Hello, everyone. I've just ordered an 8700c from AT&T (its hard to beat the price at $30). I've chosen a data-only plan (also hard to beat at $35 a month for BIS).

My question is this: Is there any advice that you have for a Blackberry newbie? Essential software, tools, accessories? Things to know about AT&T's service?

Andrew

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8800/4.2.1 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/100)

First piece of advice checkout blackberryfaq linked at top of forum page!

Find stinsonsdogs tips! Worth their weight in gold!

Read the forums here and search!

Also welcome to the wonderful world of BB

I suggest you read the FAQ. That has many tips and tricks and should help answer many questions. Also check out the 3rd Party software section.

If you didn't do the homework before picking AT&T then you might be in for a surprise, depending upon where you live. One should always pick the carrier before they pick the device.

-Get a screen protector, ScreenPatronus, Screen protector - the difference is amazing.
-Check out the FAQs as advised above.
-Don't be a stranger.

My office uses the 8700c, and I'm the guy that tells everyone how to set them up, so here's the email I send out to new guys at the office:


Blackberry tips and tricks:
Comcast


More tips:
Top 10 Blackberry Tips and Tricks You Should Know | How to, tips | geeksugar - Technology, Gadgets, & How Tos.

One tip that you will need after you get done setting your filters is to go to the mail application, scroll to today’s date, click the wheel, and select “delete prior.” That will kill all emails on the blackberry and you can start fresh.

Also, I recommend a particular theme. It’s called “BB Dimensions Zen” and it’s under “Themes” in your options. Also in options, find the “Language” sub-menu and turn “Use Input Language Shortcut” off. That option is enabled by default and lets you switch between languages with poorly documented hotkeys. I switched my blackberry to Arabic last week and it took me an hour to get it back to English. Do not want.

There are a couple applications you might want on the blackberry also. Point your browser (the icon is a globe) to mobile.blackberry.com, they have some free apps there, mostly games. Also go to m.google.com to get google mail, google maps, and google news to your blackberry as applications. Finally, go to operamini.com to download opera mini for a real web browser on the blackberry (applications need to be downloaded with the built-in browser, that’s why I didn’t tell you to get Opera first).

-Dan

TodoMatrix and IdeaMatrix by RexWireless
REXwireless: BlackBerry Software Applications

My only advise is to enjoy it. I just got mine last week ($30) and love it. Also, as you probably have already found out, this is an EXCELLENT site for help and information...

Pretty friendly bunch too...