Consumption
Initial Reactions
Once consumers got their hands on the new BlackBerry Bold 9000, they took it upon themselves to upload their phone reviews on websites like Phone Scoop. Through all the posts, most praise the phone, touching on the high quality build, the keyboard, the screen, and the leather back detail. However, some criticism points to the price, getting used to the icons, the camera not up to par, and the size of the phone (“Blackberry Bold 9000” 2008). When there was the rare occasion where a user admitted to their lower view of the BlackBerry Bold 9000, other users came to combat through their love for the phone (guy369 2009).
Contemporary Times
Subcultures: Preservation
A Work of Art
There are documents dedicated to recycling the BlackBerry Bold 9000 and even listings on eBay selling the phone for parts (“BlackBerry Bold 9000” 2011; “BlackBerry Bold 9000” 2024). Interestingly, there is a business that profits from taking the phone apart and displaying this deconstruction through a frame display (fig. 4). The reviews featured on the website are only positive and praising the product (“Grid® Blackberry 2024).
Therefore, there is respect and appreciation for the BlackBerry Bold 9000’s persevering design. Users even echoed this when a poster purchased a brand new BlackBerry Bold 9000 recently, with commenters commonly agreeing to ‘frame it’ due to its minimal capability currently (starbucksresident 2018).
Conclusion
The inception of the BlackBerry Bold 9000 was an answer to a cultural need for consumption and productivity maximized within a product. It was capable of exceeding the expectations of the target audience and reaching the mainstream masses instead, making a significant cultural impact. Unfortunately, through rapid technological progression, the dedication to the BlackBerry Bold 9000 was unsustainable. Nevertheless, a niche audience has proven that the BlackBerry Bold 9000’s design can persevere; if not, there is admiration for what it has accomplished.
