thought having the ability to respond to emails on my break would be in my best interest.

I don't try to have "cool gadgets" and would appreciate you not assuming so.

Apology accepted.

I joined this forum to seek advise from experienced agents. I have no desire to pay a fortune for devices or unnecessary services. I'm looking for information to make an "informed" decision about what will be best for me starting out, especially since I will not always be available by phone. I do not think I should be pooled with "new agents having the mentality that they need the latest gear to be a good agent". I know I will be a good agent for who I am and how hard I will work, not because I have the coolest gadgets.

I ask all experienced agents who reply to questions by those of us just getting into the business to please be kind and remember how you felt just starting out. There are so many "unknowns" to us.

It seems that you asked which device that we recommended and not whether you should get one or not...so..
I just bought a T Mobile Dash. It really does not cost much more than a decent phone and will keep you connected through various means....nice big display too..I recommend it..

First of all the Dash is not a Blackberry but anyway go with the Blackberry Pearl if you'd like a small phone that has it all and gets lots of attention. I use it and LOVE it!

TAB, I apologize. My intention wasn't to be discouraging or condescending. I have a Blackberry 7520, I believe. It is the one with the full QWERTY keyboard, which makes sending emails really easy. I tried the TREO 750, and didn't like how small and close together the key pad was.

The Blackberry also has an organizer, internet access, bluetooth, etc. I think that they are pretty inexpensive now (in the $150 range), but the rate plans tend to be much more expensive...