Introduction

Hi there, and welcome to BlackBerry For Dummies. If you already have a BlackBerry, this is a great book to have around when you want to discover new features or need something to slap open and use as a quick reference. If you don't have a BlackBerry yet and have some basic questions (such as "What is a BlackBerry?" or "How can a BlackBerry help me be more productive?"), you can benefit by reading this book cover to cover. No matter what your current BlackBerry user status (BUS, for short), this book helps you get the most out of your BlackBerry.

Right off the bat, BlackBerry isn't a fruit you find at the supermarket but rather an always-connected smartphone that has e-mail capabilities and a built-in Internet browser. With your BlackBerry, you're in the privileged position of always being able to receive e-mail and browse the Web.

On top of that, a BlackBerry has all the features you expect from a personal organizer, including a calendar, to-do lists, and memos. Oh, and did we mention that a BlackBerry also has a built-in mobile phone? Talk about multitasking! Imagine being stuck on a commuter train: With your BlackBerry by your side, you can compose e-mail while conducting a conference call, all from the comfort of your seat.

That's not all. BlackBerry goes a step further to make it more fun for you to own this device. You can snap a picture with its camera, record a funny video, listen to your music collection, and enjoy watching that video on YouTube.

In this book, you find all the basics, but we also go the extra mile and highlight some of the lesser-known (but still handy) features of the BlackBerry. Your BlackBerry can work hard for you when you need it to and can play hard when you want it to.

About This Book

BlackBerry For Dummies is a comprehensive user guide as well as a quick user reference. The book is designed so that you can read it cover to cover if you want, but you don't need to read one chapter after the other. Feel free to jump around while you explore the different functionalities of your BlackBerry.

We cover basic and advanced topics, but we'll stick to those that we think are the most practical and frequently used. If you use or want to use a certain function of your BlackBerry, it's likely covered here.

Who Are You?

We tried to be considerate of your needs, but because we've never met you, our picture of you is as follows. If you find that some of these images are true about you, this might just be the book for you:

• You have a BlackBerry and want to find out how to get the most from it.

• You don't have a BlackBerry yet and are wondering what one could do for you.

• You're looking for a book that doesn't assume that you know all the jargon and tech terms used in the smartphone industry.

• You want a reference that shows you, step by step, how to do useful and cool things with a BlackBerry without bogging you down with unnecessary background or theory.

• You are tired of hauling your 10-pound laptop with you on trips and are wondering how to turn your BlackBerry into a miniature traveling office.

• You no longer want to be tied to your desktop system for the critical activities in your life, such as sending and receiving e-mail, checking your calendar for appointments, getting directions, and surfing the Web.

• You like to have some fun, play games, and be entertained from a device but don't want to carry an extra game gadget in your bag.

What's in This Book

BlackBerry For Dummies consists of six parts, and each part consists of different chapters related to that part's theme.

Part I: Getting Started with BlackBerry Smartphone

Part I starts with the basics of your BlackBerry. You know: what it is, what you can do with it, and what elements make it up. We describe how you navigate using the QWERTY keyboard. We also show you how to personalize and express yourself through your BlackBerry. This part wraps up with must-knows about security and where to go for help when you get into trouble with your BlackBerry.

Part II: Organizing with BlackBerry

Part II deals with the fact that your BlackBerry is also a full-fledged personal digital assistant (PDA). We show you how to get your BlackBerry to keep your contacts in Contacts as well as how to manage your appointments and meetings in Calendar. You also find out how to use the Clock application to set an alarm, set a timer, and set your device to Bedside Mode. You explore the Password Keeper application to centralize your passwords. And finally, you see that most BlackBerry applications interconnect, working hard for you.

Part III: Getting Online with Your BlackBerry

Part III shows you what made BlackBerry what it is today: always-connected e-mail. We also get into the other strengths of the BlackBerry — Web surfing functionality — but we don't stop there. We point out how you can use other forms of messages, such as text messaging and instant messaging. You also find out about unique forms of messages on the BlackBerry, PIN-to-PIN messages and BlackBerry Messenger.

Part IV: Applications and Media on Your BlackBerry

You find the fun stuff in Part IV. Use the BlackBerry GPS to navigate your way around (Some BlackBerry models don't have an internal GPS.) Rock your world and use your BlackBerry to play music, watch videos, and take pictures. You also get the scoop on how to record videos and sample ring tones. Plus you get timesaving shortcuts on the Media applications. And find our recommended applications to enhance your lifestyle.

Part V: Working with BlackBerry Desktop Manager

In Part V, you find details of BlackBerry Desktop Manager and some of the hoops you can put it through with your BlackBerry, including making backups and installing BlackBerry applications from your desktop to your BlackBerry. You also find out how to port data from older devices — BlackBerry or not — to your new BlackBerry. And we didn't forget to cover important stuff, such as data-syncing your appointments and contacts with desktop applications, such as Outlook.

Part VI: The Part of Tens

All For Dummies books include The Part of Tens, and this book is no different. In Part V, we show you places to get cool BlackBerry accessories, where to get great applications, games that makes a doctor's wait shorter and useful mobile Web sites to visit.

Icons Used in This Book

Here's where you can find not-so-obvious tricks that can make you a BlackBerry power user in no time. Pay special attention to the paragraphs with this icon to get the most out of your BlackBerry.

Look out! This icon tells you how to avoid trouble before it starts. Be sure to read and follow the accompanying directions.

Where to Go from Here

If you want to find out more about the book or have a question or comment for us, please visit us at www.BlackBerryForDummies.com

Now you can dive in! Give Chapter 1 a quick look to get an idea of where this book takes you and then feel free to head straight to your chapter of choice.