The Geek Squad UK Blackberry Support Blog

This site is no longer being updated from the 06/12/2007

2007-12-06T15:45:00.000Z

BlackBerry Unite!

2007-12-05T16:48:00.000Z

Millions of people around the world have come to love the BlackBerry® solution – it’s the ultimate tool to keep you connected while you’re on the go. And now you can bring the benefits of the BlackBerry solution home or to your office – for free!

BlackBerry® Unite! ™ software helps you coordinate and keep in touch with your family and provides access to files on your home computer while you’re out. Or, use it in your small office to coordinate and collaborate with coworkers and keep business running smoothly. With BlackBerry Unite! software, you can stay connected to the people that matter most – while still enjoying all the great features BlackBerry® smartphones have to offer!

It’s the complete wireless solution for your home or small office.

Bring Your Family Closer with BlackBerry Unite!

BlackBerry® Unite!™ software helps you share your time and experiences with your family, wherever life takes you. It’s the easiest way for busy couples and families to coordinate their lives and schedules, and share the fun with the people that matter.

BlackBerry Unite! software is a free download that provides mobile access to the info you need via BlackBerry smartphones, in addition to other favorite BlackBerry features. For updates on availability of this software, please fill out our web form.

Share life when you’re on the go
· Access thousands of photos anytime on your smartphone
· Enjoy your music libraries from virtually anywhere
· Use a family address book, so you always have the email addresses and phone numbers you need

Always stay coordinated

· Share your family’s calendars so everyone knows where they need to be and when.*
· Set reminders and check to see when family members are free
Always have what you need with you
· Use your BlackBerry smartphone to access your pictures, music, documents and more from your desktop computer.

Keep Safe

· With BlackBerry Unite!, the information you share is protected
· Customize BlackBerry smartphone use for each family member
· Wirelessly lock or wipe a stolen or missing BlackBerry device

Get Started Right Away

BlackBerry Unite! software can be downloaded for free and installed in minutes on a regular desktop computer. It comes with an easy-to-use setup wizard that allows you to easily integrate your email accounts, set up shared calendars and enable mobile access to desktop files. All the BlackBerry smartphone features you know and love.

Everyone in your family can choose the BlackBerry smartphone that’s right for them.

Bring Your Office Together with BlackBerry Unite!

BlackBerry® Unite! ™ software can help you reply faster, work smarter and gain an edge on the competition. It’s the easiest way for small businesses to do more each day and coordinate busy schedules using BlackBerry® smartphones.

BlackBerry Unite! software is a free download that provides mobile access to the information you need via BlackBerry smartphones, in addition to other favorite BlackBerry features. For updates on availability of this software, please fill out our web form.

Stay coordinated

· Setup or modify appointments and set reminders so everyone stays up-to-date automatically
Share key information when you’re on the go
· Collaborate with your team by sharing documents and presentations, videos and more
· View files remotely, email them as attachments, or save them to an expandable memory card in your smartphone.*

Always have what you need with you

· Use your BlackBerry smartphone to remotely access documents, pictures, presentations and more from desktop computers

Get peace of mind and protect the privacy of your office
· Acceptable smartphone usage can be defined for each individual
· Files are backed up automatically
· Your information is protected as it travels over the wireless network
· Use many of the same security features used by large corporations

Increase your team’s productivity right away

BlackBerry Unite! software can be downloaded for free and installed in minutes on a regular desktop computer. There’s no expensive server hardware to buy and no need to hire an IT specialist to manage the solution.

The setup wizard allows you to easily integrate your team’s existing email accounts and configure shared calendars, mobile access to desktop content and permissions for individual users.

The Link http://na.blackberry.com/eng/services/blackberryunite/

Try This! BlackBerry Curve 8310 Tips and Tricks

2007-12-05T10:07:00.000Z

Copy text in a message and paste it into another application

In a message, place the cursor before the text that you want to copy
Press the Shift key and roll the trackball.
Click the Trackball
Click Copy
Place the cursor where you want to paste the text
Click the Trackball
Click Paste

Move through a web page line by line

On a web page, press the Menu key.
Click Select Mode

Make a call using a voice command:

In the address book, press the Menu key.
Click New Address
Type the contact information
Click the Trackball
Click Save
In the voice dialing application, wait for the sound
Say “Call” and a contact name or phone number
To end the call, press the End key

RIM's touching new BlackBerry plans for iPhone killer - Part 2

2007-12-04T11:19:00.000Z

It appears that specs for the much anticipated Blackberry 9000 have leaked, at at first glance the new device might remind you of the 8300 Curve or the iPhone. Like Apple’s pride and joy, the 9000 is dominated by a screen and lacks the traditional input methods that we are used to on other Blackberry models. It has a couple of things that could have it competing favorably with Apple.

The processor seems to be a bit more powerful - a 624MHz Intel XScale PXA270 processor as compared to the iPhone’s 620MHz ARM 1173 processor. The 9000 will also be comparatively fast thanks to HSDPA, which is a first for a Blackberry. The screen in 480 x 320 resolution. There is a 3.2 megapixel camera, and 1GB of onboard memory. The device will also have Wi-Fi and GPS. Of course, none of these details are confirmed, so they are all subject to change.

We don’t know when the 9000 will hit the streets, but a release in the first or second quarter of next year seems likely.

We remind you, all the information supplied are rumours and have not yet been confirmed; so they are all subject to change. Link to the information supplied and the story provided; http://softwaremandi.com/softwaremandi/index.php?p=34

Skype for BlackBerry: IM+ for Skype for BlackBerry 3.0.5

2007-12-04T10:07:00.000Z

IM+ for Skype is a fully mobile application that enables voice and text communication with other Skype users and provides cost-effective calling to landlines and mobiles. No huge traffic for calls. Key Benefits: - IM+ for Skype is based on SkypeOut service that allows users to make and receive calls for a low fee. - IM+ for Skype is network independent, working in GSM, 3G and CDMA and does not require WiFi. - Text messaging with other Skypers is much more cost effective way to say something instead of sending an SMS. - One Time Fee, all updates included. Version 3.0.5 includes brand new user interface and improved usability.

See our terms and conditions before initialising any 3rd party products

Setting up Level 1 messages

2007-11-29T16:20:00.000Z

Level 1 Messaging is used to differentiate between regular emails and normal emails. So for example you want to be notified right away when your boss emails. You can set any email from your boss be marked as Level 1 and in the Profiles™ menu set a different ring tone for Level 1 messages.

Setting up Level 1 messages are very straight forward:

1. Go to BlackBerry Desktop Manager select Redirector Settings.

2. Go to the Filters tab and select New.

3. Enter your filter parameters.

4. After your filter is created, go to Profiles™ on your BlackBerry.

5. Press Menu key (Blackberry button with all dots on it) –> Edit.

6. Level 1 Messages.

Nothing to it.

RIM launches BlackBerry Women & Technology Awards

2007-11-29T13:07:00.000Z

The BlackBerry maker is now accepting applications for next year's awards designed to showcase and celebrate the achievements of women in and with IT.

Research in Motion (RIM), yesterday used a private showing of rock-star turned photographer Bryan Adams’ Modern Muses exhibition in London's Convent Garden to mark the launch of the BlackBerry Women & Technology Awards 2008.

Applications are now being accepted for the awards, which are designed to recognise and rewards the achievements women have made both working in IT and using it outside of the tech sector.

Despite women making up more than half of the UK's working population, they still represent a very small portion of the IT workforce, according to Charmaine Eggberry, RIM's vice president and managing director of Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

"Regardless of age, status or profession, inspirational role models are invaluable. The 'Modern Muses' exhibition celebrates the stature that has been achieved by women in a variety of disciplines and is a fitting way to launch the third BlackBerry Women & Technology Awards," she said.

"The aim of the BlackBerry Women & Technology Awards is to support and celebrate women who have demonstrated passion and dedication in their lives and work through the innovative use of technology. Past winners have been truly inspiring and I look forward to unveiling our 2008 winners in May next year."

The awards divided into seven categories: Best use of technology within the corporate sector; Best use of technology by small to medium business (less than 250); Best use of technology within the multi-media industry; Best use of technology by women under 30; Best mentor; Best company advancing women in technology and finally the BlackBerry outstanding woman in technology award, the winner of which will be selected from the other six categories.

"If UK Plc was a business this would be a travesty," she said in response to hearing figures detailing the small percentage of women involved in the industry. "We need to do things to encourage more women to come into technology and need to encourage more women to stay in technology. I think these awards are absolutely fantastic and long may they continue."

The closing date for entries is 7 March and winners will be announced on 6th May next year at a dinner ceremony at the Marriott Grosvenor Square.

Link to the story: http://www.itpro.co.uk/news/142329/rim-launches-blackberry-women--technology-awards-2008.html

UK launch for Wi-Fi enabled new Curve

2007-11-29T10:41:00.000Z

Orange and RIM have announced the launch of two new Wi-Fi-enabled BlackBerry smartphones to customers in the UK - the BlackBerry Curve 8320, previously only launched in the States, and the BlackBerry Pearl 8120, already available on Vodafone and T-Mobile.

The BlackBerry Curve 8320 (with that lovely built-in Wi-Fi) will be available in a "liquid silver" finish.

The Curve 8320 is RIM's smallest and lightest full-Qwerty keyboard smartphone and includes a 2-megapixel digital camera, music and video player, a standard 3.5mm stereo headset jack and a microSD/SDHC card slot for expandable memory storage.

The BlackBerry Pearl 8120 with built-in Wi-Fi is aimed at those who want business-grade functionality in an ultra-sleek phone.

In addition to the BlackBerry-ness, the Pearl 8120 on Orange will feature the Orange Signature Home Screen that can be customised frequently used shortcuts.

The 8120 also comes complete with a 2-megapixel digital camera, music and video player, a standard 3.5mm stereo headset jack and a microSD/SDHC card slot for expandable memory storage.

The new BlackBerry Curve 8320 and BlackBerry Pearl 8120 smartphones are available online at Orange.co.uk, in Orange retail stores throughout the UK, and through selected authorised dealers.

Russian telcos to launch BlackBerry in the first quarter of 2008

2007-11-28T10:54:00.000Z

MOSCOW, 27 November 2007 (Reuters) - Two top Russian mobile firms, MTS and Vimpelcom, said on Tuesday they would start selling Research In Motion's BlackBerry phones in Russia after reaching a compromise with state security services.

The New-York listed firms said they had received approval from regulators, including the powerful FSB, the successor of the Soviet Union's KGB, to begin shipping and operating the BlackBerry smartphones in the first quarter of 2008.

The permission was granted for one year.

MTS and Vimpelcom have not been able to bring the BlackBerry to Russia for several years as FSB required that RIM provides codes it uses to encrypt traffic. The companies did not say on what basis the compromise had been reached.

In October, MTS launched the BlackBerry in Ukraine, first among the twelve former Soviet Union states. In Russia, corporate clients are able to use the BlackBerry devices with foreign SIM-cards via roaming.

A Vimpelcom spokeswoman said the company had been cleared to ship 1,050 smartphones of the 8700 model, which RIM has been selling for several years.

Vimpelcom will start shipping the handsets after they are certified by Russian regulators, the spokeswoman said.

The BlackBerry is a wireless handheld device available on about 300 networks in 120 countries. It supports push e-mail, mobile telephone, messaging, web browsing and other wireless communication services. (Reporting by Maria Kiselyova and Anastasia Teterevleva; writing by Maria Kiselyova)

Link to the Story: http://uk.reuters.com/article/technology-media-telco-SP/idUKL2772356020071127

Missing Sync for Mac to Blackberry Synchronisation

2007-11-27T13:07:00.000Z

Missing Sync reliability and usability for BlackBerry

The Missing Sync for BlackBerry is built on the same technology that has garnered 4.5-mice ratings from Macworld magazine. It's built to be reliable, so that you can count on your information successfully making the round trip between your Mac and BlackBerry handset.

Keep in touch with people

The Missing Sync for BlackBerry ensures that all of your important contacts are kept in sync between Apple's Address Book and your BlackBerry handset. Phone numbers, email and postal addresses, groups/categories and birthdays are kept updated in both locations, just as you would expect.

Manage your time more effectively

The Missing Sync for BlackBerry also synchronizes calendar events and tasks from iCal to your BlackBerry device. If you set a calendar reminder on the Mac, your BlackBerry will notify you. Check off tasks as you complete them throughout the day, then sync those changes when you get back to your desk.

The most important information, when you need it

The Missing Sync for BlackBerry comes with a Mac application called Mark/Space Notebook, which allows you to create, edit, categorize, sort and search notes on your Mac, then sync them via The Missing Sync with your BlackBerry handset. With support for Sync Services, Mark/Space Notebook keeps your notes current across multiple computers with Mark/Space's own SyncTogether product or via dot Mac syncing. You can also choose to synchronize your BlackBerry's notes with Microsoft Entourage or Yojimbo, the awesome information organizer from Bare Bones, makers of BBEdit.

Put some photos on your Pearl

The Missing Sync will download selected iPhoto albums to the BlackBerry Pearl's microSD card, automatically resizing each photo to fit the screen. Photos taken with the Pearl can be imported to a folder of your choosing on the Mac or right into an iPhoto album.

Use your Pearl to tune in

The Missing Sync for BlackBerry will also synchronize selected iTunes playlists to the BlackBerry Pearl's microSD card for mobile listening. While the Pearl can't play protected music from the iTunes music store, it's great for listening to the tunes you own or podcasts you've downloaded.

Use your favorite desktop apps

The Missing Sync uses Apple's Sync Services technology, allowing information from other Sync Services-savvy applications, such as Chronos SOHO Organizer, Microsoft Entourage 2004 and soon, Market Circle Daylite, to sync between your Mac and your BlackBerry handset. As more applications use this technology, The Missing Sync will be able to pass their data to your BlackBerry, increasing its flexibility and usefulness.

Made by Mac users for Mac users

Mark/Space has been making Mac communication software since 1990. We love Macs and gadgets, and it shows in our work. The Missing Sync is elegant, easy to use and works like Mac software should. We're committed to supporting new technologies from Apple, so you can always get the most from your devices. The Missing Sync is the right choice today, and it will continue to be the right choice tomorrow.

Don't miss out!

If you have a BlackBerry device and a Mac, then you should definitely get The Missing Sync for BlackBerry today. Whether you're a new BlackBerry user, or if you've used some other software to connect it with your Mac, you're going to like The Missing Sync's reliability and user experience.

Supported BlackBerry Devices

7100 series, 7290 (Cingular/T-Mobile), 7250 (Verizon), 7520 (Nextel), 7130 series, 8100 series (Pearl), 8300 (Curve), 8700 series, 8703 series (Sprint), 8705, 8707 series and 8800 series

Other devices may work, but have not been tested.

Mac System Requirements:

PowerPC G4, PowerPC G5, or Intel processor
Mac OS X Tiger 10.4.8 or later Mac OS X Leopard 10.5 or later
Internet connection for product registration

See our terms and conditions before initialising any 3rd party products

RIM's touching new BlackBerry plans for iPhone killer - Part 1

2007-11-26T10:33:00.000Z

Handsets like the Curve and Pearl have ensured that Research In Motion's BlackBerry isn't just seen as a corporate email device any more. But it seems RIM has ambitions to push even more into the consumer space, by launching a touchscreen BlackBerry to go head-to-head with Apple's iPhone.

Analysts are already describing the potential 9000-series as "the future of the BlackBerry franchise", and although it's slated to have the push-email that made RIM's reputation, it'll also have more of a focus on multimedia features.

I'm not so sure it's a good idea, to be honest. Push-email is arguably BlackBerry's strong point, yet as iPhone owners know, a touchscreen isn't ideal for heavy email use. And if RIM wants to turn BlackBerry into a pure consumer brand, it'll face stiff competition not just from Apple, but from the traditional mobile manufacturers like Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Samsung and LG too..

RIM hasn't responded to this burst of rumours but rumours say the 9000 Series will appear in the first quarter of 2008, apparently after missing an original target of the second half of this year

Well I'm looking forward to seeing what RIM will do with the new 9000-series of there BlackBerry phone's and to see what this will have to offer, watch this space for further news and updates on this story as it unfolds.

Switching the BlackBerry Pearl from Multitap to SureType

2007-11-21T14:18:00.000Z

I have suffered through the exact same frustration too. My problem is that I wasn't sure what to call the predictive typing system on the Blackberry Pearl, so I searched Google for "predictive typing", "t9 input" and even the "ABC" that's displayed on the Pearl screen if you're in what Blackberry calls "multi-tap input mode".

For the record, it's not "T9" on this phone and there's no reference to "predictive typing" in the 240 page User's Guide either. You need to search for SureType to find anything at all.

The solution is oddly tucked away in the Language settings of the phone. Here's how I switched out of Multitap and into SureType this mobile phone:

1. Go to the main menu view (BlackBerry key with the dots) on the Pearl.

2. Choose Options (it's the little crescent wrench icon) and select it.

3. Scroll down to Language and click the trackball.

4. Under "Input Language" you want to either select your language with Multitap (to enable Multitap) or without (which puts you into SureType mode). For example, I selected English (United States) to get SureType.

5. Now just click the menu button and select Save and you're back to normal.

I hope that helps you get out of this weird mode.

Getting Overwhelmed by Emails?

2007-11-21T10:00:00.000Z

If you’re getting overwhelmed by emails on your BlackBerry device you may consider automatically deleting emails after 15 days. If you haven’t replied to a message in 15 days, chances are you probably never will. This will also help your psyche, seeing only 20 new emails are much better than looking at 100's of unread emails. Another benefit of automatically deleting emails is that you free up memory space on your handheld. Remember if there’s not enough space on your handheld, you’re not going to be receiving any emails.

Here’s how to set up automatic deletion:

Go to the the Main menu > Messages > press the BlackBerry key (menu key) and scroll down to Options > General Options > Keep Messages, you can change this option to 15 days, 30 days, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 5 months, 6 months and Forever.

Avanquest wins the case for Blackberry Enterprise Server back-up for international law firm

2007-11-21T09:03:00.000Z

"Avanquest Solutions has recently provided a Neverfail disaster recovery solution to Davies Arnold Cooper, an international law firm particularly known for its dispute resolution and real estate expertise. The solution provides the firm with the following benefits…"

Davies Arnold Cooper employs approximately 175 fee earners located in offices based in London, Manchester, Madrid and Mexico City. The Firm uses Blackberry technology - a popular solution for law firms requiring wireless enterprise connectivity for mobile professionals.

Neverfail for BES, a continuous availability and disaster recovery solution, keeps mobile users always on/always connected despite any IT failure which may affect the BlackBerry Enterprise server. In addition to offering customers long term benefits and low-cost deployments, Neverfail for BES is supported and recommended by RIM and enjoys multiple customer references.

Operating seamlessly in the background utilising heartbeat technology, Neverfail replicates application specific data between active and passive servers in real-time. Should Neverfail identify a potential problem or failure, Neverfail will take pre-emptive action to alert administrators to avoid resorting to a full-system failover, thus maintaining continuous application availability. Should a failover be unavoidable, for example application hung, hardware failure or to allow for maintenance, Neverfail will seamlessly connect users to the passive server and business can continue without interruption.

1. Neverfail supports BlackBerry Enterprise Server straight out-of-the-box, saving time and money while eliminating time-consuming and costly customisation or scripting.

2. It protects almost any auxiliary application, including anti-virus, backup, archiving, fax and more.

3. It ensures high availability and disaster recovery over both LAN and WAN

Stuart Cowell, Head of IT at Davies Arnold Cooper said, "We chose Blackberry because of its connectivity advantages, it gives users constant access to important and confidential information, regardless of where they are. Traditional backup and replication solutions can't provide the rapid return to operations in the event of a failure. The Neverfail solution from Avanquest has solved this problem and given us the insurance that it will always be business as usual at DAC."

This story can be found at: http://www.snseurope.com/snslink/news/news-full.php?newsid=7998

BlackBerry Bluetooth Universal Keyboard by Freedominput

2007-11-20T09:41:00.000Z

Converts your mobile device into an easy to access Laptop.

This newly introduced product is the world’s only dual standard full sized folding keyboard, built to the highest standards. Full five row AlphaNumeric keyboard using full sized keys that have the quality “scissor action mechanics” giving the user the feel of a desk top keyboard. The dual standard keyboard gives the option of both HID and SPP profiles offering the widest compatibility with most of the leading named device from: BlackBerry, and more branded products from Orange, O2, T-Mobile and Vodafone.

General

*QWERTY – English and QWERTZ – German versions currently available.

*The HID mode that permits “Out of the Box” Alphanumeric compatibility with many products including PCs, Laptops and many PDAs using the HID technology.

*HID Profile for connecting to Human Interface Devices via Bluetooth, most common profile used for PDAs, Smartphones, Laptops, PC’s etc.

*SPP Profile, Serial Port emulation via Bluetooth, used by all BlackBerry devices, OS 4.o or higher.

*Duality gives this keyboard the widest available compatibility with Bluetooth enabled devices

*Off / HID / SPP mode switch, with indicator light to show activity and connection.

*Slim compact design.

*Standard 5 row AlphaNumeric layout.

*65 full-size keys plus Esc button. Keys have quality “Scissor action” for true touch typing feel.

*Shortcuts and programmable keys for specific tasks

*Fold-out stand for device

*Twin AAA batteries for long life

*Power On/Off button backed up by auto power off function.

*Easy to use - fast and accurate – latest Bluetooth technology, no wires, fault free transmission.

*User programmable shortcut and command keys for fast access to applications.

*Rubber grip pads to prevent keyboard slipping when typing.

*Slim leather carry case with magnetic closure.

*Easy Installation, no technical knowledge required

Compatibility

Compatible with over 200 devices that have Bluetooth connectivity and supporting Operating SystemsBlackBerry OS 4.0 or higher, Symbian (Series 60) v6 / v7 / v8 / v9, Palm OS 5,Windows Mobile 03 PPC, Windows Mobile 05 PPC, Windows Mobile 03 Smartphone Edition, Windows Mobile 05 Smartphone Edition,

Windows XP*, Windows 2000*, Mac OS X Tiger*,Linux* *Using HID mode

Product ranges included: Acer, Asus, Audiovox, BenQ, BlackBerry, Dell, Dopod, E-Ten, Fujitsu, Hewlett Packard, HTC,i-Do, Mac, Motorola, Nokia, Qtek, Palm, Panasonic, PC, Samsung, Sendo, Siemens, Sony Ericsson.

Power

*2x AAA Batteries

*Batteries life: Continuous operation: up to 80 hrs

*Standby mode: up to 2000 hrs

Keys

*ISO standard full size QWERTY keyboard

*5 Rows of 65 full-size keys plus one rubber key

*Key Pitch: 18mm (horizontal) x 17.2mm (vertical) Key travel distance: 2.3mm

Device Stand

*Fold-out type, holds all PDA/phone models

Bluetooth

*Bluetooth Chip: Broadcom 2040

*Compliance: Bluetooth Core Spec, V1.2; Bluetooth HID & SPP profile

*Frequency Range: 2.400 GHz - 2.4835 GHz (79 channels hopping)

*Distance: Up to 10 m Antenna: Ceramic Chip Antenna

*Profiles integrated: GAP, SDP, SPP, HID

*Receive Sensitivity: -85 dBm

*Radio Power: Class 2

Size: 285 x 98.5 x 13.5mm (113/16" x 313/16" x 1/2") opened145 x 98.5 x 19.5mm (511/16" x 313/16" x 3/4") folded Weight 204g. 7 oz. including batteries.

There are other makes and models of these keyboards out there but we were looking at the spec of this particular one.

BlackBerry Mobile Data System

2007-11-19T16:35:00.000Z

Overview

BlackBerry® Mobile Data System (BlackBerry MDS) v4.1 is an optimized application development framework for the BlackBerry® Enterprise Solution. It can dramatically reduce the amount of time and resources required to develop and deploy wireless applications for mobile workers. BlackBerry MDS allows organizations to deliver corporate data wirelessly, leveraging the same proven push delivery model and advanced security features used for BlackBerry email.

BlackBerry MDS components and architecture

BlackBerry MDS provides the essentials for creating, deploying and managing applications for the BlackBerry Enterprise Solution. Its three main components are:

BlackBerry MDS Services BlackBerry MDS Services are the next generation of the BlackBerry® Mobile Data Service. As part of the BlackBerry® Enterprise Server, they are responsible for managing interactions and requests between BlackBerry smartphones and enterprise applications that sit behind the corporate firewall.

BlackBerry MDS Developer ToolsUse BlackBerry MDS Developer Tools to create wireless applications for BlackBerry smartphones. Learn more about Development Options for BlackBerry MDS v4.1

BlackBerry MDS Device Software BlackBerry MDS Device Software allows applications built with BlackBerry MDS Developer Tools to run on BlackBerry smartphones.

How to Copy Phone Numbers to Your SIM Card

2007-11-19T11:28:00.000Z

A SIM card stands for Subscriber Identity Module, on most mobile phones the SIM card is the place where it holds the address book and SMS messages. The SIM card is less important on the BlackBerry because the address book is stored on the built-in flash memory or it can wireless sync your Outlook address book. But their may be a time where you want to retrieve the address book off a SIM, especially when you are a new BlackBerry user coming from a regular mobile phone and want to import your contacts."

1. On the handheld Home screen, click the Address Book icon.

2. Select the contact containing the phone number you wish to copy.

3. Select the phone number, press the BlackBerry key (Menu key), then select Copy to SIM Phone Book.

4. Click the trackwheel and select Save.

Note: If you receive the message “Not enough room in SIM,” delete the SMS messages on the Phone screen and delete the entries in the SIM Phone Book.

BlackBerry Battery Tips

2007-11-19T11:22:00.000Z

If you find yourself charging your battery a bit too much then you may want to consider using some techniques to save on your battery.

Consider doing the following:

* Use the Auto On/Off feature which is designed to program the device to automatically power off and power on at certain times. To setup the Auto On/Off go to Options application, select Auto On/Off and configure the time the device will turn off and on.

* When wireless coverage is not needed, “Turn Wireless Off” to avoid unnecessary attempts by the radio to find coverage.

* For Bluetooth enabled BlackBerry devices, “Turn Bluetooth Off”, if it is not in use.

* BlackBerry devices should be kept in their holsters when not in use because this will turn off the LCD screen.

Free Blackberry Travel Software Download - Rail, Air, Tube!

2007-11-16T09:30:00.000Z

If you are a man or woman 'on the move' then the solution for you is our Blackberry Journey Planner offering, which gives you the full UK public transport travel information system at your fingertips on a 24/7 basis for less than £1.00 per month for a regularly updated product.

Link to the site: http://www.planajourney.co.uk/Shop/BlackBerry/

Rail Journey by SMS

How can they do that? Well, a team of experts who have specialised in providing state of the art software solutions for those who use Public Transport in the UK, and over ten years they have led the market with our innovative technology, which has secured many satisfied clients, including local authorities!

Benefits

Saves time - Easy access to the web page you need

Easy to use - No more hassle opening web pages and typing in details

Fast to use - Location names are remembered for subsequent queries

Features

Installs easily

Easy to use auto complete location selector

Memory effect keeps last selected journey locations

Intuitive functionality

Fast performance

Provides full details of station platforms or flight numbers

Operates on BlackBerry® Wireless Handheld models – 7200, 7700, 7100, 8700 and Pearl series

Single User - £9.99 plus VAT (£11.74) per annum (There is also a Free Demo to try)

Please see our terms and conditions before initialising any products.

Just for fun: BlackBerry LED/trackball with different colours and effects

2007-11-15T11:52:00.001Z

Let's face it. A white trackball or LED is boring... Where is the style in that? Why not stand out from the crowd? Bring a little colour into your life! There are alot of places online to buy the coloured BlackBerry LED/trackballs and the prices do vary.

What you can get for your money:

1. 7 colours to customize your Pearl trackball or BlackBerry LED

2. Choose from 5 different effects (Solid, Disco, Rainbow, Dimmer and Flash)

3. Time-out for better battery performance

4. Trackball colour effect for incoming phone calls

Supported Devices

RIM BlackBerry 8100 Pearl, BlackBerry 8300, Blackberry 8310, BlackBerry 8320, BlackBerry 8800 , BlackBerry 8820, BlackBerry 8830

Please see our terms and conditions before initialising any products.

BlackBerry vs. iPhone: How it all stacks up

2007-11-15T09:03:00.000Z

The following information was not provided by the Geek Squad and therefore holds no responsibility for content and information provided.

The link below contains the story; http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/25/iphone-v-blackberry-side-by-side-two-week-comparison/

With the Wi-Fi equipped BlackBerry 8820 coming soon, business folks around the country will be faced with the decision of switching to the trendy new iPhone or upgrading to a more iPhonesque version of their trusty BlackBerry. To determine whether the grass really is greener on the iPhone side of the fence, we have chronicled the experience of a venture capitalist (who wishes to remain anonymous) who has been using an iPhone and a BlackBerry 8800 side-by-side for the past few weeks. His conclusion: despite the overall attractiveness of the iPhone, it lacks too many vital features to replace the BlackBerry as the corporate weapon of choice.

For starters, a BlackBerry set up with Microsoft Exchange Server sports intelligent push email while the iPhone does not. When an email is sent to an account on a BlackBerry, the message is downloaded immediately and an LED on the phone notifies the user that he or she has a new message. The iPhone, on the other hand, recognizes new messages at most every 15 minutes and must be checked actively to see if anything has arrived. This deficiency makes handling email on the iPhone slower and less efficient; it also translates into wasted battery power as users need to perform the extra step of opening the iPhone’s email program every time they want to check for new mail.

When a BlackBerry user changes a calendar event or some contact information on his or her desktop computer in Exchange, the changes automatically appear on the BlackBerry. This makes keeping track of basic business information a snap because one never has to worry about acting on outdated data or manually updating one’s handheld. In contrast, the iPhone does not synchronize calendar and contact information wirelessly, which makes it less dependable for information ultimately stored on a server.

In addition to these major drawbacks of the iPhone, our venture capitalist cites the following as reasons to prefer the BlackBerry:

1.The BlackBerry 8800 possesses GPS, which makes Google Maps much more useful, especially for turn-by-turn directions

2.The iPhone lacks basic cut and paste capabilities

3.Despite Apple’s reputation for superior user interface design, the BlackBerry possesses keyboard shortcuts that make navigation around and between applications a breeze

4.The BlackBerry’s phone quality is better than the iPhone’s

5.The Safari browser is certainly more stunning than the BlackBerry’s primitive browser, but the iPhone seems to load even text-only pages more slowly than the BlackBerry over the EDGE network

6.The BlackBerry possesses a general contacts application that makes contacting people by any given method more convenient

7.The battery runs out faster on the iPhone simply because it is used for more tasks. This makes it less reliable for when one must take the device somewhere overnight without the opportunity to recharge.

Despite all of these criticisms of the iPhone, our venture capitalist admits that he would switch over to the iPhone if only it supported push email, calendar and contacts synchronization, and GPS, which only the BlackBerry supports.

BlackBerry Desktop Manager 4.3 gets official

2007-11-14T10:01:00.000Z

RIM has officially launched their latest version of BlackBerry Desktop Manager 4.3, with a new look and added features.

Although from first impressions, it doesn’t look like much more than a visual upgrade of the initial application view, as well as an updated version of Intellisync. Also bundled with this version of BlackBerry Desktop Manager is an update to Roxio Media Manager, now sporting some advanced encoding options and enhanced support for other video formats.

Why not visit BlackBerry.com to download the lastest version of Desktop Manager if your interested?

Breaking News: Vodafone Starts to Rollout EDGE in the UK

2007-11-13T09:37:00.000Z

Vodafone has confirmed to http://www.pocket-lint.co.uk/phones that they are slowly rolling out EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution), across its network in the UK. However before you go looking for the official announcement from the mobile operator, there isn’t one and there won’t be one.

According to there source within the company, the EDGE network, which promises faster data speeds for phones that are EDGE compatible, will only be available when current 2G (second generation mobile services) base stations need replacing.

There source insisted however that the company isn’t planning on a national rollout. So far there is EDGE connectivity on the Vodafone network in Southampton and Nottingham.

EDGE not really an issue in the UK following widespread adoption of 3G (third generation mobile services) and HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access) services.

Opera Mini 4 an Alternative Browser For Your BlackBerry

2007-11-12T11:45:00.000Z

Opera Mini 4 enables you to take your full Web experience and digital lifestyle with you everywhere you go. Whether you want to access your mail, RSS feeds or bank information, Opera Mini is fast, safe and secure. Opera Mini 4 delivers several new features for quicker scrolling, navigation and page rendering. Opera Mini 4 is free, so why not give it a try?

To download Opera Mini directly to your phone, please visit operamini.com using your existing phone's Web browser, you can also view this from you home computer if you would like further information on what Opera could offer you.

Please see our terms and conditions before initialising any products.

O2 and RIM Launch the BlackBerry Pearl 8120 Smartphone in the UK

2007-11-07T23:30:00.000Z

A new addition to the BlackBerry Pearl smartphone series comes packed with new features including Wi-Fi connectivity, an enhanced visual interface, and hardware refinements, powerful media manager and a 2 megapixel camera with video capture.

London, UK and Waterloo, ON - O2, a leading provider of mobile services to UK consumers and businesses, and Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM), a global leader in wireless innovation, introduced the new BlackBerry® Pearl™ 8120 smartphone in the UK. In its small, stylish and elegant design, the BlackBerry Pearl 8120 provides rich multimedia features together with all the popular functionality users have come to expect from the BlackBerry® wireless solution.

The BlackBerry Pearl 8120 comes complete with a 2 megapixel digital camera with a 5x zoom and video capture capability, an externally accessible microSD/SDHC slot and Wi-Fi® connectivity support. These new features, along with an enhanced visual interface, add to the renowned BlackBerry® smartphone experience for email, phone, messaging (SMS, IM, MMS), web browsing, multimedia, organiser and other mobile applications.

Sleek and Stylish With a New Blue Finish

Available in a sleek blue finish, the BlackBerry Pearl 8120 smartphone from O2 maintains its ultra-stylish design, measuring only 107mm x 55mm x 14mm and weighing approximately 91g.

Easy-To-Use

The BlackBerry Pearl 8120 provides an exceptional user experience through its trackball navigation system and RIM's popular SureType® keyboard system. SureType -- which allows a narrower handset design while maintaining easy phone dialing and message typing -- has been enhanced to allow word completion, easier editing of misspelled words and a built-in spell checker.

Connectivity Options

In addition to quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE support, O2 customers can also enjoy the BlackBerry Pearl 8120 with faster web browsing and expanded wireless data coverage via Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g) networks. To meet various security requirements for users accessing a Wi-Fi connection, the BlackBerry Pearl 8120 is compliant with Wi-Fi security protocols including WEP (Wireless Equivalency Protocol), WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) and WPA2.

Multimedia To Go

The BlackBerry Pearl 8120 comes with a 2 megapixel camera with 5x digital zoom and enhanced flash. The camera also supports video capture in two resolutions: 240x180 or 176x144 for sharing via MMS.

The media player now allows users to create and edit playlists right on the handset. Alternatively, users can manage their media files from their PC with the Roxio® Media Manager for BlackBerry®, which is included with the BlackBerry® Desktop Manager software. The Roxio software was developed with Sonic® and is based on the award-winning Roxio Easy Media Creator® 9, making it easy for users to search for media files on their computer, view and organise them, create MP3 music files from CDs, create playlists, add audio tags and album art, and convert files for optimal playback.

Roxio Photosuite® 9 LE is also included – this comprehensive tool makes it easy to create photo albums and edit pictures. Pictures can also be cropped, rotated and straightened, redeye can be removed, and brightness, contrast and saturation levels can all be changed.

The BlackBerry Pearl 8120 supports the Bluetooth® stereo audio profile (A2DP/AVRCP), and comes with a standard 3.5 mm stereo headset jack so that users can plug in their preferred headphones or speakers. The handset also provides the convenience of an externally accessible microSD/SDHC memory card slot for additional storage of music, videos and pictures.

The BlackBerry Pearl 8120 also supports high-speed USB for transferring files between the handset and a PC at data throughput rates of up to 10MB/sec.

Enhanced User Interface

The BlackBerry Pearl 8120 features an enhanced visual interface that integrates a new font rendering technology which displays characters beautifully, with greater legibility at even the smallest point sizes. The new technology is evident throughout the visual interface, complementing the new look of the BlackBerry email client, calendar, address book, task list, memo pad and web browser, while also enhancing other applications.

The BlackBerry® Browser is further improved with a new "Page View" option that displays a full web page on the screen along with a magnifying glass that allows the user to quickly and accurately point and zoom on a specific area of the web page. Users can also press and hold the trackball to toggle between the "Column View" (which presents the web page in a continuous column for easy reading and scrolling on the go) and the “Page View.”

Advanced Phone Features

The BlackBerry Pearl 8120 offers many convenient phone features including Speaker Independent Voice Recognition (SIVR) for Voice Activated Dialing (VAD), Bluetooth 2.0 support for hands-free use with headsets, car kits and Bluetooth peripherals, dedicated 'send', 'end', and 'mute' keys, smart dialing, speed dialing, conference calling, call forwarding, a low-distortion speakerphone for hands-free conversations and support for polyphonic, mp3 and MIDI ring tones.

The smartphone also includes new features that improve phone audio quality including enhanced background noise, wind and echo cancellation for better performance in loud environments such as airports, restaurants or busy downtown streets. An 'enhance call audio' feature also allows the user to boost the phone audio's bass or treble while on a call.

Broad Email Support

The BlackBerry Pearl 8120 is supported on BlackBerry® Internet Service, giving users access to up to 10 supported work or personal email accounts (including most popular ISP email accounts), as well as BlackBerry® Enterprise Server, enabling advanced security and IT administration within IBM® Lotus® Domino®, Microsoft® Exchange and Novell® GroupWise® environments.

Availability

The BlackBerry Pearl 8120 smartphone is available from O2 UK at a range of prices subject to tariff from 5th November 2007.

For additional information, please visit: www.o2.co.uk/blackberry.

*Check with your service provider for supported services and features. Not all BlackBerry plans support Wi-Fi access to BlackBerry services.

** Please check with your service provider for colour availability.

Jargon Buster!

2007-11-07T09:06:00.000Z

Bluetooth

Bluetooth® is a radio technology allowing you to make a wireless connection with other devices at a range of up to 10 metres. Common uses of Bluetooth® include Bluetooth® headsets, allowing you to take a call without holding your phone, transferring data (music, pictures, etc) between phones, and connecting your phone to a laptop to use its modem capabilities.

Cookies

A cookie file sits on your BlackBerry, phone, PDA or computer and contains data passed on from an Internet or wap site that you have previously been browsing. This enables the site to recognise your device so that the next time you open the site it will open in a personalised way to you. For example, you may open an online shop and find that your name and account details are saved, making orders quicker and simpler.

GPRS (General Packet Radio Services)

GPRS is a data transfer method that allows you to remain connected to a data source while only paying for the information that you transfer, rather than the time you spend connected to the service. So, for example, you will be charged for the amount of data you download each time you open a new Internet page with your BlackBerry, and not for the length of time that you spend browsing each page.

GSM Data

The Global Standard for Mobile (GSM) uses a dial up connection reaching speeds of up to 9.6 kilobits per second (kbps). Once connected via GSM you will be charged per second for its use, in a similar way to a standard dial up modem.

HTML

Hypertext Mark-up Language is the language in which most web pages are written.

Java

A computer language designed to produce programmes to run on devices such as BlackBerry handheld and other Java-enabled mobile phones. Java programmes include games, currency converters and calculators.

Profiles

A profile is a group of settings that determine how your phone behaves when, for example, it receives a text message or incoming call. Swapping profiles enables you to change several alert settings in a short amount of time without changing each setting individually. For example, you may want to set a silent profile before going into a meeting.

Push email

You don’t need to retrieve your email, as push technology means your email will automatically find you. No dialling in or modem connection is required.

Quad band

Quad band capabilities allow your BlackBerry to operate over four radio frequency bands (850MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz and 1900MHz). This enables you to make and receive calls in five continents including North and South America.

QWERTY keyboard

A QWERTY keyboard has a separate key for each letter of the alphabet, so named because QWERTY are the first six letters of the top line on the keyboard.

Secure Triple DES / DES

Data Encryption Standard (DES) is a widely-used method of data encryption using a private (secret) key. Data is encrypted to ensure that it remains secure. Triple DES means that each block of your data, for example part of an email, is encrypted three times using DES, ensuring a very high level of security for your personal information.

SMS (Short Messaging Service)

Also known as Text Messaging. This enables users to send a short message of up to 160 text characters to another compatible device.

Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)

All mobile phones have a radio transmitter and receiver. Specific Absorption Rate, or SAR, is an internationally accepted way of measuring how much radiofrequency (RF) energy is absorbed by the body when a mobile phone is being used. SAR is measured in watts/kilogram (w/kg) averaged over 10 grams of tissue. The SAR value of the BlackBerry model 7290 is 0.24w/kg.

Trackwheel

A trackwheel is a rolling disc attached to the side of the phone on older models and on newer models a roller ball on the front of the phone, which allows you to scroll through your menus. Roll to the correct item using your thumb and then press the trackwheel in to select that item.

Agent Graysmith bringing you the information so your in the know!

Useful Information & Tips

2007-11-06T12:57:00.000Z

How-to: Modify which Outlook folders are synchronized to my Blackberry?

From the Home Screen: Scroll to Messages then click the track wheel/ball or press the "return" key.
In messages, press the menu key and scroll to Options then click the track wheel/ball or press the "return" key.
Scroll to Email Settings then click the track wheel/ball or press the "return" key.
Press the menu key.
Scroll to Folder Redirection then click the track wheel/ball or press the "return" key.
Expand sub folders using the track wheel/button or by pressing the space key.
To add or remove a folder for redirection, use the track wheel/button or the space key to add and remove a check mark from each available folder.
When you are done, click the "escape" key and select Save.

How-to: Modify Security Timeout?

From the Home Screen: Scroll to Settings then click the track wheel/ball or press the "return" key. Scroll to Options then click the track wheel/ball or press the "return" key.
Scroll to Security Options then click the track wheel/ball or press the "return" key.
Scroll to General Settings then click the track wheel/ball or press the "return" key.
Modify the Security Timeout value.
When you are done, click the "escape" key and select Save.
The security password feature cannot be disabled.

What attachment types can be open, by default, on the Blackberry?

.ZIP
.HTM
.HTML
.DOC
.DOT
.PPT
.PDF
.WPD
.TXT
.VCF
.XLS
.BMP
.GIF
.JPG
.PNG
.TIF
.WAV (81xx, 83xx, and 88xx models only)

Message Reconciliation/Synchronization between Outlook and Blackberry doesn't seem to be working properly?

Troubleshooting: Open "Messages" from the home screen > Click the track wheel > select "Reconcile Now." If your changes synchronize, reconciliation is working correctly.

Potential Issues

Synchronization of deleted and modified items on either the Blackberry or in Outlook may take up to 45 minutes to occur (with the exception of new, incoming messages).
If you delete messages in Outlook and immediately empty your Deleted Items folder, synchronization of those deleted items to your Blackberry device will NOT occur.
By default, only you’re Inbox, Sent Items, and Deleted Items folders are synchronized. See the "How-To" above to modify which folders are synchronized.
In order for synchronization to occur, the following options must be set for Email Reconciliation:
From the home screen, select the Messages icon and click the track wheel.
In messages, click the track wheel and select "options" from the menu and click the track wheel.
Select "email reconciliation" and click the track wheel.
Delete On: Mailbox & Handheld
Wireless Reconcile: On
On Conflicts: Mailbox Wins
When you are done, click the "escape" key and select "save".

5 Top Rated Games

2007-11-06T11:23:00.000Z

Pass the time waiting for your next flight, train or bus with a game of Texas Hold’em, or tackle a brain teasing puzzle while in line at the coffee shop or enjoying your coffee. Download these FREE games for your BlackBerry® Smartphone.**

Download Free Games for Your BlackBerry Smartphone

To download the games below, simply visit http://mobile.blackberry.com from your Smartphone’s browser.

Texas Hold'em King 2
With this all new and improved version of Texas Hold'em King, you can experience the thrill of No Limit Hold'em, just like the pros! Play the single player version or enter online multiplayer mode to go up against live players from all over the world.

Medieval Kings Chess 2
Experience interesting play themes based on the greatest war time kings, features 6 grades of ultra-strategic and challenging Artificial Intelligence and multiplayer options to play live players online.

Ka-Glom
Blast blocks with explosive glom power to get the ultimate chain reaction. Much like the retro Tetris and Columns from way back in the good old days or that’s what people keep telling me.

Sudoku
The brainteaser that’s taking the world by storm! Fill in the blanks without repeating digits in every row, column and box.

Bass Assissan

Stalk fish from your BlackBerry smartphone. It’s the next best thing to a weekend fishing trip! Play in a tourney or on your own.

OTHER FREE STUFF FOR YOUR BLACKBERRY

For additional free games, ringtones, themes and more visit http://mobile.blackberry.com on your BlackBerry smartphone’s browser. *†

*Some airtime service providers may require a subscription to BlackBerry Internet Service which includes Internet browsing functionality in order to have access to some or all of the features and/or services outlined in this document and/or on the BlackBerry HELP! Site.

†Games, themes and wallpapers and other features outlined in this document require a minimum version of BlackBerry Enterprise Server software, BlackBerry Desktop Software, and/or BlackBerry Device Software. Although games, themes, wallpapers and ring tones are free, standard wireless charges still apply.

Please see our terms and conditions before initialising any products.

What’s new about Blackberry?

2007-11-01T12:48:00.000Z

The newest version of BlackBerry Internet Service (BIS) introduces a number of new and improved features.

Advanced Mailbox Management

Added Support for Yahoo! Mail and Gmail
If you use Yahoo!® mail, in addition to enjoying virtual real-time (instead of poll-based) delivery of email messages you will now enjoy two-way synchronization of deleted messages and message status (read/unread). For example if you delete a message on your Yahoo Mail desktop account, the message is also deleted on your BlackBerry smartphone, and vice versa. If you use a Gmail™ account , you will now experience virtual real-time (instead of poll-based) delivery of Gmail messages.

Auto-Forwarding
A copy of email messages that are sent to your smartphone-based BlackBerry email address (i.e. username@carrier.blackberry.com) can now automatically be forwarded to another third-party web mail account (such as your Yahoo! Mail or Gmail desktop account). This feature is ideal when you want easy access to mail sent to your BlackBerry email address (which is only viewable from your smart-phone) from a desktop account as well.

Delivery/Read Receipts
You will now have the ability to know when an email message has been successfully delivered to, or read by, another user's BlackBerry smartphone.¹

Enhanced Attachment Services

Easy-Viewing Slideshow Format
PowerPoint presentations and PDFs can now be viewed in a convenient slideshow format.

Attachment Uploading
No need to wait until you're at your desk to upload and send files. Attach files up to 3MB in size stored on your BlackBerry smartphone (e.g. pictures saved to the smartphone internal memory or documents saved to the expandable memory card) to email or MMS messages.

Voicemail Attachment Playback
If you get voicemail messages from work or home sent as email attachments (mp3 and WAV), you can listen to these messages virtually anywhere on your BlackBerry smartphone.

Additional Organizer Functionality

Wireless Meeting Requests
Save even more time each day by sending, receiving, accepting and declining wireless meeting requests between BlackBerry smartphones.

Wireless Address Book Attachments
Open electronic contact attachments (vCard format) using your BlackBerry smartphone, and add these contact details directly to your BlackBerry Address Book.

Still an Older Version of BlackBerry Internet Service?

Some BlackBerry smartphone users have not been automatically upgraded to the new versions of BlackBerry Internet service as they have become available and may be using a much older version of BlackBerry Internet Service with less advanced features. To find out if you are on an older version, simply log into the BlackBerry Internet Service site for your wireless service provider. Once you've logged in, if you are not on the new version of BlackBerry Internet Service you will be prompted to upgrade.

BlackBerry-totin' MPs

2007-11-01T12:43:00.000Z

The humble BlackBerry faced a barrage of opposition from MPs last week. Among the more outlandish accusations was that its introduction into the House of Commons would plunge the chamber into a state of chaos worthy of a Wild West-style shoot out.

In the end, however, the small, handheld device dodged the assault, and now MPs will be permitted to punch away on their QWERTY keyboards and send and receive messages - especially when they tire of long debates in the chamber.

By a majority of 74 to 36, the House voted in favour of a Commons Modernisation Committee recommendation that would allow electronic devices to be used in the chamber, ending an era when the only way to receive a message was to be passed a note.

The move met with considerable resistance, however, including from Brian Binley, the Conservative MP, who expressed a wish that the house could be run more like a saloon in a Western film - except that instead of guns, MPs would leave their BlackBerrys at the door.
"I wish that the Government had taken notice of that particular habit and asked all members to leave their electrical devices at the door on the basis that they cause almost as much trouble as guns in the hands of cowboys in the old west," he said during a three-and-a-half hour debate on the issue.

Simon Hughes, the Liberal Democrat president, also had reservations. "I am not a luddite or anti-technology - of course we all see the advantages of being able to receive messages - but we should not have a parliament in which people are spending all their time doing their correspondence and sending e-mails," he said, according to computing.co.uk.

The Deputy Leader of the House of Commons felt, however, that the Speaker should be able to prevent disturbances - a sentiment re-inforced by a front-bencher who said that he had once used a BlackBerry for "a good 10 minutes" without anyone noticing.

John Redwood, chairman of the Conservatives' Economic Competitiveness Policy Group, thought that the new rule might allow the Government to "stage-manage" events within the house more, because "controllers" outside could send messages to those "who cannot think of their own interventions and questions."

But Sir George Young, another Conservative, said that he did not find the change "enormously controversial" and that it "simply validated what has been the practice for some time."
MPs are often seen taking armfuls of paperwork into the House to keep themselves busy while they wait for debates.

Among the principal motivations of those agitating for change was resentment at a rule which can force MPs to wait for up to six hours on the back benches before being called to make a speech.
(Source: http://timesonline.typepad.com/technology/2007/10/blackberry-toti.html)

Latest Blackberry News

2007-10-31T11:19:00.000Z

'Phonetoms'

BlackBerry addicts are now questioning their sanity after experiencing "phantom vibrations" – or "phonetoms" as one user dubbed the mysterious syndrome – from their wireless email devices. The curious condition has yet to be acknowledged by the medical community, but that didn't stop the Associated Press from reporting on it, giving voice to millions of users who are apparently ‘suffering’ in silence from the affliction.

With about 100 emails beamed to his BlackBerry every day, Blackberry user Carmi Levy says the hip that holds his device buzzes so often that sometimes he swears he feels the familiar sensation despite a lack of new messages in his inbox.

"Sometimes I'll take it out and there's nothing there," said Levy, the senior vice president of strategic consulting for Toronto-based AR Communications Inc. "I'll have no idea what just happened. So I just put it away until it starts vibrating again."

One Ontario university researcher, who asked to remain anonymous, perhaps for fear of offending his BlackBerry-obsessed colleagues, compared the response of BlackBerry users' to that of the dogs studied by Russian scientist Ivan Pavlov.
Pavlov won a Nobel Prize in 1904 for his research into conditioned responses.

That included experiments with dogs in which a bell would be rung before the animals were given food. Eventually, the dogs could be made to salivate by simply ringing the bell.

"Beyond that off-the-top-of-my-head suggestion, twisted to reflect the `maybe-they-need-me' psychology that becomes trained with BlackBerry usage, I don't think I've got anything else to suggest," the researcher said. Others argued the culprit was an increasingly intimate relationship between people and technology.

Whatever the cause, the affliction was a hot topic of discussion this week on several technology forums, which at times resemble online support groups.

"I definitely feel this. All the time," wrote one BlackBerry user on Gizmodo.com, a Web site devoted to gadgets. "It's bizarre...the muscles in my leg have learned to twitch at the same frequency that my phone vibrates at. Freaks me out."

Another post was more philosophical. It read: "Put me in the camp of `thank God I'm not alone.'"

Agent Edward here..... I've posted this because i've had this phantom leg twitching for years with my non-Blackberry mobile phones and like that last poster in the article, I fell happy this is happeneing with other people! What's the solution to this peculiar affliction? Getting rid of your Blackberry and mobile phones.
I'll wait until they think of a better solution!

Beauty and the Geek

2007-10-31T11:17:00.000Z

Agent Ward reporting on the recent wedding of one of our Geek Squad agents in Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Scotland.

‘Wonders never cease. This weekend our very own Agent Graysmith managed to get some lucky lucky lady to tie the knot with him.
Now he’s of sunning him self on the Isle of Harris in the Western Isles, one island down from the Isle of Lewis in which the Stornoway Geek Squad is based (which isn’t sunny at all to be honest).

Who says we geeks are all scared of the opposite sex? It was a great affair and it all went down smoothly. There was no fainting at the registry, no old people dancing and falling over, no fights (that I saw) and the old tradition of throwing the bride and groom up and down at the last song didn’t produce vomit.

Both looked dashing in their attire. The bride in a beautiful gown and glowing radiantly and the groom in a black skirt, well it was a kilt….. but the tartan (of the Black Isles) looks rather skirt like from a few blurry feet away.

Much beer and wine was drank and good times had, there where even small kids sliding around on there knees on the dance floor, which is always a sign of a good wedding.

Congratulations goes out to our new Geek Squad family and apologies for not giving Agent Graysmith a PS3 as a wedding present.’

Agent Ward signing off…. A little worst for wear from the wedding dance.

Website of the Week

2007-10-31T11:11:00.000Z

Ask Metafilter is one of the Internet’s best Question & Answer websites. It’s thousands of members ask and answer questions for each other on a variety of subjects.
The article in the link below asks the question:

How can I get MSN Instant Messaging or Gtalk on my Blackberry Pearl?

The answers from Blackberry using members provide a good tool (along with other sites) for Blackberry device advice.

http://ask.metafilter.com/69788/Instant-Messaging-on-Blackberry-Pearl

Please see our terms and conditions before initialising any products.

Blackberry flying high

2007-10-08T12:30:00.000+01:00

Blackberry's parent company RIM (Research in Motion) has doubled its profits in the last quarter and the global user count for Blackberrys has now hit the 10 million mark.

For more information on this story, go to:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7029348.stm

Charging your Blackberry through a USB computer cable

2007-10-08T11:20:00.000+01:00

We've had alot of questions from Carphone Warehouse Store Managers, employees and customers. Some of them have been easy ones we can solve

A popular one seems to be:

'How do I charge my Blackberry through a USB cable without the use of the Desktop Software?'

We loved this question. It seems as though the functionality for this idea isn't readily available 'out of the box' so to speak and yet there is a way to make it work without much hassle.

Let us run through what we have to do step by step.

First of all we have to install USB drivers through the Windows Update feature.

Using the Windows Update feature

By far the easiest way to install these drivers is using Windows Update. Firstly, you should plug the Blackberry into the PC using a USB cable. Wait for it to be detected and you will see several yellow bubbles in the bottom right of the screen detailing new devices detected and drivers being installed.

Once that is done, start up Windows Update. To do this, you can click on the Start button and go to Windows Update. Alternatively, you can open your web browser and go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ and you will see the following screen:

Press the Custom button as highlighted above and you will then see the following:

On the left hand side, you will see (as highlighted) an optional Hardware Update. Click on this and you will then see:

If you have several items on this page, just put a tick in one that says Research in Motion – Other Hardware – Blackberry Device. When you do this, you will see link to Review and Install Updates:

Click on this and then click on Install Updates:

When you click on the Install Updates button it will then go through installing the driver, it doesn’t take long. Once finished, you will see the following screen:

The battery will now charge fully without the need for the Desktop Software!

Note for Mac Users:
It would seem that on the latest Macs, this simply works without the need for tinkering. Without further testing we cannot be percise in saying whether it is the latest Mac hardware or which of the various incarnations of the Mac's OSX operating system that makes this work. However, searching online through Blackberry support websites and forums and simply asking many Mac owners who call us up, it would seem that most new Macs bought in the last 3-4 years seem to be able to charge Blackberrys through USB automatically. Of course this is not a guarantee, just an imperfect survey which could prove to be unfounded. We shall update you when we get more information. In the meantime, give it a go on your Mac and if it works, give us a call or leave us a message on the Blog and tell us how you got on.

Before installing 3rd party products - Please Read!

2007-10-05T12:44:00.000+01:00

The Small Print (but also helpful!)

Prior to subscribing to or implementing any third party products and services, it is your responsibility to ensure that the airtime service provider you are working with has agreed to support all of the features of the third party products and services. Installation and use of third party products services may require one or more patent, trademark or copyright licenses in order to avoid infringement of the intellectual property rights of others. You are solely responsible for determining whether such third party licenses are required and are responsible for acquiring any such licenses. To the extent that such intellectual property licenses may be required, Geek Squad expressly recommends that you do not install or use these products and services until all such applicable licenses have been acquired by you or on your behalf. Your use of third party software, hardware, products, and/or services (collectively, the "Third Party Information") shall be governed by and subject to your agreement with the third party, including without limitation, your agreement to the terms of separate Third Party Information licenses, if any. Any Third Party Information that is provided with or without Geek Squad’s products and/or services is provided "as is". Geek Squad makes no representation, warranty or guarantee whatsoever in relation to the Third Party Information and Geek Squad assumes no liability whatsoever in relation to the Third Party Information even if Geek Squad has been advised of the possibility of such damages or can anticipate such damages. The inclusion of Third-Party Information herein does not imply endorsement by Geek Squad of the Third Party Information or the third party in any way. Geek Squad does not control and is not responsible for any Third Party Information, including without limitation, the content, accuracy, intellectual property issues, compatibility, performance, trustworthiness, legality, decency, links, or any other aspect of the Third Party Information.

Having problems with mobile numbers showing on your Blackberry instead of names?

2007-09-27T17:12:00.000+01:00

If you can only see mobile number appearing on your Blackberry when someone is calling you, all you need to do is enter +44 then full mobile number (i.e. +4407000100100) and this should resolve your issue. Another useful tip brought to you by the Stornoway Geeks, Agent Graysmith Out!

Agent Graysmith’s Favourites!

2007-09-25T17:21:00.000+01:00

Here's a selection of Agent Graysmith's (from our Stornoway Centre) favourites. These third-party programs give added functionality to your Blackberry device, usually for free!

VeriChat - AIM / ICQ / MSN / Yahoo Instant Messaging on BlackBerry
WebMessenger - Another AIM / ICQ / MSN / Yahoo Instant Messenger
BlackBerry Free PowerToys - A bunch of great utilities for free
bbSpell - A great BlackBerry spell checker
Berry411 - A great 411 app for white/yellow pages, movie showtimes, and driving directions
Idokorro MobileSSH - MobileSSH / telnet
Idokorro MobileAdmin - Wireless administration
Reqwireless WebViewer - WebViewer HTML browser for BlackBerries without a browser
Reqwireless EmailViewer - Backup POP/IMAP email client with HTML email support
SonicMobility - Administrate your PC remotely
Dynoplex eWord and eCell - Word/Excel for Blackberry
Phonewire Service - Voicemail that automatically converts to text emails
Dictomail Service - Voicemail that automatically converts to text emails
IMBOT Service - Allows you to send emails to a phone number as destination (text-to-voice)
Magmic Games - The best BlackBerry videogames
Videogames List - RIMROAD list of most popular Blackberry videogames
BlackChat, a free ICQ client for Blackberries
jmIRC, a free Internet Relay Chat client midlet that works on Blackberries
VNC J2ME, a free remote-control program that works on Blackberries

Please see our terms and conditions before initialising any products.

The Top 10 most popular Tips and Tricks & More!

2007-09-25T16:52:00.000+01:00

Top 10 Blackberry Tips & Tricks

by Agent Graysmith

1) Turn on backlighting
Press “Power” button
2) Switch to another program
Hold the “Alt key” and press the “Escape” button. Continue to hold the “Alt key” and select application. Release the “Alt key” to switch to that program
3) Exit a screen or dialog box
Press the “Escape” button
4) Insert a full stop
Press the “Space” key twice. The next letter is put in uppercase
5) Type a special character
Hold the letter key and roll the trackwheel/trackball click selected character
6) Capitalize a letter
Hold the letter key until the capitalized letter appears
7) Move the cursor in a different direction
Hold the “Alt key” and roll the trackwheel/trackball
8) Selecting a line of text
Press the “Shift key” and roll the trackwheel/trackball
9) Moving to top of screen
Press “1”
10) Moving to bottom of screen
Press “7”
Formatting a SD-card
To format the SD-card, go to Options à Advanced Options à Media Card. Press the Blackberry key and select “Format Card”

Data Connection Refused?
Options >> Mobile Network and turn Data Services to OFF

Has your email stopped arriving to the device?

Follow these steps to restore the service books to the device:
Step One - Hard Reboot:
1. Remove battery from the device
2. Leave the battery out for at least 30 seconds
3. Replace battery and let the device reboot
Step Two - Register on Network: (if step one did not solve the issue)
1. From the device go to “Options”
2. Select “Advanced Options”
3. Select “Host Routing Table”
4. Select menu, then “Register Now”
Step three - Send Service Books: (if step two did not solve the issue)
1. Log into your providers BIS site
2. Click the link to resend the service books. Step Four - Call Service Provider: (if all of the above fail) Call your provider and have them check the provisioning of your account, they can also resend the service books to the device

Transfer files / media via Bluetooth
Transfer between Devices:

1. On the device that is going to receive the file: Navigate to the Media Folder
2. Select the folder where you want to receive the file (Music, Video, Ringtones, Pictures)
3. Select the sub-folder (Device Memory, Preloaded, Media Card)
4. Press the “Menu” key
5. Select “Receive Using Bluetooth”
6. Send the file from the other device
Transfer From PC to Device (or vise versa)
1. you must have a Bluetooth adapter or have Bluetooth built into the PC
2. Pair the device with the PC
3. Open Desktop Manager
4. Double Click the Blackberry Device Manager Properties icon (in the system tray next to the clock in windows)
5. Select “Bluetooth Support and check the box…”
6. Select “Configure Bluetooth”
7. Select “Add”
8. Add your device
9. Go back into Desktop Manager and select “Options” à “Connection Settings”
10. On the connection drop down box highlight Bluetooth and select “Enable Bluetooth support”
11. Transfer the files from the device to the PC or vise versa

Welcome CPW Store Managers, employees and customers!

2007-09-25T09:41:00.000+01:00

Hello and welcome to the New Geek Squad UK Blackberry Support Blog!

This blog has been setup to give assistance and advice to Carphone Warehouse Store Managers, employees and indeed, customers who have bought Blackberrys.

The Geek Squad Blackberry Support Helpdesk Line (quite a mouthful) is open for free Blackberry setup advice on:

0800 049 1071

Monday to Friday 8.30am - 7pm

Saturday 9am - 6pm

Sunday 10am - 5pm

Call us, we love hearing from you!

Another great way to communicate with us is to comment on the blog at the bottom of each post, where it says 'comments'. We will try and reply to your comment in the comments section itself or if your question is being asked often - we will create a new post all about it.

The Geek Squad is no ordinary company. We take pride in our technical knowledge and love what we do and we want to share that know-how and love of technology with you.

So essentially, this blog will have great Blackberry resources as well as being a bit of fun..... anything we think might help you with your Blackberry and things we think might be interesting. Being Geek Squad agents however, we find Kung Fu movies and new graphics cards interesting.

You've been warned.

Enjoy the blog!

Geek Squad Out.