Digital Age Creating PDA Addicts

March 20, 2005 — -- Kevin Fisher is a partner in a high-powered San Francisco law firm who considers himself a Blackberry addict.

"The Blackberry is always with me, and I'm almost always conscious of the Blackberry and thinking about the Blackberry," Fisher said.

Like many people in the digital age, Fisher is finding that his personal digital assistant, or PDA, which includes a computer, text messenger and cell phone all in one, is becoming more than another convenient office tool -- it's becoming an obsession.

Also Known as 'Crackberries'

For busy professionals, the Blackberry and other PDAs have become indispensable, the secretary who never takes a day off.

"There's a reason they call them crackberries," said Matt Bean, an associate editor at Men's Health magazine. "I mean, once you get your hands on one of these things it's impossible to put it down. People want to stay in touch with what's going on back in the office, so I've seen guys carrying them into bathrooms, gym locker rooms, everywhere."

PDAs Can Cause Trouble at Home

But many people are finding there may be a fine line between staying in touch with the office and being out of touch at home.

Fisher's wife, Robin, says his Blackberry use has definitely caused friction.

"It's a little irritating if I'm cooking dinner that he's walking up and down the hall and always picking it up, or right before we sit down to eat or that kind of thing," she said. "It's as though he hasn't really left the office."

It's gotten to the point where Robin once threatened to toss the Blackberry after Kevin used it while on a romantic vacation in Europe, and she has set strict rules about his Blackberry use in their bedroom.

"In the middle of the night, I'll wake up and I can see he's picked it up to check it or sent back a message," she said.

A Blessing and a Curse

Kevin is not alone in his reluctance to part with his PDA.

Fans of PDAs say they make it easier for them to do their jobs or respond to an emergency, but that can be a blessing and a curse.

"It's a double-edged sword," Bean says. "You can't get away from the office. It's a digital leash."

Even Kevin Fisher admits being unable to disconnect from work can be troubling.

"There is a price to pay for that accessibility," he said.

His wife puts it more succinctly: "He is wedded to it."