The Blackberry

[GekkoRules]

The thread on what you would want 'uninvented' got me thinking about this.

I use one for my work and although at times its very useful by and large I think it adds greatly to the workload and the time spent 'working'. I do run my own business so don't expect to beable to simply switch off at 5pm , nor would i want to, but i am toying with the idea of getting rid of the Blackberry.

Has any one else just reverted to a 'normal' phone and has it helped? I understand all the arguments about switching it off etc but I like to have my phone with me for personal stuff - my kids getting hold of me etc- and am really just looking to see if any one else has kicked the habit. I'm assuming you just go cold turkey for a few days and then feel liberated!

Sent from my Blackberry Wireless Device

Edited by GekkoRules on Wednesday 24th March 13:36

[Ayahuasca]

Makes you wonder how anything got done when we just relied on posting each other memos written on paper.

[anonymous-user]

iPhone - Toggle e-mail on/off then still use it as a phone/text/internet device without push e-mails

or just turn data off on your Blackberry to keep the phone active

[Steamer]

I know just what you mean...

after months of telling people I didnt need an iphone in my life, I now find myself checking emails from my bed before and after I sleep.

sent from my iphone

[GekkoRules]

Correct - Andrew Carnegie started building his multi-national empire without telephones and doing deals by telegram.

[iggletiggle]

As mac has said, i simply switch off data on my blackberry at weekends/when i want to be left alone.

Fairly simple really.. I rely heavily on my blackberry as it is my diary, email box, web browsing, phone, camera, travel guide, sat nav... therefore i would not be able to swap back to a "normal" phone without having to add other bits to my already stacked bag (Tom Tom, Diary etc)

I just find it hugely useful for many personal and business related things. Switching off the data just adds to the enjoyment as i can effectively "switch off" from work when needed.

HTH

Mike

[Lastinclass]

I got rid of mine 2 years ago! It's the best thing I ever did,but I don't work for myself. I read somewhere recently that Crackberry users work on average 17% more than their non using colleagues!! I still get my work done between 8am and 6pm and nothing stops working when I'm at home living my life!!

[GekkoRules]

Mac. said:

or just turn data off on your Blackberry to keep the phone active

Sorry to be a prick - but could you tell me how I do this? I thought it was an all or nothing scenario.

[iggletiggle]

GekkoRules said:

Mac. said:

or just turn data off on your Blackberry to keep the phone active

Sorry to be a prick - but could you tell me how I do this? I thought it was an all or nothing scenario.

Go to the Manage Connections in the Menu

Select Mobile Network Options

Switch off Data Services and "while Roaming"

Simples

ETA your not being a prick

Edited by iggletiggle on Wednesday 24th March 13:45

[GekkoRules]

Found it. Thanks

[Zeek]

Or just use the standard profile called 'Phone Only' when you don't feel like being bothered by the rest of the stuff.

[ProfessorPeach]

I wish I could go "off line".

I wish it was the olden days.

Ruddy emails and blackberry.


I want a slower life.

I'd like to be a farmer actually.

I'd have a buxom wife with rosy cheeks, and I'd have it off with my milkmaids in the hay.

I would have a tractor.

And wear wellies.

[GekkoRules]

Zeek said:

Or just use the standard profile called 'Phone Only' when you don't feel like being bothered by the rest of the stuff.

I thought that only made it ring for phonecalls and everything else still came in?

Its not the ringing its the constant OCD style checking of it.

[off_again]

Tried once - didnt work....

I work for a West Coast US company, so I can and do expect calls at all times. I got used to it and I move on. I try and get a better balance on other things though, so what I lose on constant email / calls, I gain elsewhere...

[Zeek]

GekkoRules said:

Zeek said:

Or just use the standard profile called 'Phone Only' when you don't feel like being bothered by the rest of the stuff.

I thought that only made it ring for phonecalls and everything else still came in?

Its not the ringing its the constant OCD style checking of it.

Yeah, it just alerts you to the phone ringing, but nothing else. If the problem is your addiction to checking it, then it won't solve that one

[KenBlocksPants]

Steamer said:

I know just what you mean...

after months of telling people I didnt need an iphone in my life, I now find myself checking emails from my bed before and after I sleep.

sent from my iphone

+1

I find I check my e-mail on my iphone litterally as the next thing i do after turning my wake up alarm off.

Bit sad really, hoping someone might have e-mailed me between falling asleep and waking up.

Next on the check list is facebook, then i get out of bed.

Some times i can last until unloading my morning glory and catchup then.

[zcacogp]

ProfessorPeach said:

I want a slower life.

I'd like to be a farmer actually.

I'd have a buxom wife with rosy cheeks, and I'd have it off with my milkmaids in the hay.

I would have a tractor.

And wear wellies.

Sounds like absolute heaven.

Snag is that I fear the reality would be somewhat different. Alas.


Oli.

[Ayahuasca]

ProfessorPeach said:

I wish I could go "off line".

I wish it was the olden days.

Ruddy emails and blackberry.


I want a slower life.

I'd like to be a farmer actually.

I'd have a buxom wife with rosy cheeks, and I'd have it off with my milkmaids in the hay.

I would have a tractor.

And wear wellies.

Shouldn't that be over in the Poetry thread?

[Longwool]

ProfessorPeach said:

I wish I could go "off line".

I wish it was the olden days.

Ruddy emails and blackberry.


I want a slower life.

I'd like to be a farmer actually.

I'd have a buxom wife with rosy cheeks, and I'd have it off with my milkmaids in the hay.

I would have a tractor.

And wear wellies.

This modern way of life has caught up with farmers as well. It really isn't like you imagine!!!

[AB]

I hate not knowing what is going on. If I am away from the office for a day on the road, or in meetings then I would hate not being able to check, read and reply to email messages.

Exchange sync on the iPhone is so much better than my old Blackberry due to being able to move emails to folders, delete them on both handheld and server etc etc. Could never do that with my BB for some reason, may just have been the way that IT set it up.

I find it makes me more productive. I have no issues ignoring emails in my own time.