Obama's "Blackberry" - ONLY $3,350

[furrbear]

After some initial hesitation due to legal requirements regarding the preservation of presidential records, Mr. Obama has been allowed to continue using a wireless e-mail device after assuming the presidency. There are still conflicting reports about whether the hardware is an altered RIM BlackBerry or a different device, though the most likely contender for the latter option appears to be the General Dynamics Sectéra Edge, which features a "trusted [secondary] display" and two buttons used to switch between classified and unclassified operation. Some details from Declan
McCullagh at CNET:

The price is $3,350 with a two-year warranty, a princely sum that's reflected in the Pentagon-worthy price tags for accessories: a simple adapter for a lighter plug costs $100. (Never again should you complain about how much your civilian analogue costs.)

The Sectera runs a mobile version of Microsoft Windows, including versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Windows Media Player. The NSA claims that the installed versions of Internet Explorer, WordPad, and Windows Messenger are good enough for data that's classified at a level of Secret. Presumably the federal spooks have found a way to protect IE from the numerous security flaws that continue to plague the Internet's most popular browser.

The NSA declined to comment on Monday.

Manufacturer site and (not very detailed) specs.

Government Computer News says it is definitely not a BlackBerry. However, GCN's reporters aren't always as good as they should be (or even as good as the regular IT press) on getting their facts straight on security issues.

Comments

[transairn.livejournal.com]

Ewwwww Windows Mobile. That thing crashes on my ipaq ALL the time...but then again mine only cost 10% of what Obama's does.

[grizzlyzone.livejournal.com]

Think Economic Stimulus.

What did you spend yours on?

[transairn.livejournal.com]

Hahah funny you mention that. In only 2 days, we can all celebrate the 1-year anniversary of that blessed "Act". I remember taking a foto of it, and laughing at the concept. Little did I know that less than 8 months later, foreclosure would be the word-of-the-day on blogs and newspaper articles.

Re: What did you spend yours on?

[grizzlyzone.livejournal.com]

I can't recall. Probably just spent it on nothing in particular.

Re: What did you spend yours on?

[ursine1.livejournal.com]

One trip to Costco when I was visiting the Bay Area. They sent me my check by Correos here in España.

Chuck, waiting for more stimulus

[grizzlyzone.livejournal.com]

Would that happen to be an oPhone?