To be honest, I'm brutal on my BlackBerrys. They've been dropped in the street and bounced off all kinds of floors. Needless to say I've gone through quite a few since owning the Torch 9800 probably because I am a chronic klutz and hate using pocketbooks. it's a horrible combination but I prefer having my device holstered on my hip then packed away in a bag. While it makes my load lighter it increases the chance of serious injury to my BB. So I went for the case/holster combo.
A question I am often asked is "How can I print from my BlackBerry?". Tazzle IT is one of the ways to do this. Not only does it print, but it alslo allows you to view content from your BlackBerry, on your PC. Tazzle IT is also great for controlling PowerPoint Presentations and more. It does require the purchase of their bluetooth enabled USB key, but for professionals who need these features it is definitely worth it. If you haven't checketd out Tazzle IT, you should definitely give it a look. The app itself is free and very simple to use. It is available for all BlackBerry devices.
When it comes to my BlackBerry, the addiction is so strong my friends think I’m Gollum from Lord of the Rings. However, they don’t know the whole truth as to why the device never leaves my grasp. I’m going to let you guys in on a little secret. I suffer from chronic klutziness. Yes it’s true, as much as I hate to admit it. When out with friends if something is spilled, dropped, or knocked over it’s usually me they laugh and point to first. To further embarrass myself, I’ve walked into fire hydrants, slipped on ice, tripped over my own two feet (those darn pockets of air), and had a nail go through the outer display of my first flip phone when I knocked into a stockroom door. While I may not look like Michelle Pfeiffer, think of me as the pre-Catwoman Selina Kyle. When manufacturers sit down to design cases, there must be a picture of me on the wall.
If you suffer from the same affliction, then you understand what I go through day after day. I live knowing I am my BlackBerry’s own worst enemy. Just take my 9700. The one day I didn’t use the holster, it flew out of my hands onto the concrete next to a pile of mud. So you can understand my utter frustration at the Torch not including one. What was I to do? The only answer is the BlackBerry Leather Holster. There’s no way around it, the BlackBerry leather holsters are reliable and fit perfectly by my side or in my pocketbook no matter where I go or what I do. The clips are strong, sturdy and don’t become flimsy over time which is exactly why I love them. Plus, none of my devices have ever suffered a fatal injury when dropped in the OEM holster. I’m a firm believer in showing, not telling, so check out the video above and pick one up today at the ShopCrackBerry.com.
Want to get one of these for free from ShopCrackBerry.com? Just leave a comment to this article letting us know how you would use this BlackBerry Leather Holster. Why would this product be right for you? Contest ends this Sunday at midnight PST. Please only leave a single comment.
* ShopCrackBerry Update: These OtterBox Commuter cases for the BlackBerry Torch have been tough to keep in stock! We just received a new shipment of the black/pink cases which are now available for purchase. The black/black is scheduled to arrive next week (you can pre-order now and we'll run an update post when they arrive!).*
When you think maximum protection for your BlackBerry, you think OtterBox -- it's as simple as that. With the Commuter Series Case for the BlackBerry Torch, you get just that. This unique design covers both the main device as well as the sliding screen. It fully surrounds the sides and edges of your device, keeping it safe from the harsh landings it may endure that would otherwise scratch it up. It does add a bit of bulk, but if you want to keep your BlackBerry Torch safe this case really can't be beat. Check out the video above for a hand-on look and we have more photos below. For more info and to purchase, click on over to ShopCrackBerry at the link below.
Looking for a high quality skin for your phone? If so, I'd definitely recommend checking out iSkin Vibes for BlackBerry. They're available for *most* BlackBerry Smartphone models, and while more expensive than the standard OEM BlackBerry Skin, there is a lot of value in them for the price. They're made of a transparent rubbery plastic that is sculpted tightly to the shape of the phone and feels good in the hand, and thankfully, the Vibes are odorless - sometimes phone skins have that horrible rubbery chemical smell. iSkin also includes a screen protector and wipe in the box, which is a nice touch.
I've been using the red iSkin Vibe on my precious Team Canada BlackBerry Bold 9700 to help keep it in pristine condition and have been really happy with it. The skin doesn't add too much bulk to the phone and it provides a good grip. It fits well on the device, leaving all ports and the camera perfectly accessible. The little cover for the headset port is a welcome feature. The volume up/down and convenience key buttons are nicely implemented into the skin as well, and still provide a crisp click when used. All in all, while it is on the pricier side of BlackBerry skins, I still give it two CrackBerry thumbs up. Check out the video above and photos below for a closer look, and for more information and to purchase you can click here.
* ShopCrackBerry Update: The demand for the BlackBerry Torch Charging Pod has been so high it's been tough to keep them in stock, but a fresh supply just arrived so if you've been wanting a Torch Charging Pod today is the day! *
Hands down my all-time favorite BlackBerry accessory, the BlackBerry Torch 9800 Charging Pod is one that no Torch owner should be without. In addition to providing you with a simple way to charge your device, the charging pod also allows you to turn your device into an alarm clock and take advantage of BlackBerry's awesome bedside mode feature [see video on using bedside mode]. You can also hook the pod up to your PC or Mac and use it to sync your device as well. A truly invaluable accessory that should definitely be in your arsenal. The BlackBerry Charging Pod for the BlackBerry Torch is available at ShopCrackBerry.com. The BlackBerry Charging pod is avaiable for a lot of different device models, so if you don't have a Torch you should still grab a charging pod for your device [see all charging pods].
Why carry that heavy laptop and projector to your next presentation, when you could confidently waltz in with minimal baggage? Imagine the BlackBerry as a vessel for your PowerPoint slideshow, projected wirelessly via Bluetooth, with you at the helm, steering a dynamic presentation. You're nimbly traveling from city to city, lugging minimal gear, staking your claim as the road warrior king/queen and continually wowing board rooms with your style. Let's face it, your pageant is powerful, lightweight, and can practically run itself, allowing you to focus on your audience.
Sounds heavenly, right? That's the picture painted by RIM and its accessory, the BlackBerry Presenter. You simply plug it into a projector or monitor, and present Microsoft PowerPoint files wirelessly, leaving you free to roam the stage or room, using your BlackBerry smartphone as the presentation controller.
When it comes to Bluetooth accessories for mobile phones, there are certainly lots of headsets and visor-mounted speakerphones to choose from. Various models, ranging from low-quality, budget-friendly to somewhat expensive, high-end products are available from several manufactures in many different outlets, from Best Buy to ShopCrackBerry.com, Wal-Mart and even convenience stores at gas stations. Considering the wave of local legislation banning cell phone usage while driving, this is definitely good for everyone.
However, as smartphone sales have skyrocketed in recent years and companies like Apple and Google have forced the likes of RIM and Palm to shift focus from enterprise to consumer space, there still aren't a lot of entertainment-driven Bluetooth accessories for mobile phones. What about those of us who love to listen to music or watch movies and YouTube videos on our phones but don't feel the equipped external speaker is adequate? As mentioned, there are the visor-mounted speakerphones for cars but when placed on a table they don't stand up easily, making it difficult to control the direction of the sound. If you should leave it in the house and forget to take it with you when you travel, you are without your speakerphone and-in the jurisdiction of some cities and states-without communication, thus negating its entire purpose. Headsets are certainly more portable and the direction of sound is obviously controllable, as it goes directly into your ear. But if you lose power in a storm and you want to watch a movie with your wife or roommate, or if you just want to listen to music while you read, without having something attached to your head, headsets or even headphones will not give you the perfect blend of sound quality and liberation that you desire.
Wires or Bluetooth? Headphones or earbud? Normally having a multitude of options is a good thing but when it comes to choosing a hands-free device where does one even begin? You read the reviews and most don't answer the questions consumers really want to know. Examples of those would be; "Will my glasses knock the headset off my ear?", "Is it comfortable enough to be worn for long periods of time?" or "Since I'm paying so much for it, can I use it with my MP3 player as well?". I really wanted to see the difference between some of the top sellers from each area (earbud headset, headphones & wired headset) and really put them to the test of the "average" consumer. I judged each of these on a 1.0 to 5.0 scale, 5.0 being the highest. I also tried to explain why I gave each device a certain score because some would say the wired device doesn't even compare to the other two. Everyone's preference is different so I wanted to make sure all styles of headsets were represented.
Let's say you're in the market for Bluetooth stereo headphones. Good choice. You'll be releasing yourself from the tyranny of wires and ending the saga of headphones yanked from ears and BlackBerrys yanked from desks. But gaining the freedom to walk about and audio controls as close as your right ear comes at a price. Bluetooth headphones aren't cheap, and any savvy consumer will consider a whole host of questions before pulling the trigger. How well do they sound? Are they comfortable? Am I buying the right one? That's where this article comes in.
In this showdown, I put the BackBeat 903, MOTOROKR S305, the LG HBS-250, and the MOTOROKR S7-HD in a head to head to head to head (phone) competition. Product descriptions and statistics only tell part of the story. I wanted to know how well these devices performed in the real world, with an actual person using (and abusing) them. Which set of headphones sounded the best? Which were most comfortable? Best controls? Worst in show? All will be revealed...after the break.
Today I am reviewing the Aquapac and the OverBoard aquatic cases. Although these two cases are meant to serve the same purpose, these two cases have differences that would make you think otherwise. Let's get to the review!
Through many years and many BlackBerry devices I have never ventured beyond the factory charger. It has always been a point of frustration that the cable included with the BlackBerry has a straight tip, yet the Micro USB connection is on the side of most devices. This makes it awkward when charging and a few times led to bent pins if the device falls from it's charging perch. There are a number of options available for charging your BlackBerry. Which charger charges the fastest? Does the type of charger make a difference regarding battery life throughout the day? Is the most expensive option the best?
In keeping up with the Aloha Joe motto "Carpe Diem" (Latin for "Seize the Day")...I am constantly on the go, and lead a pretty active lifestyle. Whether it be hiking the slopes of Diamond Head Crater, surfing the breaks on the North Shore, or just chillin' with a Corona in hand at the family beach house; I have found two things:
My BB has gotten wet and/or submerged in the ocean, the pool, a goblet of Corona, a glass Grey Goose and Patron more times than I care to remember... and
Even though BlackBerry has a phenomenal battery life, I still find myself taking my BlackBerry's battery to the brink of death in about 2 days.
Thus, this week I will be reviewing two items that will hopefully bring an end to my BlackBerry worries:
Having a Bluetooth headset is becoming a necessity for some people as laws are being enforced all over North America against talking on cell phones without a handsfree device. However some people prefer not having something wrapped around their ear or a device they can utilize fully while on the road. There are cars that have the feature of having a Bluetooth system built in, but for those who are not fortunate to have one, there are Bluetooth Speakerphones. In this review, I will be putting the top three selling in the CrackBerry Store to the test to see which one is right for you. We'll be looking at the feature rich Blue Ant S4, the popular Blackberry VM 605 and the easy to use Mr. Handsfree Blue Vision II.
As someone who works in New York City, there are two things I've learned: (1) never publicly admit you're a Mets fan and (2) Manhattan is the noisiest city there is. Between the subways, buses, cars, taxis, and of course, the people, you need earplugs just to walk down the street. So imagine trying to have a phone conversation while walking anywhere in midtown. It's definitely not a pretty sight. At times I'm like the Verizon guy asking "Can you hear me now?" So what is a city girl to do? To solve that problem I'm going to put two headsets head to head in a battle to see which one can survive "the Manhattan Zone." I'm going to venture out to different parts of the city to see which one will come out on top and be declared the heavyweight champion. Who do you think will win? Click on the jump to find out.
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