How to Choose a Blackberry

Which Blackberry is right for me?  Which Blackberry should I get?  How do I choose the best Blackberry for me and my needs? These are some valid and common questions that are asked by many so I decided to list some of the most important things to consider when searching for a new Blackberry device.  And although this can be a very exciting decision it can also be a tough one, so hopefully this helps you decide on that new Curve, Tour, Pearl, Storm, Bold, or other Blackberry smartphone!

1. Make a list of the most important functions that you are looking for in a Blackberry smartphone.  For example, you may want a full qwerty keyboard, expandable memory, a flip style phone, or a GPS capable handset.  Also, make note of anything you do not like about certain blackberry’s and any price considerations if applicable.  Perhaps you do not want a touchscreen phone so immediately you can eliminate the Storm from your lineup.
2. Spend time reviewing the available options. Keep in mind, each wireless carrier such as T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon have their own specific lineups and use different technologies such as GSM or CDMA.  As a result, you can narrow your choices down by knowing which devices are compatible with your service.  The other option is to buy an unlocked Blackberry device that will work with any SIM card (if you use one).
3. Go to the website of the cell phone provider that you have or that you plan on signing up for. For example, if you have T-Mobile service visit their website at www.T-mobile.com.  Find the section on their website that lists the Blackberry phones that they offer.  From there, you can select any Blackberry model to view the specifications, to read reviews, and to learn about many specifics and available options.
4. Spend time on other websites and forums reading about reviews and to get feedback about certain Blackberry models.  This is a good way to get unbiased information that can help in your decision.  You can even visit sites such as YouTube in order to see the phone and to listen to reviews.  Lastly, you can go to an actual store such as Best Buy to pick up the phone and play with a live demo.  Most T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint stores also have these available.
5. Make your decision based on your research and also your list of wants and needs (from step #1).  Once you decide on which Blackberry is best, you can also spend time comparing prices to save a bit of money.  You will find that prices vary between different retailers a direct vs. indirect wireless dealers.

Hopefully by now you are no longer asking “Should I get the Storm or Bold?”, “Tour 9630 or Curve 8900?”, or “Which Blackberry is best for what I need?”

Now that you picked the best Blackberry phone for you, take the time to read the user guides and check out the Blackberry tips and tricks on this site.  You should also review the different free apps that are available as well, which can be found on the home page.

Did this help you through the process of getting a new Blackberry?  If so, feel free to share it with others below!

How Do I Get a Blackberry Without a Plan?

I have been asked a number of times how and where to get a Blackberry without a plan or contract so I decided to add my own suggestions.  Having worked in the wireless field for years, I found that there are a number of ways to do this but the costs vary considerably.

Who Would Need a Blackberry Without a Plan or Contract?

This situation often occurs when someone already has service but is not eligible for an upgrade or renewal.  Others may just want to buy a new phone without extending his/her contract.  Lastly, some just really want a certain phone and want to buy it right away.

Buying a Blackberry device, or any cell phone for that matter, without a plan costs much more.  Why?  Well, to put it simply, the cell phone service providers such as Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, and AT&T make their money on the 1 or 2 year contracts and plans.  They also often sell their Blackberry models and other cell phones for less then they buy them for in order to earn the customers business because the money is in the plans and not the phones.

So, Where I Should Buy a Blackberry Without a Contract or Plan?

As mentioned earlier, prices can vary considerably depending on where you look to buy a cell phone or Blackberry outright.  Here are a list of places that you can find just the phone with no commitment to a plan or contract.  Just make sure the phone is either unlocked or is compatible with your service provider.  For example, a CDMA Blackberry would not work with a T-Mobile GSM customer’s SIM card.

1. Amazon.com-  Amazon has a huge selection of Blackberry phones including the Tour, Bold, Storm, Curve, and Pearl all without a plan.  They also offer a trusted and well known return/exchange policy which is extremely important for any online purchase.  Due to their size, they can usually offer a discounted price since they buy in such bulk.
2. eBay.com-  eBay has a great deal of handsets including many Blackberry models.  You can buy one immediately using the Buy Now feature or by bidding.  Pay close attention to the sellers ratings and return/exchange policy.  Also, make sure you are getting a NEW Blackberry and not a used or refurbished one.
3. BestBuy.com-  BestBuy has a pretty good selection of Blackberry phones without plans but I have found them to be a bit expensive.
4. Wireless Dealer Store-  Many companies such as T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T have stores in malls and other locations in many towns and cities.  Although they usually offer Blackberry phones without service, they always push to sell plans which usually keeps the pricing on the ones without plans on the high side.
5. Craigslist.com-  Craigslist or other similar sites can be a good place to find a Blackberry device.  Again, just make sure it is new and not refurbished and that you are buying exactly what is stated in the ad.

Over the years I have bought a few Blackberry devices without a contract from Amazon and decided to list some of the most popular models here.  These are all priced without a contract or plan and can be purchased by clicking on any of the links below.  Please check the link for pricing accuracy, as this can change quickly without notice.  This is also a small list, if you don’t see the model or company you are looking for, just click the link and use the search to find it.

BlackBerry Tour 9630 (Verizon) $499.99

BlackBerry Storm 9530 (Verizon) $499.99

BlackBerry Bold 9000 (AT&T) $499.99

BlackBerry Curve 8900 (T-Mobile) $399.99

BlackBerry Pearl 8100 Black (T-Mobile) $288.96

Blackberry 8830 Phone (Sprint) $445.74

For many Blackberry users, Bplay offers some great options for themes and games.  In order to find a specific theme for your Blackberry device, you need to visit their website and choose the phone model.  For new Blackberry Tour 9630 users, this option was not available until a few days ago.

The list of available themes include iBerry themes, Beaches of the World, Saltwater, Fireplace, and Cities of the World.  This list will continue to expand but at least there are now some great options!

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 July:

Top 10 Blackberry App World Free Apps

1. WHERE-  GPS
2. Pandora-  Music
3. Ka-Glom-  Game
4. Slacker-  Music
5. Facebook- Social Networking
6. WeatherEye-  Weather
7. Viigo-  Multiple applications in one
8. Blocked Traffic Free-  Game
9. QuickPull v2-  Memory tool
10. Snake Deluxe -  Game

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

Blackberry to Release Desktop Manager for Macs!

According to the Blackberry website, “With BlackBerry Desktop Software you’ll be able sync your iTunes playlists and personal information like contacts, tasks and appointments; install new software, games, and more. BlackBerry Desktop Software will offer the best of both worlds by allowing you to manage aspects of your BlackBerry smartphone from your Mac.”

The official release date is scheduled for September 2009.  If you would like to receive updates on this story, visit the official Blackberry website to register for them.

Blackberry Curve 8520 t-mobile.com

It looks like T-Mobile will be launching the new Blackberry Curve 8520 very soon! The latest news that I read suggest a release date of August 5th. So, what does the new 8520 offer? Here are some basics features about this latest release:

Price: $130 with a 2 year plan (subject to change)

Colors: Black and Frost (white)

- Dedicated media keys on top of the handset

- Touch sensitive track pad replaces the familiar track ball

- 2 megapixel camera

- Mac compatible

- Built in WiFi capabilities

- Quad band phone

- Bluetooth 2.0

Although there are not as many features as the Blackberry Tour, Bold, or Curve 8900, the new 8520 seems like a great fit for first time Blackberry users or anyone else that wants the basic Blackberry options as well as some cool advanced features.

A new version of Blackberry App World, 1.1, was released on July 31, 2009.

What’s different about this version?

-  Faster loading!  The app world overall is faster and more responsive.

-  New menu categories!  This includes “Top Free” and “Top Paid” apps that show the top 25 free and paid apps.

- Flexible storage!  You can now install or archive applications on expandable memory such as a micro SD media card.

How do I get the latest version?

Visit www.blackberry.com/appworld/download from your Blackberry browser to download.  You can also visit the Blackberry site here: Blackberry App World 1.1 Download.