Review of Mobile Guide to BlackBerry

Is it ever possible to have too much of a good thing? The answer is arguably a resounding NO! at least when it comes to advice, suggestions, and tips in using the world's most addictive device, Research in Motion's BlackBerry. That is precisely what Bill Foust's essential Guide offers in a straightforward, easily understandable, and organized fashion. Quite simply, this is the definitive handbook for all BlackBerry users, from the neophyte to the most experienced, from the technically challenged to the technically sophisticated. There is a myriad of valuable suggestions that will benefit all users who pick it up. In fact, if you are a BlackBerry user or plan to become one shortly, you will do yourself a huge favour by scouring through this two hundred page Bible.

Foust walks the reader through the incredible power of the BlackBerry in a logical and systematic way. He opens with Getting Familiar with BlackBerry, which breaks down the various parts of the device and their uses as well as thumb typing and the keyboard. Sections on icon shortcuts, suretype, and copy and pasting are worth their weight in gold.

Part II discusses "what to do after you open the box." The three methods of redirecting mail are explained, as is a step-by-step outline of how to install and configure the Desktop Manager. Also, Foust covers how to upgrade your software as well as working with applets.

Personalizing Your Device walks the reader through some of the many ways in which you can make your BlackBerry uniquely your own from changing the display to setting the time and date. How to enter owner information, the creation of security settings, setting profiles to select how the device will contact you, font settings, and selecting a theme and a home page look, are all explained clearly and understandably.

Part III examines, in detail and with clarity, some of the `killer' applications: composing and sending different kinds of messages, managing messages, dealing with attachments, browsing the Internet, and making phone calls. Foust goes into careful explanation for each one of them so that the user can fully utilize and maximize that particular application. For instance, under messages, he discusses the different types available, choosing different recipients, changing the priority of an email, saving, deleting, sending, replying, saving, and organizing. And that's just for emails!

Part IV discusses some of the device's key applications, such as the address book, the calendar, and the task list. Once again, with each of the applications, Foust very clearly outlines the various features and how to use them. For instance, under address book, he explains how to do a number of things: using the address list, creating a new entry, managing addresses, grouping multiple addresses, finding an address, and various address book options. The same kind of detail and depth is applied to the calendar and task list.

Part V examines some other applications available, such as the memo pad, the alarm, the calculator, using passwords, playing the video game, BrickBreaker and finding and installing third-party applications. Finally, there are useful appendices that examine a number of issues, such as upgrading and how the system actually works.

This Guide is both fun and informative. There is subtle bit of humour that lightens the content. The book's appearance is inviting due to a number of features. There is considerable white space, as well as wide coloured margins, which sets off the text clearly and thus allows the reader to take in the information more effectively. The reader is never lost as visual guides, in the form of graphic Figures, are used frequently to enhance and explain the running text. Information is broken into bite-sized chunks always preceded by clear, bold titles.

The use of jargon is kept to an absolute minimum. In fact, the writing style deserves additional comment. Foust has done an admirable job in explaining something that is inherently difficult and complex in a clear, succinct, and concise way that evidences sensitivity and balance. He does not `dumb it down' and thereby insult the sophisticated and experienced user. Nor does he lose the inexperienced and technologically less able user. Special mention should be made of Notes, Tips, and Cautions which are small boxed items in the margin that are relevant to the accompanying text.

Each chapter within every Unit begins with BlackBerry Basics that are four or five bulleted items that let the reader quickly see what is going to be covered in the pages to come. Both the Table of Contents and the index are well laid out to enable to reader to quickly find areas of interest.

It is abundantly clear that Bill Foust has put his five years working as a consultant specializing in the RIM BlackBerry to good use. Not only does he possess a breadth and depth of understanding, but as well he has the ability to convey that knowledge in an inviting and engaging way. This Guide is not just for junkies. It is for everyone who wants to get the maximum out of their BlackBerry. It is guaranteed that everyone - absolutely everyone - will benefit from the rich and varied tips and advice he offers in the pages of the Guide. It will probably encourage the vast majority of users to expand their use of the device. In covering the 7100, 7200, and other series, this Guide clearly stands as the authoritative and definitive guide in its field.

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