BlackBerry For Dummies (For Dummies (Computers)) [Paperback]

Robert Kao (Author), Dante Sarigumba (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0471757411 | ISBN-13: 978-0471757412 | Publication Date: January 11, 2006 | Edition: 1

Is your BlackBerry (or the one you’re thinking about getting) a full-fledged PDA (Personal Data Assistant), a hand-held mini-computer, a high-tech organizer, or a cell phone? The answer is yes. It’s all of those and more. Whether you’re considering getting a BlackBerry and want to know what it can do for you or whether you own one and want to learn how it can do more, this is the BlackBerry book to pick. It provides explanations of core BlackBerry features plus real-world tips and tricks to help you get more out of e-mail, Web browsing, phone functions, business applications, utilities, and even games. In proven For Dummies style with lots of screen shots and step-by-step explanations, it includes:

• Info on personalizing your BlackBerry, using AutoText, customizing your screen, choosing what it alerts you to (and how), and more
• Basic key commands for navigating with the trackwheel and the QWERTY keyboard (or the SureType keyboard on some models), complete with a table of 15 Home Screen shortcuts
• Info on using your Address Book, Calendar (for appointments and meetings), and the Tasks application
• Tips for making notes with MemoPad and taking advantage of the built-in calculator

From those basics, BlackBerry For Dummies guides you through getting online with your BlackBerry and using it for:

• E-mail, with info on sending, opening, and filtering it, viewing attachments (including JPEGS, Word docs, PowerPoint slides, Excel spreadsheets, and more), customizing your e-mail, and more
• Sending and receiving PIN-to-PIN messages, viewing text messages, and using Instant Messaging, complete with list of more that 50 commonly used abbreviations so text messaging doesn’t take 4E (forever) and a table with more than 40 emoticons or smileys so you can catch on (and communicate) fast and clearly
• Surfing the Web, with info on browser shortcuts and navigation tips, using bookmarks, customizing and optimizing your browser, downloading and installing applications from the Web, and more
• Using the phone, including call waiting, call forwarding, voice mail, speed dial, conferencing, and multitasking

There’s a section on working with Desktop Manager, including using Intellisync, accessing and using the Application Loader, controlling your e-mail with Redirector settings, and protecting all your information. There’s even a companion Web site with up-to-date coverage of all BlackBerry models and the latest accessories, plus links and news.

BlackBerry For Dummies helps you use your BlackBerry efficiently (and impressively), and that makes you more productive. No matter where you are, you can be in control, in touch, and in vogue with your BlackBerry.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The BlackBerry will never be as easy to use as a desktop computer, but a number of tricks can ease the difficulties its size imposes on users. The following were tested on a BlackBerry Curve, but many will work on other models, too. For help with some of these, we used "BlackBerry for Dummies" and frequently pinged Robert Kao, its co-author, for ideas. (Lee Gomes, On the Road, Wall Street Journal, March 31, 2008) --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

From the Back Cover

Make phone calls, e-mail, track appointments, and even remember the grocery list

Wow — it's a phone, a PDA, and an Internet connection, and it's one-fourth the size of this book! You need the book, though, to explain in plain English what it can do. Find out how to use every terrific feature built into your BlackBerry, make your life more productive, and astonish everyone with your efficiency.

Discover how to

• Manage e-mail from your BlackBerry
• Protect data security
• Upload contacts from other phones
• Set up speed dialing
• Install a new application
• Sync your BlackBerry and back up data

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (January 11, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471757411
• ISBN-13: 978-0471757412
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,115,633 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

54 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I can see why people become addicted to these..., February 25, 2006

By 

Thomas Duff "Duffbert" (Portland, OR United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: BlackBerry For Dummies (For Dummies (Computers)) (Paperback)

Seems like all the tech talk lately has been about the potential shutdown of RIM and the BlackBerry network. But it dawns on me that I really don't know *why* these devices have been dubbed "CrackBerry" by those addicted to them. After reading BlackBerry for Dummies by Robert Kao and Dante Sarigumba, I can see the appeal...

Contents:
Part 1 - Meet and Greet Your BlackBerry: Your BlackBerry is NOT an Edible Fruit?; Turning On Your BlackBerry (And Keeping It Happy)
Part 2 - Getting Organized with Your BlackBerry: Remembering Your Acquaintances; Never Miss Another Appointment - Ever!; Bring Your Own Taskmaster; Making Notes and Calculations
Part 3 - Getting Online with Your BlackBerry: You've Got (Lots of) E-Mail; Too Cool for E-Mail; Surfing the Internet Wave; Calling Your Favorite Person
Part 4 - Working with Desktop Manager: Synching the Intellisync Way; Installing Applications; Running Redirector; Protecting Your Information
Part 5 - The Part of Tens: Ten (Or So) New Features on the New Generation BlackBerry; Ten Great BlackBerry Accessories; Ten Productive BlackBerry Applications; Ten Fun Games on Your BlackBerry; Ten Must-Have BlackBerry Programs; Ten (More or Less) Web Site Categories for BlackBerry Browsing
Index

I can see how this book would appeal to both the prospective BlackBerry owner and someone who just opened the box and is wondering "what next?". The first part of the book does a nice job explaining the different types of BlackBerry devices and how they are all branded based on the network provider who is selling them. From then on, it's a matter of exploring all the different software options that come part and parcel with the device. You could almost look at this as the readable instruction manual for your new toy, because there's not much that's not covered here. I was especially surprised about how the PIN to PIN messaging occurs, and how it's potentially the most secure type of messaging you can find on the market today. Plus it continues to work when many other cellular services break down due to overload. All really good stuff here...

This is worth purchasing if you've just jumped into the BlackBerry field or if you've been handed one at work with little explanation on how to use it. A little time spent between you, this book, and your BlackBerry will make everyone a whole lot happier. I'm even considering making the switch now...

30 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointed Dummy, January 11, 2008

By 

James N. Mayfield - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: BlackBerry For Dummies (For Dummies (Computers)) (Paperback)

When I purchased my BlackBerry ("BB") 8830 and turned it on, I knew I was in trouble. The "Getting Started Guide" that comes with the 8830 is GROSSLY inadequate for first-time BB users. With the help of the staff at the Sprint Store (they were very helpful and friendly), I was able to get the basic functions going and use them. But, I knew that to maximize the use of my 8830 that I would have to find a way to better self-educate myself on how to setup and use my new BB.

Because I have used the "Dummies" books for several years with great success, I ordered this book. Unfortunately, this is the first really bad Dummies book I have ever used. Here are my reasons for this assessment.
1. The omissions (tethering, robust use of the internet, etc) are significant.
2. The book spends too much time on concepts that are fundamental and actually covered in the Getting Started Guide and too little time on the next level of sophistication that the average user will find helpful.
3. The instructions are often confusing, contain too few illustrations, and use descriptions with multiple meanings. (I have long believed that persons who write technical manuals come from a pool of US citizens who could greatly benefit from ESL training; this book proves the point!)

The more I learn about my new BB, the more convinced I am of its capabilities and how useful they will be in my daily life. But, my recommendation is to let the staff know at the store at which you purchase your BB that you will need help and get their commitment to spending more than a few minutes with you when it is delivered and for a couple of weeks thereafter.

Confessing incompetence and asking for help is a much better choice than buying this book.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Apparently I need Blackberry for Idiots..., April 27, 2008

By 

D. J. Griffin - See all my reviews
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This review is from: BlackBerry For Dummies (For Dummies (Computers)) (Paperback)

If this is for dummies, then I need the one for idiots! Seriously! This is not a book for beginners. (I'm still looking for that one, I'll keep you posted) It reminds me of the software books written by people who are so knowledgeable about the subject that they've lost their ability to "break it down" for the common folk. Hard to find some of the most basic information. Very, very frustrating and disappointing. If you're new to the berry - don't start here.