Technology has been responsible for some everyday wonders that expand our minds and make our lives easier?wonders that simplify redundant and monotonous tasks and keep us in constant contact. Because of these marvels though, we have also become aware of the potential harms caused by the use of technology's devices and the science of ergonomics that has helped us learn how to prevent or correct the problems caused by their repetitive use. The U.S. Department of Labor defines a MSD (musculoskeletal disorder) as an injury or disorder of the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, or spinal discs caused by repetitive motion and overexertion. Now MSD, RSI (repetitive stress injury), "tennis or golfer's elbow" (tendonitis) and carpel tunnel syndrome have been joined by another repetitive motion injury term, "BlackBerry Thumb"

BlackBerry Thumb has become an all-encompassing phrase for the overuse of small keypad devices that populate the mobile handheld world. Much like "Gamer's Thumb" has plagued the young, many tech savvy business executives and road warriors among us are now suffering from what is known as DeQuervain's disease or BlackBerry Thumb. Typing with your thumbs to answer email or record vital client contact information, even dialing your cell phone with your thumb can contribute to or cause BlackBerry Thumb.

The thumb is stronger than the other digits of the hand but it isn't very dexterous. The pain caused from overuse of the thumb is caused by swelling of the sheath of the tendon. Use of a stylus when typing on small keyboards or better yet investing in an external keyboard has been suggested to prevent injury. If you find you are already suffering from BlackBerry Thumb, rest of the hand and ice should help but if it doesn't you may need to consult your physician.

For more information regarding the study of ergonomics and repetitive stress injuries and ergo safety tips visit Cornell University Ergonomics Web at http://www.ergo.human.cornell.edu/, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration website at http://www.osha.gov/ or the Bureau of Labor Statistics at http://www.bls.gov/

As recently as 10 years ago, road warriors had a difficult time keeping in touch with supervisors, employees and customers. Spending a lot of time on the road, for many, was the only time they had to themselves. However, for most work always came first and their need to be on almost constant contact with email, text messaging and telephone was answered by the Blackberry handheld device.

Initially, the Blackberry was touted as a means for workers to monitor their email while on the road. Being able to receive incoming correspondence and by using its thumb-driven keyboard, send emails as well, travelers could be constant contact with potentially changing circumstances. Web browsing is also useful for those who rely in web information such as stock prices, weather reports and even sports scores, to stay ahead of their competition.

Dealing with subordinates also became easier as they could have instant access to information and relay additional information through email-based fax capability. In the years since its 1999 introduction by Research In Motion, the company has accumulated over eight million Blackberry subscribers. Its roles have grown tremendously since the addition of its newest model 8800, and its incorporation as a cell phone along with other business related applications.

Many Navigational Devices Included In New Models

Since its introduction of black and white imaging screen and email only usage, the Blackberry has undergone many modern modification. With full color screens and Bluetooth wireless capabilities, it has gone through many modifications during it somewhat limited lifetime.

It newest models can be connected with Wi-Fi and also offers stereo Bluetooth. A GPS receiver is incorporated into the newest model along with a speakerphone, polyphonic ring tones and a built-in media player. The Blackberry is able to work with most of the larger wireless providers, including Roger in Canada making it a true international product for communications.

Many businesses rely on the Blackberry for communication among traveling executives and other who rely on communications on a regular basis to stay on top of their business. Sending and receiving email in real time enables instant communication between Blackberry users.

The biggest complaint concerning the Blackberry is its constant distraction while in meetings. Many times people will sit and stare at the screen, furiously working the thumbwheel scroller searching for information. While they are involved in this exercise they are often not paying attention to what is going on in the meeting. As result of many using it constantly it has been joking called a “crackberry” to indicate its addictive nature.

Why all the hype over the Blackberry? You know, that personal organiser so beloved of city executives.

As far as I can tell the Blackberry does one thing well - deliver your emails to you while your are on the move.

Forgive me if I am underwhelmed.

For less money you could buy DiaryPoint on a top range mobile telephone and get email, multiple diary coordination, work on your MS Office documents, watch video, take photographs?

Let me be honest.

I've never used a Blackberry. Most of my knowledge about the Blackberry's features come from web sites trying to sell Blackberrys. My insights into Blackberry thumb (a condition brought about by typing with your thumbs) come from an accountant friend of mine.

My friend thinks his Blackberry is brilliant.

But I just don't get it.

I just can't get excited over the ability to receive email on the move.

DiaryPoint operates on the latest generation of mobile telephones - Pocket PC with inbuilt smart phones. Like the Blackberry, DiaryPoint allows you to collect your email on the more. But unlike the Blackberry, you can coordinate multiple diaries, download your MS Office attachments, work on your spreadsheets, manage your contacts?

In fact, using the DiaryPoint you can do just about anything you can do in the office.

And thanks to the wonders of GPRS (and 3G as it becomes more widely available) you can already use DiaryPoint across more than 98% of the UK. GPRS coverage is not perfect - and 3G networks have some way to go before coverage is anything other than patchy - but DiaryPoint adds Wireless LAN network to the mix of connectivity technologies, including Quadband GSM/GPRS, Bluetooth and infrared. Just compare that to the limited connectivity options offered by the Blackberry.

DiaryPoint provides a sophisticated contact management system providing instant access to all your contact information. Never again will you have to call the office for the name of that supplier that is on your desktop PC. All contacts are always available and always updated.

Make your calls with one touch telephone dialling. Search for your contact by name. Click on the name. The number is dialled. Want to send an email - click the email icon and the email client opens ready for use. Adding attachments is just a couple more clicks. It is as easy as it gets.

How Does it Work?

DiaryPoint resides on your mobile phone. The central diary resides on our central server (no need for MS Exchange or Lotus Domino licences). Using your smart phone you will instantly be able to make appointments, add contacts and manage your time more effectively than ever before.

You will also be able to access the diaries of any of your colleagues, subject to security privileges, that also have DiaryPoint. Scheduling appointments across multiple diaries has never been so simple.

Obviously, you can also access your diary from any PC through a standard web browser. To work off-line (useful when you want to organise your contacts or schedule appointments in bulk) there's a one-click install that installs DiaryPoint on your PC.

So now you can understand why I just don't get the Blackberry.

Another triumph for marketing hype over true innovation? Until now.

Anyone for Blackberry Crush?

Keith Longmire is a self-confessed technophile and Director of DiaryPoint. His guiding philosophy is, "if it doesnt't deliver cost-effective business benefit it is useless". You can learn more about DiaryPoint by visiting the DiaryPoint web site.