Can the iPhone 2.0 Replace Blackberry as the “Must Have” Business Smartphone?

For businesspeople addicted to their Blackbberries, the original Apple iPhone may have been tempting; but at the end of the day, most users were not persuaded to switch over. With the release of the iPhone 2.0, featuring 3G mobile internet access and a suite of business-friendly software applications, Apple is stepping things up a notch by competing with Blackberry for its core demographic: serious business users.

The iPhone 2.0 is faster and more versatile than its predecessor, using high-speed mobile internet technology (also known as 3G, or “third generation”). This upgrade alone sets the new iPhone apart from the original version — and most of the competition. Users can now surf the web and retrieve e-mail at twice the speed of the “old” iPhone.

Version 2.0 also features integrated GPS navigation, and a software suite tailor-made for business users, including mobile versions of Microsoft PowerPoint, Word and Excel. The inclusion of the Microsoft business “trifecta” makes the 3G iPhone the first serious competitor to the Blackberry for business use. The new model will also include Microsoft Exchange, to allow personal and company e-mail, contacts and calendar events to be accessible on the iPhone.

Additionally, the contacts feature now includes a (much needed) search function. This allows users to access names, numbers and appointments much quicker than the current “keep scrolling until you find it” system used on the original iPhone.

All of these advances make the iPhone 2.0 a serious contender for hard-core business users. Apple has even reduced the price, making it easier than ever for Blackberry users to switch over. But price isn’t everything, and the question on many people’s mind is whether the iPhone 2.0 can really replace the Blackberry as a business-oriented smartphone? Let’s take a look at a few of the pros and cons of the new iPhone from a business user’s point of view.

IPhone Advantages

Both the Blackberry and the iPhone 2.0 are strong in some areas and weak and others. Right out of the box, the biggest strength for the new iPhone is its 3G mobile internet capability. This allows iPhone users to surf the web at 2 Mb per second, a serious improvement over the 384 kb per second top speed of the original model. It’s also faster than any Blackberry currently on the market.
Note: the new Blackberry “Bold” will also use 3G technology, but it won’t be available until August or September at the earliest.

When it comes to web browsing in general, the iPhone 2.0 has definitely got the edge. It’s faster and more user-friendly than the Blackberry. The iPhone also uses a mobile version of Apple’s Safari web browser and connects effortlessly to WiFi networks (only one Blackberry model currently has built-in WiFi).

The iPhone also has a more robust MP3 player (basically a built-in iPod), and it handles media files more elegantly than the Blackberry. Of course, for hard-core business users this may not be a deal-breaker; still, it’s nice to have.

IPhone Disadvantages

Battery life can be a big issue with business smartphones. It can be disastrous to run out of “juice” when you’re on the road and risk losing contact with the home office. Million-dollar accounts have been lost that way. This is where the Blackberry has a distinct advantage: easily replaceable batteries. Unlike the Blackberry, iPhone batteries are not removable, so simply carrying around a spare in your laptop bag isn’t an alternative. To make matters worse, the iPhone’s 3G mobile web browsing is fairly battery intensive. Of course, the new Blackberry Bold (when it finally arrives) will have to deal with this same issue, but the ability to simply pop in a fresh battery gives Blackberry an obvious advantage on this point.

The other great disadvantage of using the new iPhone for business is its lack of a physical keyboard. Blackberry users have become accustomed to the miniscule QWERTY keypad, and power users often become very adept at answering e-mails via the tiny keys. While Apple’s virtual touchscreen keypad isn’t bad, for business users there’s really nothing like having a physical keyboard.

Tempted by the Fruit: Blackberry or Apple?

Is it worthwhile to retire your Blackberry and jump on the iPhone 2.0 bandwagon? The answer depends upon how you use your smartphone. If you primarily check and answer e-mails with your Blackberry, you might be better off staying put. True, the new iPhone would send and receive e-mails faster; but the speed difference won’t be dramatic. If you are already comfortable with the Blackberry’s keypad and e-mail interface, why rock the boat?

On the other hand, if your business involves more research than actual e-mailing, and you find yourself constantly searching the web, the iPhone 2.0 will be hard to resist. With faster internet access speeds, and one of the most user-friendly mobile internet browsers available, the iPhone has a distinct advantage over the Blackberry when it comes to all things web-shaped.

For most other uses, it’s pretty much a toss up. Both of these units are excellent smartphones in their own right, and represent a quantum leap forward in mobile communication. Whether you choose to stick with Blackberry, or jump ship and join the Apple camp, you’re still getting a lot of mobile “bang” for your buck.