Last week I finally made the plunge and switched to a BlackBerry for the first time. I was able to land three Curves for free from Wirefly. I would have switched to an iPhone, but AT&T service stinks around here. I would have bought an BlackBerry Storm, but I tested typing on the screen and couldn’t do it. I would have purchased an Android phone, but I didn’t want the big-brick version that’s available through T-Mobile. So, through a process of elimination, I have a BlackBerry Curve on Sprint.
I chose Sprint over Verizon because of the “Simply Everything” plans that they have available. That means the unlimited texting, data, television, radio and navigation are included. Ended up being quite a bit cheaper than Verizon. And, so far, the service has been more than adequate. I can finally use my phone at work which is a bonus.
So, after a week, here are my favorite BlackBerry apps:
- Google Mobile (also Google Sync, Mail and Talk)
- TwitterBerry
- Opera Mini
- YouVersion
- Sprint Navigation
- Wall Street Journal
What other BlackBerry apps do I need to test drive?
Tony, you should check out Vlingo. It is an app. that allows you to speak commands at the press of a button. You can say “message Paul” and up comes the text message box to Paul. From there you can speak your message while holding the button, when you correct a mistake the software will remember not to make that same mistake so it actually learns your voice. Thats the basics, it’s a very neat application. There is also MSN messenger. Enjoy!
-Justin
Viigo – you can plug any rss feed into it and it is easy to follow on your blackberry – give it a try go here on your black berry – beta.getviigo.com/crackberry
I have the Curve on Verizon… I’m not a huge apps person but I would suggest Viigo. It’s a pretty decent RSS reader. It also kept me informed on election night since I was stuck with a news crew as a cameraman. You’d think that since I was “press” that night that I would have been in the loop… quite the opposite actually. haha
Big fan of the Windows Live Search app. Nearly instant access to: movie showtimes, weather, directions, maps, traffic, and resturants…I have not tried Google Mobile so maybe that’s similar.
Love my Curve!
In my opinion, the mobile web version of Google Reader is much better than Viigo. I tried Viigo and wasn’t impressed. Since you already use Google Reader, when you read a post using mobile web Reader it will mark it read on the server. Also I have a mobile banking app. Bank of America and Wachovia both have them, you’ll have to search around on their sites to find it.
I actually just got the BlackBerry Storm. I like it so far. I’ve never had a smartphone before so I do not have to make the shift from a physical keyboard to a virtual keyboard. So I haven’t really had to deal with any acclimation per se.
I was worried about the OS being slow and clunky but Blackberry is soon releasing a new and appropriate OS that was actually intended for the Storm in the first place. There is a leaked version already out and I plan on upgrading to it soon. They say it really gets rid of a lot of the clunkiness and improves the device significantly.
So far so good with the Storm – but I honestly haven’t had much time to really play with it yet.
…and I’m with you on AT&T in upstate SC. They really need to put up some more towers. I’m on Verizon.
I have a BB Pearl, and the NYTimes works great. I don’t know how it compares to Sprint’s navigation, but I’ve been very happy with Google Maps, especially with the street view and GPS – it’s been great.
You mentioned a long time ago that you were using Remember the Milk for your tasks. If you’re still using it, they’re RTM Pro download is great for syncing your tasks wirelessly. It’s $25/yr.
There is a free port of RTM for BB: http://code.google.com/p/rtm4bb/. Somewhat of a hidden gem; it syncs wirelessly with your online RTM.
You already have YouVersion; Olive Tree has a free bible engine that can use expansion card.
Also try out HanDBase; as a pastor, I am sure you’ll find a use for this nimble software: http://www.trelawrence.com/2008/12/i-am-type-of-phone-user-that-likes-to.html
Welcome to crackberryism! My BlackBerry is my all round ministry tool; I even watch movies on the thing.
I use Telenav software (and a GPS keychain puck) for voice directions.
I really like Viigo. Make sure you get the Beta version. 3.02.46 is the one I use. Another app I use is Facebook. Not super functional yet but you can keep in touch with people. Make sure you load the google app for blackberry that has Maps on it. Way easier to use and faster then Navigation. I use Sprint as well, drawbacks are no media text and slow upgrades. The next upgrade is suppose to be good and allows media text. Love my Blackberry Curve…using it to type this!
Thanks Tony. Got a Curve from my wife as an early Christmas Gift and these apps are great.
I have enjoyed these apps. iskoot for Skype and Tellme a voice command search program.
My favorite BB app is beyond411 (http://thebogles.com/berry/beyond411). It's a great quick little info finder.