Report : Security officials approve $ 500 smartphone for Barack Obama . Obama was an inveterate BlackBerry user during his campaign . The decision to allow Obama to keep a smartphone is `` a compromise that allows him to stay in touch with senior staff and a small group of personal friends , '' Gibbs told the media in his first press conference since the inauguration . Security concerns that e - mail could be intercepted , or be used to locate president . Not capable of encrypting voice conversations , handling classified documents .
Report : Security officials approve $ 500 smartphone for Barack Obama . Obama was an inveterate BlackBerry user during his campaign . Security concerns that e - mail could be intercepted , or be used to locate president . Not capable of encrypting voice conversations , handling classified documents .