Don't feel bad. I wouldn't be much of a IT professional if I didn't shop around for the best technology to suit me and my company’s needs. Right now, you can't beat BB for real-time, secure push email. The platform is very stable compared to that of Windows, but with stability comes limitations. Those limitation have decreased since RIM continues to improve its software. Additionally, stability will improve with Windows Mobile as it matures. Look at UNIX vs. XP. UNIX is the more stable OS, but would I use it over Windows as my desktop OS? No. Some would, just not me. Too many limitations in UNIX to complete other tasks required of my job.
People are hard to please though. RIM has nearly achived perfection with mail delivery but falls short in other areas such as a wide variety of affordable 3rd party software. PPC gives the ability to mimic some laptop functions with document editing and so forth, but then you have complaints about the short battery life due to faster processors and bigger and brighter screens. And of course the bulky size of the device and the heavier and often buggy OS. So in response, MS produces Smartphone. Smartphone is more evenly balanced as a phone/pda, with a usually slower processor for improved battery life, a leaner OS for faster performance, and generally a smaller price tag making them a bit more affordable. But then what happens? Users complain because it's not as powerful, the screens not as big and bright, software is more limited, and that you can't edit docs without adding software. And most annoying of all, that there is no touch screen!
COME ON! That's like buying a new Hummer and complaining about the gas mileage!! It is what it is. You can't look at a PPC device and think the battery is going to last a week with regular usage no more that you can look at a Hummer and think you are going to get 35mpg in the city!
Choosing a device that suits your needs is really very simple but does take some thought. Make a list of what you are REALLY going to do with the device. Not what you CAN do if you had it but what you really NEED it to do on a regular basis. Don't buy a PPC device because it CAN edit documents. Buy it because you NEED to edit documents regularly. Think about the features that are most important to you and decide if they are a want or a necessity.
If you list revolves around business oriented, time sensitive email, with as little fuss as possible and a near hassle free device with a good balance of voice/data usage. Also, BB has got, IMO, the easiest learning curve of any of the choices. So if you need all of the above and may not be technically apt person: Go with the Berry. (Pearl)
If it revolves around document viewing, and a need for a larger selection of 3rd party apps, good email delivery (I'm basing that on having Exchange 2003 available only), and a device that is fairly simple to use as a phone, and don't mind the occasional reboot when needed, then Smartphone may better suit you. (Dash is an excellent choice)
If you must have a laptop replacement wherever you go and want to use the device heavily for multimedia and games but don't mind the bulk, limited battery life, more lockups and reboots (remember you are closer to a PC here) and the sometimes awkward use of the phone, then the PPC is for you.
One more consideration is your connectivity in the workplace. You may be limited on choice based on what your IT department will allow you use to access company email. In many cases, blackberry is the only choice and perhaps even a Pearl would be off limits if cameras and removable storage devices are banned. Some IT departments will allow MS products through the Exchange Server but will not support them for you. So if you have a problem, you may be on your own. If you work for a large company and intend on using your device for corporate email, you might want to check with your IT department before making a final decision.
Ultimately, you have to decide what's best for you. When someone on the boards tells you that Blackberry is the best choice, or a Windows based solution is the best choice, it's really what works for THEM and not necessarily what works for you.
Also, don't apologize to anyone for trying new and different devices or platforms. If nothing else, you get smarter and can at least speak from experience if someone asks you about the merits of either platform. Most people that bash one device or OS over the other have never even tried the competition. I know berry guys who will bash MS devices religiously, but refuse to even pick one up and take it for a test drive. And vice versa. Its pig headed fan boy attitudes like that that you need to stay away from.
Technology is about adventure and experimentation and about keeping your mind open to new concepts and ideas. We, the gadget freaks of the world, are very lucky to have such great choices from a variety of manufacturers. They, RIM, Microsoft, Palm, and their hardware makers, are all really stepping up, making smaller, faster, longer lasting and more productive devices than ever before so keep buying and trying them.
The only bad choice you'll make is going with public opinion and not with what works best for you.