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.

You all know about how useful the Blackberry/Crackberry is. But what if it has problems?

What happens when you get scratches in the screen?

First, if you do, you're treading in very troubled waters. Why? Because if it has happened once, it's likely to happen again unless you change some usage/storage habits.

Second, if you have scratches, you're jeopardizing the usefulness of your tool. After all, the "tool" part is what sets the blackberry apart from all the other "toy" pda's out there.

If you have scratches in your blackberry you could begin to create a mental block to looking it. You might not even realize you're doing it but sub-consciously you might be dreading looking at the screen again because those scratches bother your brain. Eventually you'll stop using it because the scratches bother you too much.

So, how do you avoid it?

There are 2 ways:

1. Prevent them from happening.

2. Fix the scratches if they're already there.

Preventing Scratches

Preventing scratches is reasonably easy. Either use the belt carrying case or buy a screen protector. The belt case is pretty good for preventing scratches, but it's not guaranteed to do so. You could easily get a little sand in it and it would scratch it all over the place.

The screen protector is probably the best way to go here. For around $15 you can get a screen protector that will virtually eliminate scratches 100%.

Fixing Scratches

If you have scratches in your blackberry screen, you need to fix them asap. I wrote an article about removing scratches from a blackberry that will help you with the applesauce polish method.

Other methods include using toothpaste and a cotton swab. Basically you can put toothpaste on a cotton swab and rub it on your screen. Then use a wet cotton swab to clean the toothpaste off.

There are also two other products called CD 2000 and BRASSO that are rumored to work, but I personally haven't used them.

Whatever you try, make sure you do it soon. Those scratches can be lethal to your productivity.