The Q runs the Smartphone varient of the Windows Mobile OS. It will be able to use Microsoft’s new push-mail service (check out mail2web.com for a free account), and will indeed appeal to corporate buyers. As soon as BlackBerry or Verizon issues a supported version of BlackBerry Connect, it will be useful in a BES environement as well as a GoodLink system right now.

It does compete directly with BlackBerry devices – don’t believe it doesn’t. Microsoft and it’s OEMs have been pushing, striving to get to this stage for years. The Q is just the first ‘obvious’ device that is a functional competitor.

Yes I’m a ‘fan’ of Microsoft, no argument here. But I’m also a technology analyst for a large corp. in Minneapolis – and we’re in the middle of deploying BES and BlackBerry devices on all four carriers, so I’ve been exposed to the virtues of BlackBerry as well as Windows Mobile. There is room for both, but lets focus on getting the competitive products to help improve over time.

-Rick

Bottom line: the Q will appeal to kind of the “prosumer” market: consumers who want high end features in their phone/smartphone. The great screen, camera, multimedia, 3G connectivity…along with its cutting edge design will move tons of these units.

I wouldn’t be surprised if some people who otherwise would buy a high end conventional cell phone won’t switch over to the Q instead, due to its small profile as well as very reasonable price of $199 with contract.

In fact, I was surprised by the relatively low pricepoint; before this device came so close to release, many were speculating this would be around $500 with contract, and more expensive than the Treo. At $199 it should sell like hotcakes.

For enterprise users, the blackberry will still be the way to go; but for consumers who want some fun in their smartphone, and even some business owners/users who do as well, this phone will be very appealing.

fyi goodlink from good technology is supporting the q, even if connect will not be supported.