BlackBerry For Dummies

By Robert Kao and Dante Sarigumba

Book Overview

Is your BlackBerry (or the one you're thinking about getting) a full-fledged PDA (Personal Data Assistant), a hand-held mini-computer, a high-tech organizer, or a cell phone? The answer is yes. It's all of those and more. Whether you're considering getting a BlackBerry and want to know what it can do for you or whether you own one and want to learn how it can do more, this is the BlackBerry book to pick. It provides explanations of core BlackBerry features plus real-world tips and tricks to help you get more out of e-mail, Web browsing, phone functions, business applications, utilities, and even games. In proven For Dummies style with lots of screen shots and step-by-step explanations, it includes: Info on personalizing your BlackBerry, using AutoText, customizing your screen, choosing what it alerts you to (and how), and more Basic key commands for navigating with the trackwheel and the QWERTY keyboard (or the SureType keyboard on some models), complete with a table of 15 Home Screen shortcuts Info on using your Address Book, Calendar (for appointments and meetings), and the Tasks application Tips for making notes with MemoPad and taking advantage of the built-in calculator From those basics, BlackBerry For Dummies guides you through getting online with your BlackBerry and using it for: E-mail, with info on sending, opening, and filtering it, viewing attachments (including JPEGS, Word docs, PowerPoint slides, Excel spreadsheets, and more), customizing your e-mail, and more Sending and receiving PIN-to-PIN messages, viewing text messages, and using Instant Messaging, complete with list of more that 50 commonly used abbreviations so text messaging doesn't take 4E (forever) and a table with more than 40 emoticons or smileys so you can catch on (and communicate) fast and clearly Surfing the Web, with info on browser shortcuts and navigation tips, using bookmarks, customizing and optimizing your browser, downloading and installing applications from the Web, and more Using the phone, including call waiting, call forwarding, voice mail, speed dial, conferencing, and multitasking There's a section on working with Desktop Manager, including using Intellisync, accessing and using the Application Loader, controlling your e-mail with Redirector settings, and protecting all your information. There's even a companion Web site with up-to-date coverage of all BlackBerry models and the latest accessories, plus links and news. BlackBerry For Dummies helps you use your BlackBerry efficiently (and impressively), and that makes you more productive. No matter where you are, you can be in control, in touch, and in vogue with your BlackBerry.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0471757411
• ISBN13: 9780471757412
• Release Date: January 2006
• Publisher: For Dummies
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 0.8" x 7.4"

Customer Reviews

Excellent

Product received in excellent condition, as described. However, I failed to specify the Blackberry for Dummies I needed required a volume describing the touch screen edition. This was the only exception omitted in this volume. I have r3eturned it for credit. Thank you, Phil Crenshaw

Great Book for the Right User

I think the book gives a great overview of BlackBerry and many details into common applications!! If you are expecting an advanced book on topics like "hacking tips" then that is out of scope. The content does provide a lot of insight and it's a great read.

The Age of Technology is upon us: Lets Embrace IT!

You don't have to be a CEO of a start-up IT company to own a blackberry now-a-days. This technology has become very popular and affordable and this book is a great way to learn the product and experience the technological revolution that's happening now in front of us by puting powerful tools literally at the palm of your hand. The book breaks down the main concepts into simple steps and shows how to become an expert user. This is a great buy. Highly recommended to users of all levels.

Review of Blackberry for Dummies

The book was for a gift for my son who had just purchased a Blackberry. The ad was very informative and just what I wanted for him. He specified the second edition. It arrived in plenty of time and he is thrilled.

I can see why people become addicted to these...

Seems like all the tech talk lately has been about the potential shutdown of RIM and the BlackBerry network. But it dawns on me that I really don't know *why* these devices have been dubbed "CrackBerry" by those addicted to them. After reading BlackBerry for Dummies by Robert Kao and Dante Sarigumba, I can see the appeal... Contents: Part 1 - Meet and Greet Your BlackBerry: Your BlackBerry is NOT an Edible Fruit?; Turning On Your BlackBerry (And Keeping It Happy) Part 2 - Getting Organized with Your BlackBerry: Remembering Your Acquaintances; Never Miss Another Appointment - Ever!; Bring Your Own Taskmaster; Making Notes and Calculations Part 3 - Getting Online with Your BlackBerry: You've Got (Lots of) E-Mail; Too Cool for E-Mail; Surfing the Internet Wave; Calling Your Favorite Person Part 4 - Working with Desktop Manager: Synching the Intellisync Way; Installing Applications; Running Redirector; Protecting Your Information Part 5 - The Part of Tens: Ten (Or So) New Features on the New Generation BlackBerry; Ten Great BlackBerry Accessories; Ten Productive BlackBerry Applications; Ten Fun Games on Your BlackBerry; Ten Must-Have BlackBerry Programs; Ten (More or Less) Web Site Categories for BlackBerry Browsing Index I can see how this book would appeal to both the prospective BlackBerry owner and someone who just opened the box and is wondering "what next?". The first part of the book does a nice job explaining the different types of BlackBerry devices and how they are all branded based on the network provider who is selling them. From then on, it's a matter of exploring all the different software options that come part and parcel with the device. You could almost look at this as the readable instruction manual for your new toy, because there's not much that's not covered here. I was especially surprised about how the PIN to PIN messaging occurs, and how it's potentially the most secure type of messaging you can find on the market today. Plus it continues to work when many other cellular services break down due to overload. All really good stuff here... This is worth purchasing if you've just jumped into the BlackBerry field or if you've been handed one at work with little explanation on how to use it. A little time spent between you, this book, and your BlackBerry will make everyone a whole lot happier. I'm even considering making the switch now...