Deploying BlackBerry Applications Over the Air

Deploying BlackBerry Applications Over the Air

You can download both standard MIDlets and BlackBerry-specific applications applications over the air, wirelessly. The provider puts up on a server both a .jad file to describe the application, and either a .cod or a .jar file holding the application itself. To download, you select the .jad file from a browser.

To enable you to download standard MIDlets to a BlackBerry, the Mobile Data Service feature of the BES provides a built-in transcoder that converts .jar files into .cod files. Note that the web server must identify the MIME types for .jad and .cod files, text/vnd.sun.j2me.app-descriptor and application/vnd.rim.cod respectively.

Be aware that you can download a .jar file to a BlackBerry only if the MDS feature is enabled, so it can convert the file to .cod format. If your access to the network is through a WAP gateway, you can download only .cod files.

Conclusion

RIM's BlackBerry handheld devices are becoming quite popular for both data and voice, and wireless carriers all over the world are distributing them. Several BlackBerry devices are Java-enabled, supporting CLDC and MIDP, while also providing API extensions for BlackBerry-specific features. The BlackBerry Java Development Environment enables developers to create CLDC-based, BlackBerry-specific applications that will run only on a BlackBerry, as well as standard MIDlets that will run on any MIDP-enabled device, including those bearing the BlackBerry brand.

This article provided an overview of the BlackBerry architecture, and a tutorial on developing J2ME applications for the BlackBerry. The sample code gave a flavor of the CLDC-based BlackBerry programming style. The article described how to load existing standard MIDlets into a BlackBerry, as well as how to download applications over the air.

For more information

• J2ME
• Research In Motion (RIM)
• BlackBerry Java Development Environment (JDE)
• BlackBerry Developer Journal
• A comparison of BlackBerry Devices
• BlackBerry ISV (Independent Software Vendor) Alliance Program
• BlackBerry Forums
• BlackBerry Solutions from Nextel
• BlackBerry Solutions from Telus Mobility
• T-Mobile BlackBerry Service Plans

Acknowledgments

Thanks to RIM and Telus Mobility for lending me the devices I used to deploy, run, and test Java applications for this article. Also, special thanks to Roger Riggs of Sun Microsystems, whose feedback helped me improve this article.

About the author

Qusay H. Mahmoud provides Java technology consulting and training services. He has published dozens of Java articles, and is the author of Distributed Programming with Java (Manning Publications, 1999) and Learning Wireless Java (O'Reilly, 2002).

¹As used in this document, the terms "Java virtual machine" or "JVM" mean a virtual machine for the Java platform.

RIM's Extensions to JAD Files

The JDE generated the following JAD file for the FirstApp project:

Manifest-Version: 1.0 MIDlet-Version: 0.0 MIDlet-Jar-Size: 1692 RIM-COD-Module-Dependencies: net_rim_os,net_rim_cldc MicroEdition-Configuration: CLDC-1.0 MIDlet-Jar-URL: FirstApp.jar RIM-MIDlet-Flags-1: 0 RIM-COD-Module-Name: FirstApp MIDlet-Name: FirstApp RIM-COD-Size: 1496 RIM-COD-Creation-Time: 1107707260 RIM-MIDlet-Position-1: 0 RIM-COD-URL: FirstApp.cod RIM-MIDlet-NameResourceId-1: 0 MicroEdition-Profile: MIDP-1.0

As you can see, this .jad file includes both standard JAD properties and RIM-specific properties. It's a dual-purpose JAD, that supports downloading of MIDlets to BlackBerry devices, and to other devices as well. The properties RIM-COD-URL and MIDlet-Jar-URL ensure that BlackBerry users can download the .cod file, while users of other devices download the .jar.

Some of RIM's JAD properties are required, others are optional. Here are the required properties:

• RIM-COD-Creation-Time: the time the .cod file was created
• RIM-COD-Module-Dependencies: a list of modules the .cod file requires
• RIM-COD-Module-Name: the name of the module contained in the .cod file
• RIM-COD-SHA1: the SHA1 hash of the .cod file
• RIM-COD-SIZE: the size of the .cod file, in bytes
• RIM-COD-URL: the URL from which the .cod file can be downloaded

The optional properties are:

• RIM-Library-Flags: reserved for use by RIM
• RIM-MIDlet-Flags: reserved for use by RIM
• RIM-MIDlet-NameResourceBundle: the name of the resource bundle the application depends on
• RIM-MIDlet-Position: the suggested position of the application icon on the home screen

Deploying Applications Using the BlackBerry Desktop Manager

To deploy the application using the BlackBerry Desktop Manager, you need to generate an .alx file, which is an XML-based BlackBerry application descriptor. Select the project FirstApp, then from the Project menu choose Generate ALX file. The resulting file, FirstApp.alx, looks like this:

MyCompany Copyright (c) 2005 MyCompany MyCompany FirstApp.cod

Now you can use the BlackBerry Desktop Manager and a USB cable to load the .alx file, which contains a reference to the .cod file, into a BlackBerry device. Figure 9 shows the BlackBerry Desktop Manager, and Figure 10 shows the application to be installed:

Figure 9: BlackBerry Desktop Manager

Figure 10: Application to Be Installed

Developing Applications Using the JDE

Recall that BlackBerry applications that support user interaction extend net.rim.device.api.ui.UiApplication. This class provides methods for applications to register event listeners, manage threads, and manage UI components. When an application starts, the JVM invokes main(), which in turn calls enterEventDispatcher() to start handling events.

To get started developing BlackBerry applications with the JDE, you create a workspace, and subdirectories for each project. Then you create source files, build the application, and test it, much as in any IDE. Let's walk through development of a simple example.

Create a Workspace

1. In the IDE, from the File menu, choose New workspace.
   
   
2. Enter a name for the workspace and a pathname for the directory where it should be saved, and press OK.
   
   

   Figure 3: Create a Workspace

Create a Project

1. From the Project menu, choose Create new project.
   
   
2. Enter a name for the project and a directory where it should be saved, and press OK.

Figure 4: Create a Project

Create the Source Files

1. From the File menu, choose New.
   
   
2. Give a name to the file; include the .java extension.
   
   
3. Enter the pathname of the project directory where you want the file saved, and press OK.
   
   

   Figure 5: Create a Java Source File

   
   
4. In the editor pane, right-click the file, and choose Insert into project.
   
   

   Figure 6: Insert a File Into a Project

   
   
5. Select the project and press OK.
   
   
6. In the editor pane, enter the code for this sample Blackberry application:
   
   
   Code Sample 1: HelloApp.java

   import net.rim.device.api.ui.*; import net.rim.device.api.ui.component.*; import net.rim.device.api.ui.container.*; import net.rim.device.api.system.*; public class HelloApp extends UiApplication { public static void main(String argv[]) { HelloApp app = new HelloApp(); app.enterEventDispatcher(); } public HelloApp() { pushScreen(new HelloScreen()); } } class HelloScreen extends MainScreen { public HelloScreen() { super(); LabelField title = new LabelField ("BlackBerry App", LabelField.ELLIPSIS | LabelField.USE_ALL_WIDTH); setTitle(title); add(new RichTextField("Welcome to Developing BlackBerry Apps Tutorial")); } public boolean onClose() { Dialog.alert("Visit Again!"); System.exit(0); return true; } }

Once you've entered this code, you can build the project. To compile the source file, perform preverification, and package the application into a .cod file, from the Build menu choose Build all.

Figure 7: Code the Source File (click image for full size)

The JDE will generate FirstApp.jad, FirstApp.jar, and FirstApp.cod, among other files, in the project directory you created earlier.

Now you can run the application in the simulator. In the JDE's Build menu choose Build all and run. The application will appear in the simulator. Just select it, and it will display a welcome message. When you exit, you'll see the message "Visit Again!" as in Figure 8.

Figure 8: Sample run of HelloApp in BlackBerry simulator

To load the application into a real device, use the javaloader command-line tool as I described earlier:

javaloader -usb load FirstApp.cod

Running Existing MIDlets on the BlackBerry

To run a standard MIDlet on a Java-enabled BlackBerry device, you first need to convert the .jad and .jar files to the .cod format, using the rapc command-line tool that comes with RIM's JDE. You'll find rapc in the bin directory of your JDE installation. This command converts a MIDlet named LoginMIDlet:

rapc import="c:\BlackBerryJDE3.6\lib\net_rim_api.jar" codename=LoginMIDlet -midlet jad=LoginMIDlet.jad LoginMIDlet.jar

You can load the resulting LoginMIDlet.cod file into your BlackBerry device from your desktop computer over a USB cable. Use the javaloader command, which can also be found in the bin directory of your JDE installation. I used this command to load LoginMIDlet.cod into my BlackBerry 7510:

javaloader -usb load LoginMIDlet.cod

Once the application is loaded into the BlackBerry, you can run it just as if it were a native application.

You can use javaloader to delete applications from the BlackBerry as well as to load them. This command will remove LoginMIDlet.cod from the BlackBerry:

javaloader -usb erase -f LoginMIDlet.cod

RIM's Java Development Environment

The BlackBerry Java Development Environment (JDE) is an integrated development environment (IDE) that provides a complete set of tools and APIs for you to develop Java applications that run on BlackBerry devices. JDE requires the Java 2 SDK to run. It comes with a BlackBerry simulator for testing, but I recommend you obtain an actual BlackBerry device. I personally like the 7510 model, a data and voice handheld device for networks that adhere to the Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (iDEN) standard, such as Nextel in the US and Telus in Canada. Other devices run on GPRS or CDMA2000/1x networks. To test your applications you must also sign up with a wireless carrier for a plan that includes data services. You can get voice service as well, of course, but beware: Having both phone and email services in a single appealing mobile device is addictive!

Through the JDE you can compile your Java source code, package it in a .cod file, which is in a proprietary format, and load your application into the BlackBerry, whose JVM will then run it. Note that, as in other environments, a preverification process occurs before classes are loaded into the device. The JDE preverifies code automatically before packaging it in .cod files.

The current version of the JDE is 4.1. I've used JDE 3.6 for this article only because the BlackBerry I'm using came with version 3.6 of BlackBerry and I haven't upgraded the OS yet. For a list of the JDE versions available that indicates what OS versions they support, please see the JDE download page. Links to that page and to other resources for developers appear at Java SDKs and Tools.

BlackBerry Extensions to J2ME

In addition to full support of standard CLDC and MIDP APIs, RIM provides BlackBerry-specific extensions that enable you to develop applications with the look and feel of native applications. The BlackBerry APIs provide tighter integration for BlackBerry devices, and access to BlackBerry features for user interface, networking, and other capabilities.

Generally, you can use CLDC, MIDP, and BlackBerry APIs together in the same application – with the notable exception of user-interface APIs. A single application should not use both the javax.microedition.lcdui and net.rim.device.api.ui packages. RIM's UI APIs provide greater functionality and more control over the layout of your screens and fields, but at a cost: Resulting MIDlets will be non-standard, so porting to other platforms will require more effort.

Unlike MIDP's UI classes, RIM's are similar to Swing in the sense that UI operations occur on the event thread, which is not thread-safe as in MIDP. To run code on the event thread, an application must obtain a lock on the event object, or use invokeLater() or invokeAndWait() – extra work for the developer, but sophistication comes with a price tag.

Your choices come down to these: You can develop your application as a standard MIDlet that will run on any MIDP-enabled device, or as a RIMlet, a CLDC-based application that uses BlackBerry-specific APIs and therefore will run only on BlackBerry devices. If you're developing solely for the BlackBerry you should use the CLDC model because the RIM APIs will give you the BlackBerry-native look and feel – without denying you the option to use J2ME-standard APIs in areas other than UI. For persistence, you can use BlackBerry's APIs or the MIDP RMS APIs; if you're already familiar with RMS, use it. For networking, use the Generic Connection Framework.

The main class of a RIMlet extends either net.rim.system.Application, if it's a background application with no user interaction, or net.rim.system.UiApplication if the RIMlet needs a user interface. Unlike a MIDlet's starting point, the entry point into a RIMlet is the main() method. As in the MIDP UI, a RIMlet screen is not a movable window. To display it you simply push it on the display stack using pushScreen(). I'll show you an example later.

BlackBerry Application Models

To give developers flexibility in designing sophisticated wireless applications for the enterprise, BlackBerry supports two application models:

• The browser-based model allows developers to focus on developing back-end content in a standard markup language, such as the Wireless Markup Language (WML) or the compact Hypertext Markup Language (cHTML). Using existing browsers' client capabilities frees the developer from worrying about the client interface – but it does limit client functionality to what the browser provides, and there's no support for offline processing.
  
  
• Custom Java applications enable developers to develop customized user interfaces and navigation, and support content beyond text and images. Developers can also build applications that users can download and install on wireless devices, so they can continue to use offline capabilities while out of wireless coverage. Several BlackBerry devices come with a complete set of APIs and tools that enable you to build custom Java-based applications.

The BlackBerry Architecture

BlackBerry devices are offered by Nextel, Telus, T-Mobile, and many other wireless carriers. Once a device is on a carrier's network, it's linked to RIM's Network Operating Center (NOC), which has direct connections to all RIM's carrier partners and to BlackBerry Enterprise Servers (BES) deployed all over the world. The BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) software is middleware that links handheld devices to corporate email services such as Microsoft Exchange and Lotus Notes, as depicted in Figure 1:

Figure 1: BlackBerry Architecture With Wireless Gateways

Installed behind the corporate firewall, a BES can be configured with additional services. The Mobile Data Service (MDS), for instance, gives devices access to servers in the corporate intranet that wouldn't be accessible from public networks otherwise. For your BlackBerry to take advantage of such features you must configure it to use a BES when you install the Desktop Software Manager. This manager comes with the BlackBerry, but you install it on a computer connected to the corporate intranet, then connect the BlackBerry to that computer. Encryption keys are generated for secure communication between the device and the BES. On devices that aren't linked to a BES, email integration is achieved through a web-based client. You select the appropriate option when installing the Desktop Software Manager, as in Figure 2.

Figure 2: Desktop Software Manager Integration Options

Programming the BlackBerry With J2ME

Developed by Research In Motion (RIM), the BlackBerry is a handheld wireless device whose major selling feature to date has been instant, secure, mobile access to email. New BlackBerry devices support voice communications as well. While some BlackBerry devices are based on C++, many new ones support the Java 2 Platform, Micro Edition (J2ME), primarily because Java technology makes developing applications so much easier. Its platform-independence eliminates many porting woes and its automatic garbage collection lets developers concentrate on application logic rather than memory management.

RIM's support for J2ME includes development of its own Java virtual machine (JVM)¹, which supports the Connected Limited Device Configuration (CLDC) and the Mobile Information Device Profile (MIDP). BlackBerry devices also come with additional BlackBerry-specific APIs, however, that enable developers to create applications that have the BlackBerry-native look and feel, and are more sophisticated than standard MIDlets developed using MIDP.

This article describes the BlackBerry architecture and two application models, and gets you started developing applications and deploying them on the BlackBerry.

Contents

-	The BlackBerry Architecture
-	BlackBerry Application Models
-	BlackBerry Extensions to J2ME
-	RIM's Java Development Environment
-	Running Existing MIDlets on the BlackBerry
-	Developing Applications Using the JDE
-	Deploying Applications Using the BlackBerry Desktop Manager
-	RIM's Extensions to JAD Files
-	Deploying BlackBerry Applications Over the Air
-	Conclusion
-	For more information
-	Acknowledgments
-	About the author

Review: GlobalSat BT-359 Bluetooth GPS

By Melissa Oxendale
July 17, 2007

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I have never played with GPS before, but have used a Bluetooth headset with my BlackBerry and a Bluetooth mouse with my PC. That's all the experience I have with Bluetooth and GPS. So trying out the GlobalSat BT-359 Bluetooth GPS receiver, which combines the two technologies, was a unique experience.

My verdict: It successfully turned the BlackBerry I tested it with into a navigation and location-based services tool.

The unit I reviewed is the same as the one sold by AT&T. It came with a wall charger and car charger adapters, and charges via a USB cable just like a BlackBerry, which makes charging easy and the adapters very useful. My review unit came charged, which is always nice. There is nothing worse than waiting for a battery charge before playing with a new toy.

First, the GlobalSat BT-359 Bluetooth GPS Receiver was smaller than I expected, smaller than the BlackBerry Pearl even (see picture - Pearl on left, GlobalSat BT-359 on right).

It has a back door for battery replacement, 3 LED lights, and a power button. One light is the power indicator, letting you know if the battery is low and if the receiver is charging. Another light indicates if the receiver is locked into the GPS satellite network: If it flashes it is connected, if it is solid it is not. The last light is the Bluetooth indicator, a slow flash means it is not connected and a faster flash means it is.

Pairing the receiver with the Pearl was simple. I just went into the Bluetooth menu on the BlackBerry and added the device.

The receiver worked fine with RIM's BlackBerry Maps and Google Maps.

I liked the options available in Google Maps a little better. I tried it with Telenav and Nav4All navigation and tracking applications without any problems at all.

With the receiver, I was able to obtain a connection to the GPS satellites inside my apartment without any problem, as well as everywhere I drove around. When watching the location on the map while driving at interstate speeds the receiver and image on the maps was able to keep up no problem.

The battery is supposed to last for up to 11 hours, in continuous mode. The receiver powers itself down after 10 minutes of inactivity to save power.

In addition to AT&T, you can get the GlobalSat BT-359 Bluetooth GPS receiver through RIM's BlackBerry accessories Web site. It is available for a range of prices from various Web sites, for between $100 and $140.

Review: Seidio Holster: The Best Available for the BlackBerry Curve

By Melissa Oxendale
July 31, 2007

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I recently tried out a new holster for the BlackBerry Curve from Seido. And, I have to say, it was simply one of the best I've ever used.

The first thing I noticed was a red sticker that says PDA Face In Design. This can be useful as I know a few people have tried to use various holsters with the face out, which turns out to be hard on a BlackBerry.

On the inside where the face of your Curve would be is a nice soft lining. No need to worry about it scratching up the face or screen.

The clip on the back swivels around so you can clip it on at whatever angle works best for you. I tried it on my belt, in my hip pocket, in my leg cargo pocket, and even clipped it to my purse. It worked great every way I could think of. The clip held fast to everything I attached it to regardless of the tugging and pulling I tried on it.

There is a spring loaded clip at the top to hold in your Curve. It works wonderfully. It does not require too much elbow grease to open it, but holds your Curve in flawlessly. I never once worried that my Curve was going to get loose.

One of the added benefits of this holster is it will fit an extended battery; once they become available for the Curve. So if you pick this Seido holster now, you won't have to worry about a new one down the road.

The Curve does not have to come out of the holster to charge. All the side buttons, including the USB port and headphone jack are available to use while secure in the holster.

The holster for the Curve sells for $29.95 and is available from Seidio's online store.

Review: Jazzing Up the BlackBerry Curve with a Case and Stickers

By Melissa Oxendale
December 7, 2007

While I still love my Fortte case (see our review), I wanted to try something a little different for my BlackBerry. I wanted something to make my Curve stand out. So off to eBay I went.

I found stickers to personalize my BlackBerry that you could pick in a large number of designs for around $8. Many were colorful and abstract, while some sported sunsets and scenic views. All the choices made it hard to pick three I wanted.

To compliment my new stickers, I decided to get a hard clear case to go over them. So I ended up ordering the Super Slim Crystal Hard Case from Seidio.

It took about week for everything to arrive.

First, I started with a screen protector, as Seidio's Crystal case does not cover the screen. (All the pictures in this story are of the Curve with the screen protector, case and stickers installed.

Stickers
Once the screen was covered I moved to the stickers. The hardest part was pulling the front off the paper. It had the buttons cut out, but the sticker material was still there. I was sure putting the sticker over my buttons would be a painful experience. I even started with my least favorite sticker, just in case I ruined it.

Turns out my concerns weren't founded. For the most part, the sticker easily fell into place, although I had a little trouble getting it placed correctly at the top as I seemed to always put it a little too far to the left.

One word of caution: if the sticker goes over the screen protector, it will pull the screen protector up when you tug on it.

The back of the sticker pack had two pieces. On piece went over the back cover, so you are able to take it off to reach the battery, SIM, and memory card. The other went around the door. The back door part had cut outs for the camera, flash, and mirror. I had no trouble at all putting the back door sticker on. With the smaller part that stuck directly to the phone, I again wanted to put it a little too far to the left.

Overall, the stickers applied much easier than I expected. And there weren't any problems with air bubbles underneath it. They're a cheap and easy way personalize your BlackBerry.

Seido Crystal Case
On top of the sticker went my new Seidio Crystal Case.

It came with simple to follow instructions that guide you to getting the case on. I could tell right away it wasn't snapped all the way on because it made the side keys hard to type on. Just a little extra squeeze and it snapped into place.

All of the buttons, headphone jack, and USB jack were easy to get to. With the Crystal Case on the Curve was too large for my Fortte case or the pouch it came with, however. I was able to fit it into a case I used with my 8700 though, even through it was not designed with a trackball in mind. It also fit in the BlackBerry case that came with the AT&T 8820. I would imagine it would fit in most cases that have the elastic on the sides.

Now my BlackBerry will stand out, although I no longer have anywhere to attach my Tardis Phone Charm. Even with stickers and new case, typing was still a breeze.

The Seidio Crystal case is $24.95 at Seidio's Web site. The stickers were around $8.00 for three on eBay.

Verizon Picks Up Smartphone Trio

By James Alan Miller
March 31, 2008

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Verizon Wireless expanded its already substantive portfolio of smartphones today, announcing plans to soon carry the BlackBerry Curve, HTC Touch, and the Motorola Q9. America's second largest wireless carrier made these announcements as the technology world focuses its gaze on Las Vegas, where the giant spring edition of the CTIA Wireless trade show and conference gears up to get started tomorrow.

Like AT&T's BlackBerry Curve, Verizon's version, called the BlackBerry 8330, integrates GPS to support location-based services, such as the operator's own VZ Navigator mapping service. It also sports a QWERTY thumb-keyboard, a 2 megapixel camera, QVGA screen, and Bluetooth 2.0. High-capacity SDHC memory cards and Verizon's 3G cellular-wireless data network are also supported.

Due in May, Verizon plans to sell the BlackBerry for $270 with a two-year agreement and after a $50 mail-in rebate. When you sign up for a qualifying voice and data plan the price drops $100 further.

The Motorola Q9c is essentially the same as the Q9m Verizon launched last summer, QWERTY keyboard and all. It integrates GPS, supports EV-DO and runs on Windows Mobile 6 Standard, which means the new Q, like all other Qs, doesn't have a touch screen.

The Q9c’s software bundle directs it more toward the business user than the earlier Q model, which placed more of a premium on multimedia. It is colored a bright a cheery lime-green, however.

When the Q9c ships next month, expect it to go for $250 with a two-year agreement and after a rebate. In addition to Verizon, Alltel and U.S. Cellular just picked up the Q9c as well.

Already available from Sprint and Alltel, Verizon is the third carrier-home HTC has found for the Touch in the U.S. Verizon is not calling it by that name, however, preferring the moniker XV6900 instead. And, unlike the other carriers, Verizon has chosen to enable the Touch’s GPS receiver to support its VZ Navigator service.

Otherwise, the Windows Mobile 6-run XV6900 seems to be nearly identical to the other Touches, with its 2 megapixel camera and similar - if not exactly the same – specifications.

As with the iPhone, the chief means of interaction between a Touch and a user is through the smartphone's touch screen and the user's fingers through HTC's proprietary TouchFLO technology, which essentially grafts an advanced touch interface onto the Windows Mobile user interface.

Due in April, Verizon expects to sell the XV6900 for $350 after a $50 mail-in rebate and if you sign up for two years—par for the course these days, it seems.

Although Apple sold twice as many iPhones, hitting the 4 million mark, last year, HTC moved a couple million Touches, not a shabby number by any means.

Review: BlackBerry Curve 8330

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BlackBerryToday > Hardware Reviews > Review: BlackBerry Curve 8330

Review: BlackBerry Curve 8330

By Gerry Blackwell
August 18, 2008

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Rejoice o ye CDMAites! The Curve is come! Praise the lord and pass the PDAs!

Customers of Verizon and other North American CDMA-based cellular providers can finally lay their hands on one of the hottest PDA phones, Research in Motion's (RIM) BlackBerry Curve, the smallest, lightest cell phone with a full QWERTY keyboard.

The original Curve 8300, which we reviewed here, is a GSM device. It took almost six months for a CDMA version to become readily available. Telus and Bell in Canada introduced the Curve 8330 earlier this year and Verizon launched it in May. Sprint and Alltel now have it as well.

Verizon sells the 8330 for $200 with a two-year contract, $300 with a one-year contract. Bell and Telus in Canada sell it with one-, two- or three-year contracts, or no contract, for $200, $400, $500 or $550 (Bell), $200, $450, $500 or $550 (Telus). Voice, e-mail and data packages are, needless to say, extra.

The Curve 8330 is not significantly different from the original 8300 model. It's not a quad-band world phone, of course, but it is a dual-band 800/1900 MHz device. Best of all, it works on super-fast CDMA-based EVDO networks.

Like most Curve models, the 8330 includes an on-board GPS receiver, and the carriers are offering turn-by-turn navigation services. Verizon has VZ Navigator, which is based on the AtlasBook platform from Networks in Motion (NIM). Telus is also using NIM. Bell uses technology from TeleNav Inc.

Unlike the Curve 8320, a GSM model available from T-Mobile and Wirefly in the U.S. and directly from RIM in Canada, the 8330 does not include Wi-Fi, which is a great pity.

Though it's not a lot different from the original Curve, we wanted to try out the 8330's GPS navigation features and test network connectivity over EVDO - and generally take a second look at a product that has had a lot of hype, and some criticism.

We originally reviewed the Curve as a better - if not as sleek - version of the BlackBerry Pearl, RIM's first foray into the consumer/business market.

The Pearl had a crummy 1.3-megapixel camera, you couldn't plug in standard stereo headphones to take full advantage of its music playing ability and its 20-key SureType keyboard, while impressive technology, was slower to type on than a QWERTY keyboard. With the Curve, RIM appeared to be trying to correct these problems.

The video-capable camera is 2 megapixels, which is an improvement, but it's a long way from the best in phone cameras. The Curve also lets you use standard headphones, although listening on the 8330 confirms our belief that all-in-one devices are not the way to go if you care at all about music. The 8330 sounds tinny and digital. That said, it's fine for spoken-word recordings.

The QWERTY keyboard is good, a definite improvement over the Pearl's Sure-Type keyboard, although the keyboard on the Motorola Q 9h is marginally better if only because bigger.

The Q 9h, a Windows Mobile device often compared to the Curve, is bigger all over, although slightly thinner. The Curve, in fact, is nothing if not a marvel of miniaturization: 4.2 x 2.4 x 0.6 inches (107x15.5mm) and about 3.9 ounces (111g).

We still like the screen, a backlit TFT LCD (240 x 320 pixels, 65,000 colors). And we like the fact that the Curve includes a microSD card slot (in the battery compartment). But my goodness! Could they not have included at least a 1GB card? Two-gigabyte microSDs sell for as little as $15 online, so how much would RIM (or Verizon) have to pay for bulk purchase 1GB cards?

For more about the generally excellent Curve interface and RIM-provided bundled software - about which there is little new to add - see our original review.

We had heard complaints recently about voice quality on BlackBerries in general, so wanted to pay closer attention when making calls on the 8330. The trouble is, there are a few variables involved. At the simplest level, is it the network or is it the device?

We tested the 8330 on the Telus network in Canada. Yes, it did sound a bit tinny and digital - hmmm, didn't we just say that about music playback? - but all the calls were perfectly clear and audible. The Curve, as noted in the original review, also has a pretty decent, relatively distortion-free speaker phone. And it works well with Bluetooth hands-free headsets.

One of the things we particularly wanted to test on the 8330 was its performance as a tethered modem on the EVDO network, providing - or so RIM and operators claim - broadband wireless connectivity for laptops. After all, who needs a PC card modem, or even a Boingo Wi-Fi subscription, if they have a phone that can do the job?

Review: BlackBerry Pearl Skins

By Melissa Oxendale
June 27, 2007

Having a new BlackBerry Pearl on hand means it's time to try out some new accessories. I recently got some protective skins for the BlackBerry from RIM. And, being indecisive, I went with a three pack; this way, if my mood changes, so does my color of my Pearl.

To start off with, these skins ($9.99) do not cover the keys nor the screen. If you want the display covered, a screen protector will be needed. Although I was using a case that covered the Pearl before - with plastic for protection - I found I can type much better with the bare keys under my fingers.

As for the skins, protection really aren't their forte; they don't really protect the tender parts: screen, buttons, keys, or camera. They basically takes a black or silver Pearl and gives it a different hue.

The one big bonus, the skins don't slide around like the smooth Pearl is prone to do. On a slight down side, this means the skin sometimes picks up bits of dust and other particles lying around. So far, I've found a swift wipe and it comes clean.

Another side effect to the non-slide skins, they can be a little tougher to get in and out of one's pocket, especially tight ones as we ladies often have. This can be nice, no worries about the Pearl falling out, but can be a pain when trying to get the Pearl out fast to answer a call.

All of the buttons and needed plugs are left uncovered by the skin, as is the camera, offering easy access. If you truelly want them protected, you'll need a case in addition to the skin.

The back of each skin has BlackBerry written across it, otherwise there are no markings or writing on any of them. I noticed the skins were snug around the top and bottom, but just a little lose on the sides. This ensures the skins can come on and off fairly easily. However, sometimes I found my fingers catching on the sides when using the phone.

Overall, I really liked the skins, especially because they enabled me to personalize my BlackBerry to fit me.

BlackBerry Pearl Coming to Sprint, Verizon Soon

By James Alan Miller
November 1, 2007
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For over a year, you’ve only been able to get the BlackBerry Pearl through GSM carriers like T-Mobile and AT&T Wireless, leaving customers of operators like Verizon Wireless and Sprint out of luck. This will change soon. Both of America's two largest CDMA operators are both slated to ship this smartphone this month.

First up is Verizon, which is now taking pre-orders for the BlackBerry Pearl 8130. Verizon is due to ship the 8130 on November 8th for $200 with 2 year contract after discounts.



As for Sprint, it is supposed to start offering the Pearl a couple of weeks later, on November 23rd, the same day it is rumored the carrier will start shipping its latest Motorola Q model, the Q9c. There's been no word yet regarding Sprint's asking price for the Pearl.

Here's what we know about the Verizon/Sprint Pearl so far:

It will support those carriers’ EV-DO 3G data networks, far faster than the 2.5G EDGE technology used by Pearls from the GSM operators. It also integrates GPS to support location-based services.

The Pearl 8130 measures 4.2 x 1.97 x .55 inches and weighs 3.4 ounces, slightly heaver than the GSM Pearl, the 8100, which only hits 3.1 ounces on the scale.

RIM says the Pearl 8130's battery last 9 days in standby to the 8100's 15 days and 220 minutes of talk time, the same as the GSM version.



As with the 8100 the 8130 sports a microSD expansion slot. It supports the SDHC variety of microSD card, which currently top out at 4GB and will someday reach 32GB. There's also 64MB f internal Flash memory.

For picture and video there's a 2 megapixel camera with what RIM is calling an enhanced flash. There's a 3.5mm stereo headset jack and support for Bluetooth stereo audio.

Verizon says it will carry the 8130 in silver. Sprint will offer it in amethyst.

ser Guide Presents Overview of New BlackBerry Facebook Application

By James Alan Miller
November 8, 2007
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RIM surprised many a couple of weeks ago with the welcome introduction of an application to access Facebook from a BlackBerry. The blog BBGeeks.com has posted a comprehensive overview of this software. If you're interested in downloading Facebook to your BlackBerry, you may want to check it out first.

Keep in mind, RIM's Facebook app is initially only available to T-Mobile customers. And the software only supports devices running on BlackBerry OS 4.2 or greater.

It should ship with the new BlackBerry Pearl 8130 when it becomes available from Verizon and Sprint later this month, however. After all, the version of this new BlackBerry offered by Telus in Canada has it.

In addition to RIM's standard array of push e-mail and personal information management software, the new BlackBerry will be pre-loaded with RIM's new Facebook application, which allow you to tag and upload images, poke and message your Facebook friends, add new friends, check the status of your friends, etc.

Here's some of things you can do with Facebook for BlackBerry:

With it, Facebook users can wirelessly send and view messages, photos, pokes and Wall posts. And, as with BlackBerry-based e-mail, Facebook notifications are pushed to the user's smartphone. It also allows users to take a picture, upload it to Facebook with captions and tags; send out invitations to friends; as well as manage events, photo albums, and status.

The Facebook application isn't browser based. Rather, it runs directly on a BlackBerry, which is more efficient and allows RIM to better integrate the new software into its BlackBerry architecture.

As for Facebook, it is the number two social networking destination, behind MySpace, and falls well within the top ten for all sites on the Web.

Tip: BlackBerry - Syncing PIM Data with Microsoft Outlook

By Amy Mayer
February 1, 2008
Setting up your Blackberry to synchronize with Microsoft Outlook means your contacts, appointments and tasks can be updated either from your smartphone or at your desk.

Here's how to do it:

Once you have the Blackberry Device Manager installed, launch it from your computer and click on Synchronize. Select the Configuration tab.

When you click on "configure synch" you'll be prompted with a box that allows you to select the feature (such as address book or tasks) and then select the software that's on your computer (in addition to Outlook, the Device Manager is prepared to work with Lotus Organizer, Novell GroupWise, Sage ACT! and others).

After selecting the appropriate software and whether you want the two machines to be synchronized or you simply want to import or export from one to the other, you can select Configure-->advanced settings to further customize your synchronization.

Here, you can decide which device overrides the other or if you want all data to be shared between the two. You can also apply filters and adjust the field mapping terms.

When you've got the settings the way you want them, click OK on the configuration box and Close on the synchronization box.

Now, when you click Synchronize from the Device Manager, you just have to click Synchronize Now and all your data will be shared. If you click the Automatic Synchronization box then you won't even need to tell the manager to synchronize, just connect your BlackBerry to your computer and your data will flow.

Tip: BlackBerry - Number Lock & CAPS Lock

By Amy Mayer
February 7, 2008
You BlackBerry’s NUM lock function can come in handy when you need to use your keypad as a number pad. While not super-obvious, it is easier to locate than your smartphone’s CAPS lock.

# To launch num lock:

Hold the # (also the shift) key down, then press ALT.

When you're ready to return to letters:

simply press the ALT key.

# CAPS lock takes a bit more effort launch. If all you want is one capital letter, just press the # key, then the letter you want capitalized. But for CAPS lock, the key combination is :

# and the green phone button.

That's right, you hold down the #, or shift, key and then you press the green button as though you were going to make a phone call.

Exit the phone screen and you'll go back to your message with CAPS lock on. To turn it off:

again press # and the green phone.

Cumbersome? Yes. But maybe just enough to calm your rage so you don’t send that message in all caps after all.