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Getting started on a BlackBerry






Before you hop onto the BlackBerry OS, here's a quick checklist of 10 things you should know about RIM's proprietary smartphone operating system.

1. Every BlackBerry smartphone has a unique device PIN.

This unique PIN, specific to a device, doesn't change even when you swap SIM cards. The PIN is used whenever something is sent or received on a BlackBerry smartphone. It enables BlackBerry-to-BlackBerry communication via PIN messages instead of emails, so that in the event of outages on a company server, users can still communicate with each other. The PIN also lets BlackBerry users instant message each other via BlackBerry Messenger on an SMS-like but free platform.

2. It is a capable multimedia device.

The integrated multimedia player handles multiple audio and video formats. Recent BlackBerry smartphones like the Bold and Curve also have brilliant screens which make it a joy to watch videos on these devices.

3. You can use a BlackBerry smartphone as a mass storage device.

The Desktop Manager lets BlackBerry users install applications, manage multimedia files, synchronize data, backup and restore content on their BlackBerry smartphone when connected to a PC. When plugged in, they can also enable the Mass Storage option to drag-and-drop content on their BlackBerry like an external drive.

4. The keyboard is a database of shortcuts.

Although the user interface is driven mainly by the trackball, various shortcuts can also mapped to the QWERTY keyboard. For example, pressing P brings you to the previous message in the email folder, while N gets you to the next. I zooms in on the Web browser, and O out.

5. It has excellent email-handling features.

BlackBerry is famed for its "push" email feature. Unlike most other email solutions which routinely retrieve or "pull" emails from servers, messages that arrive in the BlackBerry server are instantly pushed out to the BlackBerry smartphone. Users don't have to initiate data exchange between the device and the server. It also supports HTML emails and users can download attachments to view on the handset.

6. Always-on connectivity.

Data connection on a BlackBerry device is always on, so there's no need for the user to initiate a connection to browse the Internet or access Web-based applications.

7. You'll need to factor in a data plan (preferably an unlimited one) with a BlackBerry device.

Because of its always-on connectivity feature, users need to consider a data plan which is usually packaged with the purchase of a BlackBerry device from a telco operator. This may substantially increase the cost of ownership of the handheld.

8. IT administrators are able to "push" applications to the BlackBerry device.

Aside from push email, IT administrators have the ability to "push" applications to a remote BlackBerry smartphone from the company servers. This lets BlackBerry users have instant access to programs that they need, which they may not have on their handset while on-the-move.

9. It has remote wipe, memory cleaning, data encryption capabilities, and more.

BlackBerry smartphones are one of the most secure devices in the market. Data that travels between the BES server and BlackBerry is encrypted. IT administrators also have the ability to "wipe" the device of its memory remotely, while users have various options to delete data that resides on the temporary cache memory.

10. Certain features require BlackBerry Enterprise Server or BlackBerry Internet Service.

Features like searching for contacts on a company's phone directory and scheduling a group meeting require a BES or BIS. That may limit the full capabilities of a BlackBerry device, especially for individual users.


Tags: Smart Phone, E-mail, BlackBerry Curve, RIM BlackBerry, multimedia
 

 
« Making the jump to a BlackBerry smartphone | Getting applications onto a BlackBerry »

    Talkback
tkenji says...
With regard to the point about understanding the functions of the BlackBerry BOLD, you can download the user manual and user guide from www.lostmymanual.org and check the FAQ for the list of complete functions.

Mar 17, 2009 20:21
 
 
vin8tan says...
how does the blackberry work with a mac... is syncing a problem ?

Mar 18, 2009 15:00
 
 
damiankoh says...
Here's the link, if you are a Mac user na.blackberry.com...

Mar 19, 2009 20:37
 
 
prxraw says...
all i can say is that BlackBerry's are the best smartphones I have ever used and still using.
I have used BlackBerry Internet Service (BIS) with BlackBerry Connect devices, and with BlackBerry curve 8300 and my current handset is BlackBerry Bold 9000.

Simply saying its addictive, once you have it you can't leave without it, and does all the jobs weather it's email, browsing, media, im's, social networking, blogging... perfectly.

Jun 27, 2009 02:13
 
 
rtpkong says...
Hi!
Am thinking of getting the BB Bold 9000. I have an email account with my current ISP and uses Outlook 2007. I am basically looking to getting a smartphone to access my emails while on the move at places with free wifi (e.g. Hong Kong Airport, Starbucks) without having to drag out the laptop and switching on etc. However, I would like to keep all emails in my laptop. Would I be able to "sync" these emails received on the BB into Outlook in my laptop easily? this is personal use so no company IT backing. Thanks a lot!

Jan 12, 2010 15:20
 
 
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