Heading to bed at night, one of the last things most of us do is check our phone. I typically read over my emails and Twitter feed one last time, plug in my phone to charge and then pass out. More and more though I feel like I want to turn my device off at night. I have a bedside mode profile set so I only hear phone calls and texts (in case of emergencies), but I feel like I want to be disconnected when I'm sleeping. Other such iDevices don't have the benefit of a bedside mode - so it's either all or nothing when it comes to sounds at night - but thankfully we have plenty of options. 

So what do you do? Do you turn off your BlackBerry at night or leave it on? Let us know in the poll above!

We're heading to Orlando for BlackBerry World 2012 in just a few days and we have high hopes that we'll see some great BlackBerry 10 goodies. We already know that developers who attend BlackBerry 10 Jam will walk away with a BlackBerry 10 Dev Alpha device to play with, but we're not sure what else we'll find out. If we're lucky we may see BlackBerry 10 in action and find out some more details.

While we don't really know too much about BlackBerry 10 phones, we all have our own notions of what we'd like to see for them. We want to know what you, the CrackBerry Nation, would like to see in BlackBerry 10 devices (personally I want a sweet form factor, awesome battery life and a great browsing experience).  So jump into the forums (don't just leave a comment here) and let us know a few things you'd like to see -- be it hardware, software, accessories or whatever -- in BlackBerry 10!

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I came across this post from our good friend Al Sacco yesterday, and it got me thinking a bit. BlackBerry 10 is heading our way soon and there are lots of questions left unanswered. In just a few days, eager developers will get their hands on the BlackBerry 10 Dev Alpha prototype device during BlackBerry Jam, and while we've been reassured it's not a final production unit by any means, it will give some sense of what is in store for BlackBerry 10.

One thing I love about my BlackBerry is that it has a removable battery. I like that I can charge up 2 or 3 spares when I'm on the go (at BlackBerry World for example) and easily swap out a new one instead of having to plug in to charge. I know many of you feel the same, but with devices like the iPhone, Droid 4, HTC One X and plenty of others heading the way of non-removable batteries, it leaves us wondering if BlackBerry 10 will do the same? BlackBerry 10 devices will be modeled after the BlackBerry PlayBook which itself has no removable battery.

So what we want to know is if you'll still want to use a BlackBerry 10 device with a permanent battery. I say if the battery life is good awesome then I have no problem, but if I have to constantly plug in my device during the day, it may be more than a bit frustrating. Let us know in the poll above, then hit up the comments for more.

We all know that when it comes to computers, Research In Motion seems to favor the Windows operating system over Mac OS or Linux. This is all too apparent by the frequency that BlackBerry Desktop Manager is updated for each OS, and by the total lack of a RIM provided app for Linux. Desktop Manager updates always come out for Windows first, sometimes skipping Mac all together.

A few days ago we posted about a solution that an independent developer has created for Linux fans, so they can perform the basics that would normally be handled by BlackBerry Desktop Manager, and it was well received judging by the comments on the post. That got us wondering what operating system is most common among our readers, so go ahead and let us know by choosing your primary OS in the poll above.

As you might well imagine, the topic of BlackBerry 10 gets discussed a lot these days in the CrackBerry offices. What will be there at launch? Will anything be missing? What features do we want to see the most?

In one recent conversation between Adam and myself, we started talking about touchscreen keyboards, and we got to wondering if we'll ever see SureType a.k.a. the Reduced Keyboard option on touchscreen BlackBerry 10 phones. If you're not familiar with SureType, it's a keyboard configuration that was introduced on the BlackBerry 7100 series and popularized by the BlackBerry Pearl, which puts two letters onto a single key and makes heavy use of predictive text to help complete words. It allows you to put a full keyboard into the same space as a T9 keyboard, but type much faster. Believe me, there are a lot of old SureType addicts out there who can type faster and with more accuracy on SureType than they even can on a full physical qwerty.

With the introduction of touchscreen BlackBerry Smartphones, like the Storm and Torch, RIM moved SureType beyond physical keyboards and onto the touchscreen as an optional keyboard layout when typing in portrait. Looking ahead to BlackBerry 10 phones, we're wondering if the reduced keyboard layout will make an appearance, or if this will be phased out with just the full qwerty shown in portrait. Knowing that the keyboard on PlayBook OS 2.0 is powered by SwiftKey, it seems most likely to me that we will not see SureType on BlackBerry 10 phones. For me that's not a big deal, as I typically avoid the reduced keyboard, but I'm not sure how others feel on it. Which brings us to our question of the week...

Question of the Week: Do you think the Reduced/SureType keyboard should be an available keyboard layout on full touchscreen BlackBerry 10 phones? Vote on the poll above and sound off in the comments!

We had a video clip sent in earlier today (see it after the break) and it sparked a bit of conversation at CrackBerry HQ. Seen in the video is Arlene Dickinson (of Canada's Dragons Den) on the show George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight. A few minutes into the interview Arlene, talking a bit about innovation, comments on how she hates "when people slam RIM" and asks "why don't we support it, it's Canadian?". From here the two relate the tech/business industry to professional sports, in that it's all about 24/7 headlines and constant scrutiny.

When you think about it, it really does makes sense. As tech fans/geeks/lovers we constantly seek out stories and information about our favorite (or least favorite) companies. There are supporters and non-supporters, so much like arguing about your favorite sports team, we are quick to bash companies we hate while praising the ones we love - no matter how they are seen to the general public.

For example - I'm a Mets fan and a BlackBerry lover. I'll admit the Mets aren't the greatest, but I show my support for them no matter what. They've had some crappy seasons as of late, but I'm a fan and I vow to stick by them in hopes they'll come out on top. Same goes for RIM - I love my BlackBerry, and through ups and downs, I stick with it. While others are quick to bash RIM for whatever reason of the day, I see the good and don't jump to any conclusions. Obviously Kevin is BlackBerry Fanboy #1 (with the future Mrs. CrackBerry by his side) and will fight for RIM no matter what as well. We know they've been struggling, but as Arlene says here, they have the finances and are still moving forward, so why shouldn't we support them? 

So what we want to know is - do you get upset when people bash companies? I understand if you own stock in a certain company it sort of earns you the right to complain -- to an extent -- but what about your average Job? Let us know what you think in the poll above, then sound off in the comments. Keep reading for the full interview with Arlene Dickinson.

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*Update from Kevin: I reached out to RIM to get further clarification on RIM's future plans for sideloading. RIM clarified that they have not officially announced their longterm sideloading strategy as of yet, and for now it is at it always was. That said, they are going to look at ways of reducing piracy which may or may not include changing the ability to sideload apps. As a first step, RIM did say they are going to introduce a feature in an upcoming release of the PlayBook OS that will encrypt apps so they can only be run by the user who purchased the app. *

As we now know, RIM plans to remove the ability to side load applications in an upcoming update to the BlackBerry PlayBook. While I have already outlined why they may be doing this, and shared some opinions, we want to know from a calm, cool, and collected CrackBerry Nation how you feel about this. Now that you have had some time to soak in the news, read the benefits, and think of how it may negatively affect you, let's hear it. Are you happy, sad, mad, glad, or does this not impact you in the least?

After being in the BlackBerry world for awhile now, I’ve seen a few interesting ways different people type on their BlackBerry, from the "normal" two thumb typing method to a crazy index finger/thumb combination. We wanted to poll the vast CrackBerry community and see what method our readers prefer to use. So CrackBerry Nation, get to the polls and see which typing style is the king! If we didn't cover your typing method in the poll make sure you head to the comments on this post and share your style with the CrackBerry community.

Thanks Alex Kinsella for the photo!

This Sunday for the second year in a row I'll be hosting Easter brunch. I'm pretty pumped to have my entire family over to spend the day, but I'm sure at times I'll want to wring some necks. I always try my best to leave my electronics alone (or off) on holidays, but sometimes it's not that easy. We have such a crazy attachment to our devices that trying to be without them for just a day is an impossible task for some. So what we want to know is if you survive without your devices on holidays or it's business as usual. Let us know in the poll above, then hit up the comments!

As an avid theme fanatic I just can't imagine not having themes on my BlackBerry smartphone. I'm not kidding, I hesitated upgrading my device because I'd be giving up all the ones I accumulated over the years. Even though RIM has yet to release TB7 for BlackBerry OS7 devices (though that hasn't stopped developers thanks to the workaround), what about the BlackBerry PlayBook? Are there times you’ve picked up your tablet and wished there was a way to customize your experience and not see the same icons or layout day in and day out? For me it’s a no brainer, I want it now!  I can only imagine what designs are brewing in the minds of all the theme developers out there just waiting to be unleashed.

So what do you say CrackBerry Nation, are you with me? Cast your vote in the poll above if you’d like to see them release Theme Studio for the BlackBerry Playbook and then drop a line in the comments below. BerryGlowDesigns already cast his vote and, to show it, designed the custom CrackBerry PlayBook wallpaper shown in the shot above. Feel free to head on over to his friends/wallpaper page and download yours today for FREE. For more amazing choices, be sure to check out the CrackBerry Wallpaper gallery.

Steve Jobs put an end to the Newton project, largely because he hated the concept of using a stylus. The original Palm Pilot was a runaway hit - largely because of the use of the stylus and its handwriting recognition. Now, Palm is dead and Apple is ginormous, so, who was right? Well...maybe they both were.

Just as the iPad is reaching the stratosphere in usage, the stylus is making a comeback.

So, we want to know what you think. Does the stylus inhibit or amplify your touch screen experience? Let us know by taking the short survey below.

Take the Survey!

I'll admit it - I'm fairly addicted to social apps on my BlackBerry. I find myself constantly checking my Twitter feed, scoping out Facebook and catching updates from Google+. I'm still not sure just what the draw is, but I know that I go nuts when I check my social happenings. I know there are plenty of you that fall into the same trap as me -- always checking out the latest on various social networks -- while others can't be bothered (or don't have the time) for social foolishness. So what we want to know is just how many of you do use social networks and how many don't bother. Let us know in the poll above (pick the option that best fits you) then drop a comment below.

The much anticipated Zinio app for the BlackBerry PlayBook finally launched last week making tons of PlayBook owners super happy. There was some concern as we were told previously that there would be a $25 credit for users that downloaded the PlayBook app but it wasn't immediately available after installation. However, Zinio was quick to respond to this issue, answering questions and providing information to those asking about the credit both on our blogs and on Twitter. It seems that most people have received the $25 credit by now, but if you have not you can register at the link below. The offer ends March 31, 2012 so don't miss out! If you've already registered but haven't gotten the email from Zinio, be sure you check your spam folder as many people are finding the information waiting for them there.

Zinio is a free app for not only the PlayBook but most other platforms as well. It gives you access to thousands of top magazines from around the world that you can purchase either per issue or with a full subscription. Magazines sync instantly on all your devices, so you're never without entertainment at home or on the go. You can download Zinio now for your PlayBook at the link below.

Register for the BlackBerry PlayBook owner $25 credit
Download Zinio for the BlackBerry PlayBook

We asked this question nearly two years ago, but I figured it was worth a little refresher. New devices, new friends and new ways to add contacts to BBM. I'm sure most of us still use the old stand-by of just entering a PIN to add someone to BBM, but there are a few other ways to get the job done now as well. You can go old school and add someone by their email address or PIN which always works, or if you're a bit more "in the now" you can just scan a barcode. If you're running OS 7.1, you can now do the easiest of them all and just use NFC (BlackBerry Tag) which is super fun. So what we want to know is what method you primarily use for adding contacts to BBM? I'm a barcode guy myself (but I'm open to other options). Cast your vote in the poll above with the option that best fits you, then leave a comment below letting us know why.

Instagram photo sharing app has taken the world by storm -- It's one of the top-rated apps on iOS and people just flat out love it. But where is the BlackBerry love?

What makes Instagram so great? It's addicting, social, creative and just plain fun. Instagram for BlackBerry is something we'd like to see in the near future -- be it for BlackBerry devices now or a BlackBerry 10 Instagram for phones and tablets later on. While we have a few alternatives for BlackBerry like LensBoost, Photo Studio and InstaPhoto none have the draw or following of Instagram. Obviously it's hard to get a new app to catch on in the same fashion, especially when it's not cross-platform. In the BlackBerry World these apps are fairly well know, but ask anyone on iOS or Android and they likely won't have a clue what you're talking about. Instagram is the way to go.

Rumors of Instagram heading to Android means good things for PlayBook owners as we might be able to sideload the app after it's release, but that is yet to be see. It will take some work as well since Android apps on the PlayBook cannot access the camera, so users would have to load images directly to the app (providing it works at all). Given the time it's taken to bring Instagram to Android, it may be longer still until we see it land on BlackBerry. BlackBerry 10 is the perfect platform for Instagram, so we can hope that come the end of 2012 we'll finally see an Instagram for BlackBerry.

What are your thoughts - do you want Instagram on BlackBerry? Or are you just fine with the current offerings? Don't care either way? I for one would love to see Instagram on BlackBerry, but for now I'm getting by just fine without it. Let us know in the poll above, then sound off in the comments!

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