Most of my contacts' phone numbers are 2125551234, so if I am just looking at the number and calling them on another phone, it is always difficult.
I noticed that some contacts are properly formatted like (212) 555-1234 and while others are 212-555-1234. I think it depends on outlook, since some of them came from sync.

How can I format all numbers to be displayed with (3) 3-4 format? Even if I can't do it on BB, is there an option to manipulate all numbers on outlook, then I can sync them back?

You could export your Outlook contacts to Excel, and then if you're good in Excel write either a macro or some if-then text formulas to make the changes before you import them back in. I'd make sure to back everything up first.

No other way to do this? Isn't there a setting on BB to format all numbers certain way?

in outlook, you can go into your contacts view, and just click where you want a - and enter it. takes a while, but i haven't found another way yet, other than when i enter it into my address book, enter it in that format first

I did a sync to outlook then deleted the address book entries in the BB. reloaded the outlook contacts after it was fixed in outlook. a bit much but it did work

In Outlook XP, immediately to the right of any phone number (when you are in text entry mode for that phone number) there is a little button with the picture of a pencil inside the button/box. This can be clicked.

If you click on this a small dialog and formatting box will appear that asks you to check the phone number. You can specify the country, and it will do all of the formatting for you, including adding the country code for international dialing.

Nope; would have to edit each entry in one way or another. The suggestions above are definitly some of the quicker ways. I would consider the Excel spreadsheet suggestion to be the easiest for large groups of numbers.

Or, if he knows some other programming language, you could use that as well. Personally, I would probably do it in SAS, but that is like using a very large hammer on a very tiny tack.

I think you see it's not easy using any method. They all require a bit of time.