Top 5 BlackBerry Problems & Solutions

Top 5 BlackBerry Problems & Solutions

BlackBerry devices, just like any other phone, has its share of problems. Just like Apple points out PC’s issues in their popular commercials, ex-BlackBerry users and iPhone customers like to harp on the flaws that RIM handsets have. From my experience over the past seven years using BlackBerrys, most of these BlackBerry problems can be resolved relatively easily. So, if you are a new BlackBerry owner, this list will help you prepare for potential issues and possibly proactively prevent them. (How’s that for some alliteration!?). For more experienced users, this list is probably too familiar, but hopefully you have learned to resolve and deal with them as I have.

1. Trackball/Trackpad won’t scroll up, down, left, right, or any other way. Another common problem is the trackball/trackpad won’t respond when pressing it in. This trackball issue is usually caused by dust or other particles getting behind it.

SOLUTION: There are a few ways to clean and/or replace a trackball. View the article “How to Fix BlackBerry Trackball Scrolling Issues” to see step by step directions. Trackpad issues are usually a bit more difficult to repair.

2. Minor bugs are affecting your internet, email, or other functions. At rand0m times, your BlackBerry will not process data or your requests as its supposed to. For example, you are having problems connecting to the internet even though your phone shows a signal. Or perhaps your email stops receiving.

SOLUTION: Battery pull. This is a common recommendation, even from BlackBerry technical support staff as well. Remove your battery for 30 seconds and reboot your device. Obviously this doesn’t always work! You may need to restore your device.

3. You have a memory leak and lose your call logs and messages. This used to happen to me often with a Pearl 8100 I used. Since that handset, I haven’t experience it but have heard others still do. All of a sudden, you will see that your call log and messages are gone!

SOLUTION: First do a battery pull. Next, check your “File Free” to see how much free memory you have. This is usually found under Options/Settings – Status. If it shows under 10mb (or 10,000,000 bytes), you should delete some apps, videos, or pictures to free up more space. You can also clear your cache and message history.

4. Your phone displays a “Reload Software” message. This can strike at any moment, similar to the blue screen of death on PC’s. You can not do anything on your handset and this is usually followed by panicking.

SOLUTION: Reload your correct software. View this article to see step by step directions, this problem requires some time!

5. You become an addict. Many people would label the addiction BlackBerry users experience to their device as a problem. Addicts often begin to call their phone a “CrackBerry” and can not function without it. You can usually spot addicts with their heads down, scrolling through their Facebook wall, checking their emails, listening to music, browsing the internet, and playing games- almost simultaneously.

SOLUTION: Doctors worldwide have attempted to cure this addiction but have yet to do so.


Top 10 Basic Blackberry Tips and Tricks

Although each Blackberry phone has slight differences, these tips and tricks should work for most. For tips on specific models (such as the touch screen Storm), see the section below this. Here are the top 10 basic Blackberry tips and tricks (in no particular order)!

1. Switch between programs: Hold down the “alt” key and the escape button at the same time. Continue holding down the “alt” key and use the trackball to scroll to the program that you are switching to. Release the “alt” key to make the switch.

2. Delete multiple messages/emails: To quickly delete messages and/or emails for a specific day or days, scroll to the date in your messages. Press the menu button and select “Delete Prior.”

3. Select text: To select a word or line of text, press the Shift key and roll the trackball or trackwheel. You can then use the menu to copy or cut the selected text.

4. Exit a screen: Press the escape button to exit the program or screen you are on.

5. Change options: Whenever you have an option to select (such as “time zone”), just hold the “alt” key and make your selection.

6. Select text: An easy way to select text is to press the shift key and then roll the trackball over the desired text.

7. Move up/down a screen: You can quickly move up or down a screen for quicker viewing. To move down, simply press the space key. To move down, press the shift + space key together.

8. Insert a period: This saves a ton of time with texts or emails. Just press the space key twice at the end of your sentence and a period will be inserted automatically.

9. Insert @ or . in email: To insert @ or a period in an email address, simply press the space bar. The Blackberry will recognize when to insert the respective character.

10. Capitalize a letter: To do this, when typing hold down the letter for an extra second and it will capitalize.

Top 23 Free BlackBerry Apps

Adding applications, or apps, and themes can help personalize and customize your Blackberry cell phone. Although each model comes with its fair share of free apps, games, and a themes, there are many resources out there to help you find whatever you are looking for. This page will list some of the best and most popular downloads to make your search easy!

BLACKBERRY APP WORLD- If your Blackberry doesn’t already have the Blackberry App World installed, download it for free from your phones browser at www.blackberry.com/appworld/download. This is an easy program to use for finding both free and other apps, games, and a plethora of useful tools.

Free Social Networking Apps

  • facebook-altFacebook- The Facebook app will allow you to view your friends profiles, receive instant notifications, send and receive messages and wall posts, update your status, and your Blackberry phonebook and calendar can be integrated with your Facebook information!
  • myspace1MySpace- This free app lets you send and receive mail, update your status and mood, view and send bulletins, add comments and photos, and more on your Myspace account.
  • twitter-fullUbertwitter- This Twitter client app allows you to instantly post your tweets, photos, and even videos to your Twitter account. You can also shorten URLs and this app has additional features that you might find helpful.

For more Twitter apps for your Blackberry, visit the free Blackberry Twitter apps review page.

Free Music Apps

  • pandoraPandora Radio- Pandora Radio allows you to personalize up to 100 stations. You can rate and bookmark songs and listen to music on your Blackberry and on their website.
  • slackerSlacker Radio- This music app offers free music and personalized radio stations from your device. You can listen to over 100 programmed stations or create your own.
  • iheartradioIheartradio- This app plays music from popular radio stations throughout the country. You can bookmark your favorite stations and even get lyrics to many songs.  This can be a great feature for many music fans.
  • live365 radioLive 365 Radio- You can listen to thousands of commercial-free internet radio stations with this app. You can also share your preferred music with others.  This is one feature that separates this app from others.
  • tunewiki_logoTuneWiki- TuneWiki is a great free music player that displays lyrics to the music you already have on your Blackberry. It even has the ability to translate the lyrics to 40 languages. As with most free apps you will see ads while using it. Click here for a helpful post, TuneWiki for Blackberrys, for more information.

Free Sports Apps

  • ScoreMobileScore Mobile- Provides up to the minute scores, boxscores, fantasy player stats, betting odds, game previews, top stories, standings, and more. One of the most popular free Blackberry sport apps available.
  • getsportzGet Sportz- This app has the basic scores, stats, stories and updates. It also allows for convenient play by play updates on any MLB baseball game. This could be a great option for baseball fans!
  • yankeesYankees.com- Many teams such as the NY Yankees have free apps that you can download for quick and easy access to your favorite teams updates. Check the Blackberry App World for your team.
  • SISports Illustrated- Sports Illustrated, or SI, offers a free app that allows you to stay current with the latest sports news and topics of the day.

Free Health, Diet, and Fitness Apps

  • calorie counterCalorie Counter- Calorie Counter by FatSecret helps you find nutritional information on the food you eat and allows you to track your meals, exercise, and weight with a food diary and journal.
  • flu radarFlu Radar- Allows you to track the H1N1 flu across the country. You can look up outbreaks in your area and even report them yourself. Some question that accuracy of the data but it might be worth a try.
  • food networkFood Network- Includes over 10,000 meal ideas, how to videos, and recipes. You can also search, browse, and save your recipes.

Free Business and Finance Apps

  • stockfolioStockfolio- This RIM software lets you track stocks, get near real time updates, compare stocks, search for companies, and more all in the palm of your hand.  Stay current on all the news in the market.
  • bank of americaBank of America- This mobile banking app is available to all Bank of America online banking customers. Check available balances, pay bills, transfer funds, and locate ATMS and banks.
  • expense log proExpense Log Pro- R ecord expenses on the go! This app organizes your expenses into categories and account types, calculates mileage claim amounts, and synchronizes the data to a secure website.

Other Recommended Free Apps

  • google mapsGoogle Maps-Although this is not found on the Blackberry App World, it can be easily downloaded from your phones browser by going to www.google.com/gmm. This app features GPS type directions, business addresses and phone numbers, traffic reports, and many other useful features.
  • viigoViigo- Provides one click access to news, weather, sports, entertainment, stocks, flight schedules and status, movies, Twitter, and more. You can personalize the app quickly by entering your city, teams, twitter account info, stocks, and so on.
  • trapsterTrapster- Ever wish you knew where the police speed traps and speed or red light cameras are located? Well now you can have this up to the minute information on your Blackberry! Users can view the locations of these speed traps in the area they are traveling and can also let Trapster know about a speed trap that is not shown in their system.
  • slydialSlydial- This is a voice messaging service that will connect you directly to someone elses voicemail box without their phone ringing. So if you ever wanted to avoid an akward conversation or were just short on time, slydial may be a helpful app for you.
  • personal assistantPersonal Assistant- Provides life management applications such as bank account status, travel itineraries and frequent flyer miles, bill management, alerts, and more. Great for anyone that can use an assistant right at their fingertips!
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