Punching Blackberry

SMS OutBox

Has anyone noticed that there is a specific folder called "SMS Inbox", "SMS OutBox" and "SMS SIM Card InBox" on the 7520?  To see this, open an SMS message and click the wheel to 'View Flder'.  Now why would there such a folder when it's not possible to send true SMS messages on Nextel?  Perhaps they are gearing up for SMS usage in the near future? 

Telenav

I used the latest version of Telenav during a road trip up North this past weekend.  While this is perhaps one of the most exciting posts I will make, I am anxious to explain all the great features I found from this nifty software as I use it more often.

Hiding and Moving icons

Unlike the 71xx series Blackerry phones, the user has no ability to create folders to store third party software thereby, the 7520 'mobile desktop' space can fill up with many many icons.  The 7520 does however, carry the ability to allow users to hide icons or to move them.  By pressing the half moon (known as the 'alt' key) and clicking the trackwheel, a menu pops up given you 4 options:

What is DeskTop Manager?

Desktop Manager is the Blackberry's PC software which allows the user to synchronize data, to install downloaded application, and to backup and restore files.  Simply launch the software and it will detect whether there is a blackberry handheld in the USB port (ability to set auto-launch when handheld is plugged in).  It is easy to use and allows synchronization with a host of personal and corporate software such as Outlook, ACT!, Groupwise, Lotus, Netscape, MS Schedule, and Outlook Express.

Synchronizing is simple.  You can choose whether to import or export items only or to synchronize it.  If there are conflicts, a simple wizard helps grab the correct data.  more to come at a later time.

Dude, Where's my HTML browser?

I applauded Nextel for giving BWC users full access to the HTML browser.  But as of two days ago, I lost connectivty to the internet service on the HTML browser and went hunting to get it back.  If you have issues with the HTML browser (called Internet Browser for BWC users), I've documented my experiance below with every possible solution I have found.

This blog also applies to those who receive this message when using the Internet Browser (BWC's HTML browser). 

"Internet Service Unavailable. If this problem persists, please contact your service provider."

BWC HTML Browser

Nextel released the HTML browser for Blackberry Web Client users over a week earlier than the rumored date.  To ensure you get the HTML browser for your 7520, be sure to update your OS to the latest version (OS 4.0.0.319).  The HTML browser is an addition to what is already in your blackberry; the NOL browser is still there as a separate icon.  Note that your Blackberry handheld will list the version OS at 4.0.0.249.

Shortcut - Locking the phone

The Blackberry 7520 has an icon specifically for locing the phone but if you are like me, scrolling to this feature past the myriad of third party software is not 'efficient' enough.  By pressing the Half moon + Enter at the same time, your keypad is locked!  nice.

Text Messaging - SMS

The 7520 (perhaps all BB's), can not send text messages but can receive them.  This comes as a shock to some people so here's the low down.  It is possible to send text messages by using your paid data service. 

BES and WebClient

There are two types of services for the Nextel Blackberry (as well as other carriers):  BES and Web Client

HTML browser

I contemplated on purchasing a license to Reqwireless' Webviewer which allows BB users full access to HTML webpages.  Patience is bliss since I was able to get the HTML browser after installing the latest OS (blogged below).  The full HTML browser is independant from the WAP browser.    

Immediate use suggests that the webpages load quicker than Webviewer as well.  This is the biggest news since the rollout of the 7520 back in January.