Hi,
The RIM950's were very poor, but the newest Blackberries are pretty good. The 7200 and the 7700 series are very good and superior in the email department to Treo/Sidekick/Hiptops.
There is more software available for PocketPC/Palm.... but email is so much better on the 7200/7700 series Blackberries.
(Only 4.8 ounces, backlit keyboard, better tactile feel, can type about 30% faster than a Hiptop/Sidekick keyboard, lighter than TREO, lighter than Hiptop/sidekick). Just go for a REGULAR provider, and buy wireless TTY/TDD service separately such as Fuse Wireless ... and third party dispatch service through
www.dictomail.com .... And it is more RELIABLE than Hiptop/Sidekick/TREO if you choose a GOOD provider... Blackberries have
improved a lot and are less fragile too! WebMessenger is now finally possible through a third-party BES/MDS hosting service such as
www.mailstreet.com ...
It is more expensive, and the monthly fees are more expensive -- but if you need the ULTIMATE wireless email that receives
full size emails instantly automatically pager style (no 160 byte limit, no 15 minute intervals, and much better than TREO/Sidekick/hiptop in low reception areas where sometimes emails do not download for hours).
The 7XXX series Blackberry are reliably fast enough that
FedEx can call dispatch, and the email will show up on my Blackberry
fast enough for me to answer the door before the FedEx person walks away!!!!!