PinStack.com - Blogs - jdellasala http://forums.pinstack.com/blogs/3389/ en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:09:56 GMT vBulletin 30 http://ps-imgs.pinstack.com/images/styles/pinstack/misc/rss.jpg PinStack.com - Blogs - jdellasala http://forums.pinstack.com/blogs/3389/ Restoring items locked by BES connection http://forums.pinstack.com/blogs/3389/blog1415.html Sat, 01 Aug 2009 17:31:30 GMT Image: http://images.pinstack.com/images/bluesaint/misc/blog/feed-icon.gif ... .JerryD.
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If your BlackBerry is connected to a BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES), there are many items contained in a full or partial backup that can not be restored as long as your BlackBerry is "connected" to the BES. This is because these items are automatically backed up to the BES, and therefore can not be overwritten as long as your BlackBerry has that connection.

It ends up that the "connection" is a single service book which can be easily deleted and restored. Here is what you need:
  1. Your BlackBerry
  2. Your Sync (USB) cable
  3. Desktop Manager installed preferably set up with a connection to your BES and the email system used by the BES (see note at end).
  4. A Backup with the data you want to restore

Note that in item #3 Desktop Manager doesn't need to be connected to your BES or email system if you can get your BES Administrator to resend you the BES Service Books. Again, see the note at the end.

In this example, we'll assume that a user that had an extensive Auto Text list had to have their BES account deleted and recreated. Doing this the user's Auto Text on the BES will be lost, and we're trying to restore it without having to do a full restore (which would replace any existing data with the data in the backup - and wouldn't resotre the Auto Text anyway!) or an Enterprise Activation. The steps below assume you have Desktop Manager set up to connect automatically to your Email system, and that you have a network connection to both your email system and BES server.

To perform this operation:
  1. Start your email application (Outlook, Notes, etc) in "Connected" mode.
  2. With your BlackBerry NOT connected to your computer, start Desktop Manager.
  3. From Desktop Manager's main screen select Options --> Profile Options, and make a note of what the setting is!
  4. From the Profile Options window, select "Prompt for the profile to be used" and click [OK] (unless it's already set that way).
  5. Close Desktop Manager. Wait for the two icons in the System Tray to disappear.
  6. Start Desktop Manager (BlackBerry still NOT connected). You should be prompted for which profile to use. Simply hit [Cancel].
  7. On Your BlackBerry, go to Options --> Advanced Options --> Service Books.
  8. Scroll down through the list of Service Books until you find the Service Book Desktop[Sync]. Hit the [Menu] button (or Click the Scroll Wheel) and select Delete. Once that's done, you can go back to the BlackBerry's Home Screen.
  9. Connect your BlackBerry to the computer.
  10. In Desktop Manager select Backup and Restore, then click the [Advanced] button.
  11. In the Advanced Backup and Restore screen select File --> Open, and slect the backup file (*.ipd) which contains the item(s) you want to restore. Remember, whatever you restore will erase whatever is currently on your BlackBerry and replace it with the data in the Backup file!
  12. Select the items in the LEFT WINDOW you want to restore. Select multiple items by holding down [Shift] and click on each of these items so that they are both selected. The [>>] button between the windows should darken indicating it is available once you've clicked one of these items.
  13. Once you have selected all the items you need to restore, click the [>>] button. You will receive a warning that the data will replace the data on the BlackBerry. Click [Yes].
  14. Once the restore is completed, return to the Main Screen in Desktop Manager, and unplug your BlackBerry.
  15. If you changed the Profile Options in step 4, return it to its original setting, exit Desktop Manger and wait for the icons in the System Tray to disappear.
  16. Start Desktop Manager. It should automatically say "Connecting to messaging system" if you set it that way. If not, select the correct profile and connect to the Mail System.
  17. Connect your BlackBerry (provide Desktop Manager the device's password if prompted on your computer), and then watch the screen on your BlackBerry. The BlackBerry's screen should indicate it's communicating with the computer. This screen may appear and disappear several times. Wait for it to stop doing that. If you have a BlackBerry that displays the Clock application when charging, clear it by hitting the [Esc] button.
  18. Once the BlackBerry has finished communicating with Desktop Manager, unplug it, and go to Options --> Advanced Options --> Service Books. Scroll through the list - the Desktop[Sync] service book should be restored, and will usually be at the top of the list, but not always.

Your BlackBerry is now reconnected to your BES service, and work as before.

Note: This can actually be done without a connection to your Mail service, and even with Desktop Manager set up for BlackBerry Internet Service (BIS). In this case, you can skip steps 3 to 5, and steps 16 to 18. However, you will need to contact your BES Administrator and ask to have the BES Service Books sent to your device.
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.JerryD.
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. ]]> jdellasala http://forums.pinstack.com/blogs/3389/blog1415.html Many Updates and additions! http://forums.pinstack.com/blogs/3389/blog1263.html Sat, 28 Mar 2009 14:48:23 GMT Image: http://images.pinstack.com/images/bluesaint/misc/blog/feed-icon.gif ... .JerryD.
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I really do try to keep the Mini Version Tracker list up to date, but it's now grown to about 225 Applications, and my time has grown short!

I went through the apps this morning, and made several additions and updates.

Feel free to comment here if you're aware of newer versions available, or (worse) broken links in the list. And don't be offended if I don't get right on it.

Cheers!


Jerry

Updated! The Mini Version Tracker list.

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.JerryD.
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. ]]> jdellasala http://forums.pinstack.com/blogs/3389/blog1263.html <![CDATA[Looking for an app? You'll probably find it at GetJar]]> http://forums.pinstack.com/blogs/3389/blog1167.html Sat, 31 Jan 2009 13:03:29 GMT Image: http://images.pinstack.com/images/bluesaint/misc/blog/feed-icon.gif ... .JerryD.
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One of the great things about the BlackBerry is that it's pretty much a standard Java device, and as such, can run many generic Java applications that are developed for the thousands of other Java devices available.

I came across a site that hosts nothing but Java programs called GetJar several years ago, and troll it's waters regularly, and several programs listed on my Mini Version Tracker List come from GetJar including:
  • fotochatter: 0.9.9 - OTA (Quick Download - Code 2402)
  • MyGirls: 1.0.0 - OTA (Quick Download - Code 57)
  • Unit Converter: 1.2.2 - OTA / Web / Wap (GetJar 5229)
  • WorldMap: 1.1 - OTA / Web (Offline Political Map of the World)
So how do you fish this treasure trove?

The first thing you want to do is to bookmark this page on your Blackberry:
GetJar Quick Download
(http://wireless.getjar.com/mobile/quick_download)
Now, on your computer, head on over to GetJar (http://www.getjar.com/), establish what device you have (as far as I can tell, they recognize every BlackBerry model), then start browsing the programs available.

Once you find one that you're interested in trying, go to the Quick Download bookmark you saved on your BlackBerry, enter the program's Quick Download number, and you'll get an OTA link to download and install the app!

There's even a GetJar Apps shortcut for the BlackBerry - Quick Download# 33105. Although I tend to steer away from these and just create a bookmark, this one might be worthwhile. One nice thing is that it brings you to the site and automatically detects your device and lists software available for it.

Be forewarned - there are a LOT of commercial lurkers on the site. Mostly "girlie" programs that are nothing more than paid sites. But there are a LOT of clever, useful, and fun applications - and games galore!

So stop reading this and go fishing!
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.JerryD.
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. ]]> jdellasala http://forums.pinstack.com/blogs/3389/blog1167.html Saved Searches - Find Unread Messages http://forums.pinstack.com/blogs/3389/blog1154.html Tue, 27 Jan 2009 12:25:17 GMT Image: http://images.pinstack.com/images/bluesaint/misc/blog/feed-icon.gif ... .JerryD.
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LONG before PinStack had a Blog, I posted an item called Separate Messages with Saved Searches. The purpose of this post was to try to help users that didn't like having all their email - both BES and BIS - in the Messages folder.

Personally, I like having all my email in one place - especially since I have six BIS accounts as well as my BES account and SMS messages. I'd go nuts trying to track down the right icon, and I seldom need to view just messages from one email account, and on the rare occasion I do, I have a saved search for each account that allows me to display only messages from one account.

Now, it's not that I'm so smart - all BlackBerries come with several pre-defined saved searches. However, most people don't even know about saved searches, let alone know that there are some pre-programmed. Specifically, in reference to today's post on RIMarkable - How About An Unread Mail Folder On The BlackBerry, most BlackBerries with OS 4.3 and later have the [Alt] U key combination set as a saved search for all unread messages.

If your BlackBerry doesn't have this saved search pre-defined, here's how to set it up:
  1. From the Home Screen, go into Messages
  2. Click the [Menu] button or the Scroll Wheel and select Search
  3. Scroll down to the Show field and hit [Space] until it says Unread
  4. Click the [Menu] button or the Scroll Wheel and select Save from the menu
  5. Enter a clever name like Unopened in the Title field
  6. Scroll down one line to the Shorcut Key (Alt +) field and tap the U key. If the U key is already defined, you will told and you'll have to use a different letter.
  7. Click the [Menu] button or the Scroll Wheel and select Save from the menu
You will be returned to the Messages list, but the top will say Unopened, and only unread (unopened) messages will appear in the list.

In the future, when you want to see only unopened messages, go into Messages (or any other email or SMS icon), you can use [Alt] U to display unread messages.

The only down side is that even if you're using one of the email specific BIS icons and viewing only email from one email address, [Alt] U will still display ALL unread messages from all email addresses. However, if you really need it, you can set up a saved search to view only unopened messages from a specific email address by going to the Service field and hitting [Space] until the email address (or Desktop for BES) appears in that field.
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.JerryD.
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. ]]> jdellasala http://forums.pinstack.com/blogs/3389/blog1154.html Clearing IT Policy - OS 4.3 and Higher http://forums.pinstack.com/blogs/3389/blog1143.html Sat, 24 Jan 2009 12:57:58 GMT Image: http://images.pinstack.com/images/bluesaint/misc/blog/feed-icon.gif ... .JerryD.
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The following will only work if your device is running OS 4.3 or higher, and requires a computer running Windows 2000 or later.

For instructions on clearing IT Policy on a device with an earlier OS, check here.

With the advent of OS 4.3, it is now a comparatively simple task to clear IT Policy and return the device to factory condition. The core tool to accomplish this task is Javaloader.exe - a utility that comes with several RIM packages. This is a command line tool that communicates with your BlackBerry. Should you be so inclined, the command line to wipe the BlackBerry and return it to factory condition is:
Quote:
JavaLoader -u resettofactory
Note that the -u paramater tells JavaLoader to connect to the device via USB (the default is serial). If the device has a password, you will also need to add the -w option before the resettofactory parameter. For example, if the device's password is qwer, the command line would be:
Quote:
JavaLoader -u -wqwer resettofactory
So where do you get this magical JavaLoader? Well, the simplest way is to download the JL_Cmder utility. This package is a self installing package of JavaLoader.exe, the DOS utility CHOICE.COM, and a couple of batch files and an icon. Download the Zip file from the link above, and run the single file JL_Cmder v1.9.1.exe contained in the Zip file to install the utility. A shortcut will be put on your (not All Users) desktop to run the utility.

When you run the utility, you'll first see a Welcome screen and be asked to Press Any Key to continue. Once you do that, you'll be asked if your BlackBerry locks with a password. Simply hit Y if it does, and enter the EXACT password on the next screen. NOTE: The password WILL be displayed when you do this.

Once you've entered the password (or hit N when asked), you will see the following screen:


Simply select 5 to wipe the device and reset it to factory condition. You will be warned with a red screen and asked if you want to continue. Hit Y to continue. There is no other warning! Your BlackBerry will now be wiped and returned to factory condition with all IT Policy settings returned to their normal default values.

Once the reset is performed, you will be prompted "To complete the factory reset, remove the battery to envoke a handheld wipe.".

NOTE: Do NOT use the Wipe option (4) from JL_Cmder to clear data from the device! This option will erase not only all data, but also the device's OS leaving it brain dead! While easy to recover from, this is NOT how to wipe data from the device.

In my experience, all data is cleared from the device by the factory reset, but it certainly wouldn't hurt to perform a wipe (Options --> Security Options --> General Settings, Click either [Menu] or the Scroll Wheel and select Wipe Handheld). Unlike a regular wipe, this operation will also clear the password as well as turning off the need for a password.

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.JerryD.
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. ]]> jdellasala http://forums.pinstack.com/blogs/3389/blog1143.html <![CDATA[It's Raining Weather Apps]]> http://forums.pinstack.com/blogs/3389/blog1124.html Fri, 16 Jan 2009 12:30:57 GMT Image: http://images.pinstack.com/images/bluesaint/misc/blog/feed-icon.gif ... .JerryD.
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Since my first Java BlackBerry, I've loved Weather applications. In fact, I still use the first weather app I ever had - BBWeather. It may have even been the first application I ever installed on a BlackBerry!

Anyway, a while back yet another weather app appeared cleverly named Weather! It's kind of an updated version of BBWeather. You can have multiple cities, and select them either through the somewhat confusing hot keys, or by scrolling horizontally (trackball). Scrolling verically cycles through the current conditions, a four day forecast, and the list of cities you have loaded.

I finally added it to my Mini Version Tracker list (older versions didn't behave? I was busy? Lazy?), and realized there were a LOT of Weather apps and multi-function apps that have Weather in the list:
  • amAze: 4.5 - OTA / Web (GPS Navigation, Search, Weather, etc.)
  • BBWeather: 0.77 - OTA / Desktop / Source (WORKS AGAIN!)
  • Sunclock: 1.03.26 - OTA/Web (World display of day/night)
  • Weather: 1.01.18 - OTA/Web (yet another weather app)
  • WeatherBug Direct: 0.9.6.6 - OTA - Web
  • WeatherEye: 1.0.21.0 - OTA - Web - WAP (from The Weather Network)
  • WeatherEye: 1.0.21.0 - OTA - Web - WAP (from The Weather Network)
  • YWeather: 0.4.1 - OTA/Web
  • Yahoo! Go: 3.0.47 - OTA - Web (Portal w/GPS)
No, this is by no means a comprehensive list of Weather apps and apps that have the weather. In fact, there may even be other apps in the Mini Version Tracker list I missed, but it's impressive none the less.

And yes, I consider Sunclock a "weather" app being an old Al Sleet fan (Tonight's forcast, Dark. Continued dark tonight, turning to partly light in the morning.)

Anyway, enjoy!

Weather added to the Mini Version Tracker list.

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.JerryD.
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. ]]> jdellasala http://forums.pinstack.com/blogs/3389/blog1124.html OnToCalendar added http://forums.pinstack.com/blogs/3389/blog1116.html Wed, 14 Jan 2009 11:48:59 GMT Image: http://images.pinstack.com/images/bluesaint/misc/blog/feed-icon.gif ... .JerryD.
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Found this item posted on BerryReview, and although kkwus74 posted it on PinStack yesterday, I thought I'd post it here anyway - especially for those poor saps (LIKE ME) that bought AddToCalendar only to be left high and dry!

This is essentially the same thing. Once installed, the item Onto Calendar is added to the menu of an open email. Selecting it adds an item to your calendar with the subject of the email as the subject of the Calendar item, and a zero length appointment time of the current time. Unfortunately the body of the email is not copied to the Notes of the calendar item, so remember to copy the info you need before using it. Maybe there will be an update soon, or you can check out the Source code here!

It ends up the information above in red is WRONG! Once you've installed OnToCalendar, go into Options, and you'll find a new item there - OntoCalendar v3.4.1. Click on that option and you'll come up with the following options:
  • Copy Message [Yes/No]
  • Default Duration [Multiple durations from 0-256 minutes]
  • Default Reminder [Multiple durations from 0-256 minutes]
As you can see, here you can set whether or not to copy the body of the message to the notes of the appointment, the default duration of the appointment, and the default reminder for the appointment.

One thing - if you're running OS 4.5 or higher and have HTML mail enabled, you need to use select [Menu] --> Get Plain Text before you use [Menu] --> Onto Calendar option or the body of the message will not be transferred to the notes of the appointment.

Added to the Mini Version Tracker list.

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.JerryD.
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]]> jdellasala http://forums.pinstack.com/blogs/3389/blog1116.html Everything you never wanted to know about SMS (Texting) http://forums.pinstack.com/blogs/3389/blog1052.html Sat, 27 Dec 2008 16:41:44 GMT Image: http://images.pinstack.com/images/bluesaint/misc/blog/feed-icon.gif ... .JerryD.
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There seem to be three regularly posted SMS questions:
  • How long is an SMS message?
  • How can I send a message longer than the SMS Limit?
  • Do I need a BlackBerry Data Plan to send a Text message?
__________________________________________________
In answer to the first question, the answer is 1,120 BITS which can be 160 characters, 140 Characters, or 70 characters depending on the Encoding method in use. To quote Wiki:
The maximum single text message size is either 160 7-bit characters, 140 8-bit characters (used for binary messages only), or 70 16-bit characters. Characters in non-Latin scripts such as Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Japanese or Cyrillic (for e.g. Russian) must be encoded using the 16-bit UCS-2 character encoding (see Unicode).
Some carriers in countries that require 16 bit character set may only support 16 bit text messages, so you may not even find 7 or 8 bit enconding available regardless of what OS your BlackBerry is running.

Older BlackBerries may have all three character types available (again, dependant on what the carrier support), but from what I see in the BlackBerry Simulators, as of OS 4.2, BlackBerry only supports 7 Bit (160 Character) and 16 Bit (70 Character) encoding. This makes sense since 8 Bit is intended for Binary messages - presumeably MMS messages.
__________________________________________________

As for the second question, some carriers support breaking up messages longer than a single message with one Send operation. On this and other forums I have found that users with the same model and OS version but different carriers may or may not be able to send a single long message which is automatically broken up into multiple smaller messages that fit the length being used (and you're charged for the number of messages it takes).

It appears that a BlackBerry will support it if the Carrier does! I've always been with AT&T (formerly Cingular) and always had the option to send up to six SMS Messages as a single message.
__________________________________________________

Finally, texting does NOT require BlackBerry Data Service! This is part of your Cellular service, and most likely charged separately from your Voice or Data.

Hope that helps clear up any SMS questions!
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.JerryD.
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. ]]> jdellasala http://forums.pinstack.com/blogs/3389/blog1052.html Just in time for those Holiday Parties - B4U Drink! http://forums.pinstack.com/blogs/3389/blog1022.html Sat, 20 Dec 2008 14:57:37 GMT Image: http://images.pinstack.com/images/bluesaint/misc/blog/feed-icon.gif ... .JerryD.
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I happened across this little gem this morning. Go to the site, and enter in either the requested information (sex, weight, what you plan to drink, and over how long a period), and it will give you an estimate of what your Blood Alcohol Level will be at the end of the festivities. Pretty clever!
B4U Drink (Blood Alcohol Level Estimator)
Updated on the Mini Version Tracker list.

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.JerryD.
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. ]]> jdellasala http://forums.pinstack.com/blogs/3389/blog1022.html <![CDATA[Quick & Easy Switching Between Apps]]> http://forums.pinstack.com/blogs/3389/blog1000.html Wed, 10 Dec 2008 14:49:47 GMT Appropriately, since this tip is about multitasking, it's actually several tips in one! I don't know about you, but when I'm "on" my BlackBerry, I'm usually switching between two or three apps. OK, one is usually a game, but that is still an app! So here's the short version of the tips:
  1. Hit the [End] (red handset) key to "drop" an application to the background and return to the Home screen.
  2. Assign a Convenience Key to Application Switcher.
  3. Tap the Convenience Key to bring up the Application Switcher which will display all the running applications in a ribbon.
  4. Scroll to a running application and hit [Enter] or Click the Track Ball / Scroll Wheel to go back into that application.
  5. Tap the Convenience Key again (twice in succession) to switch to the last application you were in.
A quick warning - Never hit [End] when you're on the phone - you will hang up the call! You can, however, use the Convenience Key to switch to another running application (or the Home screen to bring up another application) and remain on the call.

Now let's say there's some information in a contact that you need to copy and paste into an email, Here's the quick way to do it:
  • Open the Address Book and open the contact you need the information from.
  • Hit [End] to return to the Home Screen.
  • Assuming you're using Shortcut Keys) tap C to Compose an email (or get there however you like).
  • Now simply tap the Convenience Key twice to switch to the Address Book application and copy the information you need.
  • Again, tap the Convenience Key twice to switch to the email you're wirting and paste the information you just got.
This entire operation can be done one handed! Likewise, if you're reading articles in your favorite News Reader and an email comes in, simply tap the Convenience key scroll to the Messages application (which never terminates) and Click or hit [Enter] to read it. Now, just tap the Convenience Key twice to get back to your News Reader. If another email comes in, just tap the Convenience Key twice again!

Some things to remember:
  • How an application handles [Esc] is specific to that application. With some it will move it to the background, with others, it will terminate the application and it won't show up in the Application Switcher. [End] will always leave the application running (if it works at all) except as noted above when you're on the phone!
  • Applications that move to the background when you hit [Esc] go to the far right slot of the Application Switcher ribbon.
  • When you use the [End] key to move an application to the background, it takes the first (far left) slot of the Application Switcher ribbon.
  • When you bring up the Application Switcher, the second "slot" (from the left) will always be selected. This represents the second to last application that moved to the background.
  • The Home Screen is always the third "slot" from the left.
So now you can drink your coffee, read your news feeds, and keep up with your email all at the same time! Don't forget to rub your belly too!
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.JerryD.
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. ]]> jdellasala http://forums.pinstack.com/blogs/3389/blog1000.html <![CDATA[Empower BES Mailbox updated - now supports Bold & Storm]]> http://forums.pinstack.com/blogs/3389/blog995.html Tue, 09 Dec 2008 09:50:52 GMT I have to admit, I prefer having ALL my messages including SMS, MMS, and even BlackBerry and... I have to admit, I prefer having ALL my messages including SMS, MMS, and even BlackBerry and Enterprise Messenger messages all show up under Messages. It gives me quick one tap access to all incoming messages, and filtering out emails from specific accounts is easy enough when needed using Saved Searches.

None the less, there are those that get downright angry that their BES email can only be viewed with all the other BIS email. For those folks, Empower created Empower BES MailBox. So if the Messages icon irritates you enough to shell out $20, this product is for you! I can't say I've ever tried it, but I did try their HTML email viewer for a while and loved it! Based on that experience, I'd guess all their products are worthy of a try!
  • Empower BES MailBox: 4.0.0.52 - OTA - Web ($ trial available)
  • Empower HTML Mail Viewer PRO: 3.0.80.7 - OTA - Web ($ trial available)
  • Empower HTML Mail Viewer Standard: 2.6.42.7 - OTA - Web ($ trial available)
  • Empower InstaSpell: 1.5.421.51 - OTA - Web ($ trial available)
Empower BES MailBox Updated on the Mini Version Tracker list.
.JerryD.
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. ]]> jdellasala http://forums.pinstack.com/blogs/3389/blog995.html Lots of little updates http://forums.pinstack.com/blogs/3389/blog990.html Mon, 08 Dec 2008 13:20:28 GMT I managed to find the time to check on a bunch of items on my Mini Version Tracker list, and... I managed to find the time to check on a bunch of items on my Mini Version Tracker list, and updated the following items:
  • BeamSuite: 3.0.1 - OTA - Web (Actually still BeamBerry - Trial Doc Mgmt)
  • Google Maps: 2.3.2 - OTA (w/GPS and Cell Tower Locater, Street Views, Walking & Transit Directions w/NYC Subway!)
  • IM+: 6.0.3 - OTA - Web (IM)
  • InstaGo: 2.0.65 - Web (Free IM - All networks & SMS?)
  • MySpace (RIM): 1.0.0.22 - OTA/IE Web Loader
  • Nobex Radio Companion: 2.0.0.90 - OTA/Web (Internet Radio player / Info)
  • ShoZu: 3.1.34 / 3.1.29 - OTA / Web (Yet another "social" / IM Network - Curve & Pearl only)
  • Viigo Project Tango Public Beta: 3.0.439 - OTA / Web (RSS Plus...)
I also added the following:
  • BeamReader Beta 2: 0.99.7.4 - OTA / Web (Trial PDF reader)
  • CaptureIt: 1.2 - OTA / Web (Screen Capture on BB)
  • Cortado Connect for Box.net: 3.10.980.3 - Web (Registration required - access Box.net files & simple fax)
In checking IM+, I found that the OTA is still for version 6.0.2 instead of 6.0.3. I've submitted a support query, but since the Zip file reports 6.0.3 as well as all the web pages, I've updated it to 6.0.3 on the list. Hopefully it will be fixed soon.

Also, although the latest update to Viigo does seem to fix some memory / hanging issues, it still doesn't support Wi-Fi.

That's all for now!
Updated on the Mini Version Tracker list.
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.JerryD.
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. ]]> jdellasala http://forums.pinstack.com/blogs/3389/blog990.html <![CDATA[OANDA FXConverter - doesn't, but still useful]]> http://forums.pinstack.com/blogs/3389/blog983.html Fri, 05 Dec 2008 14:57:05 GMT I came accross a utility today that has a misleading name, but it may be a handy utility for some... I came accross a utility today that has a misleading name, but it may be a handy utility for some anyway, and it's free.

This somewhat schizophrenic utility's display name is OANDA FXConverter, but lists in the Applications list as simply FXConverter. The OANDA comes from the sponsor's company name.

And after a slow splash screen startup, it ends up not actually being able to accept any input to be converted, instead it allows you to select a currency and some commodities like Gold to be compared to, and the alternate currency and you get the exchange rate information.

.....

Clicking on the [rate information] button displays (what I assume) is the current exchange service charge for Credit Cards, Cash, or Interbank(?).

Personally I don't foresee having any need for this utility in the near future, but I'm sure it will be useful to many people that travel - even irregularly.
FXConverter: 1.0.12 - OTA/Web (Currency Exchange Rates - does not do conversion)
Added to the Mini Version Tracker list.

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.JerryD.
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]]> jdellasala http://forums.pinstack.com/blogs/3389/blog983.html Cortado - Free Online Storage Space for your BlackBerry http://forums.pinstack.com/blogs/3389/blog969.html Fri, 28 Nov 2008 14:03:57 GMT Cortado now has a Free BlackBerry client which allows you to access files saved to their Web space,... Cortado now has a Free BlackBerry client which allows you to access files saved to their Web space, as well as a small Fax utility.

The application - Cortado Connect - is straight forward enough. After registering here, you'll get an email with a link to download the client which adds two icons - Cortado Connect and Cortado Short Fax.

The Connect client allows you to browse both your device's as well as your online folders and files. With the client, you can do basic file manipulation (cut, paste, delete) as well as Print (!) to a Fax as well as a printer. I haven't had time to look at the Print functionality.

Cortado Short Fax surprised me by being able to do a lookup of a fax number in my corporate Exchange Global Address Book, but was somewhat disappointing in its integration with the BlackBerry's own Address Book. Also disappointing is that you can't attach a file to a fax (you have to do this through the Connect client). None the less, I was able to send a fax with text, and Fax using the Connect client - the shortcoming there being that the file is sent without any way to preface the file with a note. That said, the application is quick and appears to be very stable - a great opening volley at what could turn into another Must Have!

Let's hope they flesh it out just a bit more - SOON! For more info, go here.

Updated on the Mini Version Tracker list.

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.JerryD.
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. ]]> jdellasala http://forums.pinstack.com/blogs/3389/blog969.html Desktop Manager - Installing, Media Manager, and Vista http://forums.pinstack.com/blogs/3389/blog968.html Fri, 28 Nov 2008 12:35:40 GMT Although Desktop Manager is fairly straight forward, there are some subtle issues with installing... Although Desktop Manager is fairly straight forward, there are some subtle issues with installing it. Here are some general and specific guidelines for dealing with them.
  1. Always uninstall an older version of Desktop Manager before installing a newer version. Usually using the Control Panel's Add/Remove Programs (XP) or Programs and Features (Vista) will suffice. However, some older versions don't uninstall cleanly. If you're having strange problems after upgrading from version 4.1 or earlier, refer to the section BlackBerry Desktop Software 4.1 and earlier here.
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  2. The Desktop Manager installation package is actually a self extracting Zip file that automatically runs the actual installer (BlackBerrySetup.exe). If you simply run the EXE you download, the package will extract to your Temp directory and run BlackBerrySetup.exe from there. The problem here is that if you want to modify your installation at a later time (like change from BIS to BES), there's a good chance that the full package will no longer be available in the Temp directory and you'll have to re-install instead. Best practice is to use a utility such as WinZip to extract the contents of the EXE you download to an empty directory and run BlackBerrySetup.exe from there. I keep a directory C:\Windows\Options and extract to a subdirectory under that - BBDesktop47 for example, in which case I'd run C:\Windows\Options\BBDesktop47\BlackBerrySetup.exe to install.
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    (Note: You will run into this problem if you install Desktop Manager from the CD also, and if you try to modify the installation, you will be asked for the CD. I don't have a CD handy, but you can probably just copy a directory from the CD, or just forget about the CD and download the latest version (which the CD most likely isn't anyway!)
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  3. When installing under Vista, always Right Click the installation EXE and select Run As Administrator. Failing to do this may result in unexpected results! If you have insufficient rights to do this, find someone that does! Of course, you should have Administrator level rights under XP also.
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  4. Do NOT install any version of Desktop Manager earlier than 4.2 SP1. Earlier versions are NOT Vista ready, and are not fully Daylight Savings Time 2007 compliant.
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  5. RIM now has Desktop Manager 4.7 available without (Roxio) Media Manager. If you're running Vista, use this version. Roxio does not play nicely with Vista! Even if you're not running Vista, I recommend saving yourself the extra 180Mb of (slow) download and over 200 Mb extra installation of Roxio Media Manager. Roxio is overkill for what essentially boils down to copying files to an SD card. You can also download the Media Manager version and select a Custom installation and deselect Media Manager during the installation. If you extract the package as described above (#2), you can also uninstall / install Media Manager using Add/Remove Programs (or Programs and Features in Vista) at a later time.
]]> jdellasala http://forums.pinstack.com/blogs/3389/blog968.html