Cool things I didn't know I could do with my Blackberry
Jun 21, 2008, 7:17 pm
#1
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Cool things I didn't know I could do with my Blackberry
Like many people, I've been carrying a Blackberry around for many years. In the course of changing employers this week, I managed to crash my 8830 and Verizon said they would replace it. While setting up the new one, I decided to see what I could do to maximize its utility. I, of course, have used it as a modem and also receive my Gmail on the Blackberry, but I figured there must be other neat things it could do. This may be old hat to everyone, but I discovered:
1. It can take a microSD card for storing all sorts of data.
2. It will play back movies (actually quite well) that have been transcoded from DVD to .3gp (I have a program from Xilisoft that can do this).
3. There's an application called Avantgo that provides handy access to all sorts of journals and newspapers, as well as United's website.
How about you? Any cool apps that you've discovered?
1. It can take a microSD card for storing all sorts of data.
2. It will play back movies (actually quite well) that have been transcoded from DVD to .3gp (I have a program from Xilisoft that can do this).
3. There's an application called Avantgo that provides handy access to all sorts of journals and newspapers, as well as United's website.
How about you? Any cool apps that you've discovered?
Jun 22, 2008, 5:39 am
#5
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As I mentioned on another thread, the kid next door took my 8800 for about an hour and when he returned it, it was updated (I now realized that he put in the new OS). I especially like the new, highly readable fonts, the enhanced HTML functionality, and the real time GPS function. I hardly need my TomTom any more.
He also told me that it is important to get it now, in its unbranded state, because once the carriers get their hands on it, they will remove lots of the cool features and then try to charge you in order to put them back.
Jun 22, 2008, 6:08 am
#6
Join Date: May 2004
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What the man said. This update is an unbelievable group of improvements to your BB.
As I mentioned on another thread, the kid next door took my 8800 for about an hour and when he returned it, it was updated (I now realized that he put in the new OS). I especially like the new, highly readable fonts, the enhanced HTML functionality, and the real time GPS function. I hardly need my TomTom any more.
He also told me that it is important to get it now, in its unbranded state, because once the carriers get their hands on it, they will remove lots of the cool features and then try to charge you in order to put them back.
As I mentioned on another thread, the kid next door took my 8800 for about an hour and when he returned it, it was updated (I now realized that he put in the new OS). I especially like the new, highly readable fonts, the enhanced HTML functionality, and the real time GPS function. I hardly need my TomTom any more.
He also told me that it is important to get it now, in its unbranded state, because once the carriers get their hands on it, they will remove lots of the cool features and then try to charge you in order to put them back.
Domestic BIS servers are being upgraded to v2.5 next weekend, however, and the rumor is that BB OS v4.5 will become available for the 81xx/83xx/88xx (and possibly the 87xx) models shortly thereafter. The combination of BIS 2.5 and BB OS v4.5 enables HTML email on the Blackberry. Upgrades have already occurred in the Pacific RIM and some European markets.
Jun 22, 2008, 11:03 am
#8
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Jun 22, 2008, 1:46 pm
#9
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Jun 22, 2008, 3:15 pm
#10
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Since HTML email will be a strong feature for the Blackberry, I think the CDMA vendors will get it fairly soon. I'm pretty sure there's an 8330 (Curve) beta out there, so I wouldn't be surprised if the 8830 had something waiting in the wings as well.
Jun 22, 2008, 9:01 pm
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pda.continental.com
usairways attempts to auto detect and send to mobile site
mobile.southwest.com
most of the airlines have them....continental and aa are the two I use and quite useful.
Jun 22, 2008, 9:05 pm
#13
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I've found that you can wedge it under the hotel door as an added security measure, making it harder for someone to break in.
It's also fun to type on it during take-off's and landings, just to upset the FA's and your seatmates.
It's also fun to type on it during take-off's and landings, just to upset the FA's and your seatmates.
Jun 23, 2008, 10:28 am
#14
Join Date: Aug 2006
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I have on my 8800:
PicoNews (similar to AvantGo)
Nav4All (freeware GPS navigation tool with spoken directions)
JiveTalk (IM client from which you can use most of the major IM services)
Yahoo Messenger
GoogleMaps
Windows Live Search
GPSEd (GPS tracking program which lets you record your movements and upload the tracks to a web site--this is still in beta)
TinyTwitter (don't use it much, but OK if you like Twitter)
Opera Mini (alternative web browser)
Facebook Mobile (a fellow FTer who shall remain nameless dragged me kicking and screaming onto Facebook--having the mobile version is really handy, I look like I'm on all the time
)
Gmail client for BB
Google Mobile Updater (keeps track of new versions of Google apps and prompts you to upgrade)
Vodafone Germany has released OS 4.5 for the 8800 and a link is available on blackberryforums.com--don't think there's a 4.5 out for the 8830 yet. Check there for all the latest/greatest OSes/apps. I'll be upgrading to 4.5 tonight and will see how it goes. My only real worry at this point is that Yahoo Messenger won't work (AT&T tries to block it), but I do have JiveTalk if it doesn't.
PicoNews (similar to AvantGo)
Nav4All (freeware GPS navigation tool with spoken directions)
JiveTalk (IM client from which you can use most of the major IM services)
Yahoo Messenger
GoogleMaps
Windows Live Search
GPSEd (GPS tracking program which lets you record your movements and upload the tracks to a web site--this is still in beta)
TinyTwitter (don't use it much, but OK if you like Twitter)
Opera Mini (alternative web browser)
Facebook Mobile (a fellow FTer who shall remain nameless dragged me kicking and screaming onto Facebook--having the mobile version is really handy, I look like I'm on all the time
)Gmail client for BB
Google Mobile Updater (keeps track of new versions of Google apps and prompts you to upgrade)
Vodafone Germany has released OS 4.5 for the 8800 and a link is available on blackberryforums.com--don't think there's a 4.5 out for the 8830 yet. Check there for all the latest/greatest OSes/apps. I'll be upgrading to 4.5 tonight and will see how it goes. My only real worry at this point is that Yahoo Messenger won't work (AT&T tries to block it), but I do have JiveTalk if it doesn't.