One of the most used functions on Blackberry phones are the large number of apps, or applications, that can be downloaded. However, these apps can take up a large amount of device memory in turn slowing the Blackberry down. One solution to this is to download, or archive, your apps to a micro SD memory card. There are some quick and easy steps that make this possible and can improve the phone’s functionality.  So if you are a app abuser and would like to do this, follow these steps below:

NOTE: You will need App World version 1.1 or higher

1. Buy a micro SD card for your device if you do not have one already.  For more information on which one to get, see micro SD cards for Blackberrys.
2. Update your Blackberry App World to version 1.1 or higher. Older versions will not allow you to archive or download the apps to the micro SD memory card.
3. Download any app or apps that you plan on using in the Blackberry App World. If you already have your apps downloaded, proceed to step three.
4. Choose “My World” from the main screen in order to view your downloaded apps.
5. Scroll to the app that you would like to archive or download to the micro SD memory card. Select your menu button and choose the “Archive” option. This will begin the download and archiving process. Your app will be uninstalled from the device memory and transferred to the SD card.
6. Reboot the Blackberry if requested. Some apps will require this step while others do not.
7. Restore the app that you saved to your micro SD memory card. You should be able find your archived apps in the Downloads folder or on the home screen. The archived apps will have a green arrow on the icon indicating it was downloaded to the memory card. Select the app and then select “Restore” from the menu.

TIP: Store your music and pictures to a micro SD card to free up even more memory.

Learn more about free Blackberry apps, themes and games.

Although many of us are addicted to our Blackberry phones, I’m sure we can all admit that there are some issues that arise on occassion. For example, you might have trouble browsing the internet, your messages and call logs may suddenly disappear, or your Blackberry may freeze up on you. When situations like these arise, knowing how to reset your device can quickly help solve the problem.

Blackberry resets consist of both “soft” and “hard” resets. Soft resets deal mostly with fixing software issues while hard resets mainly deal with fixing hardware or network issues.

Here are the steps to follow, just remember all models are different but this should work for the majority of them.

Steps:

1. Back up your data using the desktop manager before you perform any reset on a Blackberry. This ensures the ability to restore the phone back if anything is lost or more issues occur.
2. Perform a soft reset on the BlackBerry by hitting the device’s ALT, Right Shift/CAP and DEL keys simultaneously. The BlackBerry display then goes black, the LED indicator turns red and the reboot process continues. Depending on the model and software used, the device will reboot in a minute or two.
3. Perform a double soft reset if step 2 didn’t fix the issue. Follow the process described above for a standard soft reset, but as soon as your display comes on again, press ALT, Right Shift/Cap and DEL one more time. The BlackBerry display should go black again and reboot once more. Some question how effective this is while others say it has worked for them.
4. Perform a hard reset if the Blackberry is having network/coverage issues or if something just isn’t working properly. Many Blackberry users opt to do the hard reset for any issue, it just takes a little longer to reboot the handset. To hard reset the Blackberry, simply pull out the battery and replace it.
5. Test the newly rebooted phone after performing either a soft or hard reset, or both. Many times one of these simple procedures will fix the issues you may be experiencing. I have used Blackberry devices for years and have found the hard reset to be very effective.
6. Download the QuickPull app.  This was built to perform the above functions quickly and even on a scheduled basis if desired.

If these procedures don’t fix your specific problem, search online for more suggestions or call your service provider to troubleshoot it further.

Do you know of any other ways to reset your Blackberry device or to troubleshoot issues?

Perform a soft reset on the BlackBerry by hitting the device’s ALT, Right Shift/CAP and DEL keys simultaneously. The BlackBerry display then goes black, the LED indicator turns red and the reboot process continues. Depending on the model and software used, the device will reboot in a minute or two.

Throughout the years RIM, the manufacturer of Blackberry devices, has experimented with various types of phones.  For example, the Storm was their first touch screen device and they even launched a clam shell, or flip phone, Blackberry.  Now, the latest rumored attempt to bring something new and exciting to their line up includes a slider Blackberry.

According to the latest news, the slider would have a portrait design (up/down) rather than a landscape (left/right) design that many sliders have.  This would be similar to phones such as the Palm Pre.  In addition to being a slider, this model would also likely have a touch screen.  It is also rumored that it would run on Blackberry’s latest and greatest operating system which may be labled OS 6.0.

As we all know, things are always uncertain when it comes to rumored devices.  The latest news leaves a number of questions in mind.  When will the Blackberry slider be released?  Will it be released?  What carriers will offer the slider Blackberry?  How much will it cost?

* This picture is not a leaked image of the Blackberry slider device.  It is more a representation of what it may look like.  Sorry for the picture quality but this is the best I could find thanks to BGR.

Blackberry App World lists both their top free apps and top paid apps based on downloads. Each month the Top 10 Free Apps will be listed here. Here are the results for February:

Top 10 Blackberry App World Free Apps

1. Ubertwitter-  Twitter app
2. Blackberry Messenger- Aka “BBM”
3. Poynt- Find local people, businesses, restaurants, and more.
4. Animated Screen Savers- Shuffle different screen savers on your Blackberry.
5. Pandora- Internet radio
6. Weather Eye- Weather app
7. Facebook- Social networking app
8. TuneWiki-  Song lyrics for your music
9. Imagining Theme-  Free theme app
10. Dictionary and Thesaurus- Handy reference app

To learn more about any free app and to read reviews, go to your Blackberry App World and search for the app.  You can also view the Blackberry themes and games page or the home page to view other free Blackberry apps.

Whether you need to upgrade your phone or plan, to buy an accessory, to pay a bill, or to ask general questions, cell phone stores in your area can help you with all of your wireless needs. If you are like me, you likely shop around for most things that you buy in order to save. However, many people don’t take the time to do the same when looking for cellular phones, cell phone plans, and/or cellular accessories. By taking the time to do so, you can find that you can save money by knowing and having numerous options.

To find local cell phone stores, coupons, contact information, jobs, and more requires online research. The major carrier websites, such as T-Mobile, offer a place to find local wireless phone dealers, or agents that offer cell phones and plans, in their area. However, they do not list them all. You can also find job areas on these sites but many of the available jobs are with the independent agents that offer their service.

Many consumers are not aware that when it comes to cellular phone stores, many cities and towns have numerous direct and indirect dealers (or agents/stores). Direct dealers are those that are corporate run, such as a Verizon corporate store. An indirect dealer or store is one that is run independently but still offers Verizon or another carrier (with the same phones and plans). Although they each offer similar services, you may be able to find better deals and/or more convenient locations by looking at all of your options as mentioned earlier.

For example, there may be five companies in your city that offer Sprint service. Of these, two are corporate Sprint stores and the other three are independently owned Sprint stores. Each of them sell Sprint phones and plans but their prices on equipment and/or accessories can vary. As a consumer, this can benefit you by allowing you to find the best prices for what you need.

In addition to finding stores in your area and contact information for these stores, you can even find companies that are hiring in your city or town. The cell phone industry has many successful employees that earn a good living working at the corporate or independent wireless phone stores across the country.

So, is there an online cell phone store directory or locator?  YES!  A new website called CellySource just launched and is making this search much easier to the hundreds of millions cell phone users in the U.S.!  Their site is easy to use and will continue to improve as they add more information to it. In addition to finding stores you can also learn on their wireless education pages.

Check out their cell phone store locator to find cell phone stores, cell phone coupons, carrier information, contact numbers, and more in one convenient place. You can also visit the service providers direct websites or store locations for help with you phone, plan, or bill.

The Facebook app is one of the most commonly used free Blackberry apps out.  It has always worked well for me on my Blackberry 8900 up until recently.  For some reason, I have been getting the message “no stream post available” when I try to view my main page, or refresh the Facebook stream.  I figured it must have been a glitch and tried deleting and re-installing the app but it continued to happen.  I checked to make sure my internet was still working and other websites/apps worked fine.  I lastly tried to hard reset the phone and do a battery pull but that got no results as well.

Has anyone else had this “no stream post available”  issue?  If so please share your experience and any thoughts you have on fixing it!

In light of the most recent 7.0 magnitude earthquake and it’s aftershocks in Haiti, the Red Cross has made it very simple for the everyday cell phone user to make a donation via text message.  Although not everyone can take time or has resources to be in Haiti assisting with the efforts, making a $10 donation makes a BIG difference (many families live off of just $1/day).

To quickly send a $10 donation to the Red Cross International Response Fund, text the word HAITI to 90999.

You will then be sent a reply stating to confirm your donation.  Simply send the word YES and your donation will be processed.

Please share this on your Facebook and other social networking sites.  Use the buttons below to send this post to sites and emails, and/or text message this to everyone you know!

Blackberry App World lists both their top free apps and top paid apps based on downloads. Each month the Top 10 Free Apps according to them will be listed here. Here are the results for the end of November:

Top 10 Blackberry App World Free Apps

1. Blackberry Messenger- Aka “BBM”
2. Ka-Glom- Free game for a limited time
3. Pandora- Internet radio
4. Facebook- Social networking app
5. BeBuzz Free LED Colors- Allows you to customize your LED colors
6. eBay- Keep track of your eBay activity from your device
7. The Weather Channel- Weather
8. GT Connect Four- Classic strategy game with the ability to play against real people
9. Drive Safely- Reads your text messages and emails out loud for safer driving
10. Dictionary and Thesaurus- Handy reference app

To learn more about any free app and to read reviews, go to your Blackberry App World and search for the app.

Our Blackberry devices can be used for many things.  For me, it serves as my email client, a GPS and mapping tool, a phone, a game console, a camera, and a video camera to name a few.  As technology and innovation improve, more functions are being developed for turning these phones into all in one machines!  One of the latest ideas I read about that has been in the works for a while now is turning the Blackberry into a universal remote control that can work on TV’s and other audio equipment.

Can you already picture yourself channel surfing on your couch using your Blackberry curve?  Here are some details on the AV Shadow unit from Unify4Life.  According to their website, the AV Shadow has three main functions:

1 – The AV|Shadow software application that installs on your BlackBerry smartphone and allows you to control up to 16 infrared devices and use the important buttons that you would normally use on your devices’ original remotes.

2 – The AV|Shadow unit that is placed with your devices and allows your smartphone to ‘talk’ with them

3 – The UnifyGuide™ that allows you to search TV listings, get information about your favorite shows, add reminders and immediately jump to the shows you want to watch.

Which Blackberry models are compatible right now?

• BlackBerry Pearl | 8100 / 8110 / 8120 / 8130 / 8220 Flip
• BlackBerry Curve | 8300 / 8310 / 8320 / 8330 / 8900
• BlackBerry 8800 Series | 8800 / 8820 / 8830 World Edition
• BlackBerry Bold 9000
• Blackberry Storm

What equipment can the AV Shadow control?

• TV
• Set top Box
• Satellite Box
• DVD
• PVR
• VCR
• TiVo
• Apple TV
• Home Theater

So, how much does something like this cost?

$99.99

This unit is available online and should be available in more stores in 2010.

Sounds cool to me, the only concern I would have is how much battery power this would take.  Better get that backup extended battery, especially if you channel surf as much as some of my friends!

What do you think about this product?  Would you use it or buy it?

A Blackberry gift or other wireless gifts and cell phone gifts = personalized gifts that can be purchased for family, friends, and co-workers.  If you haven’t looked at a calendar recently let me serve this friendly reminder that the holidays are not months away but just weeks away!  Phone gifts can be great stocking stuffers for Christmas, and fantastic for Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, birthdays, graduations, and more.

If you are like me, the dreaded gift idea question will enter your thoughts soon if it hasn’t already:  “What should I get him/her this year?”  Finding a unique and thoughtful gift is always the goal but often we settle on the typical gift card, small gadget from Brookstone or Sharper Image, or another item that we have likely already given to someone over the years.  If you would like to provide something different this year that you know will be used and appreciated, consider a Blackberry gift this year!

Here are 5 gifts and unique gift ideas for your friends and family that use Blackberry devices.  This can also be applied to find wireless gifts and cell phone gifts for those who use other brands of handsets.

5 Personalized Blackberry Gift Ideas

1. A new phone-  Who wouldn’t love to unwrap a brand new Storm 2 or Blackberry Tour 9550?  The gift of a new cell phone to a loved one can provide a huge smile and a practical and useful gift that can last the year.  If you plan on buying a cell phone gift for someone, keep a few things in mind to avoid potential issues.  Be sure to purchase a phone that will work with the service provider that they use.  For example, do not buy a Verizon Blackberry or other cell phone for someone who uses T-Mobile service.  These companies use different technologies so the phone would not work in this case.  Also, if you aren’t sure what model he/she is most interested in, ask their friends or family for advice.
2. Blackberry accessories-  Blackberry accessories are always a welcomed gift.  They can help personalize a device and even provide safety and security.  For example, purchasing even a cheap bluetooth accessory can help someone pay attention to the road while they are driving.  This can even prevent a fine or ticket in some states where hands free driving is the law.  Other popular blackberry accessories for gifts are cases, batteries, and car or travel chargers.  Take a look at a past post of mine that lists my 5 favorite must have Blackberry accessories, Top Blackberry Accessories.  Find out the model of phone your recipient uses, purchase one or two accessories, and throw them in a stocking or wrap them up and cross them off of the list!
3. Blackberry themes-  Want an inexpensive blackberry gift that doesn’t even require wrapping?  Offering someone the gift of purchasing them a few Blackberry themes is unique and easy.  How do you go about doing this?  Last year, I gave a co-worker a Christmas card with hand-made gift card.  On that card I wrote: “Gift Certificate good for 5 themes from Bplay.com.”  I then purchased the themes for him from his phone when he knew what he wanted.  Another easy way to do this is to include a gift card or cash.
4. Blackberry games-  Everyone loves a good game right at their fingertips.  Unfortunately, many people don’t download them because they cost money (at least most of the good ones do).  Follow the ideas above for Blackberry themes and you can get a game lover a few downloads for his/her cell phone for under $10 or $20.  This can keep them occupied at the airport, on the bus, at the beach, at school, and even at home.
5. Blackberry ringtones-  Blackberry ringtones, or any ringtones for that matter, are always popular especially among teens and younger cell phone users.  Purchasing a gift card or actually purchasing ringtones from the recipients phone is again a simple Blackberry gift.  And remember, the next time his/her phone rings and that customized ringtone starts blaring, you’ll know that you were responsible it!

These are just a few ideas for Blackberry gifts, wireless gifts, and other cell phone related gifts.  As we all know, almost everyone has one so finding a gift for them can be done quickly and efficiently!

To purchase a Bplay gift certificate, click here or click on the picture above.

Another place that I find the best prices and the biggest selections is on Amazon.com.  Click on the banner below to start browsing gift ideas and to cross off another one from your list!