View Full Version : Blackberry Storm
NousDefionsDoc
08-08-2009, 13:19
I now have a Blackberry Storm. I got it as a free upgrade from Verizon. I'm still working my way through it, reading a lot. If anybody has any Tips Of the Trade...
I tried the Pin thing, but I'm not sure it's working.
They set me up an email account for my gmail at the store. They said I have to have the bigger data plan for AKO, which I think is BS. I want to download my AKO, but haven't tried it yet.
Blah, blah freakin' technology. It doesn't read wind...
Ambush Master
08-08-2009, 13:37
Blah, blah freakin' technology. It doesn't read wind...
OR WOMEN!!!!:D:munchin
you gotta keep up with the updates... sometimes I love mine the other times i want to throw it out the window
Smokin Joe
08-08-2009, 14:06
1) Sync and backup all of your contacts on your PC. Today! Then back it up every month.
2) Get a hard case that stays on the phone. Crackberry's are not tuff! I have seen one toasted by a waist high drop on to concrete. I've heard otter box is good but I have no personal experience with them.
NousDefionsDoc
08-08-2009, 14:22
OR WOMEN!!!!:D:munchin
True dat
Roguish Lawyer
08-08-2009, 14:50
I don't use the touch-screen model, but I assume you can load the same apps onto it. My favorite apps are Google maps, the Wall Street Journal and the Hockey News. Facebook app also is great but I assume you're off the grid.
MARSOC0211
08-08-2009, 15:01
I've heard otter box is good but I have no personal experience with them.
Go with the Otter Box Defender Series. They are provide great rugged protection.
NousDefionsDoc
08-08-2009, 15:22
Dude at work has the Otter Box thing. Looks sharp.
No, I signed up for facebook so I could check The Kid. People came out of the woodwork. I just ignore it.
Roguish Lawyer
08-08-2009, 16:10
Dude at work has the Otter Box thing. Looks sharp.
No, I signed up for facebook so I could check The Kid. People came out of the woodwork. I just ignore it.
LOL, led to three of you instantly . . .
NousDefionsDoc
08-08-2009, 16:11
I just ignore it. :p
Roguish Lawyer
08-08-2009, 16:13
Roger, LOL.
PM inbound
They said I have to have the bigger data plan for AKO, which I think is BS.
Unless they have some new trickery, (which is always possible with phone companies) it depends on how much email you get. The handset doesn't care if you get it from gmail, AKO, or your beer fridge. As a rule of thumb I always get unlimited data because I would prefer to pay a few dollars extra a month than get a surprise on my next bill.
Trip_Wire (RIP)
08-08-2009, 16:45
1) Sync and backup all of your contacts on your PC. Today! Then back it up every month.
2) Get a hard case that stays on the phone. Crackberry's are not tuff! I have seen one toasted by a waist high drop on to concrete. I've heard otter box is good but I have no personal experience with them.
I have an Otter case for my iPod touch and am quite happy with it! It's not water-proof but it is pretty tough! :munchin
I 'm a Verizon customer, mostly because of the better signals most places. I just got a new LG Versa with the keyboard attachment. I'm still in the learning mode with it. I have it set up to read all of my e-mail accounts AOL, Mac, Gmail.
I'd love to have the new iPhone, but I'd have to go with another service to get it. I keep hearing rumors that Verizon is going to make a deal with Apple, but nothing yet. :(
Aequitas
08-08-2009, 16:55
Also keepin mind that AKO & DOD will no longer allow you to get your AKO email on your blackberry device through Blackberry's services...something about being unsecure....I had 3 email addresses at one point all getting pulled into my BB with no issues and no surprises on the bill.
Went with the Palm Pre to keep up with times...
longrange1947
08-08-2009, 17:29
My phone plays a tune when someone calls. :munchin :D
Roguish Lawyer
08-08-2009, 17:33
My phone plays a tune when someone calls. :munchin :D
Mine plays different tunes for different people who call. I'm bet yours does too . . .
and the big question is, what tune does your phone play?
longrange1947
08-08-2009, 17:39
You can change tunes? :munchin
I have the most obnoxious tune I could find since I am half deaf and can never tell when my phone is ringing. :D
TOMAHAWK9521
08-08-2009, 18:20
A lot of guys in my unit have the "A-Team" theme play when anyone they know from SF calls. Makes me grin every time I hear it.
bravo22b
08-08-2009, 19:31
Just to re-iterate what Aequitas said, you aren't supposed to be able to get AKO mail through BB's "push" mail. I had mine set up and it worked like a charm until AKO sent out a mass e-mail a couple months back about it violating OPSEC, and then they cut it off.
I'm pleased with the Storm for what I got it for, namely having a big screen for the occasional internet browsing and using it for mapping and GPS. It may not be as slick as an Iphone, but Verizon's service is way better than AT&T.
Three things I suggest. Download Google Maps if you don't already have it on there. It's way better than Verizon Navigator. The ability to look at a satellite picture at high resolution while it marks your position with GPS is pretty sweet. You can also use it to check traffic in realtime. Just don't rely on Google's directions, they suck. Plot your own route.
Also download one of the screen lock programs that locks the screen while the phone is in use, otherwise you will be dialing with your face.
Lastly, if you need internet access on the road, look at tethering your Storm as a modem for your laptop. For an extra $15-$30/month you get a remarkably good connection anywhere you have digital cell service. It's what I am using right now. It is kind of a nice feeling when you've got an internet connection and everyone else is sitting around wishing they had thought of that.
Smokin Joe
08-08-2009, 19:48
Trip_Wire,
Last rumor I heard was that Apple's & AT&T's exclusivity contract runs out in January so hopefully Verizon will pick them up then.
LR1947,
You should check out Ozzy Osborne's Crazy Train ringtone, it will scare the crap out of most the first couple of times they hear it, b/c it is so obnoxious.
Silentxray
08-08-2009, 20:27
I've got the blackberry storm and strongly dislike it. I'm a "young hip kid that's into technology". The one thing I strongly suggest is going into your applications and getting rid of the ones you don't use or need. This will make your crackberry run a little faster. To do such you will need to access your "Options", then click "Advanced Options". Once in Advanced Options click "Applications", and go through and find the ones you don't need. I.E. Games if you don't play them or Black Berry Maps, if you don't plan to use it. Free up some space, I had to with mine, it took somewhere around 20 seconds just to answer an incoming call and say hello before I did such. If it gives you some trouble take it back to the store, they should know how to make her run a little faster for you.
On another note, some sort of hard case and a screen protector are a must. I've just got the Chromed hard case and it's taken all the abuse. My phone looks brand new when I pop the case off. As stated they are not very tough at all. Hope you enjoy yours better than I do mine.
NousDefionsDoc
08-08-2009, 20:35
I did the research on the security issues with AKO and now have it working (I think). Had to download an email program (free) and set it up. The issue is with the blackberry system, not the IMAP.
Went with the Palm Pre to keep up with times...
I assume you have Sprint as the provider as I don't believe any other provider is listing it as of yet. How are you finding the service? And the device?
I'm a BB user and while I've tried the Iphone I found it to be a complete POS so I'm looking to see what the Pre has to offer.
Yes, Sprint; had AT&T for years prior. So far customer support went well with the phonenumber port and seemed knowledgable. RadioShack had a deal on the Pre for $150 this weekend. Zero activation & gave the 15% off the monthly rate for military. Just got it yesterday, but so far so good. Didn't care for the iPhone and didn't like the plan's monthly rate for the BB. If the Pre hadn't been released, I would be using the BB. The best investmet was the skin protector and the magnetic proxy phone charger; the reason for the skins was already discussed and the proxy charger saves the work of connecting the USB cable to the poorly designed USB phone connector. With these power hungry phones, this type charger is slick.
Smokin Joe
08-08-2009, 21:44
Yes, Sprint; had AT&T for years prior. So far customer support went well with the phonenumber port and seemed knowledgable. RadioShack had a deal on the Pre for $150 this weekend. Zero activation & gave the 15% off the monthly rate for military. Just got it yesterday, but so far so good. Didn't care for the iPhone and didn't like the plan's monthly rate for the BB. If the Pre hadn't been released, I would be using the BB. The best investmet was the skin protector and the magnetic proxy phone charger; the reason for the skins was already discussed and the proxy charger saves the work of connecting the USB cable to the poorly designed USB phone connector. With these power hungry phones, this type charger is slick.
That is freaking slick! I hope BB comes out with something like that soon.
Look at unlocking the phone and you can use any provider you want that has a SIM card including OCONUS. I have a Bold here in Iraq and it's easier to text than call.
Watch what you store in the phone and on the SIM card should you happen to lose it.
Options -> Security -> General Settings ->
Password - Enabled
Number of Password Attempts - 3
Lock Handheld Upon Holstering - Yes
Security Timeout - 5 Min.
Options -> Security -> Memory Cleaning ->
Status- Enabled
Options -> Media Card ->
Encryption Mode - Security Password & Device
Encrypt Media Files - Yes
Options -> Screen/Keyboard ->
Convenience Key Opens - Lock
Stay safe.
NousDefionsDoc
08-09-2009, 20:44
It's been a whole day since we talked about my new Blackberry. Anybody got any tips.
Trip_Wire (RIP)
08-10-2009, 12:50
I'm interested in the negative comments on the iPhone. I can understand the dislike of the cost and the billing as well as being tied to one provider, etc. This along with my Verizon contract has prevented me from switching to an iPhone.
I've been a Mac user since 1986 or so and like Apple products. This is one of the reasons that I would like to use the iPhone. I'm using an iPod touch (2nd Generation) now to check e-mail (WiFi) on the cruise ships, when cruising. It works great for that as well as for calendar, contacts and music. It would be nice to also have the capability of the phone as well as the WiFi capability in some instances. (One device instead of two.)
The people who posted the negative comments didn't go into which model of the iPhone they tried, or what in particular they didn't like about the device. (One wonders, as well if the 'testers' were biased by having been using Microsoft stuff, etc.)
BTW: I'm also aware that the iPhone may not be that great for active duty people serving in many of the currant deployment areas. As I understand that 'roaming' charges can be way over priced. (People on cruises using the iPhone found this out the hard way!)
There have been recent updates to both the phones and their software by Apple. So, one really needs to know which model and software version caused the dislike of the device. Or just what caused the dislike of the device.
As I mentioned, I'm going to get an iPhone if Apple lets Verizon market them at some point in the near future.
On the other hand, I'm also quite interested in the currant rumor that Apple is going to be coming out with a 'Netbook' type device that may incorporate a 3G phone set up along with WiFi. If its is as small as the Windows netbooks 9 - 10 inch screen I would most likely buy it.
Smokin Joe
08-12-2009, 13:32
Okay so I just picked up an otter box for my BB 8330. This thing is the toughest cell phone case (while still allowing you to use all of your phone's functions) I have ever come in contact with. :lifter
I would highly recommend it to anyone who is hard on there phones. I picked one up on Amazon(dot)com for 35 bucks.
Also, NDD I forgot to add, download the Google sync app. it is free and will allow you to sync all of your contacts with your gmail account. You can also schedule daily sync's so your contacts are constantly updated and backed up.
Snaquebite
08-12-2009, 16:15
Instead of paying for tethering sevice you m ight look at just purchasing Tetherberry for a one time fee. Then you just use your data plan for internet access on your laptop.
http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2009/03/09/hands-on-review-of-tetherberry/
NiteTrain
08-20-2009, 21:39
Talked to a friend of mine at Verizon today and he assured me that next year Verizon was slotted to get the iPhone.:munchin
The Reaper
08-21-2009, 06:27
Talked to a friend of mine at Verizon today and he assured me that next year Verizon was slotted to get the iPhone.:munchin
If it is like the other Verizon phones, I am sure that they will change the interface to something completely unusable, and disable all of the useful functions.
TR
BigJimCalhoun
08-21-2009, 08:55
Regarding the Blackberry Storm - here is a tip that seems obvious
Make sure your wife does not put it in her coat pocket while hiking, then tie the coat around her waist, then sit down on a rock. The screen will break easily in this situation, even if the Blackberry is just a few days old.
Luckily for me, the phone still works. Replacement is close to something like $400 or 500 without insurance.
Trip_Wire (RIP)
08-21-2009, 13:49
If it is like the other Verizon phones, I am sure that they will change the interface to something completely unusable, and disable all of the useful functions.
TR
LOL! :D
I think your right on target TR!
NousDefionsDoc
08-21-2009, 17:48
I got the otterbox case for it today. A bit expensive but nice.
I really like the App called Poynt is kinda a phnoebook/nav guide for the area you are comes with turn by turn directions and allows you to look up bussinesses or people.
My biggest problem with the BB storm is I seem to have to soft reset way to much(remove the battery)
Insure you clear your cache often if not it slows down alot
trying to figure out how to filter my email seems to get alot more junk mail since I got the BB email registered
Just finished reading this looks promising, anybody used this product who can give a first person review???
Instead of paying for tethering sevice you m ight look at just purchasing Tetherberry for a one time fee. Then you just use your data plan for internet access on your laptop.
http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2009/03/09/hands-on-review-of-tetherberry/
Trip_Wire (RIP)
08-22-2009, 12:19
I got the otterbox case for it today. A bit expensive but nice.
IMO, the Otter-box is well worth the extra $$. :munchin
Surgicalcric
08-22-2009, 12:41
...next year Verizon was slotted to get the iPhone.:munchin
Ah yes, the most unsecure mobile telephone on the market...
Crip
NousDefionsDoc
08-23-2009, 10:25
I really like the App called Poynt is kinda a phnoebook/nav guide for the area you are comes with turn by turn directions and allows you to look up bussinesses or people.
My biggest problem with the BB storm is I seem to have to soft reset way to much(remove the battery)
Insure you clear your cache often if not it slows down alot
trying to figure out how to filter my email seems to get alot more junk mail since I got the BB email registered
http://www.blackberrynews.com/2009/04/09/quickpull-version-20-for-the-blackberry/
Soft reset for free.
NousDefionsDoc
08-23-2009, 10:26
IMO, the Otter-box is well worth the extra $$. :munchin
Indeed. Very nice. I left the old screen protector sheet on.
NousDefionsDoc
08-23-2009, 11:02
I figured out why I couldn't get the AKO to work, I was talked into forwarding my AKO to a local account. I can now recieve, bit not send. I think I just need to reconfigure.