Every now and then I send out tips to my users for how to more effectively use their devices. One thing I haven't ever sent out is a list of things they can do to take better care of their device....things like:

- Don't drop it in the water (even if it's wearing a life jacket)
- Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight for extended periods of time (esp. when 100 degrees)
- Try not to drop it from =>15 feet up on a ladder to a concrete surface
- Avoid backing over it with the car (I read someone here who did that...ouch!)
- Do not use to play fetch with Rover

Any other good tips? Stuff like the best way to clean the screen/keyboard, locking the keys before tossing it into a purse (minus the holster).....

Thanks!

I would have to add only a few:

- Do not use your berry to level the wobbly table
- Yes it is a 'berry', but you can not eat it

That's cute...and reminds me of a funny story. I just spent the week with relatives and they alwasy referred to my Berry with different names - Blueberry, Raspberry, Boysenberry, etc. They finally gave up and just started calling it my Fruit Salad.

Here's one:

As tempting as it may be sometimes, it should not be thrown at other people as a crime deterrent.

Cute stuff, and useful! My contribution is this-put it in it's case before sticking it in a shirt or pants pocket- the threads in the clothing material can cause tiny cross-hatched dings in the display over time. I cleaned mine up with Displex, sprung for some screen protection, and ALWAYS case my BB before I stick it in my pocket now.

You can throw it at a person as a crime detterent if you have that feature from nextel....god I love that commercial (it wasnt for a bb, but it was a nextel commercial)....I still laugh my ass off from watching that.

On a more serious note, I think that if you are really looking to keep your blackberry for a looking/feeling nice, this is the way to go.
shieldzone.com

It's a one time expense that seems well worth it in the long run.

On a less serious note, I also loved those commercials for Nextel.

don't get caught browsing porn by the little old lady sitting next to you on the subway - cause when she wacks you with her purse your berry may grow wings . . . .

I agree with mrc....the invisible shield has done wonders on my other devices (i currently have it on my nano and ipod video) and for my bb. I am really anal about keeping my electronics in mint, if not near mint condition.

As many other individuals may point out, the invisible shield is a tad expensive (I think it was $25 for the full body on the 8700g) but I think its well worth it, plus the ability to change it out with a lifetime warranty. However, there are other products that are exactly the same, like best skins ever and screen patronus, which are cheaper, but they dont offer the same lifetime warranty that the invisible shield does.

either way, just watch the nextel commercial....

Just because you think you've found the perfect case/pouch/holster for your 'Berry, don't rule out the possibility that someone may have made a more perfect case for your Blackberry. Learn to ignore your spouse when he says you already have a case/pouch/holster for your BB when you buy a new one. This one is clearly more perfect than the one you previously have.

Do not BB over your food. It is quite understandable that you must reply to that message while you're eating at Bobby Flay's newest restaurant. But, why risk ruining a perfectly good 'Berry at the same time? Just shove the food to the side, wipe down the surface of the table, then respond to the message. I'm sure Bobby won't be offended. And if he is, screw him. Just proves what I already thought of him. Be prepared to ignore the stares of other patrons. It's alright. They just don't understand.

Learn to message one-handed while driving. Practice while playing Gran Turismo 4 on the video game console of your choice. When you have mastered that, move up to the NHRA Championship Drag Racing game. If you can type and stage at the same time without red-lighting, you are ready to move up to driving and messaging at the same time.

When you whip out your BB for the first time in front of clients or colleagues who haven't seen it before, resist the temptation to pass it around. If they don't have one themselves, they are not worthy of holding yours in their hands. Hold it up for all to see, read whatever message came in that necessitated unsheathing it, reply and/or put it back. They will look at you with awe and marvel at your mobile communications prowess. Bask in the adoration.

In case you're wondering, yes, I am a geek.

yeah I was the one who rolled over my bb....yeah they don't like that much.

- Blackberries eat dust. They like pocket lint especially.
- Using your blackberry after eating a greasy lunch.. yummie.. but you might want to clean your device afterwards. Especially your screen.
- Blackberries like to be dropped. They'll survive drop after drop after drop, and a few scratches gives them good character.
- GSM/GPRS Blackberries and speakers/headphones don't get along.
- If you want to piss off a friend, send a message with your GSM/GPRS blackberry right beside their headphones. =) (warning: this WILL piss off your friend. Wear body armor)
- Blackberries hate chargers. That's why they have such great battery life.
- Blackberries know that GPRS rates, especially when roaming are far too high. That's why they are so efficient (1/10'th standard GPRS PDA's)
- Blackberries don't like it when you punch it's stomach. Keep the battery in the device, do not remove it unless absolutely neccesary.

My biggest tip...No matter how much of a jerk he is...and no matter how angry he makes you...do not. I repeat do not throw your blackberry at him. You will regret it 5 minutes later when you hear a fuzzy crackling ring tone telling you that you have an email.

For that matter...don't let him grab ahold of your blackberry and throw it for you. It will make you cry.

1. Blackberry Email is da shiznit.
2. The Blackberry device is da conduit of da shiznit.
3. When in doubt, refer to Rule #1.

Let your girlfriend "borrow" your newer model BlackBerry device and have her let you "borrow" her older model. I never saw my 8700c again...

Ouch! I "loaned" a girlfriend an expensive imported 10 speed bicycle when I was in college with the same results. I feel your pain.

My BB is like my American Express...Never leave home without it

Our company has lost BlackBerry's when people have the device somewhere on the right side of their person, get out of the car, and smash it against the steering wheel (I guess I'm the only one that tilts the steering wheel up). Maybe you could mention something to that effect.

...or move the seat back? The berry isn't all that thick. The folks must have very short legs.

It's probably not a good idea to sleep with your BB, even though it's tempting.