When opportunity knocks at the door… Don’t turn opportunity away. Well, my phone contract came up last month and I took advantage to step into the world of smartphones. Good bye dumbphone, hello crackberry. Besides being overwhelmed and the amount of information in my hand and going over the data limit in the first month, things seem to be going pretty well.

Don’t get me wrong, I kinda miss the simplicity of my LG Slider. I could text much faster and wasn’t distracted by every Facebook notification or Twitter update. But on the bright side, my Blackberry Curve is pretty cool. It doesn’t have a touch screen (Touch screen + Ryan + ranch work = no bueno). It is easier to approve blog comments, reply to emails, and waste time stwalking (twitter + stalking). And I do spend a lot less time on the laptop. Am I more productive? Well… we will have to wait and see.

The things I don’t like about my Blackberry: I have to lock my keys every time put the phone in my pocket, the keys make typing more of an effort, and all the wasted stuff I have no clue how to work yet. And having access to all of my Social Media networks and email is definitely a distraction when I’m trying to work cattle or get work done.

I have yet to branch out very far in the world of apps. My most frequently used are Twitter, Facebook, FourSquare, WordPress, and the Weather Channel. I tried UberSocial, but it kinda seemed complicated for a new smartphone user. I like simplicity and have figured out how to easily send photos or text between the phone, Facebook, and Twitter without it.

But have no fear dumbphone users,  I still stand behind you. Those SMS phones still give plenty of access and opportunity to get things accomplished.

What suggested apps do you have for my Blackberry? What are your thoughts on the Curve?

Published by Ryan Goodman

Ryan Goodman works in grassroots advocacy as a communications consultant with beef cattle farmers and ranchers across the United States. He is a proud alumnus of Oklahoma State University, with studies focusing on cattle reproduction and nutrition. Ryan's experience in the beef industry range from family farms and ranches in several states to large feedlots and non-profit policy organizations. Ryan is an avid trail and ultrarunner, proudly showing how beef can be an important part of a healthy diet and active lifestyle. Find Ryan on social media as @BeefRunner.