
With the BlackBerry® 6280 Wireless Handheld, you’ll get phone, email, SMS, browser and organizer applications in a single wireless device. It’s a Tri-band handheld, and features a Java™ development platform.
| Size: | 4.5 x 2.9 x 0.8 inches / 11.3 x 7.5 x 2.0cm (LxWxD) |
| Weight: | 4.80 oz/136g |
| Display: | High contrast monochrome screen, User selectable font sizes |
A Phone-PDA hybrid with excellent corporate e-mail support. Research In Motion’s BlackBerry 6280 features a large monochrome display, an integrated and backlit QWERTY keyboard and a thumb-operated trackwheel in a unit that is a bit wider and heavier than a newer-model cellphone. Voice transmission does not require a headset: users can put the 6280 up to their head just like they would a mobile phone, although the unit may feel a little strange at first thanks to its size and shape. A hands-free headset is also included for those who prefer or need it. Most standard phone features are included, except for a speakerphone function and Bluetooth compatibility.
The 6280’s data-handling and messaging capabilities are impressive, although potential users should note the differences between operating with BlackBerry Enterprise Server software installed on their company’s servers, and operating with the BlackBerry Web Client Web-based interface. While either arrangement will give you the ability to check your MS Outlook or IBM Lotus Domino e-mail account, and open popular file attachment types such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, WordPerfect, PDF and ASCII, only Enterprise Server users can browse Web pages in HTML (Web Client users are limited to WML browsing at present, although RIM has promised a downloadable update later this year).
Users should also be aware that for automatic wireless e-mail updating, you need to remain in a GPRS coverage area: this will vary by location and service provider, so you are well advised to do some checking before you commit. The 6280 also supports two-way SMS text messaging, and comes with a suite of the usual business software applications. Java (J2ME) is supported, so users will have a wide choice of downloaded mobile software. One limiting factor in using the 6280 as a mini-laptop is the lack of an SDIO slot for portable Flash memory: users will have to be contented with the unit’s built-in 16MB of storage until they can synchronize with their laptop or desktop, using the included mini-USB cable.
Specifications:
Navigation: Thumb-operated trackwheel and ESC key
User Interface: Intuitive icons and menus
Memory: 16 MB flash memory
Microprocessor: No
Modem: Embedded RIM® wireless modem
Email Account Compatibility: Integrates with an existing enterprise email account or up to 10 personal/business email accounts
Includes BlackBerry Desktop Software: Supported by version 3.6 or higher
Works with BlackBerry Enterprise Server:
Supported by:
- Version 2.1 or higher for Microsoft® Exchange
- Version 2.0 with Service Pack 2 or higher for IBM® Lotus® Domino®
- Version 4.0 or higher for Novell® GroupWise®‡
Network: Tri-band: 850/1800/1900 MHz GSM™/GPRS networks

