My Crackberry Pearl
OK, I promised myself NEVER to get one of those ball-and-chain contraptions that hook you up to your email 24-7-365. Labelled "crackberries" by some workers who claim that their employers force them to carry these "smartphone" devices and thereby promote compulsive behavior, I used to laugh at these pitiful creatures huddled over their saucer-sized devices thumb-typing email responses while balancing a low-fat Starbuck's latte in the airport awaiting their boarding call. No more. I am one with the Blackberry and it is one with me.
Why did I fall asleep next to the pod, like those hapless zombies in The Body Snatchers? I have very plausible reasons:
1. I hate carrying around multiple equipment / devices.
Before I picked up my new Blackberry Pearl, I carried around a cell phone, a Palm Pilot, an MP3 music player and I was just about to buy a GPS automobile navigation device. I was starting to feel like Batman with the need for an extensive utility belt. My most compelling argument for taking the plunge is to consolidate numerous gadgets into one.
2. But wait ... there's more
Much like the TV infomercials that implore you to buy their product because of all the added bonuses, this smartphone also allows you to browse the Internet and receive other WiFi benefits. One of these is offered to AAA members than enable the user to inquire about the nearest lodging, restaurants and other services. The built-in GPS unit can then guide you to the location. Too cool, especially with my gruelling travel schedule.
3. It's small
I hate those huge smartphones that are too wide to wear on your belt or conveniently keep in your pocket. This is due to the need to fit a full QUERTY Keyboard that even then was too small to use effectively. This baby is small, light and elegant at 4.2 x 1.97 x 0.57 inches and a scant 3 ounces.
I am resisting the urge to hook up the email function and , frankly, the ultra-small keyboard would probably preclude my sausage-like thumbs from effectively typing anyway. All the better. The prime reason I didn't want one of these suckers is to avoid being constantly chained to work.
So hopefully, I can enjoy my Blackberry without having it turn into a Crackberry. I can also go through life without huge muscle-bound thumbs caused by excessive thumb-typing.
Serenity now.
Chris Crawford
www.justiceserved.com
Photo credit = BlackberryPearl.com