Is 'it' or 'isn't' it?

**naviwilliams** · 03-15-2007, 07:42 AM

I was just looking at the BlackBerry website for 'new' applications etc. Then, I saw this:

So, begs the question, is a BlackBerry a 'Smartphone' or not? And thus should it really be called 'BlackBerry Smartphone'?

**kasperapd** · 03-15-2007, 08:09 AM

I'd say it is since it has evolved from more than just an email device.

**kasperapd** · 03-15-2007, 08:10 AM

According to WikiPedia:

A smartphone is a full-featured mobile phone with personal computer like functionality. Most smartphones are camera phones that support full featured email capabilities with the functionality of a complete personal organizer. An important feature of most smartphones is that applications for enhanced data processing and connectivity can be installed on the device[1], by contrast to regular phones which support sandboxed applications. These applications may be developed by the manufacturer of the device, by the operator or by any other third-party software developer. "Smart" functionality includes any additional interface including a miniature QWERTY keyboard, a touch screen, or even just secure access to company mail, such as is provided by a BlackBerry.

Smartphone - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

**Jack Benney** · 03-15-2007, 08:17 AM

I guess that pretty much sums in up, kasperapd.

Here at work, we call Blackberries "smartphones", and we call Treos "dumbphones".

**audit** · 03-15-2007, 08:35 AM

For me it's hard to say. I could do more my Treo then what I can on my BB but at the same time, my BB is more stable and solid as a rock. I don't consider it a smartphone but more a additional limb of my body.

To me a smartphone handles your e-mail, text messages, portable Web browsing, casual photography, cell phone calls.

Now yes we do have Blackberry's that have the camera in them now so I would say that they can be considered smartphones. A little late to the party per say but they made it.