One thing you learn over the years of running a business is to know your competitors as well as you know your own business. In this case, I think Nokia’s off their rocker. Their latest campaign is geared at the BlackBerry user, so let’s compare, shall we?

Now, in all fairness to Nokia, I am a Nokia E71 user – it’s a sexy, versatile phone. I monitor two Exchange accounts using Mail for Exchange and Roadsync. I use the VOIP client frequently, the podcasting application is a lifesaver, Widsets keep me up to date and I like viewing rich media with Skyfire.

… but to have Nokia purport that there are no hidden costs, I think they may have misunderstood the ultimate cost – people’s time. Some comparisons, after the jump.

For the purpose of this test, we’ll talk about connecting the mobile to Microsoft Exchange Server.

Software installation test:

Nokia E71 – you must install either Mail for Exchange or RoadSync
BlackBerry Handheld – software is included on the server

Server configuration test:

Nokia E71 – Mail for Exchange and RoadSync connect to Exchange natively
BlackBerry Handheld – BlackBerry Enterprise Server is required

Cost per unit test:

Nokia E71 – Mail for Exchange, free. RoadSync, $40
BlackBerry Handheld – Built in client, free. BES license, $99

Activation test:

Nokia E71 – Mail for Exchange and RoadSync, must know all the details of your Exchange server, at least five different settings have to be entered into the device
BlackBerry Handheld – User only needs to know their email and activation password

Automatic retrieval test:

Nokia E71 – Mail for Exchange, will automatically retrieve the rest of a message. RoadSync, must manually download the rest of a message
BlackBerry Handheld – Messages automatically retrieve

Server side management test:

Nokia E71 – Mail for Exchange and RoadSync, limited configuration and management of the device from the server
BlackBerry Handheld – dozens of configuration options from access rules to signatures on the server

Subfolder test:

Nokia E71 – Mail for Exchange, no subfolders. RoadSync, only folders below the Inbox
BlackBerry Handheld – Subfolders anywhere and everywhere

Note: when I queries the RoadSync people about this issue, they stated that this is a limitation of the ActiveSync protocol. With the release of the iPhone and it’s ability to connect with subfolders regardless of where they may be (same level as Inbox, for example), I’m calling bullshit.

Search test:

Nokia E71 – Mail for Exchange, built in plugin for internal search. RoadSync, server-based search works only with Exchange 2007
BlackBerry – fast handheld search

Name resolution test:

Nokia E71 – Mail for Exchange, will resolve names in the device’s addressbook, you can use a tool to find names on the server. Roadsync, no automatic resolution, you can use a tool to find names in the device’s addressbook or on the server
BlackBerry – will resolve accounts on the server and the device automatically

Flags, followup, reminders:

Nokia E71 – Mail for Exchange, no dice. RoadSync, flagging and reminders on messages for Exchange 2007 only
BlackBerry – no dice

One button composition:

Nokia E71 – Mail for Exchange, hold down the e-mail key. RoadSync, one button composition broken, you have to go through several menus to compose an email
BlackBerry – Quick composition from the home screen

So in the end, both devices read email, once you get to know your device, you’ll probably get along well with it. The most confounding aspect of the Nokia device is the configuration and management of the device. Not as smooth as the BlackBerry yet and costly as a result. If you count your labour as free, then maybe there’s an ROI justification to look at it. If not, then it’s gotta be BlackBerry.

In all fairness, I haven’t mentioned Nokia’s Intellisync which is supposedly a contender for the BlackBerry Enterprise space. The client which is also the same client used for the free Nokia Email service (similar to BlackBerry’s BIS) is a piece of junk. Slow, clunky and poorly laid out at best.