Mobile WorkHorse

By Al Sacco
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Al Sacco writes about (and drools over) anything and everything mobile or wireless as it applies to the global workforce--with a focus on BlackBerry smartphones

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Al Sacco

Attn BlackBerry Users/Abusers: Official CrackBerry Addiction Guide on Sale Now

Posted December 03, 2008 to Careers |

What's the strangest, most desperate thing you've ever done for your BlackBerry? Perhaps you've sneakily used your device during an important meeting with the CEO? Or maybe you brought along your beloved smartphone on a family trip or vacation, unbeknownst to your significant other or loved ones? Whatever your story, the accounts found in the new book, "CrackBerry: True Tales of BlackBerry Use and Abuse," are sure to make your own BlackBerry-related experiences look like minor transgressions.

CrackBerry: True Tales of BlackBerry Use and Abuse
CrackBerry: True Tales of BlackBerry Use and Abuse

The book, a joint collaboration between my friend Kevin Michaluk of CrackBerry.com and BlackBerry Made Simple, a private BlackBerry training organization, features a variety of BlackBerry and smartphone-related content, including piles of real-life user stories; an original, 12-step program meant to help tame your BlackBerry addiction; advice to improve your work/life balance; "BlackBerry Confessions" from the authors; and a new quiz to determine the extent of your CrackBerry addiction.

Unlike CIO.com's BlackBerry Bible, which offers a variety of smartphone tips and tricks, free software downloads and expert commentary, the new CrackBerry book specifically addresses smartphone addiction and treatment.

"The book is part humor, part Freud and part 12-step recovery plan," Michaluk said. "We wanted to keep the read entertaining and light while at the same time addressing the ever-growing problem of BlackBerry overuse."

I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but I anxiously await the autographed author-copy I've been promised. And I'll be sure to write up a review as soon as I can.

Amazon.com is currently selling a paperback version of the 180-page book for just $15.99, and a digital version is available for download from BlackBerryMadeSimple.com.

Also, check out CIO.com's own BlackBerry addiction poll, and see where you stand in comparison with your smartphone-addicted peers.

AS

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