Should you replace your BlackBerry with an iPhone or another BlackBerry. Paul Boutin weighs in:
AutoText – this is the secret genius feature that puts the BlackBerry over the top (of iPhone). On both SMS and e-mail, my BlackBerry lets me create my own shorthand. For example, if I type sl and then press the spacebar, the sl automatically changes to Slate, saving me from having to reach for the Shift key and three extra letters.
While hustling down the sidewalk, I can quickly thumb “il mt u n cn at the ca st ccc” to send the message “I’ll meet you and Christina at the California Street cable car.” Rather than resort to childish SMS argot (“c u @ cbl cr k?”), I can type for five seconds, yet still get my point across in full-length, clear English. Link.