BlackBerry World 2012: Thorsten’s Revenge, And How A RIM Staffer Saved My Night

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BlackBerry World has been an amazing experience for me. It’s my first time, and what a treat it’s been to be around so many people who favor BlackBerry. The conference is winding down, people are clearing out, and things are much more relaxed, so I’m going to share 2 little things that made it just a little bit more cool.

THING 1:

I was watching the Blues Brothers street review early on in the evening. I tried to upload a pic, and it looked like it was going to time out. I minimized the app and holstered Agent 99. A few minutes later, we joined the line for Revenge of the Mummy. I pulled out my 9900 and discovered that my battery, which had been around 50-60% a few minutes prior, was down to 1%! Average drain rate per hour was listed at –297.5%.

I noticed a pair of RIM staffers in line behind us, and I asked if there were any battery-swap stations at the event. He told me he didn’t think so. I cursed, thanked him, and turned around. A few seconds later he taps on my shoulder. I turned back around, and he said, “Here. Swap with me. I have a spare”, offering up a JM-1.

“Seriously?” I asked. “You sure?”

“Absolutely. Take it.”

So he took my dead battery and gave me one charged up to 75%. Out of his own pocket. I don’t know if my press lanyard had anything to do with his decision or not, but I’d like to think that it didn’t. I’d prefer to take it as a small but meaningful example of how RIM is paying more attention to the little guy, the individual consumer. I like it, and I felt it was worth sharing. Thank you, anonymous RIM employee. You made and my night and saved my ‘berry.

THING 2:

A few minutes later, we got to the front of the line. As we lined up to board the ride, I glanced at a group of people across the tracks in the VIP lane. There was Thorsten, all smiles, with a group of, I assume, appropriately important people. Some cheers went up from those of us who could see him, and he grinned and waved back. Given the pressure and scrutiny he’s under, it was good to see him in good spirits and enjoying himself. I hope that means that things with BB10 are going well. Again, small, but important.

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