1. Is there a homescreen shortcut key for an SMS text? Even from the SMS screen "c" still defaults to a new email.

2. I like having my missed calls logged in my messages, but it's frustrating to have to open up the actual missed call line item for the phone to recognize that I've seen it (and thus turn it from yellow to blue and knock one off the messages counter). Is there an easier way of highlighting the missed call and just having it recognized as being viewed/read?

P.S. This is my first BB and I know completely understand why they call them crackberries. So helpful...but I'm already so dependent on it.

1) I don't think there is any 'easy' way to quickly enter SMS compose mode. It does seem rather silly that the default is compose email even when you are in the SMS screen.

2) While viewing messages, if you press Alt-P it will show you all of your calls. You can then highlight one of the date bars and press the menu/BB key and select 'Mark Prior Opened'. Press Back key to return to normal message viewing. BTW: Alt-S shows SMS messages and Alt-V shows voice mail messages.

Thanks! That SMS thing is quite frustrating though as I do send a lot of text messages...sort of weird that they wouldn't have thought of that.

Oh, and as a new BB user you should read the 8800 tip sheet sticky thread at the top of this forum. It is full of all kinds of great info.

DSGelinas,

The BB was initially designed for business use, most of which have little usage of SMS text messaging. YES, I know it is being marketed more to consumers at this point... but still, you asked why.

1-Lots of shortcuts here, but not the one you want:
Home Screen Shortcuts - BlackBerryFAQ

2-If you want to clear the message list of ALL missed calls: Phone > Options > Call Logging > Show in Message List = None or Missed or ALL.

Good luck.