[Mobilepartners] EXTERNAL NEWS (10/20/2006)

[Andrew Yu]

TGIF!

I wanted to thank those of you that have sent in the feedback as to what devices are being used for your users. I will definitely include your feedback into the mobile device initiatives.

Here are some news items that might be of interest:

1. Announcement of T-Mobile Dash (Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphone: GSM/GPRS/EDGE/Wi-Fi)

Nick-named "Q Killer" this new device is one of the latest iterations of HTC Excalibur device (HTC is the OEM for a number of carriers including T-Mobile, Cingular, Verizon, and Sprint primarily for Windows Mobile devices).

CNet Review: http://tinyurl.com/ffskh

[Impact on MIT: Windows Mobile devices are more prominent than ever before in the mobile world. Along with Motorola Q, we might start to see users purchasing the Dash device (and other equivalent offerings) in the future. Built-in wi-fi will be an attractive point for many users along with relatively inexpensive price point ~ $200]

2. BlackBerry Pearl 8100 on T-Mobile (BlackBerry GSM/GPRS/EDGE)

This new consumer-oriented product was launched in September, but I wanted to bring it to your attention since some MIT users were asking about the device. The Pearl is only available from T-Mobile at the moment, but I suspect it will be available for the other carriers early next year.

For BlackBerry users (and others who are looking at BlackBerry devices), this new product promises to combine both the form factor of a slim phone as well as the functionality of BlackBerry email. I personally do not like the SureType input method (vs. QWERTY key pad), but it should be usable with enough practice.

Walt Mossberg's Review: http://tinyurl.com/tev2k

[Impact on MIT: Yet-Another-Good-Looking-BlackBerry device may continue the demand of BlackBerry support in the future. With more than 5.5 Millions users (or 11 million thumbs as they say at Rearch In Motion), RIM has been growing at a rapid pace with no signs of slow-down.]


Lastly, there is a funny video on YouTube that demonstrates how addicted people can be to BlackBerry devices (one minute video):

http://youtube.com/watch?v=nC_S61bGRB0

Have a great weekend!

Cheers,

Andrew


_______________________________________
Andrew J. Yu
Mobile Devices Platform Coordinator
Software Release Team
Information Services and Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
77 Massachusetts Avenue, Building W92-140B
Cambridge, MA 02139-4307

Phone: 617-324-8985
Fax: 617-258-8736
Email: AndrewYu at mit.edu
http://web.mit.edu/swrt