BB Geeks

BBGeekcast: November 6, 2009 – Episode 89

Joe — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:19:47 +0000

Bold 2, Storm 2, Curve 2. We’ve talked about them a lot on the BBGeekcast lately, and now we’re starting to see them up close. The Storm 2 is already out, and the Bold 2 drops very soon. Next up, the Curve 2, which is our main topic of conversation this week.

So click on over here to hear the BBGeekcast (11 min, 15 sec)

And don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you won’t miss future episodes!

You can also subscribe to the BBGeekcast in iTunes.

Highlights include:

First, make sure to check out News From The Wire, where we have links to all the 9700 reviews you can handle. If you’re thinking about the device, this should help you decide once and for all.

Our topic, though, is the Curve 2. I’ve been thinking about this one for a while. My buddy, who is a Verizon dealer, got a Tour over the summer. He likes it fine, but once he heard about the Curve 2 he said he regretted getting it. He doesn’t use the screen much — he doesn’t watch video or view advanced websites — so the high-res screen doesn’t mean much to him. He uses other functions, though, and those seem to be great with the Curve 2. If you’re looking for a very basic BlackBerry, this is it and more. The price is right, too, at $99.99.

This post originated at BBGeeks.com - home to all things Blackberry! Also a great source of info about AT&T BlackBerry.

BBGeekcast: November 6, 2009 – Episode 89

This post originated at BBGeeks.com - home to all things Blackberry! Also a great source of info about AT&T BlackBerry.

BBGeekcast: November 6, 2009 – Episode 89

Google updates Maps, Gmail BlackBerry applications

Joe — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:30:10 +0000

Oftentimes we get excited when we see that a popular application has been updated. For me, the excitement comes from wondering whether any of the improvements I’ve thought about have been implemented. That makes it a bit disappointing when an update comes without a change log. Google has done this twice recently. They’ve updated their Google Maps and Gmail applications for BlackBerry, but haven’t let users know exactly what changed. That usually means there are just some bug fixes, which is fine. If you have these apps, you probably want the bug corrections.

I learned about the Maps upgrade from BerryReview. It is version 3.2.1, up from version 3.2, which brought layers to the BlackBerry platform. You can download it at http://m.google.com/maps from your BlackBerry browser.

I caught a bit about the Gmail application on BlackBerryOS. It’s a sneaky update from 2.0.6 to 2.0.7. Sneaky because it says version 2.0.6 when you visit the mobile site (or at least it did when the guys from BBOS went there), but when you click to download it, it shows 2.0.7. It apparently is not compatible with OS 5.0, so if you have a Storm with that OS or else have a leaked copy, you might want to hold off on this update. Also, someone claimed to already have this version installed? Does anyone else?

You can get the Gmail app at http://m.google.com/mail from your BB browser.

This post originated at BBGeeks.com - home to all things Blackberry! Also a great source of info about AT&T BlackBerry.

Google updates Maps, Gmail BlackBerry applications

This post originated at BBGeeks.com - home to all things Blackberry! Also a great source of info about AT&T BlackBerry.

Google updates Maps, Gmail BlackBerry applications

BlackBerry News From The Wire for the Week of 11/2/2009

Joe — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:54:56 +0000

I’ll admit, I was a bit distracted from the BlackBerry world this week by this. Still, there’s plenty of BlackBerry stuff to discuss. For instance, Verizon announced the Curve 8530, to be known as the Curve2. It’ll hit shelves and the Web on November 20 for $99.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate. I’ve been telling people that if you’re not a big video user, this is a great deal. It features a 528 MHz processor, Wi-Fi, and really most features of new BlackBerry models except the screen. It’s better than its cousin, the 8520, because its on Verizon’s 3G EVDO network, rather than on T-Mobile’s slower EDGE.

Buy one, get one gone before the Curve2?

Verizon’s buy one, get one offer can be a boon to everyone out there who wants to save money on a BlackBerry, and who also has a friend who wants to do the same. If you buy one BlackBerry, on contract, you can get a second for free, also on contract. It’s a trade-off, of course, but many times it’s worth the two-year commitment. The only problem this time around: the deal appears to be nearing an end. Verizon will launch the Droid on November 11, and from the looks of it, BOGO will not be around at that point. Word is that the offer will end November 7. But who knows.

The BOGO offer has also prompted Verizon to increase the early termination fee on advanced devices. The idea was that some customers were buying both devices on contract, then immediately canceling one. They could then make back the $175 termination fee — and the cost of the device, really — by selling it on eBay. The early termination fee for advanced devices will now be $350, which should put a damper on anyone who has profited from the BOGO offer.

Better know the Bold 9700

What better way to kick off the slew of BlackBerry Bold 9700 reviews than with a video?

There are more videos, and more detailed information, in Kevin’s review. Not to be outdone, Bla1ze has one of his own. Finally, to end the suspense, Boy Genius Report has Part 2 of its Bold 9700 review up for your enjoyment.

With the launch of the 9700, Rogers has discounted the original Bold to $99.99. That’s awful nice of them, isn’t it? That’s a $150 discount from where the Bold was a week or so ago.

Tip of the week: Use Dropbox to back up and store files, both on your computer and on your BlackBerry.

Verizon taking care of original Storm customers?

The one downside of releasing a follow-upd device is that some of the original customers aren’t happy. They just got the device a year earlier, and since cell phone contracts are for two years, that puts them in a tough position. Should they pay full retail price for the new device? Activate a new line? This becomes a big issue for the BlackBerry Storm 2, which is a pretty big upgrade over the original.

According to a BlackBerryOS thread, Verizon will allow original Storm users to upgrade early. They still have to extend their contracts, which can be too much for some, but they can then also get it for the subsidized price. I originally thought that they’d give the device away with a contract extension, but after some more thought I can’t see that happening.

We’ll have more information as it comes. Expect further word after the BOGO offer expires.

Cool stuff: Review of the Samsung SBH600 Bluetooth Stereo Headset. Cooper’s got the goods.

Random BlackBerry links

I picked up a few stray articles this week that I think are worth reading for BlackBerry fans. Browse them at your leisure.

How to deal with a BlackBerry junkie. Or anyone who seemingly pays more attention to gadgets than to people.
How far would you go to retrieve a lost BlackBerry? This man, who dropped his BlackBerry into a pile of leaves, dug through a landfill to find it. That’s hardcore.
Ever wonder why BlackBerry App World is listed as an app in BlackBerry App World? Inside BlackBerry explains that and more about the application store.
Robb puts together some pieces to determine that there are more Storm users than you think. I think there are a lot, so I’m not sure there can be many more.

This post originated at BBGeeks.com - home to all things Blackberry! Also a great source of info about AT&T BlackBerry.

BlackBerry News From The Wire for the Week of 11/2/2009

This post originated at BBGeeks.com - home to all things Blackberry! Also a great source of info about AT&T BlackBerry.

BlackBerry News From The Wire for the Week of 11/2/2009

Use Dropbox to back up your BlackBerry and more

Joe — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:30:52 +0000

I’ve seen a lot of online file storage sites over the past few years, but for some reason Dropbox is catching on better than almost all of them. Maybe it’s because they’ve developed an excellent application across the three major platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux). Maybe it’s because their interface is the most user-friendly i’ve seen. In any case, I’ve been recommending it to people ever since someone at the office got me hooked. You can also access Dropbox from your BlackBerry, and according to BerryReview, it could be getting easier.

They’ve recently redone their mobile site, and it now works well with your BlackBerry. Just head to http://www.getdropbox.com/m from your BlackBerry browser and you’ll be able to access your account. This includes downloading files you’ve uploaded to it, and uploading files from your BlackBerry to it. The mobile site is intuitive enough to take care of simple file transfer and management needs.

To make matters even easier, they’ve also released a quicklaunch icon, which you can download here (and here’s the direct OTA link). That will have to hold you over until the official BlackBerry application, which Nikolaus tells us is in the works. There’s no further word on when, but it will be a welcome addition once it’s released.

This post originated at BBGeeks.com - home to all things Blackberry! Also a great source of info about AT&T BlackBerry.

Use Dropbox to back up your BlackBerry and more

This post originated at BBGeeks.com - home to all things Blackberry! Also a great source of info about AT&T BlackBerry.

Use Dropbox to back up your BlackBerry and more

Theme Review Wednesdays: VistaLike, Wood Work, Metalic

Joe — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:00:31 +0000

How do you choose your BlackBerry theme? Do you just pick ones that look nice? Or are you loyal to a particular developer? When I search around themes for these bi-weekly reviews, I admit bias towards developers. For instance, if Hedone comes out with a new theme between these features — as they did this past week — I’ll mostly likely review it. Ditto for developers like Cherri Chiodo. I feel like I can go to them for solid themes every time. This week, though, I’m going back to a few old friends who might feel a bit neglected, BlackBerry Theme Park and Gadget Bean. I’ve enjoyed their themes in the past, so let’s see what they’re offering this time.

VistaLike

I find it a bit odd that Hedone came out with the VistaLike theme right after the release of Windows 7, which is supposed to redeem Microsoft from the blunder that was Vista. Even stranger, Hedone already created a Windows 7 theme. So why go back to Vista? Because they can, I suppose. It came out a lot better than actual Vista, too.

VistaLike is a sharp theme, as are all the others in Hedone’s catalog. The bottom dock features four customizable options, plus a dedicated Applications Menu button. I’m not so sure I like that there — it seems a better use of space to let that be another customizable icon, since every BlackBerry has a Menu button built in. The theme also features various Today options. You can choose TodayPreview, which displays your Message and Calendar items when you scroll over the icons (which are lined up to the left of the screen). Then there’s TodayPlus, which will show those items all the time. Hedone also added Today versions for either calendar or messages, allowing you to display one without the other.

You can get the VistaLike theme for $3.49 from now until November 6. After that the price goes back up to $6.99.

Wood Work Pro

It’s been a while since we’ve reviewed a theme from BlackBerry Theme Park, though I have no idea why. They have a good selection of themes, plus a subscription model that can benefit those who change themes often. In fact, they’ve recently upgraded their subscription offer. It used to cost $19.95 for a one-year subscription, but they’ve now made that a lifetime membership. So for $20, you can get all the themes you want, forever. Not a bad deal.

This one is an update of the original Wood Work theme, which didn’t go over too well in reviews. This one, though, should please most BlackBerry users. The Home Screen features six customizable icons, pretty standard fare for modern BlackBerry themes, but this one adds a twist. The icons are hidden in tabs, so they only show up when you scroll over them. It also has a Today preview which features your seven most recent messages or calendar entries. There is also a dedicated spot for a weather application. The smiley face icon for messages is a nice touch.

You can get the Wood Work Pro theme for the Curve 8500 series, 8350i, Bold 9000, Tour 9630, and Curve 8900. It costs $6.99 a la carte, but again, you can sign up for unlimited themes.

Metalic

We haven’t totally neglected Gadgetbean, but it certainly has been a while since we’ve reviewed one of their themes. They’re back this week with Metalic, which, despite the poor spelling of the title, is a pretty excellent theme. It fits with my idea of an excellent BlackBerry theme: the more icons and information on the Home Screen, the better. Metalic packs as much as possible on the Home Screen, so you don’t have to navigate away very often.

The Home Screen features four user-customizable icons, though you’ll probably want your calendar and messages somewhere in there, because Metalic features Today previews. The far right icon can also be used for a weather application. So that covers information on the Home Screen, but just four icons? That seems a bit skimpy. Gadgetbean has implemented an excellent solution: 12 in 3. We saw this from Hedone in previous themes. The bottom dock features three sets of four icons, all user customizable. There’s a slider you can move over for the next set. So that’s 16 icons available right on the Home Screen. You may never click into the Applications Menu ever again.

You can get the Metalic theme for $6.00. Unfortunately, we just missed a $2.98 sale, but hey, maybe that’s still going on. It would make the theme that much more worth it.

This post originated at BBGeeks.com - home to all things Blackberry! Also a great source of info about AT&T BlackBerry.

Theme Review Wednesdays: VistaLike, Wood Work, Metalic

This post originated at BBGeeks.com - home to all things Blackberry! Also a great source of info about AT&T BlackBerry.

Theme Review Wednesdays: VistaLike, Wood Work, Metalic

Celio Redfly turns your BlackBerry into a netbook

Joe — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:00:32 +0000

How do you connect to the Internet when you’re on the road? Do you have a netbook? Do you tether your BlackBerry to your laptop? Or do you just use your BlackBerry as a mini computer? Those seem to be the three main options, but a device from Celio adds another option. The Redfly Mobile Companion looks like a laptop, but really it’s just a device that allows you to access your smartphone through a computer interface. The device has been around for a bit, compatible with Windows Mobile phones. Yesterday, however, they added BlackBerry support. Ed Hardy of Brighthand.com has a quick review.

There are two models of the Mobile Companion: the C8n, which features an 8-inch screen, and the C7, which has a 7-inch screen. Both work in a similar manner. Just connect your BlackBerry via a USB cord, and you can view your BlackBerry on a bigger screen and type out messages on a near full-sized keyboard.

Hardy goes over the main points. The screen can blow up your BlackBerry screen, though because the resolution isn’t any better, the images can get a bit pixelated. That might be a turn-off to some, so there is an option to blow up the screen by about 50 percent, which is still a nice improvement. The keyboard works as normal, though the trackpad/mouse is a bit different. It works as normal in the browser, but outside of that, where there is no cursor, the trackpad functions the same way as a trackball/trackpad on your BlackBerry. One big downside, Hardy notes, is that the USB connection can’t handle video transfer, so you won’t be able to watch movies on the 7- or 8-inch screen.

For those wondering what kind of upgrade this provides over a netbook, Hardy has a few answers. This works for people who don’t need all the computing power of a PC. It also runs off your BlackBerry, so there are no issues like viruses to deal with. The battery life is also much better than a laptop; Hardy had his working up to eight hours on a charge.

If you think this might work for you and your BlackBerry, be sure to read Hardy’s review, and then head over to CrackBerry where Adam Zeis takes an in-depth look. That one is full of pretty pictures, too.

You can get the 8-inch Mobile Companion for $249.95, and the 7-inch version for $199.95.

This post originated at BBGeeks.com - home to all things Blackberry! Also a great source of info about AT&T BlackBerry.

Celio Redfly turns your BlackBerry into a netbook

This post originated at BBGeeks.com - home to all things Blackberry! Also a great source of info about AT&T BlackBerry.

Celio Redfly turns your BlackBerry into a netbook

Geek Review: Samsung SBH600 Bluetooth Stereo Headset

Cooper — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:29:09 +0000

A few weeks ago I wrote a review of the Sony Ericsson HBH-DS970 Stereo Bluetooth Headset. While my experience with that particular headset was decent, it was not as functional as I had hoped for and the lanyard style of transport was awkward at best.

It is for that reason that I decided to continue my quest for the best set of Bluetooth headphones for your BlackBerry. There are many types available so you can expect to see a few more headset reviews coming down the line from BBGeeks.

This time I have decided to check out the Samsung SBH600 Stereo Headset.

Introducing the Samsung SBH600 Stereo Headset for your BlackBerry

The Samsung SBH600 Stereo Headset is one of the bulkier options when it comes to bluetooth headphones compatible with your BlackBerry. Where many headsets fall into the earbud category, the Samsung offering is more along the lines of popular studio headphones on the market.

This is one full featured set of headphones with all kinds of controls located on either side of the unit. You have options to control tracks, volume settings, add some extra bass and more.

The headset itself is billed as a noise canceling device and I can attest that I hear almost nothing around me when I am wearing them. This is pretty impressive and particularly handy when you work or travel in some noisy areas

Let’s take a look at what the Samsung SBH600 Stereo Headset can do.

Testing out the Samsung SBH600 Stereo Headset

Pairing the Samsung SBH600 Stereo Headset with my BlackBerry Bold went smooth as silk. Taking only a few seconds to connect after entering the standard “0000″ pairing code, it was nice that there are no tricky hoops to jump through. There is nothing worse than having to spend more than a minute or two to get a pair of headphones working before heading out.

Charging the Samsung SBH600 Stereo Headset was easy enough. It is suggested that you charge the headset for 3 hours to gain a full charge. Once it has been powered up you can expect up to 11 hours of talk time or play time. That same charge will last for a whopping 300 hours of standby time (not tested).

As soon as I placed the headset on my noggin everything got very quiet. That is the noise canceling in action and it works well.

When wearing the Samsung SBH600 Stereo Headset the various controls are located in easy to reach spots on either side of the device. On the left you have your volume controls in the perfect spot so they can be easily adjusted with a quick touch along with a line in cable jack. On the right you will find you track selection, play/pause buttons and the bass adjustment options. you are able to choose from normal, wide and bass modes for your listening pleasure.

In addition to the play controls located on the headphones there are also a couple microphones and a call answer switch that allows you to pick up calls and speak to your contacts hands free.

The call button works in a variety of ways depending on what circumstance it is used. A simple press will answer an incoming call or redial the last number called if there is no call waiting. If you want to reject an incoming call you can press and hold the call button. The same technique is used to activate voice dialing when no incoming call is on the line.

Overall impression of the Samsung SBH600 Stereo Headset

If you are looking for a stylish set of headphones that will allow you to rock out to your favorite tunes with no wires then you may have to look a little further than the Samsung SBH600 series. While they are definitely a quality offering, they are a little too bulky and the fitting is slightly awkward. The ear pieces tend to jut out at an angle instead of sitting flush against the side of your head.

The padding on the ear pieces are comfortable enough for use over extended hours but the weight of the headset itself can cause a little stiffness in the neck after a while. This should not be a problem if used on a plane or somewhere with adequate head support.

As far as sound is concerned, the Samsung SBH600 Stereo Headset offers a quality experience. The multiple options for bass control is a welcome touch. I love my bass so for music that is my permanent setting but the normal and wide settings provided a nice balance while watching television shows and other video files. I am no expert audiophile but I did not see a huge difference between listening to my music over the bluetooth connection as opposed to the direct in line jack solution.

The final thing I wanted to touch on is operational distance. The last product I reviewed had some issues with the bluetooth connection within only a few feet of the BlackBerry it was tested on. The Samsung SBH600 Stereo Headset had no such issues and actually exceeded my expectations. I was able to leave my office and proceed almost all the way down the hallway before the bluetooth connection got flaky. I did not bother to measure the exact distance but rest assured you can be in any room in most houses and still stay connected.

Overall I think the Samsung headset is a great buy and I would suggest it for anyone looking for a set of headphones for their home stereo system of for long haul journeys with their BlackBerry. I may be a little vain but I have to say that these are not a daily listener. If a few small changes were made to the design I think these could be a must buy product.

You can purchase the Samsung SBH600 Stereo Headset from the BBGeeks Store for $99.95 (down from $149.95)

This post originated at BBGeeks.com - home to all things Blackberry! Also a great source of info about AT&T BlackBerry.

Geek Review: Samsung SBH600 Bluetooth Stereo Headset

This post originated at BBGeeks.com - home to all things Blackberry! Also a great source of info about AT&T BlackBerry.

Geek Review: Samsung SBH600 Bluetooth Stereo Headset

CashForBerrys.com is an alternative to BlackBerry repair

Joe — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:30:55 +0000

I’ve been unfortunate over the past few years to have BlackBerry devices with properly functioning hardware. My screen, battery, and other parts have continued working (though I have had multiple software issues). There are a few options if your BlackBerry is damaged, though none of them are attractive. The two most common: get it fixed or get a new one. I’m sure you can see the dollar signs already. Buying a new BlackBerry, especially without the subsidy of an upgrade, can be expensive, but repair can be an even bigger relative cost. In my daily BlackBerry reading, I came across a site that gives you a third option: sell your defective model and put that money towards a new model.

The site is CashForBerrys.com, and after reading about it yesterday I did a quick search around to find out about potential scams. I didn’t find any, though I didn’t find many review. It is part of the Cash For Laptops family.

The above image is what they offered me for my Curve 8330. It’s worth more than $60 to me, so I’m not even considering it. But if you have a BlackBerry that you don’t need any more, that $60 can come in handy, especially if you’re putting it towards the purchase of a new model, subsidized or not. The only problem is that if your BlackBerry has serious electronic defects, you’ll get less. If my Curve had a defective screen, I’d get just $10. That’s probably not worth the effort of shipping it.

It comes down to a cost-benefit analysis. You have to factor in the repair price, the time your BlackBerry will not be of use to you, how much a new model would cost, how much you can get from CashForBerrys, etc. There’s also the issue of market price. CashForBerrys has an easy system for getting money for your device, but you might be getting less than you can. Selling your BlackBerry on eBay, while a longer and more complicated process, can get you more money.

If anyone has used CashForBerrys, please leave a review.

This post originated at BBGeeks.com - home to all things Blackberry! Also a great source of info about AT&T BlackBerry.

CashForBerrys.com is an alternative to BlackBerry repair

This post originated at BBGeeks.com - home to all things Blackberry! Also a great source of info about AT&T BlackBerry.

CashForBerrys.com is an alternative to BlackBerry repair

NBA fans will soon be able to watch lives games on their BlackBerrys

Joe — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:30:03 +0000

Major League Baseball started something this year when they released an app that broadcasted full games to iPhone users. It was a popular app for the 2009 season, and should continue to grow next year. The only problem is that there don’t seem to be any plans for a BlackBerry version. The NBA just released a streaming iPhone app, but unlike MLB they’ve already announced their BlackBerry intentions. Fans should have an NBA BlackBerry app by the end of the year, which will make available up to 40 games per week. In the meantime, BlackBerry App World has a pair of apps to hold you over until the streaming app.

The NBA Game Time Lite application is available for free, and offers live in-game updates, plus stats and scores from around the league. Fans can also view the entire schedule. For $9.99, fans can purchase the NBA Game Time upgrade, which adds video highlights and radio broadcasts among other features.

The NBA League Pass Mobile costs $39.99 on the iPhone and Android platforms, so expect that for the BlackBerry. I’m not a huge NBA fan — too much baseball to justify intense interest in another sport — but unless I was a huge die-hard I’d probably live withe Lite Game Time application until the League Pass Mobile comes out.

Hat tip to Berry Reorter for the pointer.

This post originated at BBGeeks.com - home to all things Blackberry! Also a great source of info about AT&T BlackBerry.

NBA fans will soon be able to watch lives games on their BlackBerrys

This post originated at BBGeeks.com - home to all things Blackberry! Also a great source of info about AT&T BlackBerry.

NBA fans will soon be able to watch lives games on their BlackBerrys

BBGeekcast: October 30, 2009 – Episode 88

Joe — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:06:17 +0000

No, I didn’t add Halloween sound effects to the BBGeekcast. Sorry. But we heard a lot of device news this week, so you know I’ll be rambling past my allotted 10 minutes. It’s actually three new devices we’re talking about. And then I figure out a way to work in a fourth.

So click on over here to hear the BBGeekcast (10 min, 51 sec)

And don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you won’t miss future episodes!

You can also subscribe to the BBGeekcast in iTunes.

Highlights include:

Last time around we talked about the BlackBerry Bold 9700, the Bold 2. AT&T and T-Mobile picked it up as expected. That still left a few BlackBerry models unannounced, but we heard a lot more about them this week.

Verizon announced the Storm 2 on Monday and released it on Wednesday. That was pretty quick, though it was somewhat expected. While the Storm 2 greatly improves on the original, it appears Verizon is more focused on the Droid, its first Android device. Which is doubly a shame, because there are two more BlackBerry models that could drop with the carrier before the holidays.

First is the known, the Curve 8530, the Curve 2. It’s already out on T-Mobile, and Verizon should get a CDMA version in November. It packs in the best of the BlackBerry world, including the fast processor, optical trackpad, and Wi-Fi. The only downside is that it doesn’t have a high-res screen. Oh well. There’s a solution to that, too.

The BlackBerry Essex has been outed as the Tour 2, though we pretty much knew that already. That’s the big upgrade, as the device has all the features of the Curve 2, plus a high-res screen. While it was originally thought that it would drop sometime after the holidays, Kevin at CrackBerry has word that Verizon is going for a pre-holidays release. I wonder what original Tour users think about that.

This post originated at BBGeeks.com - home to all things Blackberry! Also a great source of info about AT&T BlackBerry.

BBGeekcast: October 30, 2009 – Episode 88

This post originated at BBGeeks.com - home to all things Blackberry! Also a great source of info about AT&T BlackBerry.

BBGeekcast: October 30, 2009 – Episode 88