I think I owe Blackberry users an apology.

I used to see people squinting at their little devices and think, “Get a life, nerd!”

Especially in public places.  What could be so interesting that you would basically be oblivious to most things going on around them in the “real” world?  I mean, it’s a phone, right?  What else does it really need to do?  Crackberry, indeed.

Well, a few months ago I got a Blackberry and all I can say is, “I’m sorry.”

I absolutely cannot see living without a smart phone now.  I’m constantly on it: making changes to my fantasy football lineup, getting GPS directions, updating Facebook, etc. One of the handier things I use it for is Linn Area’s Mobile Banking.  We’ve only had it a few months, but it’s already indispensable.  It’s basically a Lite version of our online banking product, e-Branch.  You can view History, transfer funds, etc. from ANYWHERE.  Well, anywhere you have service. 

I’ll let you in on a little secret about myself – I don’t balance my checkbook.  Heck, I don’t even know where my checkbook is anymore.  I know I should keep all of my receipts and store them someplace that I’ll actually remember then once a week add ‘em all up, subtract them from blah, blah, blah, ad infinitum.  Well, to me, this task is right up there with rearranging the sock drawer on the fun-o-meter. 

With Mobile Banking I can keep track of my spending and still have time for more important stuff….. like Number Cruncher.  (It’s a free game I found on crackberry.com.)

Sadly, I don’t think I’m done apologizing yet. 

You see, this weeked I’m getting an iPhone. I may just start at the top and send Steve Jobs a virtual white rose.

There’s an app for that, right?