Not all e-mail can be forwarded, however. Attachments can't be sent, and the BlackBerry device is not designed to deal with lengthy messages.
Users can set up filters to send only messages with specific subjects or from particular people.
The redirection software uses an Internet connection to the BellSouth Mobile Data packet radio network to forward e-mail to the BlackBerry device. Released last month, the device is available only from Microsoft resellers. RIM has thoughtfully programmed some keyboard shortcuts. The BlackBerry is a bit thinner and, at 4.1 ounces, more than 2 ounces lighter than Motorola Inc.'s PageWriter 2000 two-way pager, which is used by competing wireless messaging software, including Corsoft Corp.'s Aileron and Motorola's Flex. Corsoft's and Motorola's software programs are more scalable than BlackBerry's, however, and allows centralized administration, which eases installation.