Women at work and their tips, challenges, advice, complaints, and experiences

Research in Motion (TSE: RIM; NASDAQ: RIMM) has announced their newest smartphone: the BlackBerry Bold, or BlackBerry 9000.  With twice the screen resolution of the current Curve model, the Bold is set to compete resolution-wise with the Apple iPhone - though not in actual screen size.  Though RIM didn't announce an initial price point or any carrier agreements, AT&T stated Monday that it will be the "exclusive carrier" in the USA for the Bold.  (Interestingly the RIM announcement states that the phone will be available through various carriers this summer.  One wonders about that whole "exclusive" thing.  Is that like an "open relationship" where one partner thinks it's exclusive?  Hmmm.  But I digress.)

The Bold remains somewhat similar to the BlackBerry Curve looks-wise, but amps up the internal memory and Wi-Fi capability, as well as offering an exchangable back plate so you can choose your color for the day (or week, or outfit - whatever).

When it's all said and done, the new BlackBerry Bold is expected to compete head-to-head (or would that be toe-to-toe?) with the iPhone and other smartphones, such as the LG Voyager.  The question I ask is this: even without knowing the actual monetary value of the new Bold; is it really worth the price one would pay to own it?

I'm not talking about the dollars and cents used to buy the thing or the service contract to keep it up and running.  What I'm wondering about is the abuse of the technology - or the overuse or addiction to - things like smartphones.  We've actually got people in our society complaining of problems in the boardroom and the bedroom because they can't keep themselves from their BlackBerry habits.  We've got a generation of children growing up thinking they are entitled to iPods, iPhones, and iDogs, or being emotionally neglected by corporate climber parents who are addicted to their smartphones.  And let's not even get started on the number of people who say that technology, while useful, invades their personal lives and "forces" them to bring work home.   

Then there's that whole issue in the news about people not being able to afford both their mortgage or rent and their groceries - and gas.  So who, exactly, is going to buy the BlackBerry Bold?

Maybe they'll buy it with their stimulus checks - if there's anything left after a trip to the gas station. 

I love a new toy as much as the rest of the world, but I can't help wondering what price consumers truly pay when they jump on new technology time after time after time.  What do you think: is it worth it?