I saw related threads earlier about the 8830 and the screen going dark. But it didn't look like the issue was resolved. So we'll try again...

When the 8830's backlight goes out (based on the timer) and an email arrives, the screen remains black even after removing the device from the holster. However, when a phone call comes in, the screen does appear (backlight turns on) so that you can see the phone number of the caller. But when an email arrives, you need to manually turn on the backlight or press the Escape or Enter button in order to see the screen. Is this a bug with the 8830?

The "sleep" function uses a magnet in the holster. If you have the wrong holster or a holster without a magnet then you won't get the automatic "wake."

Allow me to clarify. The holster is not really the issue. (And the holster I have is the RIM leather case that came w/ the 8830) The device right now is sitting on my desk outside its holster. The backlight timed out so the screen is currently black. An email arrived a couple minutes ago; the screen remained black. I pressed the backlight button in order to see the email. A minute later, the backlight timed out again and the screen is dark. Now a Calendar Reminder goes off. However, the screen is still black. To see it, I press the Enter key. The only time the screen lights up is when a call comes in.

That's normal. The device only wakes out of the holster when a phone call comes in.

John, that's disappointing. On my older 7250, the screen doesn't go "black". You can still see msgs/icons even though there's no backlight. With the 8830, they completely blacked out the screen -- thereby requiring usage of the backlight every time.... Thanks for your help.

All in the name of battery life. The displays on the newer BB's are much different (and much brighter with better color) than that of the 7250. It's just the way it is. You'll get used to and will like the device.

Got it. If you don't mind, I do have one more question. The blue/dark letters on the lit keyboard are very difficult to read in certain light. I understand that there's a black replacement keyboard cover that's out now. Is that something that Verizon would be able to replace on the device -- or do I need to do that myself?

I don't think Verizon was replacing any keyboards. You'd probably have to do that yourself.

Another shameless plug for Message Alerts. It's a small program that will turn on your screen when a message comes in, amongst other things that it does. I have been using it since my 6700 days and have loved it. There is a trial version available. WebMessenger Inc.

Another suggestion would be Blackberry Alerts. BBAlerts changes the colour of the LED's flashing according to the type of alert (calls, emails, sms, voicemail, level 1 and pin).

As mentioned above, Webmessenger Alerts will do the trick also. I actually use both simultaneously; however, I let BB Alerts handle all the LED notifications, and Webmessenger Alerts handle everything else (filtering, popup reminders, etc.).

Thanks for the suggestions!

Do you have the latest OS patch? My keys are definitely much, much, much more viewable now, as that was one of the fixes included. Might save you the trouble of actually cracking it open.

I think I do. I have version 4.2.2.148 Isn't this the latest?

I just downloaded a trial version of the Msg Alerts. I haven't been able to figure out how to set it so that the screen turns on. Can you help?

I hadn't heard of Webmessenger Alerts before - thanks for posting that. I went to their website. Seems that their IM products market might be shrinking a bit as products like JiveTalk and IM+ encroach -- also now that T-Mobile is releasing full blown IM clients with new devices like the 8320.

My question: with software like Blackberry Alerts and Webmessenger Alerts running 24 hours a day in the background, is there any noticeable increase in the rate of battery drain?

I tried Web Messenger Alerts. The alerts work fine. HOWEVER, the screen does not light up when the alert pops up. The screen stays dark until I press a button on my keyboard, or Escape, etc.

Turning the screen on seems to be a hardware issue...

It's actually a RIM OS issue.

John - I haven't delved into the RIM API, but I'd think there must be a call in there somewhere to take the BB out of "standby" and light up the screen...?

Sorry, I'm far from a programmer. I wouldn't even be able to discuss that with you. I'm not sure what the api's will allow you to do.