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Nov 4 Obama Becomes President. Stephenson Remains Chairman & CEO of AT&T and Offers New BlackBerry Bold

Democrats, Republicans, Communists and Libertarians alike. 

Let's all join forces and welcome President McCain or rather if you believe the polls, President Obama, and even more important, the new BlackBerry Bold. 

Even though I am personally an iPhone user, I used to have a BlackBerry for many many years.  If I did not have an iPhone, I would be using the BlackBerry and standing in line at the AT&T store to buy the Bold.

Here's the joint press release from AT&T / RIM:

Download BlackBerry Bold Launch FINAL 10-22-08

Key Features Include:

•    Tri-band UMTS/HSPA; quad-band GPRS/EDGE
•    Nation’s fastest 3G network
•    Voice capabilities in more than 200 countries and data coverage in more than 150 countries, including more than 60 with 3G networks
•    First BlackBerry sold by a U.S. carrier to provide 3G capabilities in Japan and South Korea
•    Simultaneous voice and data capabilities
•    Built-in Wi-Fi® (802.11 a/b/g)
•    Built-in aGPS
•    Bluetooth® 2.0
•    624 MHz mobile processor
•    1GB included memory and optional 16MB MicroSD
•    Brilliant half-screen VGA (480 x 320) color screen
•    Newly designed full QWERTY keyboard
•    2 Megapixel camera with video, built-in flash and 5x digital zoom
•    Robust media player and music experience
•    Corporate and personal e-mail access, and other BlackBerry productivity applications
•    Tethering support for notebook computers
•    Large 1500 mHh removable battery

AT&T Launches the GPS-Enabled Blackberry Pearl 8110 Smartphone

AT&T has  announced the launch of the BlackBerry® Pearl™ 8110 smartphone, which includes built-in global positioning system (GPS) support for location-based applications and services. Combined with navigation and mapping applications such as AT&T Navigator, the handset provides turn-by-turn voice and on-screen directions with colorful 3-D moving maps that can be used in vehicles or while walking. AT&T Navigator also alerts users through voice and on-screen prompts to traffic slowdowns and incidents along their programmed travel route, and it provides customers with the option to choose an alternative route.

3Screens News Summary:

• The small and stylish BlackBerry Pearl 8110 smartphone from AT&T measures just 4.2 inches by 2.4 inches by 0.5 inches, weighs approximately 3.2 ounces and is available in a glossy titanium or rich red finish.
• It features the popular BlackBerry e-mail and messaging capabilities, including RIM's SureType® QWERTY keyboard system for easy typing and phone dialing — enhanced with word completion and a spell-checker with a user-customized dictionary. The smartphone features a display that supports more than 65,000 colors and automatically adjusts brightness based on surrounding light levels. The BlackBerry Pearl 8110 also is the first BlackBerry that enables users to wirelessly download AT&T's popular — and free — YELLOWPAGES.COM Mobile application directly from an icon on the smartphone.
• Customers can easily find and map local businesses, save favorite listings and get step-by-step directions to or from any location.
• The BlackBerry Pearl 8110 also features impressive multimedia capabilities, including an advanced media player that is ideal for users who want easy access to music and videos while on the go. It also includes a 2-megapixel camera that supports video recording,1 a 3.5-mm stereo headset jack, externally accessible microSD™/SDHC memory slot for additional storage, high speed USB and Bluetooth® 2.0 with support for headsets, car kits, stereo headsets and other Bluetooth accessories.
• The global capabilities of the BlackBerry Pearl 8110 smartphone from AT&T utilizes AT&T's industry-best domestic and international wide area wireless data coverage.
• The BlackBerry Pearl 8110 is powered by AT&T's nationwide2 EDGE network — the largest high speed national wireless data network in the U.S. — with availability in more than 13,000 cities and towns and along almost 40,000 miles of major highways.
• The BlackBerry Pearl 8110 can also keep users who are abroad connected with wireless e-mail, Internet access and other mobile applications through data services in more countries than any other U.S. carrier, with data-roaming in more than 145 countries.
• Customers can also use the BlackBerry Pearl 8110 to make or receive voice calls in more than 200 countries.

Pricing and Availability

The new BlackBerry Pearl 8110 smartphone from AT&T is available now at AT&T retail stores nationwide, via and through AT&T's business-to-business sales teams for as low as $149.99, with a two-year contract, unlimited data plan and $39.99 voice plan. Customers who want personal e-mail access and Web browsing with BlackBerry® Internet Service can choose the BlackBerry Personal Unlimited data plan for as low as $30 a month with a qualified voice contract. Unlimited corporate e-mail and data access via BlackBerry® Enterprise Server or BlackBerry® Professional Software are available for as low as $45 a month when a qualified voice plan is also chosen. Customers who travel overseas can select the BlackBerry International Unlimited data plan for as low as $65 a month with a qualified voice plan. AT&T Navigator requires a separate subscription of $9.99 a month.

The BlackBerry Pearl 8110 also supports AT&T Mobile Music subscription services and AT&T unlimited Push To Talk for walkie-talkie-like communications; both services are an additional $9.99 a month with a qualifying voice plan. Small business customers also can couple their BlackBerry data plans with AT&T's new BusinessTalk voice plans, which start at $60 a month for five users and 700 Anytime Minutes and can be expanded for $9.99 a line to accommodate up to 40 users and 20,000 Anytime Minutes. When combined with BlackBerry Professional Software, BusinessTalk provides small businesses with a complete voice and data solution. Companies may also choose BusinessTalk with either unlimited Mobile to Mobile or Push To Talk features.

Roaming From Afar Part 2: How To Save Money While Overseas If You Have an iPhone

Today marks the second of 5 installments which I am writing while I am here in Israel, hence the name, "Roaming From Afar."

Having been a previous heavy duty and loyal BlackBerry user, I always had the International Roaming Plan from AT&T. 

Once I switched to the iPhone, I decided I could live without roaming mostly as a way to reduce costs, and got a local Israel cell phone that is much like the GoPhone service you can get in the U.S. 

I can still "roam" using my iPhone, without incurring roaming charges while overseas on this trip in Israel.  How?  Just roam through WiFi and not through the local telephone carrier.  The only limitation in doing this is that you cannot use your iPhone as "phone," which really is not so bad, being that I use my Israeli cell phone which lets me be in touch with friends, family and clients in Israel - at a much lower cost.

Here's how to use your iPhone overseas:

graphic courtesy of AT&T

AT&T Launches 3G Wireless Broadband Network in Pittsburgh

Attention Pittsburgh readers....AT&T has announced the availability of its  third-generation (3G) wireless broadband network throughout your area. 

In addition to the city of Pittsburgh, the coverage area includes Monroeville, Greensburg, Bethel Park, Washington, Beaver, Cranberry Township, Hampton, Shadyside, Carnegie and other local communities.

So What Exactly is 3G?

• 3G enhances your wireless experience bringing you access to video, graphics, pictures, downloads, email and more—all at speeds faster than ever before. Access CV with high-quality video clips from your favorite TV shows, news, sports, and weather, in just 3 clicks.

• Access the wireless internet with the new MEdia™ Net and enjoy richer graphics, pictures and easy-to-use personalization options faster than ever before. MEdia Net details

• Get more done with faster access to email from Yahoo! Mail, MSN Hotmail, and AOL Mail. Mobile Email details

• Multi-task while you are on a call—search for movies times, look up directions, or send messages.

The good thing about having the 3G network, is that it provides the simultaneous delivery of voice and data — a capability not offered by all wireless providers.  A good example of this is AT&T's  Video Share  -  a 3G service that enables users to share live video over wireless phones while carrying on a voice call — providing a new way to share personal moments and key events beyond the capabilities of voice and text. Users can allow others to "see what I see, when I see it." Earlier this summer, AT&T Video Share was launched in 3G markets nationwide.

Customers also can use their 3G handsets to quickly access feature-rich wireless content, including videos, games, pictures and the latest music, entertainment, news and weather, through MEdia Net, the company's mobile Internet portal. With the 3G network, customers also can view razor-sharp clips through CV, an on-demand streaming video service that offers a comprehensive library of mobile video content from some of the top media brands.

The AT&T 3G network also offers AT&T LaptopConnect mobile customers DSL-like speeds for their laptops, with the ability to access the Internet, their company's intranet or corporate e-mail from anywhere within the 3G network. The combination of AT&T's 3G network and LaptopConnect — which simply requires a LaptopConnect card or a laptop with embedded 3G capability, software and an AT&T data plan — is ideal for customers who want to increase business productivity and need to quickly download large files, run corporate applications or access the Internet.

AT&T 3G customers can access the wireless broadband network in more than 220 U.S. major metropolitan areas. The company is expected to expand 3G service to additional markets by the end of the year. The 3G network is also available in almost every major country. Over the past three years, the company has invested more than $18 billion to build and support the scope and capability of its wireless network and to add 3G markets. This initiative ensures quality of service and empowers customers with fast access from their handsets and mobile devices. In Pennsylvania, AT&T continues to invest in its wireless network; it has invested more than $350 million over the past two years to increase wireless coverage throughout the state.

Breaking Away from My BlackBerry and Getting Used to the iPhone

Having been a BlackBerry user for seven years, it's really hard to give up on something that does what it's supposed to, is functional, let's me be mobile and connected to my family, friends and work.

I've been using the iPhone for the last three weeks, and I must say that I almost at a point where I think I can give up the BlackBerry and totally switch.

The division of my personal and business life continues to blur.  I communicate with all my worlds, like to collect photos, listen to music, organize my various lives, be virtual and connected.  And since I use a Mac for my business/personal life, the iPhone integrates so well.

The only bug-a-boo I am still dealing with is overseas travel, and my fear of getting a $3,000.00 cell phone bill due not to the voice side of my iPhone plan, but the data.  Now with the latest update of the iPhone software, you can disable the data portion and not get killed with a huge fee when I am overseas.   Yes, I will lose my email during the day, but in some way, it's fine with me.  Those I need to be connected to can still call me, SMS me, and I can still log on at client's offices in Israel when need be.

All this to say is that I am getting to kill the BlackBerry and go full time with the iPhone.  I am not quite there- yet, but getting close. 

Stay tuned.

AT&T Goes Full Tilt with the Most Feature-Packed 3G Smart Device Available in the United States

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) has announced that the AT&T Tilt™, which is laying claim to the most feature-packed smart device available in the United States, will debut exclusively through AT&T beginning Friday, Oct. 5.

There is a photo of it here on CrunchGear.

The AT&T Tilt is the first AT&T-enabled Windows Mobile 6 smart device and features an innovative slide-out QWERTY keypad design, a 3-megapixel camera, 3G data speeds from AT&T's UMTS/HSDPA-based BroadbandConnect network and complete global connectivity.

Designed by HTC (TSEC:2498), the AT&T Tilt features a 2.8-inch color screen that slides back to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard, then tilts up to position the screen perfectly for reading and creating e-mail, browsing online, using applications or just playing videos and games. The AT&T Tilt supports Bluetooth® 2.0, which allows for up to six Bluetooth devices to be wirelessly connected simultaneously to the device and also supports Bluetooth Stereo.

I will check out the device tomorrow.

BTW, am still playing with my iPhone and still have the BlackBerry.  Am getting ready to kill the BlackBerry, even if I have to pay the penalty. 

You may read the AT&T press release here.

New Blackberry 8820 from AT&T Hits the 'Hot Spot' with Wi-Fi - But It's Not As Cool As An iPhone

Wi-Fi® is coming to AT&T's BlackBerry® handset customers.   Having been a long time BlackBerry user, and now having both an iPhone and a BlackBerry, it's interesting to see that  Research In Motion (RIM) has  announced that the first cellular and Wi-Fi BlackBerry handset — the BlackBerry 8820 — which will be available beginning Sept. 20 through AT&T.

I still personally debating what to do now.  I really like the cool factor of the iPhone, but do lean towards the practicality and functionality of the BlackBerry.

I went by my local AT&T store to check out the 8820, but they were not yet in stock.  Stay tuned until tomorrow or Monday for an update.

In the mean time,  read the AT&T press release here.

And Now, I Decided to Go With An iPhone - But Still Kept The BlackBerry - For Now

I decided to move forward with an iPhone as my 3rd screen.  But I am still keeping my BlackBerry - for now.

I still have my BlackBerry, and will give this whole experiment one month to decide what I am going to do.   The only thing I am hesitant about going with the iPhone is that I have to shut it off when I go overseas as so to avoid huge roaming bills.  One good thing about the BlackBerry is that AT&T offers and international roaming plan that costs $20 extra each month and you can receive and send all the email you can eat.

Remembering when I switched to the Mac, no matter how great I thought it would be (and I am glad I switched) it did take some time getting used to.

As they say in TVLand, "stay tuned."

Traveling Abroad With Your iPhone? Make Sure You Know About Potential ( Excessive ) Roaming Charges

Stories in the media are continuing to surface about users who have taken their very cool iPhone to Europe and returning with $800.00 - $3,000.00 cell phone bills mostly because of data charges imposed by foreign carriers. 

This story tells about the person who got the $3,000.00 bill.

This is why I still use a BlackBerry

I own nearly every Apple product known to mankind.   Their products are great.  The design is cool.  And the ease of use is first rate.

The only thing that the good people at Apple and the partner, AT&T did not think through, was making data  plan that was reasonable.  For $24.99 per month, you can get 20MB of data use outside the US. If you don't have a plan, the cost is $.0195/KB. 

The big question is this:  what do you get with 20MB of data?  Is there a MB data counter?  Of course not.  That's what is so wrong with this plan.  No one can tell you exactly what 20 MB of data gets you.  I've been to several AT&T stores around San Antonio where I live and I never get the same  answer.  I've had 3 sales people at 3 different Apple stores advise me against buying the iPhone simply because of the crappy international roaming plan.

With the BlackBerry, I am on the AT&T International Roaming plan.  For $69 per month, I get all the email I can eat in the U.S. and during my travels, which mostly take me to Israel. 

This summer, I traveled to London, Moscow, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.   My phone bill did got up, simply because of the fact that I did use my phone as a matter of convenience to stay in touch with family or clients.  When I was in Israel, I used my Israeli cell phone simply as a matter of cost and convenience.

My only guess at all of this is that AT&T and Apple have not worked out reciprocal roaming plans as of this date and they should be in place once the iPhone starts to be deployed outside of the U.S.

In the mean time, buyer beware. 

If you are taking your iPhone outside of the U.S.  shut off the data feature of your device and only use the cell phone when you really and truly need to.  Or better yet, rent a cell phone in the country you are staying in and just use your iPhone as an iPod.

Photo of someone not using a BlackBerry or iPhone but obviously very much into the conversation, shot on location at the beach in Tel Aviv this summer by Alan Weinkrantz (c) 2007 All Rights Reserved

Why I Picked the BlackBerry Over the iPhone

Last week's experience of putting my BlackBerry 8800 in the washing machine made me do a re-think about the prospects of shifting to the iPhone.

I decided to hold off a few days to think this matter through, get off mobile email for a bit, even when I was traveling, and then make a decision.

As cool and slick as the iPhone is, I stuck to the BlackBerry. 

Even after speaking to friends who switched to the iPhone, I stuck to the BlackBerry.

And it really was not until  a visit to the Apple store in Dallas and my trusted AT&T Wireless store in San Antonio, where both salespeople advised me, based on my need for international roaming and heavy mobile email use, to just stick to the BlackBerry.

Yes, it was painful, and being the proud owner of a MacBook Pro, several iPods, 2 Cinema Displays and every other Apple gizmo and gadget, practicality and economics was the driving force in sticking to the BlackBerry.

No Global Roaming Plan Available for the iPhone - Yet.

1.  For $20 extra per month, I can roam the globe with my BlackBerry and it will work and act just like it does here in the U.S.   I travel to Israel 2 to 3 times per year and this summer also took me to the London and Moscow. 

2. I think AT&T / Apple is missing a big market for people like me who want the coolness of the iPhone, but need the practicality and economy of the BlackBerry's global roaming program.  With the iPhone, you do get 20 MB of free email, but I have no clue just how many emails I would get with 20 MB.

3. I can only surmise that as the global deployment of the iPhone takes place, AT&T will offer a global roaming plan for the iPhone - or they should.  Fixed fee like you have on the BlackBerry and then it may be less of a no-brainer.

4. What's more, as much as I liked the virtual keyboard of the iPhone, the real keyboard of the BlackBerry makes for easier and faster texting for SMS and email.

For Now, I Will Continue to Covet the iPhone.

Yes, I will admit I still want the iPhone.

It's so cool and so elegant.

Maybe in time.

As a consolation, I did shift from the 8800 to the Curve.  It's actually a bit smaller, has a lighter feel and a great keyboard.  No, it's not the iPhone, but practically speaking, it does what it's supposed to do.

.