The 7 Solid Reasons To Keep Your Faith And Hold On To Your BlackBerry

Posted By Ray Nicolini

CIO’s Al Sacco wrote a great article on the 7 Solid Reasons To Keep Your Faith In RIM, BlackBerry which I wanted to share with our readers. The article outlines some great points why BlackBerry is strong and not going anywhere. Despite what negative comments fly, the truth holds strong. Check it out…

Al’s honesty and truth doesn’t make excuses for BlackBerry, and he does go over the rough points, he also points out the best of BlackBerry.

What are the 7 Solid Reasons?

1. Love that BlackBerry QWERTY Keyboard. I have to agree with Al on that one. I’ve tried touchscreen devices, but I really love my BlackBerry keyboard and can’t use simple phones anymore. I’ve played with the Android phones and the Apple iPhone, but I really love the BlackBerry’s keyboard for it’s ease of use and functionality.
2. BlackBerry Battery Life Can’t Be Beat. This is another truth to be said. Compared to the Android devices, the BlackBerry’s battery life is longer. Though many of us keep our BlackBerry on the charger most of the day anyways. I find that most people who move to the Android are shocked by the battery life difference.
3. BlackBerry Enterprise Security and Manageability. Even though the gap is being filled, BlackBerry is still the dominant business phone. Even overseas they hold the majority of the Enterprise use. Secure and efficient, there’s Enterprise and BES Express.
4. BlackBerry Messenger and BBM Social. BlackBerry Messenger is definitely unique and it’s my favorite means of communication. And with the apps connecting with BBM v6, even better. You can connect with Foursquare, Facebook, games, and the possibilities go on. BBM is definitely a strength of BlackBerry.
5. The Future Is Bright With the BlackBerry PlayBook Tablet. While the BlackBerry PlayBook came out without the native email, it really was a neat device. With the QNX system powering the Tablet and the ability to load Android apps via the Android player, and the BlackBerry Bridge, it has a lot of potential. I know native email to me isn’t a big issue, and I’m loving the apps and how easy it is to use. And to be honest, I’m checking App World three times a day looking forward to the next updates and newest apps.
6. Seven New Handhelds In 2011, Promise Of QNX-Based BlackBerry Devices. We will see seven new devices, and we’ve seen the leaked photos of them, with RIM even displaying the 9900/9930 on it’s very site. All will have the OS 7 which is a transition OS preparing for the QNX-Based devices to come. More memory, more power, thinner. From what we’ve seen, they’re very nice devices.
7. BlackBerry Data Compression. With the unlimited data becoming a legend known only to those grandfathered with their carriers, and limited data plans for the new customers and those choosing to go to a smartphone, the BlackBerry’s compression of data makes it easier to be online as much as you want without having to worry about your data. Sure one can argue about turning on wifi, but how many of us are fortunate to have wifi with us 24 hours a day? With the BlackBerry, it’s peace of mind and wallet.

While these are actually my additions, you should read Al’s article and his points as he goes into detail. I would have to say it’s even more than just that. The ability to bank on your phone, the security of the phone, the convenience of the apps and the native apps of BlackBerry. I don’t game really, but I do socialize and use Twitter and BBM most with my email. So for me the BlackBerry is my device. I bank on it, never worry about data usage, and love that my BlackBerry and BlackBerry PlayBook work hand in hand together.

I don’t dwell on what it lacks, because there’s always way when there’s a will. I’m happy with what I have but I’m so grateful when changes are made and new apps and features are available. Rome was not built in a day, but nonetheless it is an icon.

[via: CIO.com]

Member Story: Open Letter to BlackBerry Messenger - He's Just Not That Into Me

Member Story: Open Letter to BlackBerry Messenger - He's Just Not That Into Me

Dearest BBM,

It's time we had a talk.

I know you're just acting out. I know you see my relationship with SMS and email. I know you're jealous. I know you're hurting. But they're just friends - I swear. It's just work messages! They'll never mean as much to me as you do. So let's talk about why you keep toying with my heart.

You've currently listed all of my contacts as "unavailable." Not even funny. You say you had nothing to do with this. But I'm not the unreasonable sort. I realize I'm a handful but for all 50 or so contacts to realize that and be "unavailable" to my shenanigans at the same time? Crazy talk. For funsies, I added myself from my work BB and lo and behold, I'm unavailable... to myself. That's thousands of therapy dollars right there, BBM. I hope you're happy.

Undaunted, I scrolled around to see what other sort of nonsense you're up to. And you never disappoint, do you? Hark, there's the same ten "Pending Contacts" - still pending authorization, still pending unavailibility since Tour has come into my life. It's your word against theirs but they maintain that they never received a request. Don't worry, baby. I know that this is simply not true. Why would you waste an opportunity for ten addition contacts to be unavailable to me?

Let's talk about the time you deleted all of my contacts. Really, BBSadist? Really? As much as I loved your "if I can't have you, no one can" tantrum, I'm not going to lie... I wanted to strangle that BlackBerry symbol right off of your smirky thought bubble. Sometimes I think you're woman because only a woman think about doing something so deliciously treacherous as to wipe my contact list. I'm plotting revenge but seriously? What am I going to do to you? Ping you to death? Yeah, you'd like that, wouldn't you? Douchenugget.

After that episode, I even thought about going to father Balsillie but his hands are pretty full with another Canada-hater in Bettman. Doesn't matter anyway, because what was the next thing that you did? Oh yes, you pulled the ol' MIA. You deleted yourself from my phone. You ran away and I was left with a sleepless night wondering where did you spend the night? Who's messages did you find comfort in? WHO DID YOU PING TO DEATH? Oh RIM, it hurts.

Now, let's talk about your needless attention ***** tendancies. You know, the one where you perpetually have a little bubble saying "2 new messages" when you and I both know there isn't one. Remember? Unavailable contacts! You can't even keep up with your own tactics.

I hate that I love you, BBM. I hate that you know I'll never leave you for that **** SMS. And even though email's always trying to get his spam in my box... er, nevermind. You're jealous enough.

Forever yours,
A. Beaverho

Samsung Jet announcement!

Video: Samsung Jet announcement makes me want one of these!

Don’t know how we missed this video from Samsung’s Jet announcement, but it’s cool and we’re going with it, even if we’re late. The clip is Minority Report-like and apparently Samsung used technology from Korean firm D’strict. It combines infrared motion sensing and 3D imagery a la Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT) Natal… Enough said, push the play button above, if you still haven’t!

[Via: Gizmodo]

Poll: Which Currently Available or Announced BlackBerry Smartphone do you Own or Plan to Buy?

Poll: Which Currently Available or Announced BlackBerry Smartphone do you Own or Plan to Buy?

How is it that we've never run a poll here on the blogs?
That just seems soooo wrong. It's time to change that! I think we can have a lot of fun here by running both standalone polls and by tieing polls in at the end of blog posts.
So get your polling thumbs ready....
It only makes sense for our first poll that we start with the basics... which BlackBerry do you currently own or plan to buy. Now..I know a lot of you either own multiple BlackBerry smartphones or are using an upcoming device that you shouldn't really be using. So if you own multiple devices or are about to upgrade, pick the one you're using/plan to be using the most. And if you're lucky enough to be rocking a model that err.. doesn't exist yet (onyx anyone??) then just pick the Older or Other BlackBerry option...

Leave your comment

New BlackBerry Messenger 5.0 ZIP And OTA Download Links!

New BlackBerry Messenger 5.0 ZIP And OTA Download Links!

If you missed out on the BlackBerry Messenger 5.0 download links from last week…you’re in luck! Greg from BerryReview just posted up some fresh links for both ZIP and OTA downloads.
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
This is leaked software that is not guaranteed to be stable. Install at your own risk!
ZIP downloads are meant to be downloaded, unzipped and installed with BlackBerry Desktop Manager. If you need an unzipping program check out 7-zip.org.
OTA downloads are meant to be downloaded directly through your BlackBerry Browser.
Info: Features And Screenshots Of The Leaked BlackBerry Messenger 5.0
How To:
Backup And Restore Your BlackBerry
Install Applications and Themes via Desktop Manager
Install applications and themes via OTA with or without using data
It is very important that you make a backup before attempting to install BBM 5.0!
Here are the download links:
Desktop Download:
BBM 5.0 – Desktop Installer .ZIP (For All OS’s)
OTA Downloads:
BBM 5.0 (For 4.7/Storm) – English Only Only
BBM 5.0 (For 4.7.1/Tour) – English Only
BBM 5.0 (For 4.5/Curve) – English Only
BBM 5.0 (For 4.6/Bold) – English Only
BBM 5.0 (For 4.6.1/Javelin) – English Only
BBM 5.0 (For 5.0/All) – English Only
BBM 5.0 (For 5.1/Storm2) – English Only
BBM 5.0 (For 4.7/Storm) – All Languages
BBM 5.0 (For 4.7.1/Tour) – All Languages
BBM 5.0 (For 4.5/Curve) – All Languages
BBM 5.0 (For 4.6/Bold) – All Languages
BBM 5.0 (For 4.6.1/Javelin) – All Languages
BBM 5.0 (For 5.0/All) – All Languages
BBM 5.0 (For 5.1/Storm2) – All Languages

The 4.5/Curve version also appears to work for the Pearl 8100 and 8800 series, so if you own one of these BlackBerry devices and want to try BBM 5.0 make sure this is the one you download and not any other version. It is also important to remember that you need a minimum OS of 4.5.0.131, but having the latest OS definitely helps. You can find the latest OS for your Blackberry here.

Every so often here, we go over BlackBerry quick tips, little tidbits that can make your BlackBerry life easier. Some of these are more advanced, but we also like to go over the basics. Today is one of those instances. In searching through the site yesterday, I realized we didn’t have a bit on how to delete applications from your BlackBerry. So after the jump we’ll go through the basic process.



First, go to Options.
Then, go to Advanced Options.
Finally, click on Applications.



You’ll see a notice that your BlackBerry is building an applications list. On the other end you’ll see a big huge list, containing core applications and some things you might not recognize. It goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway: if you do not know what it is, do not delete it.
Scroll down to find the application you’d like to delete. Once it’s highlighted, hit the Menu key. You’ll see a number of options, but all we’re interested in now is the obvious one: Delete. Click it, and you’ll get confirmation. Click Yes, and it will delete the application.
Afterward you’ll be prompted to reset your BlackBerry. If you plan to delete multiple applications, say no. Say yes after the last application you’re going to delete. A reset clears the application out of device memory.