newBBie.comYou are viewing the Author Archive for Kelly Carter
Sep
24
newBBie on Sabbatical
The admin of newBBie.com, Kelly Carter, is on a temporary, partial "sabbatical" from answering questions here on the site. He has hardly missed a day in about two years since the site first launched. The expected duration is until about December 2009. Among other things, he is preparing for the month of November to do a marathon novel-writing effort known ...
Aug
29
Don’t Text and Drive…Please!
This video dramatization is a chilling reminder how serious a mistake we make when we allow our mobile phones to distract us while we’re driving. Please leave a comment pledging that you will never again text and drive.
Aug
19
Product Review: iSkin for BlackBerry
Want strong protection for the looks of your BlackBerry Bold, Storm, or Curve (8900 only)…but want it to be attractive, too? And not interfere with phone usage? Check out these skins from iSkin, Inc.
Jul
26
No More Lost BlackBerry Text Messages!
I have received many requests for help to recover BlackBerry text messages that were:
Accidentally deleted
Automatically deleted after the default “Keep Messages 30 Days” limit expired
Automatically deleted because phone memory was low (yes, BlackBerrys are programmed to do that!)
Lost when a phone crashed or was lost or stolen
Normally recovery is impossible unless you recently backed up your phone. But NOBODY ...
Jun
15
Storm Upgrade to Verizon 4.7.0.148
If you are a relatively new owner of the Verizon BlackBerry Storm 9530, you may have never upgraded your Device Software (Operating System, or OS). You really need to know how to do this, but you should also be prepared for a number of problems that can occur along the way. Here’s what we’ll cover in this article:
How to prepare ...
Mar
07
App Review: TetherBerry
Did you know that if you own a BlackBerry with a data plan, your laptop has Internet access--anywhere your BB has a signal? With TetherBerry, it does!
It's like carrying your own personal Wi-Fi hotspot everywhere you go. In this article we answer the questions:
Exactly what is tethering?
My wireless carrier charges a fee for tethering? Will I have to pay?
What ...
Feb
13
Skin Your BlackBerry…with DecalGirl
Owning a BlackBerry already makes you unique. Now you can be unique among BlackBerry owners--by "skinning" your Berry!
You won't believe...
How easy it is to apply a skin
How inexpensive it is to buy a skin
How many skin designs are available
How precisely the skin fits
This article covers everything you need to know to have a way-cool phone within days.
Jan
31
Can BlackBerry Erase Magnetic Card or Electronic Car Key?
Myth or Truth? Can your BlackBerry--or any other cell phone--erase, disable, or otherwise damage your:
Credit card?
Debit card?
ATM card?
Gift card?
Hotel key card?
ID swipe card?
Electronic car key?
[ PostScript 2009-02-10: I now have more definitive proof... ]
Jan
01
Rent a BlackBerry from Rentobile
Want to try a BlackBerry Storm but aren't sure if you'll like the touchscreen?
Want to try the hottest new BlackBerry model but don't want to be bound by a 2-year contract?
What if you could just rent a BlackBerry month-to-month and return it when you're done?
Now you can--thanks to Rentobile!
Dec
31
App Review: YouTube for BlackBerry Storm
Google has released a YouTube mobile application ("app") for the BlackBerry, but at the time of this writing it is only compatible with the BlackBerry Storm, and is probably a beta release. This app is not the same as simply viewing YouTube in the Storm web browser and media player, rather this is a custom application designed to:
Fit the Storm's ...
Dec
28
My Computer Does Not Detect or Recognize My BlackBerry (USB Problems)
Your BlackBerry has a USB port for connecting to a computer for use with Desktop Manager or in Mass Storage Mode. When USB problems occur, here are examples of error messages you may see:
Computer doesn't detect or recognize device (i.e., your BlackBerry)
USB Device Not Recognized. One of the USB Devices attached to this computer has malfunctioned and Windows does ...
Dec
26
Use Bluetooth to Backup, Restore, or Synchronize Your BlackBerry
When I purchased my BlackBerry Storm, I was annoyed to discover that it uses a different USB cable than my other BlackBerry models. So, I wondered if I couldn't use Bluetooth to connect to my phones, instead. I discovered that I could, and what limitations there are...
Dec
25
BlackBerry Storm Application: TeleNav GPS Navigator
TeleNav has released its GPS Navigator application for the BlackBerry Storm 9530 (Verizon Wireless).
With the large, high-resolution screen of the Storm, plus a windshield or dash mount, your Storm can compete with dedicated GPS navigation devices by Garmin, TomTom, Magellan, etc.
Basic Features:
NAVIGATION
Text directions
Voice directions
Automatic reroute
2D and 3D moving maps
and more...
DIRECTORY SEARCH
Biz finder
Gas by price
and more...
MAPS
Static map
Follow me map
Traffic on map
OTHER
Automatic ...
Dec
22
BlackBerry Storm Tutorial: Typing, Part 2
In Part 1 of this series, we looked at very basic skills of holding the Storm, and touching and clicking the screen. Through a simple typing drill, we hopefully found our "feel" for typing on the Storm. Real-world typing requires a few more skills that we need to master, including:
Switching between letters, numbers, and symbols
Capitalizing, typing alternate characters
Detecting and correcting spelling ...
Dec
21
Is Verizon Wireless Pushing OTA Updates for the BlackBerry Storm?
In the last few days I've noticed several times my BlackBerry Storm 9530 unexpectedly displaying a white screen, with a small timer icon (with an animated, rotating clock hand), and what appears to be an animated progress bar as if something is being downloaded.
After roughly a minute of that, the Storm appeared to reboot, as indicated by a flashing ...
Dec
13
BlackBerry Storm Tutorial: Typing, Part 1
Typing on the BlackBerry Storm touchscreen (clickscreen) can be frustrating unless you're willing to practice and improve your skills.
If you ever learned to touch type on a computer keyboard (or old-fashioned typewriter), you know that investment in your time paid off handsomely.
Well, why not invest some time in becoming an efficient (and happy) typist on your Storm?
Part 1 of this ...
Dec
11
Repair Your BlackBerry at BBrepairshop.com
Is your BlackBerry in serious need of help because:
USB port doesn't work?
Display (LCD) is cracked or not working?
Lens (of display) scratched?
Trackball won't scroll?
Button won't click?
Water damage?
Battery door cracked?
Device locked?
Previously used device needs IT policy removed?
507 (white screen) error?
...or you're not sure what's wrong and want a free diagnostic test run?
Well, there is a company who just might be able ...
Dec
10
BlackBerry Curve 8900 Coming to Rogers
A stunningly beautiful new BlackBerry, the Curve 8900 (a.k.a. Javelin) has been announced by Research in Motion (RIM) to be available to customers of Rogers in Canada.
Here are some links for you to explore:
Rogers Curve 8900
BlackBerry Curve 8900 (official web site)
BlackBerry Curve 8900 features
BlackBerry Curve 8900 specifications
BlackBerry Curve 8900 video
BlackBerry Curve 8900 101 (animated tutorial)
Or for a quick peek...
Dec
06
How I Upgraded my BlackBerry Storm OS
If you were one of the early adopters of the BlackBerry Storm 9530 from Verizon Wireless, you may have noticed that your Storm had a few quirks. It's no secret that the 9530 was released a tad early, even after all the delays, before its software was truly "ready for prime time."
Well, on December 5, 2008, Verizon Wireless released ...
Dec
06
App Review: Qik (video sharing)
The Qik home page heading says it all: "Equip your phone with free live video sharing." Let's pick that phrase apart:
Equip your phone: works with your BlackBerry (several models supported, more sure to come)
Video sharing: lets you share videos shot with your BlackBerry
Free: costs nothing--the app is free, the service is free
Live: your video is not just shared on-demand, ...
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Nov
27
BlackBerry Storm Coming to Bell Canada…Soon
Bell Canada has announced that it will be releasing the BlackBerry Storm 9530 "soon."
There are unsubstantiated rumors about the possible release date, how long Bell has an exclusive deal on the Storm for, etc., but I prefer not to pass on that kind of information. When the information becomes "real," it will be announced through official channels.
To all my Canadian ...
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Nov
27
BlackBerry Storm Online Tutorial and Simulator
Verizon Wireless has available online a tutorial and simulator for the BlackBerry Storm.
The tutorial includes these topics:
Introduction/Personalization
Email/Messaging
Multimedia/Managing Connections
Internet/Managing Applications
Global Capabilities
Resources
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Nov
25
Excellent BlackBerry Storm Tutorial
For a quick tutorial of the BlackBerry Storm, see its BlackBerry 101 animated demonstrator.
Here's what it covers:
Device Setup
Welcome
SIM Card and Battery
Charge Battery
Setup Wizard
Media Card
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Nov
22
Day 1 with My BlackBerry Storm
I am one of the thousands of crazy idiots who got up at the crack of dawn to be first in line to get a BlackBerry Storm on the day of its US release on November 21. This is a brief (and light-hearted) description of what the process was like--in case you ever feel crazy enough to try this for ...
Nov
18
Twilight (the movie) for Your BlackBerry
I'm a huge fan of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight Series. Since the movie version of Twilight is coming out on November 21, this is a good time to outfit your BlackBerry to show off at the theatre.
Included in this article are (customized for Pearl, Curve, or Bold):
A free Twilight theme from CoolBlackBerryThemes.com
Free Twilight ringtones from CoolBlackBerryThemes.com
A free video of the final ...
Nov
18
BlackBerry Supported File Formats (Email and Media)
What kinds of files will a BlackBerry open as email attachments?
What kinds of audio and video files will a BlackBerry play?
Here's an update from Research in Motion (RIM) on which file formats are supported by current BlackBerry Device Software and BlackBerry Internet Service.
Nov
16
Install OS 4.5 on BlackBerry Pearl or Curve, Part 2
In Part 1 of this series, we downloaded BlackBerry Operating System (OS) version 4.5, then installed it on our computer. Now, we'll install it on our BlackBerry Pearl or Curve.
Nov
16
Install OS 4.5 on BlackBerry Pearl or Curve, Part 1
While attempting to download and install BlackBerry Operating System (OS) version 4.5 on my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry Pearl and Curve, I encountered a problem ("Error reading setup initialization file") but found a way to overcome it. Google revealed to me I wasn't alone, so I decided to do a lengthy Part 1 in this series to help anyone else who ...
Nov
14
Verizon Releases BlackBerry Storm
Verizon Wireless officially announced the availability of the BlackBerry Storm on November 21, 2008 (at corporate stores).
Be assured that newBBie.com will now cover and support this exciting new BlackBerry.
Nov
09
How and Why to Wipe Your BlackBerry
WARNING: Wiping (erasing data or programs) your BlackBerry is a serious step. You should never attempt this unless you really know what you are doing, or you are following the advice of someone who does.
So, why would you ever need to wipe your BlackBerry? And what methods and options are there for doing it?
Oct
20
App Review: Aerize Email Alerts
When one of your contacts calls, you can be alerted to their identity through a custom ringtone, and/or with name and photo flashed on the screen of your BlackBerry.
But what if your contact sends your BlackBerry an email or text message? Your phone can alert you that a message has arrived, but can't help you identify who the sender is ...
Oct
12
Hot Sites for BlackBerry Themes: Pearl, Curve, Bold
Time to give your BlackBerry a snazzy new look, with a free, premium, or custom theme? This article provides links to some of the hottest sites for BlackBerry themes for the Pearl, Curve, and Bold.
(Pictured to the right is a custom theme by Cherri Chiodo of All Things Berry: Aluminum Zen.)
Oct
11
BlackBerry Bold User Guides
As most of us wait, and wait, and wait for the BlackBerry Bold to be released in our part of the world, at least we can start browsing through the now-available user guides.
Released to Europeans is an animated user guide (in English).
Available now on newBBie.com are...
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Oct
11
BlackBerry on MySpace
BlackBerry now has a presence on MySpace, and will soon have a custom MySpace application for your BlackBerry.
What's so special about BlackBerry on MySpace?
Oct
11
My BlackBerry Can’t Send or Receive Email
Few problems are more aggravating than a sudden loss of email capability with your BlackBerry, but this does happen.
In this article we cover a solution that works for many cases of email failure. It involves a feature of your phone that most BlackBerry users are unfamiliar with: Service Books.
Oct
05
Color Your BlackBerry With ColorWare
This is the ultimate in personalization of your BlackBerry Pearl, Curve, or Bold (and others): custom colors for front, sides, and back--from a dazzling array of solid and metallic colors.
If you want a phone like nobody else, then read on!
Oct
04
BlackBerry on Google Knol
This is just a quick note that information on the BlackBerry is starting to show up on the new Google knowledgebase, Knol.
If you haven't heard of, or visited, Knol yet, it has been described as a Google alternative to Wikipedia. Instead of having only one article on a particular subject, authors compete to write for the same or similar ...
Sep
06
Date/Time and Time Zone Settings: BEWARE!
Today I checked my BlackBerry Pearl 8130 and BlackBerry Curve 8330 and discovered that their times differed by several minutes. How could this be? I had both set to synchronize with the same Verizon Wireless network. I double-checked the settings, and was correct in my assumption. So, what went wrong?
Are you someone who critically depends on your phone's time ...
Aug
23
BlackBerry Bold Release Has Begun
After a painfully long wait, the Bold is slowly being released around the globe. Recently, I've read of releases in Canada, Singapore*, and Australia. RIM press releases indicate planned or actual releases in numerous countries, but it's hard to know what's accurate. Late release rumors have abounded, but have been denied by RIM spokespersons. But when can I get one?!
Here are three ...
Jul
30
newBBie Test Drives Desktop Manager 4.5, Part 1
Although Verizon Wireless, my carrier for a BlackBerry Pearl 8130 and a BlackBerry Curve 8330, isn't ready for me to update to the latest version of Desktop Manager (version 4.5), I found a download for it and am going to test drive it anyway.
Part 1 of this series shows the downloading and installation of this software. At the end ...
Jul
27
All About Media Cards
A media card is one of the most important accessories you need for your BlackBerry (BB). There is simply not enough memory in the phone alone to fully enjoy some of the coolest features that come with your BB: beautiful music playback, crystal-clear photos and videos, voice recording, etc. This article answers some basic but critical questions:
Why exactly do I ...
Jul
27
Trooper Typing, Delete It…or PLAY IT
Around May or June 2008, BlackBerry owners using Verizon Wireless started discovering a new icon on their home screens. Labeled Trooper Typing, the icon looks looks like an airplane dropping a paratrooper.
Those affected began screaming and posting questions all over the web.
This article answers:
Where did this icon come from?
What is it for?
Why is this happening?
How can I ...
Jul
13
Day 1 With My BlackBerry Curve 8330
To make the transition from my previous blog, My BlackBerry Pearl 8130, to this one, newBBie.com, I needed to start learning the Curve. As much as I have loved my Pearl, I couldn't help being tempted by the Curve. Not for the full QWERTY keyboard, as I am totally OK with the Pearl's smaller keyboard. But the larger display ...
Jul
13
Awaiting the BlackBerry Bold …
bold /bohld/
not fearful in the face of actual or possible danger.
necessitating courage and daring; challenging.
beyond the usual limits of conventional thought or action; imaginative.
striking or conspicuous to the eye; flashy; showy.
Source: paraphrased from an entry in Dictionary.com.
In the face of competition from Apple's iPhone™, Research in Motion (RIM) made a daring response to that challenge. Fighting fire with fire, ...
Jun
07
My BlackBerry Pearl 8130 Blog–The Future
I want to thank all of you who have visited my blog and helped it just reach the milestone of 250,000 page views. Many of you have become regular visitors, so I like to think we've become a burgeoning Internet community. Times change, and so do our mobile phones; we won't always own a BlackBerry Pearl. So, I'd like to ...
May
31
Tips & Tricks: Set Phone to Ring, Vibrate, Flash LED – Part 3
In Parts 1 and 2 of this 3-part tutorial, we covered basic and intermediate configuration of notification profiles. In Part 3 we will cover the most advanced features:
How to create custom profiles
How to create exceptions to profiles
How to handle notifications that occur during the middle of a phone call
How to set your phone to "do not disturb"
Level 1 Notifications
May
25
Tips & Tricks: Set Phone to Ring, Vibrate, Flash LED – Part 2
In Part 1 of this 3-part tutorial, we learned the most basic ring settings (ring/vibrate, default and personalized ringtones, unique tone for text messages). In Part 2, we'll learn the more elaborate settings normally found only on smartphones:
Notification of messages (email, PIN, browser push), Calendar events, and Task to-do items
Notification signal types and meanings
Standard notification profiles
May
24
Tips & Tricks: Set Phone to Ring, Vibrate, Flash LED – Part 1
Before you got a BlackBerry, it was so simple to set ring or vibrate options, even a kid could do it. But now...it seems like you need, well, ... a web site to explain how to control the bewildering array of "notification profile" settings. In a 3-part tutorial, we'll learn (1) basic ring settings, (2) more elaborate settings found only ...
May
20
The Evolution of Mobile Phones (YouTube)
Check out this YouTube video on the evolution of mobile phones. You'll see the BlackBerry Pearl 8100 momentarily at time marker 2:04. Leave a comment on what you'd like in a future mobile phone (or whatever we end up calling it).
May
03
App Review: SoftReset–A Silver Bullet?
In folklore, a silver bullet can kill all kinds of nasty things like werewolves, witches, and vampires. We BlackBerry owners need a silver bullet to kill problems like:
low memory
frozen applications
email malfunctions
sluggish or quirky phone performance
installed themes not showing up
A common recommendation is to "pull the battery" (meaning remove it, wait, then replace it). But what about wear-and-tear from doing that ...
