so i've been doing a lot of reading in preperation of delivery of a 8120. bb will all be new to me and it seems that there are a few software packages that are a must. from what i could read, it seems like a must have is:

1. some type of e-mail reader software. empower pro ($29) is the the best?

2. some type of web browser software. Opera (free). is this the best?

3. some type of instant message software (jive talk). i most like will not be doing much IM. not sure if i need anything like this. however, i can imagine that i may do more and more as time goes on. so, should i install something?

also, i really like to have things really organized and complete from contacts and calander. do i need some add on software for this or is the oem bb decent.

i'm trying to get a list of "must haves" so i can start things off in the right direction. don't want to have to learn things twice by changing/upgrading later.

any input with explination why would be appreciated.

jeff g.

Wirelessly posted (8700g)

My thoughts:

#1 - I don't use it or its competitor. If having your received html emails converted to text is a problem, you may want something like this. But you may not need it. I have no idea which is better, and that may be up to you, anyway.

#2 - Ditto the browser. You may be happy with the native blackberry browser (if you have a blackberry data plan). I think the browser is also a personal thing. Many swear by opera mini. I've tried it a fews times and always delete it and use the native browser.

#3 - If you are not into instant messaging, I would hold off. Look at who you are communicating with and how.

Bottom line, rely less on what others are saying is the cool must have and take an honest look at your needs. I expect you can use the out-of-the box blackberry until you get your feet wet, and you will get by fine.

1. Yes. Empower Pro is good, and BBSmart as an equal alternative.
2. If you want or need. I don't use it, many love Opera Mini.
3. JiveTalk, everything else pales by comparison. Try it for free, or get WebMessenger as the best free alternative.
4. The installed Address book and calendar are great.

check the hundred other threads here in the Aftermarket software section, search on "must have" or such.

Good luck, and welcome to the BBF.

Delete

1. I use BBSmart. This is a nice to have as opposed to essential since the built-in app. will do the job for text.
2. I don't use anything but the built in broeser. Opera Mini is good but in my opinion superflous.
3. Jive Talk is great if you IM; if you don't it is not needed.
4. Address book and calender are great. Tasks is as good as Outlook, which is to say marginal.

To 2) depending on your location/carrier you might have to use Opera mini.
I for example have a seperate dataplan for push-email (2.5MB a month) and a web-dataplan (30 MB), gotta use Opera mini if I dont wanna spend 4$/MB or pay 10$ more a month.
Just saw now that you're from the US so simply ignore this post. :P

Wirelessly posted (Verizon 8830)

I will only add that you may want to look at the Aftermarket Software sections, as there may be items you never considered

The installed calendar is fine but you may want to take a look at Pocket Day as an Organizer Software program but that is only an opinion.