I just got mine. I have never owned a blackberry before. Being in Europe, I always though they would be way to expensive for me, but after I found out recently the price is not that bad at all, I got myself one. I have used several pda's from palm, including the latest treo smartphones. I have used other pda devices. Compared to the blackberry they're all crap. The palms are ok but they make lousy phones.
The reason for the french to ban it is "the risk of state secrets to be leaked to the US". The french have always been known for their friendship with the americans - but that's something else that sharing state secrets. I wonder if the threat of (state) secrets to leak is any bigger for blackberry users that for users of other pda's. Blackberry's are very secure, while (especially) windows powered pda's even need virus protection. I think I have explained myself clear enough.

Read more on the subject on News.com.