I have used a VWX BB7250 since they came out. I ordered a 8830 yesterday and will be in today. I have a couple of questions:

BB Maps or Goggle Maps? I use Google maps currently.

BB Weather, any secrets to transition here?

BB Desktop S/W - Do I need to upgrade to the current version? Do I do this prior to plugging in the 8830?

What about Cryptmagic? I have never used an e-wallet type of program but this is very attractive. Can I keep this running on the desktop, BB, and laptop?

I have the redirector set up for exchange, how do I set up to grab my gmail as well? Will the 8830 keep these separated?

I have a desktop which stays plugged in and a laptop that doesn't, I want to use the tethered modem with the laptop, How do I set this up?

What other S/W would you guys suggest I look to?

THANKS!!!

Google Maps

Don't know about BB Weather

Charge, boot, *228, enable your BES, don't customize anything else... then do the software update. That's my recommendation as some things were lost (in terms of ease of setup) when I did the SW update first on a second 8830.

Don't use it, Password Keeper works fine for me

Your BIS, VZW's is at https://bis.na.blackberry.com/html?brand=vzw

VZAccess Manager Software Download

*shrug*, tons of threads on best software... have at it, I've got no urgent favorites. -Pk

You need DM 4.2. If you don't have that version, install it from the CD included with your new BB.

I would download the 4.2 SP2 software now for installation later, then when you get the 8830 in.

Charge/Install 4.2 software - Update to SP2 (if you want better media management.) Then activate the new BlackBerry, and set up your BIS/BES or whatever you want to.

For tethered use as a modem, that option is $15 a month extra from VZW.

Oh, and I'd recommend the Gmail app for looking for old gmail messages on the go, and Viigo for an RSS feed reader, if something like that interests you.

For BBWeather - it will work fine, but the first time it starts, you must use the following key sequence or else it will hang the BlackBerry (any BB with the trackball/Pearl):

Start BB Weather
It will generate an error message about no profiles
Press the track ball twice (first to clear the message; second to bring up the menu)
Scroll down to Options and enter in the weather location information

It will work fine.

If you hit any other key (like the menu key) BB Weather will hang and you will need to pop the battery.

Enjoy your 8830!

THANKS!!

Device is charging now. Man what a great looking BB. Looks like my car charger will work with this one as well. What about connecting to the laptop and the desktop.

Will look at the Viigo.

Thanks for the tips on BB Weather.

Wow, what a great phone. My only complaint so far is that the phone is slippery. I am glad I ordered the Seidino Skin and belt clip to protect the phone. Hey the voice dialing actually works. I have no regrets. I also could not go back to the wheel. The trackball is much, much better.