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We asked a group of lawyers and legal IT professionals, which smart phone they preferred. In particular we focused on how the Blackberry and iPhone compared. The general consensus was that the Blackberry was better for business use and iPhone was better for personal use. What we discovered is that there is no simple winner and it really does depend on the individual and their mobile requirements. We've collated the feedback and put together a summary of pros and cons for the iPhone and Blackberry.

Blackberry Pros

• Very good for business integration - synchronising emails, calendar, tasks, contacts across different platforms i.e. Phone, PC.
• Blackberry Enterprise Server - simple to use for the system administrator for syncing up new devices, managing users and policies.
• Can use the firm's proxy for web browsing when away from the office.
• Good email with out of office settings.
• Blackberry Torch has QWERTY keyboard, touch screen and rotating screen.
• Blackberry can be centrally administrated, security is good.
• Sync's well with the company systems (i.e. Exchange Server).
• Good battery life.
• Competitive international data roaming tariffs available.

Blackberry Cons

• Small screen.
• Small keyboard.
• There are half as many apps as you would get on the iPhone.
• Expensive UK monthly data costs for BES.
• Web browsing is very weak and slow.
• Style is not as developed and modern as iPhone and can feel a little clunky.
• Viewing PDFs is difficult as when you zoom the view of the doc become blurry.
• Limited number of applications can be downloaded.

iPhone Pros

• Stylish, light and thin.
• Great selection of applications.
• The exchange sync with Google for the iPhone is fantastic.
• Rotating screen for landscape and portrait view.
• Sturdy - many people report having dropped the device more than once without incurring any damage to the phone.
• The controlled environment of the iPhone generally results in a better user experience, as apps are examined by Apple before publication, and the tightly controlled multi-tasking improves battery life.
• Easy to use.
• Touchscreen allows for bigger key size.
• Screen resolution and size is great.
• Emails look very good and can be read easily.
• Web browsing is very good.
• Bluetooth with car hands-free works better than Blackberry.
• The iPhone data tariff can be cheaper than Blackberry for UK users.
• Reading documents in Word and Excel is very easy and clear.
• Ability to switch between O2 network and wireless works seamlessly.

iPhone Cons

• Touch screen has taken some criticism however the general consensus is that you get quicker with practice.
• Battery life is not great.
• Keyboard is very clunky, and predictive text is awful.
• Phone signal can be a little temperamental even when your phone shows full reception.
• Very expensive handsets.
• Data roaming abroad is very expensive.

We hope this has helped you with your search for the right phone.