I’ve mentioned a few times recently that I planned on getting a smartphone once I got up here. I haven’t yet for reasons I don’t want to get into (loooong story), but every time I’ve mentioned getting a smart phone, I’ve implied that it was going to be an iPhone.*

NOT ANYMORE.

I was watching the news last night and they announced that Blackberry (which is apparently a Canadian company…did not know that) is coming out with a unique new smart phone called the Blackberry Passport. It looks like this (source):

It’s called a Passport because it’s almost exactly the same size as a passport—a feature that’s either getting praised or slammed, depending on who’s reviewing the specs of the phone.

It’s got a physical keyboard that also responds to swiping/scrolling and the unique size allows for a square screen and more reading room than a “normal” smart phone. It also supposedly has a super long battery life.

It’s being marketed mainly to businesspeople/CEO-types, but even still, a lot of reviewers are wondering if it’s “clunky” size will be a turn-off for a lot of people.

Personally, I think it’s REALLY FREAKING COOL. It’s definitely unique, weird, and not for everyone.

My type of phone.

And yes, I know I don’t need a smart phone—in fact, a smart phone would probably be bad for me. But it would be nice to be able to check my email without lugging out Vaio.** Also, if I ever get lost on one of my walks, I would feel better having easy access to the internet to look up directions/find a bus route if necessary, rather than relying on my iPod picking up some store’s wifi.

*An iPhone 4, specifically. They’re free with a plan now, plus I like the shape of the 4 better than the 5.
**Haha, the fact that using a laptop is no longer the most convenient way of accessing the internet now is both awesome and scary.