ZKQ Blog

BlackBerry Wisdom from 88owls

Allan Tsang is the founder of 88owls, a referral network made up of independent business consultants with expertise that includes, at the very least, accounting, franchising, manufacturing and strategic planning. Even though “BlackBerry” does not appear on the expertise list displayed on his web site, Allan proved himself a knowledgeable and worthy master of all things BlackBerry at a recent workshop hosted by Handshake 2.0 in Blacksburg, Virginia.

According to Allan, “People who are efficient are kind of lazy,” which is exactly why shortcuts matter.

From customizing ringtones to signal specific callers, to hiding rarely used icons, to strategically placing the most frequently used apps in each of the four corners, Allan shared important tips to improve BlackBerry efficiency with the class.

 “The four corners are very precious.” Allan uses the top right corner for his calendar, his phone book in the lower left. This way, no matter how bright or low the light level is on the display, he knows exactly where to go to place the cursor to select the app.

He also suggested configuring the two convenience buttons on either side of the BlackBerry. He recommended programming one button for the camera so you can take a photo with one-click and suggested the other button for voice-recording or some other frequently used feature. (Options>screen/keyboard>change convenience key )

Other Time-saving Tips

2 spaces = period
Press and hold = caps
Alt+Shift = number lock

Reset device without removing battery:  ALT+RIGHT SHIFT+DEL
Your screen will go black for about 2 to 4 seconds. Be patient. In about 2-5 minutes, reboot

Enable autotext for texting – corrects “hte” to “the”

Options >SMS text >enable autotext
As well as go to Options>Autotext (edit and add your own)

Web Resources and Products

Blackberry User Training (all courses $30 - $999 each)
http://na.blackberry.com/eng/support/programs/training.jsp#tab_tab_user_courses
Blackberry Forum
http://www.blackberryforums.com/

Virtual keyboard  www.virtual-laser-keyboard.com/
Traffic.com now features a mobile web version of their real-time traffic alert system located at mobi.traffic.com

Ascendo DataVault - Password Manager for BlackBerry at www.handango.com/

BeamReader – full fidelity PDF viewer www.slgmobile.com/

Impatica Showmate Presentation Device for BlackBerry® (project PowerPoint Presentations right from your BlackBerry www.expansys.co.nz/d.aspx?i=147494

For more information on how Allan can help your business, visit him on the web at www.88owls.com, email: allan@88owls.com, or call 540-392-4668.

Related articles on the ZKQ Blog: I Drive a Subaru. I'm a Blackberry.

I Drive a Subaru. I'm a Blackberry.

I've been thinking about getting a Blackberry, but iPhone commercials on television tempt me. So, how does one decide? The gadget or the network? New cool or industry standard?

For some, the answer is crystal clear: if you're a Mac, then you're probably an iPhone, which also means your network is decided for you. AT&T sells both the Blackberry and iPhone but is the only service provider for the iPhone.

According to Jason Tice, "It's the network." Jason owns two Wireless Zone stores in Blacksburg, Virginia. “A phone is only going to be as good as the network that serves it.”

He represents the Verizon Wireless Network. “I don't say that because I sell it; I sell it because I can say that.”

 Jason recommends the Blackberry Curve. He refers to his Blackberry Curve as “utilitarian” and tells me it's the best phone he's ever used. Having been in the cell phone biz since 1999, he's tried out quite a few phones.

He particularly likes the well-established “email push” as well as the Blackberry Browser, though notes that he has customers who own both an iPhone and a Blackberry.

Currently, at the Wireless Zone, the Blackberry Curve is outselling the Blackberry Storm, which Tice says is the most fully-functional of the Blackberry Family.

You had me at "utilitarian." I drive a Subaru. I must be a Blackberry.

Compare the specs at these sites:

iPhone:
http://www.apple.com/iphone/specs.html

Blackberry Curve:
http://www.blackberry.com/blackberrycurve/

Blackberry Storm:
http://www.blackberry.com/blackberrystorm/