UPDATE: He couldn’t keep the cigarettes but it appears President Barack Obama will now be keeping his BlackBerry for personal use, making him the first sitting president to use e-mail. That being said there is a very small sample of presidents who have been in office since the technology has been available.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs says the “compromise” was made to allow only very close friends and advisers access to Obama’s treasured device. All emails however will be subject to the Presidential Records Act requiring the National Archives to preserve presidential records. So any dirty jokes become a matter of public record…be careful Bam.

Of course his device will not resemble yours and will feature several enhancements for security.  Shout to Urban Thought always coming through with the heads up! 

With the inauguration of our 44th commander-in-chief fast approaching not only are we embarking on the first president but also the most technologically savvy administration in history.  The BlackBerry an iconic staple of 21st centry communication has symbolized Barack Obama as its been attached to his belt for years, a link to keeping in contact with events, family and friends in the now outside world.   However under the advisment of the secret service, Obama is being “asked” to part with the divice for security reasons and his own legal protection to refrain from sending e-mail during his presidency.

However, much like many of us if imparted with the same request, President-elect Obama has yet to accept or conceed life without his last line of direct and instant communication with friends and close advisers.

“I’m still clinging to my BlackBerry,” Obama told the New York Times on Wednesday. “They’re going to pry it out of my hands…This is a concern, I should add, not just of Secret Service, but also lawyers.  You know, this town’s full of lawyers. I don’t know if you’ve noticed.”

Could YOU give up your blackberry or smartphone for the next FOUR TO EIGHT years?!