Synopses & Reviews
Is your BlackBerry (or the one you’re thinking about getting) a full-fledged PDA (Personal Data Assistant), a hand-held mini-computer, a high-tech organizer, or a cell phone? The answer is yes. It’s all of those and more. Whether you’re considering getting a BlackBerry and want to know what it can do for you or whether you own one and want to learn how it can do more, this is the BlackBerry book to pick. It provides explanations of core BlackBerry features plus real-world tips and tricks to help you get more out of e-mail, Web browsing, phone functions, business applications, utilities, and even games. In proven
For Dummies style with lots of screen shots and step-by-step explanations, it includes:
- Info on personalizing your BlackBerry, using AutoText, customizing your screen, choosing what it alerts you to (and how), and more
- Basic key commands for navigating with the trackwheel and the QWERTY keyboard (or the SureType keyboard on some models), complete with a table of 15 Home Screen shortcuts
- Info on using your Address Book, Calendar (for appointments and meetings), and the Tasks application
- Tips for making notes with MemoPad and taking advantage of the built-in calculator
From those basics, BlackBerry For Dummies guides you through getting online with your BlackBerry and using it for:
- E-mail, with info on sending, opening, and filtering it, viewing attachments (including JPEGS, Word docs, PowerPoint slides, Excel spreadsheets, and more), customizing your e-mail, and more
- Sending and receiving PIN-to-PIN messages, viewing text messages, and using Instant Messaging, complete with list of more that 50 commonly used abbreviations so text messaging doesn’t take 4E (forever) and a table with more than 40 emoticons or smileys so you can catch on (and communicate) fast and clearly
- Surfing the Web, with info on browser shortcuts and navigation tips, using bookmarks, customizing and optimizing your browser, downloading and installing applications from the Web, and more
- Using the phone, including call waiting, call forwarding, voice mail, speed dial, conferencing, and multitasking
There’s a section on working with Desktop Manager, including using Intellisync, accessing and using the Application Loader, controlling your e-mail with Redirector settings, and protecting all your information. There’s even a companion Web site with up-to-date coverage of all BlackBerry models and the latest accessories, plus links and news.
BlackBerry For Dummies helps you use your BlackBerry efficiently (and impressively), and that makes you more productive. No matter where you are, you can be in control, in touch, and in vogue with your BlackBerry.
Review
The BlackBerry will never be as easy to use as a desktop computer, but a number of tricks can ease the difficulties its size imposes on users. The following were tested on a BlackBerry Curve, but many will work on other models, too. For help with some of these, we used "BlackBerry for Dummies" and frequently pinged Robert Kao, its co-author, for ideas. (Lee Gomes, On the Road, Wall Street Journal, March 31, 2008)
Synopsis
Maximize your BlackBerry 8800, Curve, or Pearl!Explore the camera and GPS, discover SureType, and boost your memory
If you thought the BlackBerry was sweet before, just wait until you see the new models! And here's just what you need to know about SureType vs. QWERTY keyboards, getting multimedia on your BlackBerry, navigating with the trackball, letting your BlackBerry double as a laptop modem, surfing the Web, getting e-mail, and even phoning friends.
- Use the new trackball
Keep your calendar and to-do list
Install a microSD card
Protect your personal information
Watch movies and listen to music
Sync data with your desktop PC
Synopsis
Is your BlackBerry (or the one you're thinking about getting) a full-fledged PDA (Personal Data Assistant), a hand-held mini-computer, a high-tech organizer, or a cell phone? The answer is yes. It's all of those and more. Whether you're considering getting a BlackBerry and want to know what it can do for you or whether you own one and want to learn how it can do more, this is the BlackBerry book to pick. It provides explanations of core BlackBerry features plus real-world tips and tricks to help you get more out of e-mail, Web browsing, phone functions, business applications, utilities, and even games. In proven For Dummies style with lots of screen shots and step-by-step explanations, it includes: Info on personalizing your BlackBerry, using AutoText, customizing your screen, choosing what it alerts you to (and how), and more Basic key commands for navigating with the trackwheel and the QWERTY keyboard (or the SureType keyboard on some models), complete with a table of 15 Home Screen shortcuts Info on using your Address Book, Calendar (for appointments and meetings), and the Tasks application Tips for making notes with MemoPad and taking advantage of the built-in calculator
From those basics, BlackBerry For Dummies guides you through getting online with your BlackBerry and using it for: E-mail, with info on sending, opening, and filtering it, viewing attachments (including JPEGS, Word docs, PowerPoint slides, Excel spreadsheets, and more), customizing your e-mail, and more Sending and receiving PIN-to-PIN messages, viewing text messages, and using Instant Messaging, complete with list of more that 50 commonly used abbreviations so text messaging doesn't take 4E (forever) and atable with more than 40 emoticons or smileys so you can catch on (and communicate) fast and clearly Surfing the Web, with info on browser shortcuts and navigation tips, using bookmarks, customizing and optimizing your browser, downloading and installing applications from the Web, and more Using the phone, including call waiting, call forwarding, voice mail, speed dial, conferencing, and multitasking
There's a section on working with Desktop Manager, including using Intellisync, accessing and using the Application Loader, controlling your e-mail with Redirector settings, and protecting all your information. There's even a companion Web site with up-to-date coverage of all BlackBerry models and the latest accessories, plus links and news.
BlackBerry For Dummies helps you use your BlackBerry efficiently (and impressively), and that makes you more productive. No matter where you are, you can be in control, in touch, and in vogue with your BlackBerry.
Synopsis
Make phone calls, e-mail, track appointments, and even remember the grocery listWow — it's a phone, a PDA, and an Internet connection, and it's one-fourth the size of this book! You need the book, though, to explain in plain English what it can do. Find out how to use every terrific feature built into your BlackBerry, make your life more productive, and astonish everyone with your efficiency.
Discover how to
- Manage e-mail from your BlackBerry
- Protect data security
- Upload contacts from other phones
- Set up speed dialing
- Install a new application
- Sync your BlackBerry and back up data
About the Author
Robert Kao is one well-rounded professional. His ability to translate his technical knowledge and communicate in many languages with users of all types inevitably led him to develop BlackBerry applications for various financial firms in New York City — that truly global city. A graduate of Columbia University — with a Computer Engineering degree, of course — he currently lives in Somerset, NJ.
Dante Sarigumba has been working with computers for over 13 years. Currently, he’s writing BlackBerry applications for a major investment bank in New York. With his engineering background, he’s been a longtime gizmo enthusiast, which probably explains his interest in BlackBerries. He writes applications for the BlackBerry platform in his spare time (believe it or not) and writes the occasional article for the BlackBerry Developer Journal.
Table of Contents
Introduction.
Part I: Meet and Greet Your BlackBerry.
Chapter 1: Your BlackBerry Is NOT an Edible Fruit?
Chapter 2: Turning On Your BlackBerry (And Keeping It Happy).
Part II: Getting Organized with Your BlackBerry.
Chapter 3: Remembering Your Acquaintances.
Chapter 4: Never Miss Another Appointment — Ever!
Chapter 5: Being Your Own Taskmaster.
Chapter 6: Making Notes and Calculations.
Part III: Getting Online with Your BlackBerry.
Chapter 7: You’ve Got (Lots of) E-Mail.
Chapter 8: Too Cool for E-Mail.
Chapter 9: Surfing the Internet Wave.
Chapter 10: Calling Your Favorite Person.
Part IV: Working with Desktop Manager.
Chapter 11: Synching the Intellisync Way.
Chapter 12: Installing Applications.
Chapter 13: Running Redirector.
Chapter 14: Protecting Your Information.
Part V: The Part of Tens.
Chapter 15: Ten (Or So) New Features on the New Generation BlackBerry.
Chapter 16: Ten Great BlackBerry Accessories.
Chapter 17: Ten Productive BlackBerry Applications.
Chapter 18: Ten Fun Games on Your BlackBerry.
Chapter 19: Ten Must-Have BlackBerry Programs.
Chapter 20: Ten (More or Less) Web Site Categories for BlackBerrry Browsing.
Index.