CrackBerry asks: What is an appropriate age for children to get their first smartphone?

A recent study conducted by SodaHead revealed that most people feel kids shouldn't get their first smartphone or tablet until at least 16 years of age, though regular cellphones or feature phones are ok for the younger crowd. Interestingly enough, it wasn't just adults that felt that way; teens surveyed shared that opinion. A Mediamark survey in 2009 showed that more than a third of 10-11 year olds had cell phones already. Our oldest son is almost 11, and he's been asking for a phone (specifically a BlackBerry, shocker) for a couple of years now, but I've been putting him off until it's more of a necessity, not just a luxury.

We want to know, CrackBerry nation: At what age do you think a child/teenager should get their first smartphone? Vote in the poll above, and drop your comments below. The full infographic from SodaHead has some other interesting info, which you can check out at the source link below.



Source: SodaHead

If RIM were to push one native application to the BlackBerry PlayBook developer version of OS 2, which would you prefer?

As we all know, we unfortunately won't see the official release of the BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 until February of 2012, but we were still fortunate enough for RIM to allow developers to take part in a beta version. The beta doesn't contain any of the native applications that we had hoped it would, but that led me to some interesting thoughts. If RIM were to add just one of the native applications to an upcoming developer build, which would you want to see? Would you like to see Contacts, Calendar, Email, BBM, Tasks, Password Keeper or Notes? Odds are we won't see any of them until the official release, but it never hurts to use our imagination a little, right? Let us know your pick in the poll above, then tell us why you chose what you did in the comments.

Which method do you use most when communicating from your BlackBerry?

BlackBerry is a communication tool -- no doubt about it. Email, SMS, BBM, IM and phone keep us in touch with nearly everyone when on the go. I find that I use some services much more than others, and I'm curious to know just what the CrackBerry Nation does. I honestly don't make many phone calls from day to day, but I do send loads of emails and a few SMS messages here and there. What we want to know is what method of communication you use most on your BlackBerry. Do you primarily send/receive emails? Make phone calls? Text your family and friends? Pick the option in the poll above that best fits you, then leave a comment letting us know why what you do works.

BBM Music is available now, but will you keep using it?

BBM Music hit the streets yesterday in the US, Canada and Australia. Many users that didn't get in on the beta have signed up and are checking it out for the first time. So far the reviews are petty mixed -- some love it and some flat out hate it. While I was one of the lucky ones that got a chance to check out BBM Music when it was first released in the Beta Zone, I unfortunately didn't last too long with it. I'm not a big mobile music listener to begin with, so that app didn't really do much for me. It was cool at first, but the novelty quickly wore off for me.

So what we'd like to know is if you will continue to use BBM Music at the $4.99/month premium price tag? I can see how many would use it if it were free, but I'm just not sure it's worth the $4.99/month with so many other music apps out there. So let us know in the poll above, then leave a comment with your thoughts.

How do you use your device: Do you prefer native or 3rd party apps for Memos and Tasks?

There are several third-party apps for taking notes available for the BlackBerry and for the BlackBerry PlayBook. Some of these sync between devices and your computer, some are stand alone apps, and they come in different styles and levels of complexity.



It seems to never fail, whenever we post about one of these apps, such as Evernote for example, there are always comments about why people don't use the native Memo Pad and Tasks instead of bothering with a 3rd party app. So this is our question for you today. Do you use the native Memo or Tasks apps on your BlackBerry or Playbook, or do you prefer a 3rd party app with extra bells and whistles? After you vote in the poll above, go ahead and leave a comment below explaining your thoughts on the subject!

CrackBerry asks: Do you memorize your BlackBerry PIN?

One of the first things you likely learned about when you got your first BlackBerry was your PIN. Unique to each device, the PIN is an eight digit alpha-numeric sequence that is assigned to every BlackBerry. Some people view their PIN as sacred and only for those closest to them, others post it everywhere to meet people and make friends, and there are all sorts in between the two ends of the spectrum. No matter what your thoughts on it, it's a part of BlackBerry life that is pretty important.

Our question for you today is in regard to that special little number. We want to know if you have your BlackBerry PIN memorized, or if you rely on looking it up or displaying your barcode whenever you need it. Personally, I've never memorized my PIN. I changed devices frequently enough that it would be hard to keep them straight, and really it has never even occurred to me that I should memorize it. So, vote above and let us know what your style is!

CrackBerry Asks: Do you keep your BlackBerry PlayBook bridged all day?

BlackBerry Bridge is one of the big selling points of the BlackBerry PlayBook. It allows you to pair up your BlackBerry smartphone so you can securely access your contacts, emails, BBM and calendar. This is especially handy since the PlayBook still doesn't have any native versions of these apps on its own. Many users keep their devices bridged all day long so they have the ability to access these apps on either their phone or tablet.

Personally I don't keep my PlayBook bridged much at all. At times when I'm relaxing on the couch I'll pair up my devices and use the PlayBook for everything, but most times I am either in front of my computer or just use my device for my PIM apps. What we want to know is if you keep your devices bridged all day long or if you only do it at certain times. Pick the option in the poll above that best fits you, then leave a comment below letting us know what works for you.

CrackBerry Asks: Do you use full web sites or mobile versions on your BlackBerry PlayBook

The BlackBerry PlayBook is a great tablet for browsing the web. I find myself using it as my "couch computer" more often than not for quickly checking out web sites as opposed to firing up my latop. I like it because I can get the full browser experience in a small package, and usually have no trouble loading up full sites. I know however that some users much prefer to view mobile versions of their favorite sites instead of a full site. This could be for various reasons like load times, navigation or what have you. So I'm curious to know just how many of you choose a mobile version of a web site over the full version when using your PlayBook. Think of sites like Facebook, Twitter, ESPN and the like (obviously if a mobile version isn't available you'll use the full site). Let us know in the poll above what your preference is (Mobile if you visit mobile sites more often than full, or Full if you stick to full sites) then drop a comment below letting us know why you do what you do.

CrackBerry Asks: Do you use your phone as your main camera?

Since the release of the BlackBerry Bold 9930 / Bold 9900 many have been upset at the quality of the camera. Gone is the auto-focus we have been used to and here we have the EDOF camera to put to use. Some have had nothing but trouble with taking photos on their new devices, while others haven't made out too poorly. While I personally don't mind the camera, I know some of you that are furious at the poor quality and lack of auto-focus.

We're curious to know just how many of you use your phone as your main camera? When you're out and about running errands it's one thing, but when you go on a weeknd trip, to a show, sightseeing or sporting event -- do you use your phone as your only camera or do you bring a "real" camera along? Let us know in the poll above then sound off in the comments.

CrackBerry Asks: Would you use Google+ more if there were a BlackBerry app?

A few weeks back when Google+ popped up, geeks everywhere clamored to get their hands on an invite. The fuss seemed to last quite a while, but recently it looks as if lots of users have given up on Google's social service. I for one haven't been active much (at all really) on Google+, partly because I don't have a sweet app on my BlackBerry to use (there are apps for both Android and iOS already). Granted there is a well designed mobile site, but it's not the best solution for posting and checking feeds. I feel that if there were a BlackBerry app like the Facebook app or the short-lived Myspace app, Google+ would be more of a draw for me.

So our question today is this - would you use Google+ more (or at all) if there were a BlackBerry app? Think push notifications, inbox integration and all that goodness. There is no sign of an app on the BlackBerry front, but maybe down the line something will pop up. Drop your vote in the poll above (pick the answer that fits you best) then leave a comment letting us know if you would use Google+ more or not with a BlackBerry app.

Learn more about Google+

CrackBerry Asks: What do you do with your old BlackBerry smartphones?

Back in my pre-CrackBerry days, when picking up a new device I would always sell my old one to try and make up for some of the cost. It was a pretty good plan and made the pain of shelling out a bunch for a new phone a less painful process. Now I have a massive amount of old devices in a drawer "just in case". I never know when I'll need to use one again, so I keep them in my BlackBerry drawer for safe keeping.

What we want to know is what you do with your old devices? Do you sell them? Give them to a friend/relative? Keep them just in case? Something else? Pick the option in the poll above that best suits you, then leave a comment below. 

BlackBerry 7 owners, have you installed a leak, hybrid, or kept the official?

For the first time ever since owning a BlackBerry device I have yet to feel the need to install a leaked OS, or make any other modifications, and in talking to some others that I know with BlackBerry 7 devices, they feel the same way. Sure, the OS that came on the 9930 isn't perfect, there are kinks like every other OS, but I have yet to feel compelled to switch it up and install one of the leaks, or mess around with anything else. 

So for those of you who have upgraded to a BlackBerry 7 device, have you installed one of the leaks, messed with a hybrid style install, or kep the device stock and been using it on the official OS? 

How Do You Use Your BlackBerry: Do you use the App Switcher to navigate your applications?

So many BlackBerry users and so many ways to navigate a device. Everyone finds what works best for them as far as getting around their personal device, and while some may make use of certain features, others may not even know about them. One of these that comes to mind is the App Switcher. This simple task lets you quickly switch between open apps simply by pressing and holding the Menu key on your device. I personally never really use the App Switcher but I know many users who can't get by without it. So our question today is this: Do you use the App Switcher on your BlackBerry? Cast your vote in the poll above, then leave a comment letting us know what works best for you. Thanks @kurtbert!

CrackBerry Asks: Do you wear a watch, or is your smartphone your timepiece?

The battery in my watch died about a year ago so I decided to just retire it to my nightstand drawer.  I'm never out of reach of my BlackBerry so it didn't really bother me nor was it something I spend much time dwelling on.  Last weekend I was up camping on an annual father-son trip we do with some other guys and I began thinking about this no watch situation.  One day while the boys were playing soccer the dad's were sitting abound and I asked if anyone knew the time.  There were about 8 of us around the campsite and the response was unanimous, "my phone is in the car."

At that moment it hit me, how many people use their smartphone or cellphone as their timepiece.  We all know our fearless leader CrackBerry Kevin is a huge (like huge ... HUGE) watch fan. While chatting on the phone with Kevin he admitted that his watch is jewelry and he uses his BlackBerry to tell him the time.

So we're interested in what the CrackBerry Nation has to say. Do you wear a watch, and if you do is it to tell you the time or is it just a piece of jewelry? Cast your vote and let us know, then sound off in the comments!

CrackBerry Poll: Which newly-announced BlackBerry 7 Smartphone are you most interested in?

As the Crack Team gets into review mode working on this wave of new BlackBerry 7 Smartphones hitting the market, I figured the timing made sense to get some feedback from CrackBerry Nation on where our priorities should lie. Obviously we're going to tackle every new BlackBerry with CrackBerry gusto, but we want to know - of the new BlackBerry 7 Smartphones announced, which one are you most interested in? 

Are you a keyboard kind of person so you're all about the new Bold? Or do you want to go full touchscreen and are most excited for the Torch 9850/9860? Or maybe you're a huge fan of the Torch 9800's sliding form factor, so are all about the 9810? Whichever one you're most interested in, cast your vote for it on the poll above and sound off in the comments with your reasoning.

NOTE: Yes, I realize I could have added other options to this poll like the upcoming Curve 9350/60/70 or an option that says I'm most interested in BlackBerry QNX Phones (I think we're all interested in that!), but I wanted to keep things limited here to the newly announced devices, as those are the phones we have/will have in our hands to play with over the days and weeks ahead.

CrackBerry Asks: How many BBM contacts do you have?

BBM is one of the great things about BlackBerry smartphones. It keeps you in touch with friends and family and truly is one of the great things about being a BlackBerry user. One of the great mysteries however (well maybe not so great but still a mystery) is how many BBM contacts is too many? Some users (like myself) only have a handful of BBM contacts, while others have hundreds. There was a time I tried to add everyone that wanted to chat, but after a while it just gets too hard to keep up. Kevin has even killed a device or two adding too many BBM contacts. So our quetion today is this: how many BBM contacts do you have? Pick the option that best fits you, then leave a comment telling us about your BBM use. Thanks @ABoldGuy

How Do You Use Your BlackBerry: Which streaming music service do you use on your device?

With all the streaming music apps out there, it's sometimes hard to pick just one. Everyone has their favorite for various reasons, but for the most part all of the services offer pretty much the same features. Some users choose what works best for them on their BlackBerry alone, while others love the cross-platform nature of an app. When all is said and done it's a "to each his own" kind of choice. We're curious to know which streaming music app is the most popular with BlackBerry users. Let us know in the poll above, then leave a comment letting us know why you use the app you picked.

CrackBerry Asks: How long have you been a BlackBerry user?

I've been a BlackBerry user for around 4 years now. I got into the action when I picked up my 8830WE from Verizon and I'm not sure how I ever got by without it. I had always been a geek when it came to phones, but how I made it without a BlackBerry I'll never know. I picked it up on my own simply because I wanted something powerful that could do more than just make calls and text. I fell in love and have never looked back.

What we want to know is how you, the CrackBerry Nation, got into BlackBerry and how long you've been a BlackBerry user. Was it for work? For fun? Just because? Cast your vote in the poll above and let us know just how long you've been using BlackBerry (pick the option that best fits) and then drop a comment letting us know what got you started. 

CrackBerry Asks: What features are most important in your BlackBerry smartphone?

 

Each of us use our BlackBerry devices for different purposes. Some because it is a work device, others because it's the easiest way to keep in touch on the go with family and friends, and a few simply because of the overly awesome keyboard on the device. While we all have our own reasons for using the devices, we wonder which of the features do you find to be most important on your day to day use? We know that there has been quite some negativity towards RIM and BlackBerry users lately, but most of you are still holding loyal to the device, so let us know what is most important about it to you? Is it that stunning keyboard, the ability to change themes on the fly, the simplicity of keeping in touch, or the secure messaging allowing it to double as a work device as well? Cast your vote in the poll above (you can choose more than one option) then leave a comment with your thoughts.

How Do You Use Your BlackBerry: How many email accounts do you have on your device?

Way back when I first got into my geeky internet lifestyle, I had loads of email addresses floating around. I had a Hotmail, Yahoo!, ISP email, Gmail and many more. I was eager to try out all the various services "just because" and had no real organization to anything. In recent years I've consolidated to using just a few accounts, and while the others are still active, I haven't touched them in years.

On my BlackBerry I currently have four active email accounts. My AT&T BIS email as well as three Gmail accounts. I think that's plenty for me as I hate to manage more than I can handle. What I'm curious to know is just how many email accounts CrackBerry readers have on their device? BlackBerry smartphones allow up to 10 emails on BIS (which would drive me nuts) but I'm assuming not many have all the slots filled up. So let us know in the poll above just how many you have on your device, then leave a comment letting us know why.