two or three . net: Blackberry Curve Configuration Guide

Last update: 12/18/07

Changes:

Blackberry Software

Latest Desktop Client - do yourself a favor and upgrade your desktop client to v. 4.3 or above. It's worth it. Note that some apps won't load, however, unless your BB Operating System is also upgraded to 4.2.x or above (here's how to check your OS version)

Browser

Opera Mini - trust me, the Opera Mini browser is way better than the BB one (though it could be improved with right click functionality and multi tab browsing - Mozilla, hurry up!). To download directly to your phone, go to http://mini.opera.com/
TRYING web shortcuts - easier than using built in web bookmarks

Email

Gmail Client - you can easily set up GMail to be your main email client on the BB, but you can also have this nice little applet that stands alone. That way, your bb won't buzz every time you get a mail, nor will it show up in your message center. Does NOT support opening attachments (lame).
Yahoo Go! - this easy to use app has many yahoo features, including email, search, weather, etc. - but no chat. It's a great way to access your yahoo mail, mostly. Supports opening attachments.
Blackberry Mail Client - Actually, this mail client is the best of the bunch, but you may NOT want to use it for all of your web email accounts (gmail, yahoo, etc.) I use it for my work email ONLY (via owa, I don't use the enterprise server). That way, my Message Center only contains work stuff, while the tons of personal mail (mostly spam) doesn't keep buzzing my inbox. However, you can configure this mail client to receive email from multiple services. Nice.

Headsets

Motorola HT820 Bluetooth Stereo Headset - Not sure if it will pair with the phone yet, but it's what I've got.
Samsung SBH170 Stereo Bluetooth Headset - this seems to be what is most recommended.
Jabra BT8010 Stereo/Mono Bluetooth Headset - this headset looks great and versatile

IM Clients

jivetalk - the best, free trial, not sure when I'll have to pay for it. Tech support is fast.
NOT WORTH IT:
- YIM / Google Talk - Don't go through all the hoops to try to make blackberry's YIM or GTalk apps work.
- IM+ - I've read the bulletin boards, and jivetalk is champ (it also got on pinstack's Five Star Applications for BlackBerry)

Maps / GPS

Google Maps - forget about paying for telenav service - the bb curve has a built in gps, and google maps can pinpoint your current location and give you driving directions to anywhere, and you can even save favorite locations (free)

Music Syncing

TRYING PocketMac - for all platforms (even Windows) for syncing with iTunes ($10) (PC Mag Review)
NOT WORTH IT:
- RiverPast Shadowtunes - I could not get this to work

Search

Themes

Instructions on how to install new themes
Places to download good free themes for the Blackberry Curve (and other bb devices)
- Gemblock - I like The Flamboyant Theme - Today Style (zip)
- Pinstack - the most free themes anywhere (I like Red Rover, iCurve, Understated Dark, limelight, and cartoon)

Wallets

Leather Horizontal Pouch with Wallet Organizer - from Wireless Emporium (rated 8.6/10). I have no tried this, but it does allow you to combine phone protection and a wallet that holds credit cards and cash.
NOT WORTH IT:
- Blackberry Curve Leather Wallet Case - I've ordered this one (extremepda.com), but was disappointed to find that the card slots only hold business cards, and are NOT wide enough for credit cards.
- Gel cases - they don't protect the screen, and many cover the start/end keys (and their color adds to the usability and nice look), and have a hole for the track ball that inhibits access to it.

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