Best way to use BB as PDA?
 

I have a "Curve", but my question probably applies across several models. I'd like to do more with my BB in several areas: keeping to-do lists, scheduling, etc. This isn't synced up with Outlook on a PC, just the BB by itself. I thought I'd be able to use Google docs (but it's read-only) or Google Notes (but it's primitive and they're pulling the plug on it). This thing has a keyboard, but almost the only use for it out of the box is email. I'd like recommendations for software or web services that would expand the capabilities. Web-based is good, just so that the information isn't lost if I happen to drop it in a swimming pool or something.

Wirelessly posted

You have mentioned anything it can't do. It has memos, tasks, calendars and text editor (DocsToGo).

This is exactly why you should sync with Outlook, or at the very least just do a backup with Desktop Manager.

Wirelessly posted (8820)

The blackberry PDA functions are basic. There are a number of aftermarket apps which expand capabilities and options, but you really need to decide foe yourseld which is best. If you say what in particular you want to be able to do, somone here will probably suggest a product.

And ditto on the advice above. Using the blackberry in conjunction with Outlook is a plus, but you _MUST_ backup your blackberry frequently. Trust me. You want to do this.

True. For a strict PDA, no email or online access, the OP would probably be better served by an old Palm Pilot Vx, or some other flavor of Palm. Cheaper than a BlackBerry too!

[I assume you omitted "not" in the first sentence.] Actually I only think it's a Curve; I bought it used and it doesn't say anywhere exactly what it is. And I don't have the manual. But if it has memos and tasks, where are they? I don't see any apps already on it, and I don't see any in Blackberry App World. I do have a calendar. But maybe you could tell me where to look.

Or does anyone know of a web-based service that works, especially for memos? I guess if Google doesn't have what I need, no one else does either. Thanks for any info.

I'll learn to back it up when I have something to back up. But I just don't see the apps I need. Are there any favorites among users here? I loaded Nice Office but it seemed to be mostly about spreadsheets and business uses.

You can only get App World with a BlackBerry data plan. If you're trying to use a BB with a generic data plan, check out this: How to use BlackBerry on Generic Data Plan - BlackBerryFAQ

I have a Pearl with Sprint, and mine came with a Calendar app, Tasks app, and Memo app. All will do what you are looking for, all similar to what a palm pilot has. Blackberry has the apps you want, you just need to find them or figure out how to get them. You must back up with Desktop Manager though so you dont loose your info in case of a bad event.

I'm starting to realize my problem: whoever owned my BB before deleted the Memo and Tasks apps. Is there a way to download the standard BB apps?

Wirelessly posted (8820)

Download and install desktop manager from the blackberry.com website.



Find the series subforum for your model blackberry. Look at the latest OS threads stickied at the top of the subforum. Follow the instructions to install the latest OS for you model.



You will then have all the native apps, though some, like browser and email, will not be active without the data plam.