Just became the proud owner of a T-Mobile 8700g

[M. Yass]

I'm quickly finding out why they call it a "Crackberry." It really is that addictive! It is nice to have a phone and PDA in one unit, though. I used a Palm for years but gave up on the handwriting part. Having to rewrite the same character a dozen times will do that, yanno?

Okay, a few questions:

1. I understand the thing support MP3 ringtones. I tried to upload an MP3 file to it via Bluetooth, but it wouldn't work. What gives?

2. How does one make custom themes? Can I use a pic I took as a background?

3. (I suspect this is related to nos. 1 and 2) How does one flash the device with unlocked/unbranded firmware? Is this something I can do, or do I need to send the phone off? If the latter, can anyone recommend someone reputable?

TIA.

[crazydude]

Welcome to BB forums



1. I understand the thing support MP3 ringtones. I tried to upload an MP3 file to it via Bluetooth, but it wouldn't work. What gives?
try this =>Transfer files / media via Bluetooth (http://blackberryfaq.com/index.php/Transfer_files_/_media_via_Bluetooth)

2. How does one make custom themes? Can I use a pic I took as a background?
try this =>Get plazmic theme builder (http://www.plazmic.com/en/download/index.shtml)


3. (I suspect this is related to nos. 1 and 2) How does one flash the device with unlocked/unbranded firmware? Is this something I can do, or do I need to send the phone off? If the latter, can anyone recommend someone reputable?

TIA.
if you mean unlock the phone, try thiis =>how to unlock BB (http://blackberryfaq.com/index.php/How_do_I_unlock_my_BlackBerry%3F)

if you mean use other carrier os's try this =>how to upgrade BB OS (http://blackberryfaq.com/index.php/How_do_I_upgrade_the_OS_on_my_BlackBerry%3F)

hope this helps

good luck

[LunkHead]

Awesome post crazydude! And loaded with info to boot... I 2nd what crazydude said.. :)

The search feature and Main Page - BlackBerryFAQ (http://www.blackberryfaq.com) are your friends here...

Oh, and welcome to the forums! The 8700 rocks!!!

Kris

[crazydude]

Awesome post crazydude! And loaded with info to boot... I 2nd what crazydude said.. :)

The search feature and Main Page - BlackBerryFAQ (http://www.blackberryfaq.com) are your friends here...

Oh, and welcome to the forums! The 8700 rocks!!!

Kris

had to give a warm welcome:smile:

[M. Yass]

Awesome post crazydude! And loaded with info to boot... I 2nd what crazydude said.. :)

The search feature and Main Page - BlackBerryFAQ (http://www.blackberryfaq.com) are your friends here...

Oh, and welcome to the forums! The 8700 rocks!!!

Kris

What a great community.

[M. Yass]

Welcome to BB forums


try this =>Transfer files / media via Bluetooth (http://blackberryfaq.com/index.php/Transfer_files_/_media_via_Bluetooth)

How do I navigate to the various folders? Sorry, I'm a total n00b here.

try this =>Get plazmic theme builder (http://www.plazmic.com/en/download/index.shtml)

Thanks. That's a big help.

if you mean unlock the phone, try thiis =>how to unlock BB (http://blackberryfaq.com/index.php/How_do_I_unlock_my_BlackBerry%3F)

if you mean use other carrier os's try this =>how to upgrade BB OS (http://blackberryfaq.com/index.php/How_do_I_upgrade_the_OS_on_my_BlackBerry%3F)

hope this helps

good luck

Okay, here I would like to install an unbranded (i.e., without carrier menus) firmware. Is that possible? I want to do this because I've had bad experiences with "unlocking" other phones (e.g., Nokia) and then trying to use, say, the internet part of the phone on another carrier. That's why I'm jonesing for the "clean" firmware. And wouldn't flashing the firmware also unlock the device?

[b3n_asian_freak]

You need to update your OS to 4.2 in order to get the Bluetooth File Transfer to work. To do so, there is plenty of thread to guide you on this forums, just have a look for it.
To install another carrier OS on your phone, just have to delete the Vendor.xml file.

[M. Yass]

You need to update your OS to 4.2 in order to get the Bluetooth File Transfer to work. To do so, there is plenty of thread to guide you on this forums, just have a look for it.
To install another carrier OS on your phone, just have to delete the Vendor.xml file.

One other thing: I am running a Mac because I'm allergic to monopolies. I've used PocketMac for Blackberry to sync, can I upgrade the firmware with that?

[b3n_asian_freak]

One other thing: I am running a Mac because I'm allergic to monopolies. I've used PocketMac for Blackberry to sync, can I upgrade the firmware with that?

Sadly no! You need a Windows Computer to perform those tasks, or an alternative way to run Win on your Mac maybe?

[crazydude]

Thanks. That's a big help.

you welcome


Okay, here I would like to install an unbranded (i.e., without carrier menus) firmware. Is that possible? I want to do this because I've had bad experiences with "unlocking" other phones (e.g., Nokia) and then trying to use, say, the internet part of the phone on another carrier. That's why I'm jonesing for the "clean" firmware. And wouldn't flashing the firmware also unlock the device?

using other carriers handheld os doesn't unlock the phone so you will have to use the method I posted ealier

One other thing: I am running a Mac because I'm allergic to monopolies
:smile: you hit a home run

good luck

[M. Yass]

Sadly no! You need a Windows Computer to perform those tasks, or an alternative way to run Win on your Mac maybe?

Schiesse!

Unfortunately, my Macs are G4s, so no 'Doze. Sounds like I need to get a MacBook Pro ASAP.

[b3n_asian_freak]

Schiesse!

Unfortunately, my Macs are G4s, so no 'Doze. Sounds like I need to get a MacBook Pro ASAP.

lol, that was one of my excuse when I upgraded too. Maybe you should join the club!