By Asha Clark, Staff Writer

An impulsive need to check email and surf the web has Americans tied to their BlackBerry phones—not only their computer. According to CBS news, 35 percent of adults who use their PDA’s would choose their phone over their husband or wife. Even though most high school students aren’t married, teenagers at BHS seem to have the same connection with their phones.

In general, the younger generation is gravitating to the type of PDA called the BlackBerry. CBS news conducted a study that revealed more than 75 percent of those polled believe that their BlackBerry helps them enjoy life more, and enables them to feel more connected to their friends and family. A member of the younger generation, twenty-three year old Quiana Anthony, agrees. “I love my phone because you can get into contact with people easier. It’s just like a computer—but handheld,” she said.

This seems to be the most popular aspect of the PDA phones. Young people are frequent users of social networking. For many BHS students who own PDA’s, Facebook is right at their fingertips. But that’s not all they can do. “I love that I can text, go on different websites and check for jobs. I can also get my emails really quickly, and go on Facebook and Twitter. I love the fact that I’m not limited to any sites,” Anthony said.

In BHS, the Internet feature is also a commonly appreciated aspect. Juniors Gabrielle Mitchell and Jenna Gordon both agree that having the ability to easily access the Internet is a prime factor for having the phone. “I like it because I have the web there if I need it. It’s fast,” Mitchell said.

Even though the country is currently experiencing a recession, the monthly fee of $29.99 does not seem to bother BlackBerry users. Mitchell explained that she thinks the fees are worth it, but only if they are necessary. “I check my email a lot for work,” she said. Mitchell also said she believes it is a waste if you don’t use the Internet.

Style is also an important feature of the Blackberry. Sarah Irwin said she enjoys the big screen and the keyboard. Anthony also agreed that the sleek form is what first attracted her to her BlackBerry Storm.

The BlackBerry—or PDA—is the number one competitor to regular cell phones. Many stated that their old phones did not even compare to their new PDA’s. A Verizon associate commented that 78 percent of all phones sold in their stores were BlackBerries. “People like them because of all their applications. Most people like them because they want to do their social networking on the go.”

The associate from Verizon also said that BlackBerries are one of their best sellers. “They sell for their appearance and their internet,” she said. As far as PDA’s, Verizon believes that they are the best phones they have to offer.

BlackBerries are everywhere at BHS. The Verizon associate stated that she has seen a recent upswing in the number of teens who are buying them–more than in previous years.  “High school students are starting to come in because they see everyone else with them. It’s a trend,” she said. “Maybe that’s BlackBerry’s purpose.”  Anthony commented that the Blackberry “appeals to the younger generation. That’s where the money is.”

Whether that is BlackBerry’s purpose or not, BHS students are caught up in the craze. Irwin explained that having a BlackBerry instead of a regular phone is worth it because “they are very popular.” Gordon believes that many students have them “to look cool.” Mitchell said many teens have them because “all their friends get them, so naturally they want them.” The Verizon associate agrees. “High school students only want them because they see everyone else with them.”