The Blackberry

[Aerial]

I downloaded a great stopwatch that keeps running even when I go do something else on the phone.  And the camera works pretty well for preset photos.

What's the name of the stopwatch?

It's actually just called "Stopwatch (for Palm OS)".  I downloaded it at www.mytreo.net.  It's very basic, but its silent and keeps running until I hit the stop button, even if I go into another application.

[StageMgr2Stars]

I've got the Motorola Q and I love it!!


If you want a windows mobile phone and have a mac, all you need is a program called Missing Sync and it's all good to go. The program costs a 1 time fee but worth it.



Aaand you're not required to have a Data Plan if you don't want one as opposed to the Blackberry where you MUST have a plan (atleast on verizon). So when work is slow, you get rid of your plan and just pay if you use it.

[GalFriday]

I love my Blackberry. However, self control does come into the mix. I would not check my email in rehearsal so I do not check the Blackberry. If I am expecting something REALLY important I have them send it to a special email address. This address has it's own settings and my Blackberry will vibrate even when on silent. I enjoy the freedom of checking me emails everywhere but freedom comes with responsibility . I shall not become a slave of the little red light.

[deusexmac]

incredibly interesting thread!
as a german free-lancing SM who is part technology-minded, a mac user and about to embark on the iPhone experience I am still thinking that it leaves me some personal space not to have a blackberry. in a culture which is pretty slow in adjusting to technology (yes, it has to be said. and there is at least two sides to that medal) it would also be looking a little 'show-offish' to have one.  as people who have one these days over here are still 90% corporate slaves and seem to perceive themselves as such. Hardly anyone of them has so far been praising the blackberry but complaints go along before-mentioned lines "expected to be reachable 24/7" etc... Also my clients would actually think they pay me too much if I had one. The contracts are still hugely expensive.
When production stage manageing or workshopping though, and being completely understaffed and left with a useless production manager, i have come to rely on being able to read and answer emails during rehearsals in order to react in time to questions from the production company etc. which is far more convenient than running out of the room to take that phone call from the HQ... It is then when I pray for wireless access which is sometimes a problem.

[JDL]

I'm a loyal Sprint customer that just made the switch to the Instinct and I love every bit of it! You all may wonder who on earth would use Sprint, but I love that I can have my phone at the Tech table and not disrupt the sound system! If you're in the big cities Sprint is the way to go! And all stage managers should have a blackberry-type device I think! I've replied to emails (jobs) via my phone that would have been too late had I waited until I got home!

[MarcieA]

So it is time for me to upgrade my PDA. Currently, as i mentioned before, I have an older model Treo, but for the price it will cost me to get a newer model Treo ($129-$199), I could potentially get myself the new iPhone. {If I can find one!}

Has anyone made a similar transition? I know there are a few iPhoners in this thread. What did you use before?

I like my Treo, and the newer ones have Windows mobile, which is nice for me. I'm in the process of fighting with Dell about my laptop and I'm looking to upgrade to a Macbook before Christmas.

I'm so torn.

[zayit shachor]

I like my Treo, and the newer ones have Windows mobile, which is nice for me. I'm in the process of fighting with Dell about my laptop and I'm looking to upgrade to a Macbook before Christmas.

If you're going to get a Macbook, I'd recommend the iPhone - they work SO seamlessly together.  (I have an iPod touch, not a phone, but I use it for my calendar, contacts, mail, etc.)

[MarcieA]

Went with the iPhone!

[KMC]

Several weeks ago I was put on blackberry for work.  I thought I'd use it for a few weeks before replying to this topic.  My overall thought is actually very similar to my original post on this topic on June 25. 

The ability to send and receive email, sync contacts, calendar and documents on the go certainly offers a level of convenience that we did not have five or ten years ago; I think this capability offers an even higher level of convenience for a freelance stage manager who many times does not have one central office location outside of home.  Phones with a GPS feature combined with google maps could be incredibly advantageous to a touring SM or Company Manager (or to anyone on tour, for that matter) or when working in an unfamiliar location.  Is having a smartphone a necessity?  No.  Does it make the job easier?  In many ways, I think it does.

Undoubtedly there are a multitude of potential pitfalls with a smartphone.  I have been on the receiving end of many emails sent from a blackberry where it's painfully clear that the sender was either distracted by something else or did not fully comprehend the email to which they were replying.  In these cases I think a smartphone does more to hinder communication than foster it.  Also, the physical addiction has been mentioned in several previous posts. 

Pitfalls aside, it is clear that the smartphone is here to stay.  In my opinion the key is, as with any piece of technology, to use it not as a crutch to stand on, but as a tool that aids us in doing our jobs.