Chima M. Oleru
The BlackBerry, produced by RIM of Waterloo, Canada, is a
leading smartphone choice for the business-minded individual. Like most
smartphones, it combines the functionality of a cell phone and an organizer,
but a BlackBerry is much more than a digital organizer. A BlackBerry allows
mobile access to computer-like functions such as email, web browsing, mobile
banking, instant messaging and social networking, among others.
Phone
In conjunction with a plan from a
cellular service provider, a BlackBerry can be used to make voice calls. Newer
models have a built-in speakerphone and voice dialing. Like most modern cell
phones, a BlackBerry can be used to send SMS and MMS messages when used with an
appropriate service plan.
Email and PIN Messaging
Up to 10 supported email addresses can be accessed from any one BlackBerry device using the native BlackBerry email program. Email is delivered to the device using push technology, meaning that email is delivered automatically to a BlackBerry when it arrives in your inbox. Most of the popular web-based email accounts, including AOL, Hotmail, Gmail and Yahoo, are supported. There is also support for popular business email software such as Outlook.
Personal identification number (PIN) messaging is unique to
BlackBerry smartphones. Each BlackBerry smartphone has its own PIN, which can
be used to address a PIN message to another BlackBerry user. PIN messages are
BlackBerry to BlackBerry.
Calendar, Contacts, Clock/Alarm, Tasks and Memo Pad
The native calendar
application allows BlackBerry users to organize and schedule important dates.
Reminders and alarms can be set for appointments. Meeting times and events can
be shared with friends and colleagues by emailing calendar items. Appointments
scheduled for a specific time in a different time zone are automatically
converted to the corresponding time in the default time zone. Calendar
information can be synced to a computer using the included desktop software.
The address book holds an extensive number of entries.
Contact information can be sent as a vcard attachment via email. Contact
information can be synced to a computer using the included desktop software.
The built-in clock has a customizable alarm. The alarm can be
set to go off at a specific time every day or every weekday. The newst
BlackBerry models also have a stopwatch and a timer included in the clock
application.
The Tasks feature allows BlackBerry users to add, edit and
catagorize to-do lists. Tasks can be marked as "complete" or "in
progress." Tasks can be synced to a computer using the included desktop
software.
The MemoPad can be used to compose notes. Memos can be
emailed from within the MemoPad application. Memos can be synced to a computer
using the included desktop software.
Browser and Connectivity
The built-in browser lets
BlackBerry users access web pages and popular search engines. Newer versions of
the browser allow the use of RSS feeds.
Connectivity solutions vary among BlackBerry models. Many
models offer WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS. Some are considered "world
phones," as they can be used on many international cell phone networks.
Calculator and Password Keeper
The calculator can be used
to perform basic mathematical operations.
The Password Keeper allows BlackBerry users to securely store
multiple usernames and passwords. Sensitive information (e.g., credit card
numbers) can also be kept in the Password Keeper.
Media, Camera, Video, Games and Third-Party Applications
Many BlackBerry models
include a media player. The media player allows users to listen to and organize
music and video files. Devices that include a media player also have expandable
memory through the use of microSD cards.
Most of the newer models have a built-in camera that can take
both still photos and video. The camera has digital zoom and a built-in flash.
The flash can be disabled or set to automatic.
Photos and video clips stored on the device can be emailed or
transferred to computers via Bluetooth. If a third-party social
networking application (e.g., Facebook, MySpace, Flickr!) is installed, photos
can be uploaded directly to their corresponding websites.
All newer BlackBerry devices come with the popular
BrickBreaker game. Some devices also include Word Mole, Sudoku and Klondike,
among others. Additional games can be purchased and downloaded directly to the
device. Some games are available as free downloads.
From productivity to organizational to games, many
third-party applications are available for BlackBerry devices. BlackBerry App
World is an online applications store that can be accessed from a desktop or
via a BlackBerry device.
