PhatBoyG.com

Looks like this one might be a winner, we’ll see how well it does over the next 30 days.

http://www.beejive.com/index.php

It seems that Gmail is now available to everyone without an invitation. The service is similar to other free e-mail accounts (Yahoo, Hotmail), comes with a slick JavaScript-based user interface, and gives you 2GB of space for mail. With quick search and tagging (well, labeling) features, it’s a great service to use. They also give you POP3 access for free.

The POP3 access is awesome for BlackBerry users since they have a special hookup with BlackBerry. Mails received on Gmail arrive instantly on your BlackBerry with full push. This makes it great for conversational e-mail threads. You also get access to GoogleTalk, which you can also install on your berry for instant messaging those that are not on BB yet.

Another great feature (still in beta, what isn’t from Google) is their Google Apps for Domains. I recently switched all my domains to use this new service to take advantage of the spam filters offered by Google. It’s a great service, and makes e-mail hosting on your domain a snap. Unfortunately, the push delivery that the gmail.com domain offers doesn’t trickle down to your Google Apps domains yet. Bummer.

So check it out and switch to a Gmail account today!

Towards the end of last summer (around July/August of 2006), I picked up a BlackBerry 7130c. With service through Cingular, I got it hooked up via BES to work. I must say, BlackBerry is awesome. I use it far more than any other method of checking e-mail. It hooks up to everything (Gmail, regular POP3, work via BES) and has instant delivery.

Many of the folks at work have them too, almost all of the managers. Using the built-in IM is a quick way to keep in touch during meetings or on the go.

I liked it so much, I bought one for my wife for Christmas. BlackBerry Messenger is great with free instant messaging between BlackBerries with immediate delivery.

So while I look at cool new things like the iPhone, I can’t help but think I’ll be keeping the berry and hoping for a touch-screen iPod without all the phone goodness (just the WiFi if you please).

And yes, it’s called CrackBerry for a reason! If you manage to snag one, I recommend BlackBerryForums as a good place to learn about your device.