A BlackBerry-obsessed web site called CrackBerry.com posted today what the writer says are pictures of a new BlackBerry wristwatch designed and built by Research In Motion (RIM), the company that makes BlackBerrys. Is it real? And, if so, is it good?
The dark, cynical side of me says that the so-called BlackBerry Wristwatch would be something akin to the Palm Foleo, the ill-fated netbook that required a Palm Treo for Internet connectivity. Why? Because here you have a wristwatch cell phone with no built-in cell phone (just as the Foleo was a netbook with no "net" beyond what was provided via a nearby Palm phone.)
The other problem with such a device is what I call the Solar Jacket Paradox. Sure, solar jackets and purses are cool and useful. But who is going to buy clothing or accessories from a "designer" geeky enough to sell such products?
Likewise, how many people are willing to buy a wristwatch from a cell phone company?
On the other hand, this is RIM we're talking about. Like the iPhone, the BlackBerry is a religion, with a devoted following. I can easily see die-hard CrackBerry addicts clamoring for a peripheral device for their phones.
According to the CrackBerry.com photos, the watch has a relatively huge screen (which makes the watch big and bulky). The whole purpose of the watch is to use a Bluetooth connection to preview incoming messages, see who's calling and keep up with RSS feeds -- in other words, it's a second screen for your phone.
What's your opinion? If you're a BlackBerry user, would you want such a device? Please let me know in the comments area.
Are YOU interested in location independent, digital nomad living? Please add this blog to your RSS reader and follow me on Twitter!
Sign up for ITworld's Daily newsletter
Follow ITworld on Twitter @IT_world
Esther Schindler
If the comments are ugly, the code is ugly
claird
SVG a graphics format for 21st century
pasmith
Take Chrome OS for a test spin
Sandra Henry-Stocker
Solaris Tip: Have Your Files Changed Since Installation?
jfruh
Android fragments vs. the iPhone monolith
mikelgan
What Gizmodo missed about the Pro WX Wireless USB disk drive
Sidekick: The Good News & the Bad News
Either way you look at it Microsoft Data Center management did not follow standards or best practices in this failure. In which case it makes me wonder more about the outsourcing of corporate data much less personal data.
- mburton325
Join the conversation here
Quick, practical advice for IT pros. Made fresh daily.
Want to cash in on your IT savvy? Send your tip to tips@itworld.com. If we post it, we'll send you a $25 Amazon e-gift card.
