If you own a small business or work for a startup, it's unlikely you have the time to spend all day at your desk working on email. Having a good, always-connected PDA such as the 5810 from Research In Motion is essential for keeping up with your daily workload and email volleys.

Many uses

The RIM 5810 is basically a PDA (calendar, to-do lists, and contacts) with excellent text-pager functions and a viable means to send text email. If you're familiar with the earlier 957 design, the 5810 looks almost exactly the same. The 5810 uses a small PC-like keyboard to create text messages through thumb typing and includes a useful multi-wheel for moving through Web-based content formatted for the smaller screen. Using GSM/GPRS data delivery by VoiceStream (T-Mobile) the RIM network provides excellent connectivity in most of the major metropolitan areas of the United States.

In addition, the 5810 supports both integrated enterprise mail and standard ISP email for any POP account a user may have. For example, we were able to switch between work email and home email accounts when we needed to. In our estimation, few PDA devices do as good and effective a job at text input and connectivity.

Talk to me

Probably the most interesting feature of this newest version is its support for GSM voice services. If you think you might look stupid with your huge 5810 RIM planted against the side of your head, never fear. RIM builds the 5810's voice capabilities into the unit so all you have to do is connect the included hands-free headset kit.

There's always a catch

One of the RIM's main drawbacks, however, is its steep price and monthly service fees. The RIM 5810's MSRP is $499, and monthly fees start at $40 and can easily reach well over $75 monthly depending on usage and additional features. However, if you run your own business and spend more time on the road than you do in the office, the RIM 5810 may well be worth the price.

Company: Research In Motion
Product: RIM BlackBerry 5810 Wireless Handheld
Price: $499 plus monthly service
Available: Now