This will be an unusual post for my blog. I’m a pastor, and when I preach I preach about Jesus. I’m an author, and when I write I write about Jesus. I’m a professor, and when I teach I teach about Jesus. I’m a conference speaker, and when I speak I speak about Jesus. I’m also a very occasional blogger, and when I blog – well, I’ll give you three guesses.

So why this blog post about a smart phone company? I mean, I’m sure Jesus loves BlackBerry creators and users, but not more than anyone else. The thing is, occasionally my enthusiasm for BlackBerry leaks out and when it does, I’m often asked, why BlackBerry more than any other smart phone?  So I thought I’d take a few minutes to answer the question here. Before I do, let me remind us all that using a BlackBerry will not make you a better person (cooler maybe, but not better). Technology is a servant, an extension of ourselves into the world. If we come to it flawed, and we all do, we will magnify our flaws through technology. But I’m also a believer that we are made in God’s image and as such, technology can be an opportunity for us to accomplish a lot of good in this world.

Blackberry Z10′s Keyboard and BBM

Whoops, I started preaching there for a bit. Did I mention that I’m a pastor? Anyway, now on to answer the question, why do I dig BlackBerry so much?

1. Relationships: I know people who work for BlackBerry and I hear good things about the heart of the company and the people who work there. For me that is always a good starting point for considering supporting a product. In the world of business, it’s not enough, but it is nice to know.
2.  Oh Canada: Canada isn’t known for leaving its mark on the world in many significant ways, so when we do it’s worth celebrating. BlackBerry was the first. We gave the world the smart phone and that makes me happy.
3. The Little Engine That Could: In many ways, Apple improved on what BlackBerry started – good for them. Google and Windows phones have added some terrific innovations – way to go. After getting the ball rolling, “the little Canadian company that could” fell behind, but wow – what a comeback so far in 2013. And who doesn’t love cheering for the underdog?
4. BlackBerry 10: I am blown away by this new generation of BlackBerry phones. After my BlackBerry was stolen (from my hotel room while I was there sleeping – true story!), I used an iPhone for a while as a temporary replacement, waiting for the new BB10 phones to come out. My iPhone was fun to use and I enjoyed the amazing array of apps. But now that I’m using a BlackBerry Z10 (that’s “Zed Ten” for my American friends), the iPhone OS feels, well, old. This new generation of BlackBerry Smart Phones has leapfrogged over the competition.
5. Features: Now for the specifics – here’s what I most enjoy about my user experience with BlackBerry.

• The BlackBerry keyboard, whether on screen or physical, is simply the best on the market. (Watch the video below to see what I’m talking about.)

*If you can’t see the video click here

• The all swiping OS with no buttons is fun to use (addictive in the best sense of the word) and maximizes screen real estate since no back button exists. I would expect all smart phones to move in this direction eventually.
• The “Time Shift ” feature of the camera is pure magic. When taking a group shot it takes a burst of pictures, then let’s you adjust each face individually, so everyone has their best smile and eyes open. Like I said: magic.
• The office basics of BlackBerry, like calendar and email, have always been and are still tops in the market. Now with the universal integrated inbox (The Hub) the basic functionality of BlackBerry is unsurpassed.
• Three letters – BBM. BlackBerry Messenger is still the best instant message option out there. Ask anyone who has used BlackBerry, including people who left the older versions for a different brand, and they will tell you still can’t beat BBM. Besides regular BBM-ing, I use it for group chats and free audio or video chats over wifi. It is one of my favourite ways to connect. Got a BlackBerry? BBM me! (Pin:266D177B)
• Everything else. Now my BlackBerry is my go to gadget for GPS, camera, organizer, podcasts, Twitter, Facebook, e-Bible, web browsing, note taking, games, and sometimes I even use it as a phone.

I enjoy technology, and I get a kick out of all the new innovations coming out of all the brands out there. I especially celebrate those forms of technology that help us connect. (Of course, if misused, tablets and smart phones can also divide and distract us – but that’s the topic of another post. See here for a teaching series on the challenges of using technology wisely and the pitfalls when we don’t.)

In the end, I’m happy to say the little Canadian company from Waterloo Ontario has reemerged on the world scene as a leader in innovation. I’m cheering for you guys.

Oh, and in response to another question I sometimes get… no, I don’t have any stock in the company – I just like them!

~Bruxy

(Written on my BlackBerry Z10.)