The BlackBerry PDA is everywhere in today's competitive business environment. Having all your email, business contacts, calendar, tasks and notes instantly available is no longer simply a convenience; it's a key competitive advantage. So how do you choose among the thousands of BlackBerry PDA providers out there? Like almost all your other major business decisions, it helps to have a plan.

The good news? There is no single BlackBerry PDA provider that's the best, so you have a ton of choices when it comes to BlackBerry PDA suppliers. However, once you find a BlackBerry PDA supplier that best fits your needs, you should stick with them, since that's the easiest way to build up "loyalty" benefits. If you switch your BlackBerry PDA provider each time a new BlackBerry PDA devices hits the market, you'll always be a new customer. Also, you don’t want to have to end your contract early — paying cancellation fees and/or buying out your contract is painful.

Here's what to consider when choosing among the various suppliers of BlackBerry PDAs:

1. Coverage
2. Network technology
3. Monthly calling plans from BlackBerry PDA suppliers
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find the best coverage from providers of BlackBerry PDAs

Since most people spend their time divided between their office, their home, and driving between the two, it makes sense to choose from those BlackBerry PDA suppliers that offer full signal strength when you're in these areas. You don't want to waste your time with a BlackBerry that doesn't get a signal and drops your calls.

I recommend: Review coverage maps for the major carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, Alltel and Sprint. If you travel extensively, make sure that the places you travel to most often have the coverage you need in order to effectively do business.

Compare network technologies of BlackBerry PDA providers

You'll also need to consider the technology various BlackBerry PDA suppliers will use to connect your device to their networks. Is it GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications, the leading technology for cellular communication worldwide) or CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access, i.e., doesn't use a SIM card)? Both offer comparable reliability and service. Whichever one you choose, all of the BlackBerry PDA suppliers now offer some very cool BlackBerry PDAs, so chances are you'll be fine.

I recommend: Phones that use the CDMA network are best if you often have data-heavy attachments, because such models use the high-speed EV-DO network from Sprint Nextel or Verizon. The slower, GSM-based EDGE network used by T-Mobile and AT&T is best suited for e-mail with small attachments or light-duty Web surfing, though AT&T also has a higher-speed data network called HSDPA. Or, if you're a worldwide traveler (and have some cash to burn), consider the BlackBerry 8830 World Edition, an unusual smartphone that supports both CDMA and GSM cellular-wireless networks.

The best-laid BlackBerry PDA plans

Finally, all BlackBerry PDAs depend on a network that needs both a regular phone plan and a data plan. Spend some time at each carrier's site (or store) comparing plans.

I recommend: All the carriers offer combined monthly plans for a two-year contract. But your bill can quickly run up if you add minutes, text messages, and other services. T-Mobile lists their plans on their website without having to input a zip code. Sprint has offered an all-inclusive plan - unlimited everything for low rates. Whatever your needs, estimate the minutes, data and text messages you believe you’ll need each month, then add 15 – 30%. That will give you a good idea of how much you'll actually spend.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Ask your friends, co-workers and family to bring their BlackBerry PDAs to your home and office, and compare their signal strengths. Or even better, visit a store and ask if they will let you borrow you a test BlackBerry PDA for a couple hours in order to test the signal.
• •  Unfortunately for Canadians, finding an affordable unlimited data plan is nearly impossible. Make sure you check out all your options before deciding.