CrackBerry's back-to-school guide

Fall is slowing creeping upon us and that can only mean one thing. That's right, it's back to school time. No matter what the level of education, how much they kick and scream, we're here to make sure they go back prepared and make all their classmates jealous with their fully loaded devices. So let's ring in the new school year with these BlackBerry apps, accessories, and hardware. Click on the jump and check out our recommendations for your special scholar.

Device - Which BlackBerry should they get?

You can't just send them back with last year's model. They need the latest and greatest to show off to their friends. These devices were designed with different types of users in mind and all come with the 1.2 GHz processor and Liquid Graphics. For example, if they love to watch movies and videos and prefer virtual keyboards then check out the Torch 9850/60. Do they spend all their time texting and emailing friends and family? Then be sure to take a look at the gretzky, I mean Bold 9900/30. For those who enjoy the slider form factor coupled with the power of OS 7 then steer them towards the Torch 9810. Don't forget to keep your eye on our carrier pricing and availability page to see when these are released. 

• BlackBerry Torch 9860 Review
• BlackBerry Torch 9850 Review Take 2
• BlackBerry Torch 9810 Review 
• BlackBerry Bold 9900 Review
• BlackBerry Bold 9930 Review

Applications - Some must have apps for school

Wakeful
Speaking from years of personal experience, waking up for class is extremely difficult. Wakeful - Talking alarm clock is a fantastic alarm app that wakes them up with a voice greeting chock full of useful information. You can customize the alarm with your preferences and even hear your name, news, stocks, and weather. Wakeful is ony $4.99 and is available for most BlackBerry devices.

More information / purchase Wakeful from the CrackBerry App Store

Kindle
If there's one thing students would love to avoid its lugging around those heavy and expensive textbooks. There's a multitude of titles now available in ebook format for a lot less which you can access from your smartphone with the free Amazon Kindle App or on your PlayBook with the Amazon Cloud Reader. 

More Information And Downloads Available Via The Amazon Kindle Website
Download Direct The Kindle For BlackBerry App To Your BlackBerry OTA

Evernote
Evenote organizes your notes no matter what multimedia format they may be in and from an array of resources. Quickly take, archive, and access all your files from their service no matter where you are. Notes can be in text format, a picture, a webpage, a voice memo or even an attachment. It's available for most devices running OS 4.5 and higher for free. Upgrade to their premium service for added storage for only $5.00 per month or $45 per year.

More information / download Evernote from BlackBerry App World

SugarSync
SugarSync is another one of those useful must have applications for students. It's an incredible cloud application for accessing and sharing files across multiple computers and devices and for collaberating on projects by sending public links to their fellow classmates. SugarSync is available for most BlackBerry devices including OS 7.

Sign up for free 5GB SugarSync Plan
More information / download SugarSync from BlackBerry App World 

StudentDocket
Active students need to keep themselves organized and StudentDocket makes sure they'll never say the dog ate their homework again. It manages their class schedule, stores professor information, keeps track of assignments, color codes due dates, and a whole lot more. You can pick up StudentDocket for $9.99 at the CrackBerry AppStore and it is avaiable for most BlackBerry devices. A free limited feature version can also be downloaded.

Read our review of StudentDocket
More information / download StudentDocket

gWhizPro Bundle
Turn your BlackBerry into a learning tool with the gWhizPro Bundle that is several popular educational apps all rolled into one. It comes with a built-in graphing calculator, flashcards, and pocket reference to help them study throughout the year.

More information / purchase gWhizPro Bundle from the CrackBerry App Store

Accessories - Keep them running throughout the day

Now that textbooks are taken care of what about their notebooks? Many BlackBerry devices come with Documents to Go 2.0 (Standard = OS 4.5 - 6, Premium = OS 7). Take advantage of this by using the Freedom Pro Bluetooth keyboard. It's portable, sturdy, and includes a carrying case. Now they can type their class notes, papers, and homework all from their BlackBerry device or PlayBook. While you're at it, don't forget to pick up a dictionary and thesaurus so they always choose the proper words for their papers.

Freedom Pro Bluetooth Keyboard review
More information / purchase Freedom Pro Bluetooth Keyboard

SD cards are the perfect way for students to carry their papers and assignments as well as their favorite music and videos. The other great thing about SD Cards is that they can store Voice Notes. Record lectures or jot down notes by utilizing the built-in recorder with plenty of room to spare. It's the perfect way to study your notes while commuting back and forth from school.

More information / purchase Memory Cards

Probably one of the most popular accessories out there, the charging pods are just awesome. Plug them into your exisitng power supply and it does exactly what it says: charge/cradle your device when not in use, sync media with your computer, use as a radio to stream music with Pandora, Slacker or your library, put in bedside mode when asleep, or use as an alarm clock when paired with the app listed above. 

More information / purchase BlackBerry Charging Pods from ShopCrackBerry

Now that they have a brand new device they need to protect it but with not just any case. Case-Mates Barely There accessory line is not only the perfect way to protect your device but it also shows off your sense of style with its availability in a variety of colors.

More information / purchase Case-Mate Barely There Case

Are they a heavy socializer and spend all day texting and emailing? Are they browsing the web or streaming videos? If the answer to any (or all) of these questions is yes then they're going to need a spare battery. As BlackBerry users (and abusers) we need all the juice we can get to last the day. Pick up an extended or spare battery and slip it into their backpack. 

More information / purchase all spare Batteries

Tablet - Power, entertainment, and portability

In your students hands this is a multitasking dream come true. Read books, play games, watch movies, take notes, and video chat all in one glorious portable device. Video chat is perfect for talking to loved ones and friends and to study with classmates who also own a PlayBook no matter how far they are. In addition to everything it already comes with, the 7" form factor makes this the perfect addition to take with them to class.

PlayBook Hub Page
BlackBerry PlayBook Review  

There you have it folks just a few items that are sure to put a big smile on their face for the new school year.