Any college students that use a blackberry? Is it worth it? Help!!!?

Question

Is it worth me getting a blackberry for college next year? I really do want one, but I also want to be able to use it to the full extent, or at least just be able to use it a lot. My question is, is it worth me getting one for college and are there any college students who have one that use it a lot for school or just life in general? I have verizon wireless, so I plan on getting a curve 8330. Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Personally, I think a Blackberry is waaaay overkill for a college student.

I was able to keep up with my schedule and people's phone numbers using a DayTimer pocket calendar, no problem.

If anything, I think a BlackBerry would be terribly distracting - beeping everytime a message arrives.  And besides, you couldn't be looking at it during class anyway so there'd be no benefit.

You'll also have to pay for BlackBerry wireless service.  College is expensive enough.  Why add more costs for stuff that is entirely optional?

Answer 2

If I were back in college and could afford it, I would definitely want a BlackBerry device. It would help me with organizing my time and tasks. I could remind myself of important due dates, etc.

Answer 3

If you can afford it (or your parents are paying for it), I would definitely get one. It will be much more beneficial getting it while you are younger in college as well, for two reasons. First, you'll build it into your organization and planning habits, which will help you once you get out in industry. Second, if you go to work for a company after graduation that subsidizes a smartphone or pays for it, you'll have gotten a good few years out of your first Blackberry and won't just be throwing it away or sticking it in the closet.

I got my first Blackberry my senior year and it helped me stay connected and organized exponentially better than any dayplanner ever could have. I was able to read and respond to emails about classes, organizations, etc with speed and efficiency, and it also saved me on more than one occasion from going to a cancelled class when the professor sent out an email 15-20 minutes before the class.

In short, if you can afford it, the sooner the better. Everything, including enterprise systems and other corporate software, are quickly moving into the mobile realm. If you are comfortable with a smartphone by the time you graduate, it will be one less transition you'll need to make upon entering the workforce.