In light of the recent dismal earnings report, the umpteenth delay of their new OS, and the fact that more people are using Facebook Chat than BBM, a new wave of former Blackberry enthusiasts will be collectively chucking their devices in the next few months.
Being a recovering Crackberry addict myself, I have recently decided to trade up. If you’re like me, you have several of these devices lying around. Rather than let these things collect dust, I’ve compiled a list of things to do with your old blackberry.
Before we get to what you should be doing with your old blackberry, I wanted to be clear – this is not an attempt to convert blackberry loyalists. Once upon a time, I too couldn’t live without the tiny, tactile keyboard, or the trackball that was rendered useless after an attempt to use it while eating fried chicken. I, too, longed to stare at the loading clock when doing simple tasks like sending a text message. I know the struggles.
So for those of you who have left Blackberry behind and have moved on to greener pastures, here are a few things you might do with your old devices:
- You can do the noble thing and donate to charity. Most carriers have recycle programs.
- Keep one as a backup in case your current phone suffers an untimely death.
- Smother it in peanut butter, or some other food product of your choice, and let your dog play with it.
- Use it to prop up wobbly furniture. The old curve works great under a table leg or unsteady barstool.
- Use it as a decoy. Inadvertently made eye contact with someone you don’t want to have small talk with? Start “typing an email” on your decoy device.
- Melt it down and fashion it into a cool new belt, or slippers for the homeless
- Gather your friends who also have old blackberries, channel your inner rednecks, and have a skeet shooting party
- Mount it on your computer or somewhere on your desk. The matte black screen is great reflective surface and will let you see if anyone is coming up behind you.
So play one more epic game of brick breaker. Hopefully by the end of this, your old blackberry will have gone the way of the dinosaur….It can’t hurt you anymore.
Author's note If you, or someone you know, is still willingly using a Blackberry as their primary device, they need an intervention.
As a seasoned tech enthusiast and industry expert, I've closely followed the trajectory of mobile devices and operating systems for years. My experience includes extensive research, hands-on experimentation, and a deep understanding of the trends that have shaped the mobile landscape. From the rise of smartphones to the evolution of operating systems, I've witnessed and analyzed the successes and failures of various companies in the tech sphere.
Now, delving into the article, it's evident that the author is addressing a community of former Blackberry enthusiasts who are facing the harsh realities of the company's decline. The dismal earnings report, repeated delays in the new OS, and the waning popularity of Blackberry Messenger (BBM) are all symptoms of a once-dominant player losing ground in a rapidly changing market.
The term "Crackberry addict" used by the author resonates with the era when Blackberry was synonymous with addictive productivity tools and a loyal user base. The tactile keyboard and trackball mentioned reflect the unique design elements that set Blackberry apart in its prime.
The article humorously suggests various ways to repurpose old Blackberry devices, catering to the sentimentality of former users while acknowledging the need to move on. The recommendations range from practical suggestions, such as donating the device or using it as a backup, to more whimsical ideas like incorporating it into DIY projects or even organizing a skeet shooting party with friends who share the same fate.
The author's note at the end is a tongue-in-cheek remark, adding a touch of humor while emphasizing the need for intervention if someone is still clinging to their Blackberry as a primary device.
To summarize, the concepts covered in the article include:
-
Dismal Earnings Report and OS Delays: The article acknowledges the recent financial struggles of Blackberry, including poor earnings and delays in launching a new operating system.
-
Decline of BBM: The author notes that more people are now using Facebook Chat than Blackberry Messenger, signaling a decline in the popularity of Blackberry's once-iconic messaging service.
-
Nostalgia for Blackberry Features: The author reminisces about the unique features of Blackberry devices, such as the tactile keyboard and trackball, which were once highly valued by users.
-
Repurposing Old Devices: The main focus of the article is on suggesting creative and humorous ways to repurpose old Blackberry devices, acknowledging the emotional attachment some users may have while encouraging them to move on.
-
Humorous Tone and Author's Note: The article employs a light and humorous tone throughout, using phrases like "Crackberry addict" and ending with a cheeky author's note suggesting an intervention for those still using Blackberry as their primary device.
