It has been 11 years since the first Blackberry device was introduced as a two way pager device, and has since developed into an 'all-in-one' smartphone device, offering web browsing, text messaging, mobile phone, and push email. The Blackberry's manufacturer, Canadian company Reasearch In Motion (RIM) focused primarily on the push email service, quickly becoming popular for businesses and corporations globally. Coupled with the Blackberry's software including calendar & address book software that can be synchronized to a users computer, the Blackberry was an invaluable tool when conducting business.
My dad has had one for as long as I can remember, constanly alerting him of new emails, so for years, I've always viewed the Blackberry as some elite type of phone, used only by those that need to be constantly connected to every aspect of their job; email, phone, appointment calendars, etc. All I ever used was a cell phone with text messaging, thinking that's all I ever really needed.
I broke down and decided to give the Blackberry a try in Jan 2008. I like to think that I decided to get one on the recommendation from my parents, they thought I needed to get my life in order since I was taking on working 40+ hours a week and some post-secondary classes, and the Blackberry would do just that for me. I must admit though, a small part of me did see a few of my friends starting to use them (for no apparent reason) and the whole 'elite' factor of having a Blackberry device.
To my surprise, it has definitely helped me keep track of the never-ending assignments, projects at work, and exams at school, of course. The ability to simply synch my Blackberry up to MacBook and have my entire calendar address book updated in less than a minute is definitely useful. Not to mention, the built-in Facebook application and web browsing is a great way to pass time in boring meetings at work.
Recently in CMNS 253, a student remarked that they thought it was ridiculous if anyone under the age of 25 owned a Blackberry, which I found interesting. I, luckily, am 25, so I guess I am spared their judgment, however, since getting to know and understand the wide array of functions they Blackberry can offer, I wonder why more people don't adopt such a device. After hearing such a comment, it seems that the elitist stigma is still somewhat attached to owning the Blackberry.
I believe RIM, the manufacturer, sees this as well, with the introduction of the Blackberry Pearl in late 2006, and their recent announcement of of a 'flip' style Blackberry. The Blackberry Pearl did away with a main feature of the earlier Blackberry devices, the full QWERTY keyboard. This enabled the design of the phone to appear more mainstream, and less like an 'elitist' device.
This was taken a step further, when RIM released the new flip version of the Pearl:
Blackberry 8220
(sorry if the linking doesn't work correctly, I'm a little lame when it comes to HTML)
This new version of the Pearl takes the mainstream look to the next level. With this new Blackberry device that looks and feels like a regular cell phone, will more people be willing to adopt such a device and become more integrated with an all-in-one device?
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3 comments:
I find it quite amazing to see how far technology has come, particularly with mobile devices. People no longer look at a mobile device as just a way to get a hold of people, it actually connects people to their daily activities and scheduals. A device that was primarily used by busy business people, the Blackberry has indeed become more mainstream. I for one think it is extremely useful for the individuals with busy lives. i don't necessarily belive it can just be useful to people in the business world either. It could be useful to the soccer mom with three kids who has to organize pick up and drop off times, and may need to connect with people who are in the office, on the email, who can't get to the phone. I agree with students having them as well. With many students taking full-time classes and working full-time hours, the Blackberry would be incredibly useful in keeping up with their scheduals, homework, and work notifications. I agree that to one with busy scheduals, such a device would prove most valuable. I don't believe that the Blackberry should be considered an elite device anymore, especially since technology is always and forever will be expanding. I see children at the ages of 9 walking down the street with a cell phone. If that is the case, then why would it be considered absurd for someone under the age of 25, who would obviously lead a more strenious life, to own a Blackberry? Give it another year, and you will probably see eleven-year-old using BlackBerrys. In such cases such as that, the Blackberry is probably just for show, to seem elite. However, in such a busy society, I do think the Blackberry should be seen as a very useful device.
I think an interesting example was brought concerning the type of users a Blackberry device would attract. Mentioning a soccer mom, who not only needs to organize her personal appointments, but remain connected to the office. I think the all-in-one device has enabled people to leave the office, get out and enjoy personal interests and pursuits. Some people label the Blackberry as a leash, chaining someone to their job, regardless of where they are. I personally do not connect my device to my work email, so I may not be the best expert on this, but I view the connection a Blackberry provides something that enables workers to be free of the office. If someone can organize and plan their schedule, and have the flexibility to be reached by email or phone anywhere they are, one would not have to spend endless hours hidden away in an office.
I don't think age should be a factor at all in this situation. I believe if you have allot on your plate of corse it seems easier to use a blackberry. I guess maybe it even depends on what type of person you are. In some sense yes its nice having a buzzer go off eveytime you get an email or you forgot to do something, my day-timer certainly dose not do that. But thank god for that. When I have an hour in my day free I don't want to spend it on facebook or emailing a buddy back, with my cool blackberry. (I am not being sarcastic when I say cool, because I do think they are.) I would like to have that hour by myself and not be tempted to look at the darn screen and see whats up. Yeah I am ok with missing an email or appointment here or their. I am sure everyones life is not all serious and no fun. Come on you don't really need your emails everyday...seriously? and if you do may I be so bold to incline what they are because I find it very hard to believe most people need to check their email everyday or something life threatening will happen. (unless of corse you a doctor of some sort and need to be on call all the time.) but I mean I basically am being the debbie downer for technology because I just believe humans should not rely to much on it. What if you drop it and your screen is gone for the rest of the day you have no idea about anything. well my day timer doesn't ever go blank. ha-ha ok I guess I could lose my day timer, and it is cool to surf the web when Ted lectures make you sleepy. hahaha kidding ted!!!!!! all in all I think everybody is so connected already why do we need a devise to connect us all the time? you haven't convinced me yet alex. I possibly might just not make any sense because its two in the morning so if I don't hit me back and I will explain after sleep
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