Last post about Obama’s BlackBerry–I promise. The issue of Obama using a special BlackBerry as a tool to lead has remained in the press even after Obama has settled into office. On a recent interview on American TV, Obama joked that his BlackBerry turns into a car . [...]

After seeing reports that President Obama wouldn’t be allowed to keep his BlackBerry, or might be allowed to use an approved alternative device , it’s interesting to finally see in this New York Times report that Obama has actually been able to keep his BlackBerry, or a “more sophisticated, encryped variation.” Only a very limited number of high-level officials have Obama’s email address, and messages that Obama sends cannot be forwarded. [...]

In the lead up Barack Obama’s inauguration next week, much has been written about his dependence on his BlackBerry. It appears that he will not be able to continue using it once he becomes president, due to the lack of security for messages and the need for all presidential communications to be recorded and later made available to the public. But Obama is rather fond of the device–he said in an interview on American TV:
They’re going to pry it out of my hands. This is a concern, I should add, not just of Secret Service, but also lawyers.
While a heavy user, I don’t think Obama is a BlackBerry addict –he seems able to focus on things and work without his BlackBerry when necessary. I’m sure he’ll follow the rules (and perhaps switch to an approved device [...]