The weeks since U.S. President Barack Obama’s inauguration spawned rumors, speculation and controversy regarding whether the leader of the free world would be allowed to retain his BlackBerry smartphone. Right now, evidence suggests that he will–though to what extent is still unclear. Regardless, he won’t be alone in his CrackBerry use on Pennsylvania Ave.: First Lady Michelle Obama, who’s also an avid BlackBerry user, will be able to hang onto her beloved RIM handheld, as well.
And word has it that Mrs. Obama’s CrackBerry addiction is even more out of control than her husband’s handset habits. That’s according to the chief himself.
“I think she’s worse than me lately,” Obama told ABC after the election.
Like President Obama’s wireless communications, Michelle Obama’s BlackBerry use will be strictly regulated and retained under the Presidential Records Act. Still, the First Lady might not be held to as strict a standard as the President himself.
“She may be able to get away with some things I can’t get away with,” Obama told Barbara Walters.
President Obama currently uses a BlackBerry 8830 device from Verizon Wireless, but search as I may, I’ve been unable to find out which specific device Mrs. Obama calls her own. Realistically, it’s probably an 8700 of some sort or maybe another 8800 variant, but for the sake of this post’s artwork, I’m going to pretend Michelle’s rocking a Bold 9000—as both she and her husband probably should be.
I’m just glad neither of them is being forced to use the monstrosity that is the General Dynamics Sectera Edge (once rumored to be the PDA the president would be stuck with).
Oh yeah, while we’re on the subject of all things Obama, patriotic ‘Berry users can show their support for Obama and his crew by sporting a variety of presidential accessories for their smartphones. My personal favorites are the Michelle Obama theme—for BlackBerry OS 4.2 only, sorry folks—and the “Presidential Coveroo” replacement battery doors for Bold and Curve devices.
AS
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Author: asacco, Managing Editor
Al Sacco was a journalist, blogger and editor who covers the fast-paced mobile beat for CIO.com and IDG Enterprise, with a focus on wearable tech, smartphones and tablet PCs. Al managed CIO.com writers and contributors, covered news, and shared insightful expert analysis of key industry happenings. He also wrote a wide variety of tutorials and how-tos to help readers get the most out of their gadgets, and regularly offered up recommendations on software for a number of mobile platforms. Al resides in Boston and is a passionate reader, traveler, beer lover, film buff and Red Sox fan.
