Who am I? I’m a writer, stuff-maker, web publisher who doesn’t want to sit on my butt for too long, messing around on a laptop.

I’m also addicted to new media, but at the same time am much more addicted to drawing things out and writing things on paper.

I’m torn between continuing my bittersweet relationship with Blackberry and the idea of switching over to the iPhone 4, especially after reading up on iPhone WWDC 2010 highlights.

“Wait a second, mister—those are both digital devices. What do you mean an ‘Ode to Analog,’ eh?”

What I am saying is that I have great respect for my analog ways. I enjoy bringing that stuff to life.

I also truly believe in the benefits of ink-to-paper action.

I ditched my laptop in order to spend more time writing and reading during my productive hours.

This has led to all types of craziness flowing from ink to paper. The next step: taking the scripture into the digital world.

I cannot do this without a solid device.

This Isn’t Another Digital Drool over Apple

It’s just a snapshot of a guy who digs creating content, digs smart phones, but cannot make a decision on which phone to purchase that fits with his content creation needs.

I’m creating this opinion piece to resonate with all of the other Andrew Nhem-like people around the world. Also, I’d like to hopefully pique their interest and gather their opinions on what works for them.

Maybe you’ll take something away from this, maybe you won’t—oh well.

Blackberry is Still One Degree Away From Being My Perfect Device

No, I’m not on an enterprise server. I just really enjoy the Blackberry OS and the feel of the device.

While it types nice and lets me quickly access people and communicate fluidly, I can’t stand the lack of productivity apps.

I tried WordPress on Blackberry for a while. It’s alright. It got the job done, but with a few quirky formatting issues.

I liked how the “Save Draft” function doesn’t save my drafts sometimes. Two hours of writing disappeared—thanks.

Twitter, Tumblr, and Facebook aren’t too bad on the Blackberry, but they’re so bulky and have little odds and ends that sometimes sap the life out of my battery. It’s strange.

While I can get content to where I need it to go, it’s usually just text-based. I need depth. I’ve been waiting over a year, RIM. I haven’t seen that depth yet.

Then again, the BB maintains its position as the de-facto emailing/contact smart phone. I can’t really argue with your brand position—it’s a smart one.

So, It’s Time to Move On

iOS has a sweet WordPress app. Its Twitter and Tumblr apps are superb as well.

Oh what? You have an HD-capable camera and a decent, five-dollar movie editing program?

Dag. So you’re telling me that I can cut the hassle between bringing my analog action to life and I can bust out robust content on the fly?

I don’t have to go back to my computer when my current phone botches up a post?

Oh, you’re a “do stuff” phone that I have turned away from willingly.

I think I might be finally sold now. It’s time to put some cash away for the end of the month.

Wow, man. That was random. Where are you getting at with this?

This is a declaration.

I tried way too hard at positioning the Blackberry as a device outside of its true function and identity.

A consumer dares to position the brand—that’s gross. That’s wrong.

A buddy of mine told me it wasn’t a production machine when I bought the thing last year. I didn’t want to believe him.

That was dumb of me.

Brands position themselves not to just to differentiate or to make more bucks than they could without doing so. They differentiate their devices because on a basic level, marketers and advertisers aren’t trying to fleece the public—they’re trying to tell you which device (or product or service) actually works out best for you.

They highlight value to make you notice. They highlight value to prevent consumer brain damage.

Though advertisers and marketers pile hype, drama, and technology all over it, is positioning still prevalent to you as a consumer?