Oops you should think twice about buying a new BlackBerry

In fairness, I haven't had a chance yet to play with the new BlackBerrys. But there are serious business and technology issues that should make you think twice before you buy one of the new ones unveiled today. From an operating system destined for irrelevancy to the continued lack of worthy applications, this latest line of smartphones from RIM may be dead on arrival. If you need to change phones, and your company isn't forcing you to use a BlackBerry, you're better off moving over to the iPhone or an Android smartphone.

 commentary If you're thinking about picking up one of those fancy new BlackBerrys, let me explain for a minute or so why that may not be a very good idea.

i read that cnet.com and you would like to do it to “read more” Research in Motion finally answered the pleas of the BlackBerry faithful for a new device with a promotional blitz today, announcing multiple phones for different carriers around the world. In the U.S., AT&T has committed to selling three BlackBerrys, including a next-generation Torch, the touch-screen version of its smash-hit Bold phone, and a touch-screen-only phone called the Torch 9860. Sprint Nextel said it too will be carrying the Bold and a variant of the all-touch-screen phone called the Torch 9850.
Sounds harsh, but I'm not the only one down on the BlackBerry. According to a survey taken by NPD Connected Intelligence, roughly a third of those asked about their next smartphone said it would be either an Android handset or iPhone. A paltry 8 percent said they were looking for a BlackBerry. It's hard to say that cost is the issue. While pricing isn't available, they will likely be priced competitively with the iPhone and other high-end smartphones.
The latest BlackBerrys run on the newest version of its operating system, BlackBerry OS 7. While an improvement over past operating systems, in reality it represents only a minor update over OS 6, found in the original Torch that debuted a year ago. It was originally known as OS 6.1, but was renamed to 7 because the company claimed the update was so big. A more cynical person would suggest RIM was engaging in overly enthusiastic marketing to better sell its devices.
Big update or not, it's not going to be around for very long. RIM said it is moving to its next-generation operating system, called QNX, next year. The software already powers the PlayBook tablet, which despite getting panned by reviewers, worked smoothly as an operating system.
If customers buy a BlackBerry now, they're left with an operating system that will be out of date halfway through their two-year contract. Nokia is dealing with the same dilemma as it manages its transition to Microsoft's Windows Phone operating system. In the meantime, the company is positioning its older Symbian platform as a mass-market smartphone phone.

There are other issues. Despite many attempts, RIM still hasn't answered the increasing demand for applications. The iPhone and Android devices can do more than the basics of phone calls and Internet browsing, and it's something that RIM continues to neglect. BlackBerry offers only a fraction of the number of applications available to iOS and Android users.

Last month, RIM said its App World had hit 1 billion application downloads, a significant milestone for the company but still behind its rivals. Apple earlier in the month said it had passed the 15 billion download mark, while Google said in May that more than 4.5 billion applications were downloaded through Android Market.

To be fair, RIM has hopefully addressed the hardware issues that have long plagued the devices, giving the new line a boost in specifications such as application processing speed and memory. RIM officials promised much of the same with the original underpowered Torch, but they appear to have delivered with the newest wave of SnapDragon-powered phones.

William Stofega, an analyst at IDC, said that the improved design of the Bold Touch will likely keep some of the BlackBerry faithful in the fold.

"It definitely fills a void in the portfolio that they didn't have with the Storm," he said.

And BlackBerry remains a good platform if all you're interested in is access to e-mail and a higher level of security. It will remain a fixture in government agencies and companies with sensitive security requirements.

But if you're looking to do more than simple e-mail and Web browsing, BlackBerry may not be your best bet.

www.Scottrade Ranks as Top Online Brokerage for Customer Loyalty

www.Scottrade is a leading branch-supported online investing firm, has been named a top firm in the 2011 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index for a seventh time. The index asked customers from seven online brokerage firms to determine how they perceive each brand, compare offerings and ultimately make a buying decision.

“For more than 30 years, Scottrade has offered the tools, investment education and support to help investors make better online investing decisions,” said Scottrade Chief Marketing Officer Kim Wells. “Ranking as a top online brokerage firm for customer loyalty for the seventh time points directly to our investors’ appreciation, which includes local stock brokers they know and trust, as well as our consistently low commissions and variety of products that make Scottrade a reliable resource to help them trade and invest with confidence.”

Investors can visit any of Scottrade’s more than 500 branch offices throughout the country to learn more about investing for retirement or online stock trading. They can also attend one of Scottrade’s Branch Seminars or watch a Live Webinar on the online Knowledge Center to learn how Scottrade’s products can help them make better-informed decisions.

In addition to the Brand Keys recognition, Scottrade recently was named one of FORTUNE magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America for the fourth consecutive year and has been chosen three times as one of the Best Places to Work in IT by Computerworld.

The 2011 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index asked customers to rate their relationships with hundreds of brands in more than 75 categories, which ranged from the airline industry to banks to online travel companies.

About Scottrade
Investors who enjoy online stock trading will find value and personalized customer service at online investing firm Scottrade. Founded in 1980, Scottrade enables customers to learn about online trading tools, stock market research and how to buy stocks online, many at just $7 per trade. With more than 500 nationwide branch offices, Scottrade has the largest branch network among online brokerage firms. To learn more about one of FORTUNE magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For,” visit about.scottrade.com orwww.scottrade.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr. Member FINRA/SIPC.

Scottrade Review

Scottrade is one of the more established discount stock brokers in the industry, but I have to give them another praise after what happened since I wrote a review about them. This article outlines why Scottrade brings customer service to the next level, and what the brokerage firm offers.
What are the Commission Rates

Scottrade has always advertised its pricing of $7 per trade, while options are $7 per trade plus $1.25 per contract. Compared with its direct competitors who offer similar services, they are clearly the heapest option. However, on a strict per trade level, there are others out there.
 

Scottrade’s Different Trading Platforms

Like many of the premium brokers, Scottrade offers multiple platforms that all have their unique advantages. Here’s a brief description of each:
Scottrade Trading Website – The web platform is great if you are paranoid about installing anything on your computer. It’s also comparable to most discount broker platforms and offers the majority of investors’ needs.
Scottrade Mobile – A special mobile application that simplifies the clutter to allow for faster trading on a mobile device. I will never know why you need to make trades on the go, but this option is there if you need it.
Scottrate Elite – The full blown trading application that rivals the hardcore trading platforms of other brokerages. Streaming quotes, customizable and savable sessions as well real time news that is

• 
  pushed to you.
  Scottrade Knowledge Center
  
  In order to help investors, Scottrade put together one of the most comprehensive investment resources online. With nearly 2,000 educational articles and interactive tools, investors can learn about everything from the basics of options to what the yield curve of a bond is.

Scottrade Branches and Customer Service

There are actually more than 400 Scottrade branch offices nationwide, so you can get your questions answered either on the phone or in person. The company is one of the top 100 companies to work for (according to Forbes) and it shows in the attitude of the employees. Everyone I spoke with were genuinely helpful and happy.

Why I’m Seriously Considering Scottrade

I’m beginning to become a Scottrade convert. I wrote a review about two weeks ago, and not only did the company tweeted about it, the PR spokesman of the company also personally emailed me to clarify my concern on their physical locations and offered to answer any questions I had.

At the time of the review, I noted that the local branches didn’t provide much more than what a phone conversation would do. As it turns out, each Scottrade representative can walk you through the whole trading platform in person as well as make trades for you (if you choose, or if the website goes down for whatever reason).

I also learned that within the branches, they are hosting live seminars to teach Scottrade customers how to better invest in these times. This is what they have to say about the seminars.

I’ve repeated said that while it’s better to have good customer support than bad, I seldom use it and therefore it’s low on my list of priorities when looking at a new broker option. However, Scottrade seems to take customer service to the next level (the helpfulness and positive attitude of the employees were very apparent once I spoke with them). In fact, I’m so impressed that I’m thinking of moving my funds over to a Scottrade account. While there are cheaper solutions out there, I’m sure that the customer reps would be glad to help me if problems were to arise.

Is Scottrade Right for You

At the end of the day, this is a personal choice that you have to make. Compared with any other broker that has all the higher end services of Scottrade, this broker is the cheapest (and probably the best). However, there are less expensive alternatives out there if you are looking strictly at per trade cost. Is the few dollars a trade worth the piece of mind of knowing you are in the perfect hands? It’s entirely up to you.

If you decide to go with Scottrade though , click here to get started.

Scottrade

Scottrade is a privately owned American discount retail brokerage firm headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. Its Founder, President and CEO is Rodger O. Riney. Scottrade has 500 branch offices around the U.S. Scottrade has no international branch offices but does offer special services to its Asian-Pacific customers with a Chinese service center staffing Chinese-speaking stockbrokers.

Scottrade renders both online and branch office services including brokerage services, advisment services, investment education, and offers award-winning online trading platforms, including the Scottrade Trading Web Site, ScottradeELITE Advanced Trading Platform, Scottrader Streaming Quotes, Scottrade OptionsFirst and Scottrade Mobile.
The Scottrade Trading Web Site is Scottrade's standard trading platform with stock screeners; quotes and research; real-time quotes and charting; account monitoring and a knowledge center.

Scottrader Streaming Quotes provides real-time market data and news within a trading platform accessible via the Scottrade Trading Web Site.
ScottradeELITE is an advanced trading platform including news columns from both Comtex and Dow Jones, advanced charts, level two and TotalView quotes, and stock screeners.
OptionsFirst, designed by OptionsHouse in 2008, is a platform allowing complex multi-leg options orders, margin accounts with low minimum deposits, and multiple accounts to the same user. All regular common stock and ETF orders are allowed excluding OTCBB and Pink Sheets.
Scottrade Mobile, launched in 2009, is a trading website accessible from any internet-enabled mobile device.

Competitors in the discount brokerage industry include: E*TRADE, TD Ameritrade, Fidelity Investments, Charles Schwab, Firstrade, and TradeKing.

In 2008, the Securities and Exchange Commission charged the company with making fraudulent misrepresentations to clients. The company settled the dispute by paying a $950,000 fine.

Computer Trade In Program

Looking for a computer trade in program to finally upgrade your PC or laptop to get the most from your online surfing or high speed gaming? Computer trade in programs can be your cash for clunkers program for your computer that is older and less responsive. You need to make the most in any purchase you make, especially in tough economic times, this could be a great new means of bargaining for what you want and getting it at a price you set yourself.

A trade in program for computers, iPods, laptops, cameras can be a great green day project to get the proper disposal of older unused electronics. Several big name electronic and PC specific companies are offering computer trade in programs, so you can actually pit one against another to further your bargaining power.

If you are an online gamer or are wanting to get your own high speed computer to avoid paying to rent time at a local gaming computer shop, then this could be a way to trade in an old computer and get the best price possible for the right PC. Shopping for a computer vendor offering a trade in program is a tool that you can game to your advantage.

Trade your laptop now while offers are available. The value you will get in merely upgrading your older model will more than justify the cost.

Gone is the cash for clunkers program, so will the computer trade in program offers as well, so timing is everything. As soon as you find a trade offer, pursue it quickly and get the deal you're looking for.

Several computer trade in programs are really designed to merely upgrade with a specific brand and you want to know this in advance before you spend time pursuing a trade in proposal with a computer vendor.

To learn more about computer trade in program offers in your area or with which brands are available to trade in or upgrade your old computer for a newer model

Markets trade in a tight range

The Sensex continues to trade in a close range of 50 points with the index paring some of its initial gains. The BSE benchmark index is up 25 points ta 18,321  while the Nifty is trading flat at 5,478.

In the broader markets, the smallcap up 0.5%  and the midcap indices gaining 0.2% too have shed some of its early gains but continues to ouperform the Sensex which is trading flat.

On the sectoral charts, Realty continues to lead with a 0.7% gain. Metal and Oil & gas adding 0.4% each are the other gainers. It down nearly 1% continues to languish at the bottom of the chart. COnsumer Durables, Bankex, Health Care and FMCG too are trading in the negative.

Reliance Infrastructure up 8%, HDFC, Sterlite, Hero Honda, Bharti Airtel, Reliance Communications gaining 1% -2% are the top gainers among the Sensex-30 stocks.

SBI, Infosys, Tat Power, ICICI Bank, ITC and Bajaj Auto down 1% each are the major losers on the Sensex.

The market breadth is positive. 1360  stocks have advanced while 1105  have declined.