Phreshly Squeezed

The staple of the working world (which I fear joining, haha), the BlackBerry may not be the most technologically advanced gadget out there, but it is doing its best to not compromise the media component in its latest phones. It does what it needs to do – allow for communication with them other big boys. Let’s face it: phones are no longer accessories that we can tote around for texting our buddies after work; they are now a necessity for keeping up to date when we’re not at the computer.

I’ve had my fair share of phones, your good ol’ fashioned just-use-to-call-and-text phones and your smartphones that run your life for you, and recently left my Nokia E71 for a BlackBerry Bold? How am I faring with it? Well, let’s take a look:

One of the things that I greatly dislike is the number of third party of applications for the BlackBerry are limited in comparison to Nokia’s symbian platform phones and to the growing number of Windows Mobile phones. Accessing data-based programs without BlackBerry’s BIS makes it impossible, whereas you can access chat programs, for instance, with no problem with a regular data plan. But hey, you’re paying for the BlackBerry’s abilities to push email and BlackBerry messenger – that’s about the two big selling points.

Not having my BIS set up quite yet, I can’t personally give you my take on the email and messaging. But from what everyone tells me, it’s fantastic! I have to admit that the SMS threading is quite useful, since I often find myself going “what?” when looking at a day old text message. Separate application for tasks? Yes, and boy does that come in handy!

Unlike my friend Julie Shyu who carries her Jack Georges “Milano” dayplanner with her everywhere and is able to separate her tasks and appointments with just pen marks and sticky notes, I only have my phone. Seeing my appointments on the homescreen is a must for me, but also being able to clearly access my tasks is important. Having a this separate application allows me to see what needs to be done, as opposed to having everything listed on the screen like my Nokia E71 (which mind you, I loved to pieces but could not stand the email interface). One particular detail about the calendar is that you are able to view which appointments you have written a memo for! It’s so much easier than sifting through the entries to try to remember if you wrote specific details concerning the appointment!

The media aspects of this phone are also a great improvement from its preecessors. Sound quality is crisp, video capabilities are fantastic, and the browser works wonderfully. Just don’t expect too much from the camera – it’s still lousy. But hey, you can never have it all.

The one big killer to this necessity? If you have a mac computer, you’re headed for trouble. Not only can you not do the firmware updates (which is also a problem with Nokia), but there is also no sync option with iSync. I’m a big organizing freak when it comes to making sure that my computer is up-to-date with the contacts and calendar in my phone. RIM offered to mac users PocketMac for free; great, free thing are good, but it’s better when they work! PocketMac is so full of glitches that it fails to even detect many BlackBerry phones. The only other options are to sync through Google or to purchase Missing Sync for $40USD.

Missing Sync works exactly like iSync and allows the option to transfer folders, manage music from iTunes to BlackBerry, and to save your call/SMS logs. Negatives? It’s a little fickle and the data transfer rate between phone and computer (even with the USB cable) is slow. But hey, it’s better than nothing, right? And BlackBerry says that they will be launching desktop manager for macs in September.

Just like how you wouldn’t leave your Chloé bag out of its dustbag for too long, you wouldn’t leave your beloved BlackBerry out of a case. Because France doesn’t seem to be too big on selling fanciful cellphone cases, I’m currently using a quite durable crystal clear case. When I return to North America, you can bet for sure that I will be getting a real case! Beyza Cases has been known to make great slips for the BlackBerry, but I’m looking for something a little more refined in terms of workmanship and style. Also making great slips is RexRegina; their cases seem to surpass Beyza Cases‘ quality by a lot.

Currently eyeing RexRegina's Morgan Black Lizard Embossed Leather

Note that out of the box, the BlackBerry does not display calendar information on the homescreen. You will be needing a theme that allows for that. The theme that I recommend can be found on BerryReview and it allows you to also preview received texts and emails, and most importantly, it’s free!

The first thing I did when I came back from my weekend in the Loire Valley was to catch up on So You Think You Can Dance; I absolutely loved the Ramalama Bang Bang encore, it delighted me like no tomorrow. After that, I considered sifting through my pictures. I had the chance to visit Château de Chambord, which was constructed by François I and is known as the largest castle in the Loire Valley.

In anticipation of the premiere of Verdi’s Rigoletto in September, Château de Chambord has set up an exhibition from 29th of April until 11th of October presenting costumes of other well-known operas and plays. Dubbed as “Alain Germain dresses the Chambord’s opera,” costumes from renowned couturiers, such as Franck Sorbier, Nathalie Germain, Pascal Bordet, and Olivier Bériot, are displayed within the castle. Absolutely gorgeous!

Gold “La Travaita” (Verdi) Dress at Château de Chambord

Red “La Traviata” (Verdi) Dress at Château de Chambord

Final scene from Molière’s “Le Maladie Imaginaire,” which I saw the other night at the Comédie Française!

I did a double take when I saw on The F-List’s Twitter feed when I saw the words “Portobello market” several weeks ago. Clicking on the link provided, I wound up at a website in the making. Quickly, I dismissed the whole thing and went back to browsing RedFlagDeals and my Google Reader.

Just yesterday, the words “Portobello East” caught my eye in the F-List newsletter. I gave the little link a click and wound up on the website for a Toronto fashion and art market preparing for its first market this Saturday. You’re probably wondering what peaked my interest; well, when I was in London during my winter break, I had a delightful time at the famous Portobello market one Saturday afternoon. Okay, I have to admit: I love looking at antiques, indie jewelers, and unique things.

London's open-air Portobello Market, January 2009

Anyway, Portobello East is, in effect, a Canadian rendition on the idea with accessories, art, clothing, bags, and jewelry. Sounds exciting, but doesn’t seem to have the same ‘market feel’ like the British original. One thing about the market that I loved was that it was an open-air market that took over the streets. Here in Toronto, it will be held at The Fermenting Cellar, a great venue, but just not the same feel. Be reminded that if you do plan on checking Portobello East out this weekend that there will be a $5 CDN admission fee to the public (children 12 and under get in free), which is decent price for these type of things. With all that said, I’m sure it will still be tonnes of fun and will check it out when I’m back in Toronto in mid-August.

As a side note, Portobello East does in fact have counterparts in both Calgary and Vancouver. Wait, when was Toronto ever behind the west?