Should I get a Blackberry?

I absolutely love my iPod Touch, and I was thinking that if and when I decided to upgrade to a smartphone, it would be an iPhone.

But you know what? Now that Google apps are so nicely connected, and I can sync my iTunes playlists to my Blackberry, I think I may just stick with my current mobile provider and get myself a Canadian smartphone!

I've resisted getting a smartphone, and I've sort of prided myself on only using my mobile phone to talk. But I have to say that even the glimpses I've had of mobile access through my iPod have really tempted me to get with the times. I guess I'd better start doing some thumb-strengthening exercises!

I do worry about always being connected (I tend to veer towards workaholism if I'm not careful), so I will need to practice good self-care and set clear boundaries for myself . Luckily, I've had lots of practice doing that. These things do have an OFF button, don't they?

My iPod Touch isn't going anywhere either! It has quickly become my home stereo system, my alarm clock, and (occasionally) a way to listen to a teleclass recording or some tunes while I walk Chyna.

My next stop is to the mall to actually try out the phones in my hands. The buttons absolutely must be comfortable!!

What do you think? Any recommendations (or warnings) about taking this leap? The Google Tutor has some great articles about the pros and cons of syncing with email using the Blackberry Internet Account or the Gmail mobile application. Which do you use? Please comment below - thanks!

Comments

[Linda Dessau]

Thanks Sherry - I do find the iPhone very, very tempting as well!

[Sherry]

I was hooked on the smart phone until I got the iPhone... iPhone wins hands-down! It took a little to get used to the on-screen key pad but it was much better than anything I have used before. My husband likes his Blackberry Curve (he only uses it for a phone and nav system). The screen is too small on all Blackberry phones for me. Easier to read the larger screen. iPhone also handles multiple e-mails and calendars very easily.

[Linda Dessau]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Lesley! I looked at the Curve and thought the buttons were pretty small for me. I liked the buttons on the Pearl a bit better, so I'm leaning towards a Pearl Flip at the moment. I will keep you posted!

[Lesley]

Blackberry Curve is easy to use and the keys are nicely raised which makes it user friendly. Beware the Blackberry World phone as the key pad is all level which makes it too easy to hit two keys at once.
Tried to install a memory card for music and ended up tearing off the "door" that holds the card in place. Java has produced some problems where the phone needs resetting a couple times a week which is very annoying.
Blackberry is definitely an improvement over the MS Word smartphones--they really did need constant re-setting! Heard the iphone is great except for guys who need reading glasses---big thumbs and poor eyesight are a bad combo when you're just trying to hit a spot on the screen i guess!