You'd think that, with a BlackBerry smartphone at the ready, I'd have no problem getting back to people quickly and efficiently. Sadly, this isn't always the case. If I had a loonie every time my wife asked me "Have you gotten a hold of so – and – so yet?" I would probably have enough money to get the entire world out of the red. For those who have been directly affected by this issue, I am truly sorry. I'm not sure what it is; perhaps I'm too busy and tend to forget. I do tend to start thinking of other projects when already working on one, and then move on. Maybe I'm easily distracted by the slightest- ooooo….shiny…

Luckily, being an avid BlackBerry abuser, there's always an application or two out there that can help you out in almost every situation (who needs to fend for themselves anyway?!). In this case, I'm turning to LaterDude and LaterDude Pro to lend a hand. They offer to streamline the process of creating reminders, making it faster than doing it using your calendar or tasks applications. It's either that, or stick Post-it notes on my BlackBerry's screen.

About LaterDude and LaterDude Pro

These applications were created by a well known name in the BlackBerry world; Fabian Heuwieser. His impressive list of applications, which include MinuteSaver, VibAndRing and TyperSpeed can be found at mobileutil.com. LaterDude Pro (version 2.0.49) and LaterDude (version 1.0.59) will take up very little space on your device, sitting at 23.7KB and 6.6 KB respectively. You will need to be running OS 4.5 or higher to take advantage of these applications.

LaterDude

LaterDude, the "lite" version, is a simple way to create call back reminders directly from your call log screen. Simply highlight the number/contact you wish to call back and press the menu button. A popup appears, asking you to pick a callback time (choose between 5/10/30 minutes, 1/2/5/7/9/12/15 hours, 1/2/3 days or 1 week). After you have made your selection, you will then be presented with another screen. At this point you can edit the reminder subject, location, and any additional notes. You can also edit the call back date and time, if you wanted to be more specific. Once you have finished, click save and presto! Your reminder has been created. The reminder will now be available for viewing and editing in your calendar.

LaterDude reminder entry
LaterDude reminder entry

LaterDude Pro

Need help with other reminders? LaterDude Pro delves further into your other means of communication. This isn't simply a cell phone people! It's a BlackBerry! This version acts a bit differently. I could access "remind me later" from my call log and from my messages. Instead of a simple call back reminder, I could also create a general Contact reminder, Email reminder or SMS reminder. I can still choose reminder times, but could now choose to be reminded in 2 or 3 weeks additionally.


LaterDude Pro reminder entry

Since LaterDude and LaterDude Pro uses your native calendar, the reminders will appear as typical appointment alerts. That being said, the reminders will also prompt a vibration or tone, depending on how you set up calendar alerts. If I had set an email reminder, I could have the email address entered into the subject. Then I could open the reminder (taking me to the calendar entry), highlight the email address and use the menu button to prompt me to compose an email. Even if you are in a hurry, the applications are quick and easy to use. Hey, even I don't have an excuse anymore..oh wait…did I say excuse? I meant, "reasonable explanation". Yeah, that's right…

Selecting reminder time
Selecting the time

Reminder example
Reminder example

Conclusion

If I seem a little more attentive now, it's for two reasons; you are that much closer to my heart and I've incorporated LaterDude/LaterDude Pro into my routine. If it makes you feel better, believe the first reason. They're quite simple to use - so simple that there isn't even any icon to access them. They appear in the menu like most native options. I couldn't find any cons except no support for older devices. Both applications are available at the CrackBerry store. LaterDude is a free download and LaterDude Pro is very reasonably priced at $2.95.

For more information, head to the CrackBerry App store and have a look at LaterDude and LaterDude Pro

Pros

  • Create reminders quickly
  • Utilizes your native calendar and alert settings

Cons

  • No support for older devices

Download

  • Purchase LaterDude Pro >>
  • Download LaterDude FREE >>

Read more