Getting a BlackBerry

By Allison Berman
February 3, 2009

When my computer died I was devastated. I knew I would be left recreating columns and business spreadsheets but I sort of lost track of the sheer volume of information I kept on my computer professionally and personally. Everyday I realize something new I lost (most recently it was the spreadsheet of names and addresses from my daughters' birthday parties). I am trying to avoid this ever happening again by backing up files on an external hard drive. And to cover my outlook contacts I am going this to get a PDA (read: a BlackBerry or iPhone).

I was surprised to find one of my most devastating data losses was my Outlook contacts. It's my lifeline to ex-coworkers, social acquaintances, and extended family. I am talking about people it's great to keep in touch with, but you don't think to call until it's too late at night or when it's too early in the morning. Thankfully email works anytime - if you have their contact information.

I toyed with the idea of getting a PDA even before my computer died but resisted for two reasons, first a PDA has even more bells and whistles for me to break. And second, my bigger obstacle, I don't want to be so accessible. However, I finally realized even a BlackBerry will make my life easier - giving me the ability to access email while waiting for my daughter's pre-school to be dismissed - but it doesn't mean I have to reply just because I can.

As a columnist, random publicists fill my inbox with pitches trying to get me to write about their clients' products, and since I feel bad deleting un-read pitches the emails pile up. I am obsessed with trying to keep the number of emails in my inbox down and I believe the best way to do it is to get a PDA.

I started out at Verizon (where I have my current plan) and since I am eligible for a new phone, I'm sticking with Verizon (nixing the iPhone). They showed me the "Pearl" which has 2 letters per key (not going to work for me) which leaves the "Curve" and the "Storm" (the relatively new touch screen). I like the idea of buttons but either one will help me accomplish my goals.

What are my goals? I need to be able to sort and delete emails without being chained to a computer because my daughter and I are still sharing her desktop. And I want to have fail-safes in place incase of another computer crash.

Backing up data is no longer optional. It's just like the emergency stash of diapers I keep in my truck for the days I forget to refill my diaper case. Now I just have to remember to keep backing up my pc periodically... and synch the BlackBerry and the computer properly... well, it's worth a shot.

Allison Berman, an artist and mother of two, handpaints custom home accessories for interior designers and private customers. She works out of her home studio in Warwick, NY. See her collection at www.withlovealib.com. She can be reached at ali@withlovealib.com. Her column appears Tuesdays.