Realtors across the country are pacing back and forth in their minds every day pondering their temptation to buy a shiny new iPhone. I have to admit, as a Treo 755p owner, I think about iPhones often. Despite their ability to appeal to people and professionals across a multitude of markets, iPhone capability specifically tailored to Realtors is extremely limited. Trulia.com and Zillow.com both have apps for the iPhone and that is about all there is for real estate professionals to utilize. For now, Realtors are relegated to using any of the Palm, or Blackberry products, as well as many windows mobile enabled devices. Even though the market is very limited, that does not mean that it is devoid of good choices. For now, Realtors can get a rich smart phone experience with Supra eKey abilities from several phones.
First is the new Palm Pre. I don’t get the name either, but it’s pretty obvious that Palm is starting to get the new standards that smart phone users are expecting. It has the same old infrared to be able to access lockboxes as well as an overhauled operating system that functions much like an iPhone. It’s great for those who don’t like the touch keyboard on the iPhone because the Pre still has the classic QWERTY keyboard integrated into the phone. I’m very happy that Palm has taken great steps to be able to compete but it still suffers from the two main problems almost every smart phone has when it is compared to the iPhone: it’s too bulky and doesn’t have nearly as many apps.
Then there is the Blackberry Storm. I totally don’t understand this phone. I have never understood Blackberries and I never will. There are Blackberry people and there are non-Blackberry people. I say, “to each his own.” For those who do love Blackberries, the new Storm has a touch screen experience much like the iPhone and with the addition of a fob (a device the same size as a bluetooth headset that translates bluetooth signals into infrared) it can open lockboxes as well.
The other, lesser known alternative is the new Samsung Omnia. A personal friend of mine has this phone and loves it. I actually like it too and it has made me question my feelings for the iPhone (Shakespeare could only find the words to describe the torment this phone has caused me). It’s about the same size as an iPhone, has amazing camera features, and is very sexy. With the assistance of a fob, it too can open lockboxes.
Ultimately, as an iPhone enthusiast, I’m simply going to wait for the release of the iPhone 3G S. The new version of the operating system will allow third party developers access to the iPhone’s bluetooth capabilities which will allow programmers to make apps that communicate with lockboxes. iPhones aren’t for everyone though. Each Realtor who is looking to make a change has to do what Smoky Robison so accurately sang, you “…better shop around.”
For a complete list of phones compatible with Supra eKey software, go here.
T.J. Shanahan
Social Media Manager
tj@rwnc.net
Thank you for the over view. I have been using the Palm. Which I have to say I do not care for.
Too many missed calls & key board is too small. Actually,there only 2 things that I like. One is the service is Verizion which has great coverage and the other is I am able to use the phone as my Supra key. (which is great)
Next week I will be switching to the IPhone just because the user friendly features.
TJ,
Nice write up. Can you “tether” your laptop with the iPhone or Samsung? I’m also curious about the rumors that Apple “may” be releasing a CDMA version of the iPhone through Verizon.
Thanks!
Great write-up! I currently own the iPhone 3G and am considering moving up to the new 3G S. I love my iPhone and actually have a couple other apps that I use that you didn’t mention. One is SmarterAgent and newly added ChicagoAgent which has helpful info for buyers and sellers.
I’ve added a link on my blogsite that’ll take you to a great review of the new iPhone 3G S and you can see some of the features at work.
Thanks Tj for bringing a little more awareness to such a great phone.