Work-life balance is something that we all strive to maintain. Keeping track of work projects, business dinners, anniversaries and birthdays is no easy task, but the BlackBerry Classic is here to help.
Meet James H. Jackson, Jr., co-owner of a retail business based in Rhode Island. Jackson also finds the time to code open-source and Linux applications, and plans to launch an app soon. He uses the BlackBerry Classic to stay on top of business inquiries and personal priorities.
He’s the latest satisfied BlackBerry Classic user I’ve interviewed, from this financial TV guru and this digital marketing agency CEO, to this Toronto Maple Leafs executive and this high-tech CTO as well as this club DJ and this fine arts photographer.
You can check out the latest roundup of positive media reviews for the BlackBerry Classic HERE, and stay tuned for an upcoming roundup of these Q-and-A’s where you can vote on your favorite.
Watts: What made you get the BlackBerry Classic, and how is it useful to your job?
Jackson: I’m a long-time BlackBerry user and I wanted to upgrade from my Bold 9900.
My first BlackBerry device was the RIM 950 pager and I’ve stuck with BlackBerry since then.
The BlackBerry Classic is very critical to my work – I wouldn’t be able to keep up with business matters or my personal life without using a BlackBerry to handle everything.
I use the Classic to work from home when I need to and have a life with my family outside of the office. During the week I can be reached very easily no matter where I’m at, and BlackBerry Balance comes in handy on the weekends. I switch my device to my personal profile and completely unplug from work.
Watts: What type of work do you do with the Classic?
Jackson: I mainly use the Classic for the calendar function to keep tabs on all of the measurements and installations that we have to do for our clients each week. The Hub is critical to keeping up with the mass amounts of emails I send and receive to customers. The keyboard is fantastic for those long emails I send to both clients and family.
And it’s great for keeping my notes organized of things that I need to do or remember throughout a hectic day. All in all the Classic helps me stay connected and productive.
Watts: Do you feel as if your productivity has increased by using the BlackBerry Classic?
Jackson: Yes my productivity has increased ten-fold since getting the Classic! It has freed up more time to be out in the field serving my customers, while still being able to access important information without the assistance of a laptop. I can get instant answers for customers right where we are standing. If I’m at home or out and about and my coworkers need any information from me, I’m accessible at any time because my office is literally in my pocket.
Watts: How are the features and core experiences working for you?
Jackson: They’re working out very nicely for me. The features I like the most are the keyboard and the multitasking ability to have multiple things open at once. I’m able to get a lot of work done in a short amount of time without opening up a laptop. BBM and BBM Meetings allows me to have meetings from where ever I happen to be and quickly communicate with my coworkers.
I like having physical call and end keys to make hanging up a breeze.
I love the battery it keeps up with my long days. I’m able to go all day and night with it.
And I have to mention again that the Hub is the greatest! All of my information in one place is a lifesaver.
Watts: What apps do you use on the BlackBerry Classic?
Jackson: Email, the Hub, BlackBerry Remember, the Calendar, Twitter, Bloomberg app for stocks, and Evernote to jot down all my personal and work to-do lists.
Watts: Is there anything you can do with the BlackBerry Classic that you weren’t able to on other devices?
Jackson: Other devices don’t keep up. I haven’t been able to multitask and keep multiple things running as much on other devices.
No other device is as capable at helping you achieve a work-life balance.
Watts: How would you rate it?
Jackson: A solid 9 and I look forward to future iterations of the device
Watts: What do your peers think?
Jackson: A lot of my peers use other devices and they are always amazed at my reception. I’m able to make calls in areas where they have no signal. They all love the device when I show it to them and seem very positive as to how quickly and timely I’ve been able to respond to them.
***
Keep your personal and professional life together with the BlackBerry Classic. North American customers may purchase the BlackBerry Classic online through Amazon.com or ShopBlackBerry. I’d also regularly check here for availability in your region. (Note that pricing differs per market.)
