From time to time, I always get asked why I use two mobile devices. I have always been an avid Blackberry user since its first generation of bulky blue devices. I love the device and it enables me to communicate and stay connected while on the move. I'm notoriously always curious to play with other friends and colleagues devices. Whether it be the iPhone, Treo, Curve, Goodlink, Sidekick, or any of the other new devices, chances are I've messed around with them and can figure out what I like and dislike about each gadget in about 10 minutes.
But I still use a basic cellphone. To all those who continue to bash me for carrying around two devices and paying two electricity bills, I say this: Can you use your Blackberry or Treo while you talk on it? Can you send text messages from the same device you are talking on? You actually can on some of the devices if you are using a headset, but it is terribly cumbersome. If you aren't using your headset then try doing anything with your device while it is held to your ear. If you've got one device that can do many things, in my opinion, you want to be able to do those many things at once.
I'm a multi-tasker and it is important that if I am in a super-productive mode, I need to do many things at once. Whether it be glancing at emails on my blackberry while on the phone, talking on the phone while driving or on my stationary bike, I'm not the kind of person that is happy with just doing one thing at a time.
The funny thing about my need for a cellphone is that I've found it is actually difficult to find what I am looking for. I use and am always looking for a no-frills, lightweight phone with great battery life. I don't want it to have a camera. I don't want it to play music or get text messages or get online. I want all of its baseline energy uses to go towards it primary function - making phone calls.
Interestingly, the market continues to move towards all-in-one devices. I'm a firm believer that if you want to use a technology product, it is usually better if it is not multi-functional. Essentially, with an all-in-one strategy you can afford to have lesser quality individual parts that make up a whole. Remember those all in one fax-scanner-copier-printers? Every one I've ever had has broken down in one component and forced me to go out and buy that component separately.
So to all of those people using two devices for similar reason - cheers to you and your common sense!
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