by Sean Devlin, Front Rush

We are often asked to make recommendations here at Front Rush on technology purchases ranging from computers and software to mobile devices.

Needless to say, we are very happy to give our personal (although often one-sided) opinion to the thousands of coaches who rely on Front Rush for their recruiting technology needs. This week, we are going to discuss the mobile device we recommend for college coaches and recruiters.  More specifically, we're going to try to shed some light on one of the most popular questions we get asked at least once a week as we are helping coaches:  "Should I get an iPhone or a Blackberry?"
 
Here at Front Rush, we are split down the middle. In an attempt to keep the iPhone vs. Blackberry debate as "Swiss-neutral" as possible, we will discuss some of the pros and cons of both devices.
 
iPhone

The iPhone is focused on usability and user experience. It is a fun device to use and anything you want in terms of applications and cool gadgets is probably available, or will be available, on it.

Today, there are over 65,000 iPhone applications available to the users of the device. These "apps" allow you to do everything from updating your Facebook and Twitter pages, to exchanging information with other iPhone users just by bumping the two phones together. The experience of surfing the web is by far superior on the iPhone, as well.  Google has found that iPhone users do 50 times more searches from their iPhone than other users do from their respective devices. This means that if you own an iPhone you will actually use it to surf the web.
 
The negative to the iPhone is that you are locked into AT&T as your service provider. The iPhone is such a 'resource vampire' that you will (guaranteed) experience issues when trying to perform basic tasks like texting and making telephone calls when you are in certain geographic areas (anyone in the New York City area can attest to this).
 
Blackberry

The Blackberry is, and always has been, focused on email. It is incredibly secure and offers a rich array of tools when using and sending emails. It's much easier to navigate, organize, and even get your emails on this device. In fact, this is the biggest plus if you are a Blackberry user and are a Verizon rather than an AT&T subscriber. The level of service (i.e., no dropped calls, constant connection, etc.) is by far more consistent than the iPhone.
 
The negative to the Blackberry is that it does not have the number of apps compared to the iPhone. And, the web browsing experience is awful at best, in my opinion. There are certainly options (like downloading Opera Mini – mini.opera.com).  However, it still falls short relative to the iPhone. In fact, if a new technology is announced, you will probably be waiting in line while your iPhone counterparts experience it first.
 
So there you have it...a brief overview of the iPhone and Blackberry. I personally carry an iPhone because of its drive of innovation. My counterpart sitting two desks away here in the Front Rush offices, however, often times laughs at me while he gets his email substantially quicker.

Have a technology question that you just can't seem to get answered?  Go to the experts dedicated to serving college coaches just like you.  Email Sean at sdevlin@frontrush.com and ask him your technology related question.  You don't even have to be a Front Rush user...Sean and his team of experts are happy to assist users of any recruiting contact management database program, or coaches who don't use any software for tracking recruits. 

For more information on the services that Front Rush provides leading college coaches around the country, visit www.frontrush.com.