We all know that CrackBerry is the source of information for BlackBerry applications. There are so many out there. On CrackBerry, you can easily read up on new and updated apps, in depth reviews and even pick up applications from the CrackBerry App Store. While we do get to take a look at some incredibly interesting applications, one thing I get asked is, “What do you use?” My BlackBerry has seen plenty of applications cross its home screen. Some have stayed as they have been quite beneficial. Others, though they could be useful, simply didn’t work specifically for me. It’s not necessarily because they weren’t decent applications, but because of both space and need.
So with access to all of these applications, which ones made the cut? Which apps have found a home on our BlackBerrys? What’s on a CrackBerry BlackBerry? With a fondness for all apps on our devices, I asked the editors and writers what their top 3 installed apps were and why. Check out the responses after the jump.
Bla1ze
- PayPal – I love being able to manage my finances while on the go, through my BlackBerry. Between my girlfriends PayPal account, as well as my own, a lot of transactions take place. Having instant access is key.
- Wordpress – I love mobile blogging. Wordpress is great for uploading quick pics of family events, or whenever I need to get something off my chest. Having access to my personal blog on the go is great.
- Poynt – This is an awesome all in one app that includes reverse lookup, movie trailers and restaurant suggestions. Just having it installed on your BlackBerry is essential. It's one of those apps you didn't know you needed until one day, you all of a sudden find out it has just what you're looking for already built in.
Poynt
Adam Zeis
- Google Voice - I use Google Voice because I use different devices and want to keep one number for all.
- Xobni - I love Xobni because I don't like using my contacts list.
-
Twitter for BlackBerry – I have a new found love for it and it works better than I thought :)
Xobni
Mike Hepples
- Xobni - I scoff at the native contacts application now. Using Xobni is effortless; all of my information for my contacts is in one place.
- CrackBerry Launcher - The CrackBerry Launcher is used many times daily. I use it while searching for threads, apps, OS info, and blog posts for members on Twitter (twelping).
- Vlingo Plus - This application helps me keep my eyes on the road while driving without having to look at the keyboard. The Safe-Reader feature is all win.
CrackBerry Launcher
Obi
- Google Talk - It has great cross platform compatibility. No matter if I am on my Palm Pre, BlackBerry 9700, Droid Incredible, laptop, or desktop, I can be reached through Google Talk (damn bbm :( )
- Xobni - I hate having to add contacts to my already giant native address book. Xobni solves that perfectly (although the app has been slow when replying to emails lately).
-
SocialScope - SocialScope is the best twitter app out there. It has a nice Facebook integration, allowing me to delete the worst BlackBerry Application that ever existed; Facebook for BlackBerry.
Google Talk
David Boyd
- Xobni – It’s so much easier to find contacts.
- Twitter for BlackBerry - I like mentions and direct messages going straight to my message folder.
- Viper SmartStart - Being able to remote start my car from my BlackBerry is just cool :)
Viper SmartStart
James Falconer
- ScoreMobile - I like to keep in touch with what is going on in the sporting world. With Score Mobile on my BlackBerry, I can quickly and easily view scores, news, stats and much more... It's super easy to use and has long been one of my favorite apps.
- Trapster - Although I don't do a TON of driving, having Trapster on-board my BlackBerry gives me peace of mind. While on the road I'll often pop it open to warn me about red light cameras, live radar and more. Granted, I always drive under the speed limit, but still, it's good to know... :)
- Facebook - I'm not a Facebook junkie by any means, but I do like to know what is going on with friends and family. Facebook for BlackBerry is great for viewing my news feed, which gives me the latest info on all of my friends.
Trapster
Isaac Kendall
- Xobni - I'm a heavy work email user and am frequently mobile; I have had many times where I needed to email someone who wasn't in my address book, BUT they have cc'd on an email that I've been cc'd on - Xobni has saved my life.
- LastPass - Security is important to me and having two or three passwords for everything won't cut the mustard. LastPASS does what I need. It keeps my passwords and is compatible with all my mobile devices. BlackBerry's Password Keeper doesn't do what I need - and I if I lost my BlackBerry, I'd lose all my passwords. As well there is no BlackBerry password keeper for my iPad, PC or Android phone.
- Evernote - Like the review Yousif did, I really don't like the BlackBerry version of this app - BUT since I use Android, iPad, BlackBerry & a laptop, it keeps my notes synced between all devices.
LastPass
Ryan Blundell
- SocialScope – This application is beautifully laid out. The only flaw is that it’s still in “closed beta”, which is frustrating for those left in the dark. It updates quickly and is easy to use. I love being able to look up tweets/events near me.
- PeeKaWho – This application has been on my past three BlackBerrys. I love being able to see who is emailing or sending an SMS to me, without switching from my opened application to my message folder. I also use it to change the LED indicator to differentiate my emails and SMS from other messages.
-
Xobni – This application is one you don’t have to think about- it creates contact entries for you. With contact ranking and BlackBerry integration it makes for one powerful contact management tool.
PeeKaWho
Kevin Michaluk
With just about everyone else on the team mentioning Xobni, I'm sure as heck not going to list it too! Lol. Here's three of the third party apps I tend to use regularly:
- CrackBerry App Store - Yeah, I know, it's a shameless plug, but seriously, it's true. When you're contstantly trying out apps you need to get them from somewhere. I like App World, but true BlackBerry users will find a lot of advantages in our on-device CrackBerry App Store.
- Gym Technik - Though I'm always talking the talk of working out and eating healthy, push come to shove I tend to make bad eating decisions (I go for taste over health) and I find it's easy to get lazy. Having Gym Technik on my device to track my workouts keeps me constantly aware of the fact I need to workout, and having it connected with my WiThings scaled has me on top of my weight all the time (helping me make better eating choices).
- Google Maps / Poynt - Two for one here. When I'm around home I don't use these apps that much (it's a small city - I know where everything is), but the second I travel I put both of these apps to use a LOT.
Gym Technik
There you have it folks, now you know what our top three apps are. We aren’t shunning the other apps we have installed; we just find these the most useful for our day to day routines. We all know that your BlackBerry can be used in any situation you may find yourself in, and you have applications to help. Now the only question that remains is, “What are YOU using on your BlackBerry?”
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coolma19 Jul 7, 2010 at 3:18 pm
In the above apps mention....Xobni was mentioned 6 times. I would agree that it is a great app as well.
Kevin Michaluk Jul 7, 2010 at 4:48 pm
yeah, i was just as surprised when i read the post. Ryan polled each of us individually. I didn't realize that many of us on the team relied on xobni so heavily. one of those things.. once you use it, you don't want to be without it.
tnewton3 Jul 7, 2010 at 6:28 pm
Is Xobni worth it if you have exchange server at work already? Trying to find out if the one time fee is worth it, I do use it at work but don't utilize a ton. What's benefits or is there a link for viewing what it brings to the Blackberry to convince me?
Thank you.
BBThemes Jul 7, 2010 at 3:20 pm
is this where evryone shares their top 3 apps?
guess i`ll get the ball rolling
paypal, bepopup and twitter for BlackBerry
guys can we have a review on twitter, and socialscope real soon please :)
Diggs31 Jul 7, 2010 at 3:38 pm
Top Three in no particular order:
Ubertwitter: The recent leaked version improved on what I still think is the best twitter app openly available for blackberry users (I'm not counting Socialscope because it's not readily available). Twitter for Blackberry still lacks location awareness and timeline customization. The new leaked version of uber on the other hand has all that and even shows you who is RTing you and has significantly improved on the profile editing. Sure it doesn't integrate into the message application...but really I don't want my twitter mentions and DMs getting mixed in with my emails and bbms.
Poynt: The quickest way to find what you need hands down. And I love the fact that I can pull up either Blackberry Maps (when in a hurry) or Google Maps (when I want more detail and have more time) to show me where the thing I wanted actually is.
Foursquare: I'm just getting into foursquare but the reason its become one of the three favorite apps so quickly is because of the tips section. Looking through the places one can "check-in" to you are given a wealth of tips from other commoners about the best and worst parts of the things around you. Even if you don't want to check in and tell the world where you are, having those tips is a pretty useful feature.
webmastir Jul 7, 2010 at 3:20 pm
cool to see what are the most used apps by CB staff. nice post, thx.
didn't realize xobni was that popular =/
Drew Oswalt Jul 7, 2010 at 3:24 pm
poynt, paypal and google maps
DustBow Jul 7, 2010 at 3:51 pm
no QL or BerryBuzz? or are we talking different types of apps here? I couldn't live w/o either of those...
deloreancowboy Jul 7, 2010 at 3:51 pm
My top three.
Trillian - used to be BeeJive, but that got bumped a long time ago. Trillian just looks nicer and is better on my batery than BeeJive ever was. Once Messages Integration is activated it will dominate!
SocialScope - I'm a twitter, facebook, etc junkie. If they ever add MySpace and LinkedIn and also integrate with the Messages folder I can totally delete all of the official apps.
Viigo - RSS feeds are like crack. I barely ever have to use the web browser for anything anymore.
KMB4 Jul 7, 2010 at 4:00 pm
For me my top 3: Vlingo Plus, Google Maps, and Poynt.
Lumute Jul 7, 2010 at 4:01 pm
For me it's Point, Google Maps and Shazam...
MobiJew Jul 7, 2010 at 4:06 pm
in no particular order my fave 3 are:
Kik Messenger - the BEST cross platform messaging app i have used (and i have used them all). doesnt use text, uses data, so its free. available all android bb and iOS. delivery and read reciepts (like in bbm). just amazing. (www.kik.com or m.kik.com from your phone)
Tweetissimo - nothing better than having ur mentions pushed directly into your inbox and being able to reply instantly without even opening an app. (www.theblackberryzone.com)
poynt/google maps- amazing two in one. nothing like being able to search for the cheapest gas and plug it into google maps for instant directions (m.google.com/maps and www.poynt.com)
sf18443 Jul 7, 2010 at 4:19 pm
Top three:
Tether- a must have for anyone not willing to pay 30 more bucks a month to your carrier for tethering.
Poynt- just an all around awesome app!
BeWeather(BerryWeather)- the best weather app for blackberry - bar none!
bessemercityburgess Jul 7, 2010 at 5:02 pm
Yeah can't believe no berrybuzz or QL either I bet all of you guys have atleast one of them. And I go on to say both of them
cRACKmONKEY421@hotmail.com Jul 7, 2010 at 5:40 pm
Google Maps - This is my favorite BlackBerry app, yet it's made by the competition. Just about everything you could want on a map is on there, they're always adding more, and it's free.
Bolt - Because there are so many sites where BlackBerry's Internet Browser fails, Bolt nicely picks up a lot of the slack. Another freebie.
Documents To Go - Before I had a BlackBerry, all my important information and notes were already in .xls, .doc, and .pdf. The full version of Documents To Go lets me use all of those files without doing anything special. I also require .docx files with encryption, so the full version works great.
Those three apps are the first apps on my home screen. All the other apps are just less important to me.
On another note, I was going to try Xobni because it's on a lot of peoples' lists, but I didn't see a trial. Is $10 or $7 + $4/month worth it for someone who never felt like they were lacking a good contact book?
crystinonfire Jul 8, 2010 at 3:48 am
I just bought it because I was too curious not to spend the $9.99 & see what it's all about. It's actually REALLY cool. I had never really considered whether or not my address book was efficient or not. But I know realize it is definitely NOT. Not sure if it's worth $10 yet, especially since I'm a MAC person and don't use Outlook. But I'm still happy with my purchase.
Daz91 Jul 7, 2010 at 6:07 pm
Viigo,cb launcher,goal.com app
trjnberry Jul 7, 2010 at 6:20 pm
Quicklaunch, Pandora / Podtrapper, & the Berry apps - Buzz, Meter, & Weather, round out my Top 3 category. I use QL like a PC user may use the start menu to get to everything. When my Tour trackball died, QL was a lifesaver in allowing me to get data off the device, because I could access nearly everything from the QL menu.
osutuba Jul 7, 2010 at 6:40 pm
AddOnIs -- My favorite feature is the Firewall. I can easily add a number to my blacklist and (usually) never have to worry about it again. I emailed them about an issue and found out a new version is in the works.
DriveSafe.ly -- When I am driving, I don't want to have to look at the phone when a text message comes in. My only regret is that is does not interface with BBM.
Facebook -- Until I can get SocialScope, I'll stick with this.
mrtonyp Jul 7, 2010 at 7:30 pm
My Three:
PodTrapper. I spend about 15 hours a week on the road. I'd go crazy if i didn't have my podcasts or my Audible books. I love how it downloads everything automatically. It even does videos. Love watching This Week In Tech in video format!
Audible Player. See above.LOTS of commute time. Player is not the best (I wish you could preset the rewind buttons like you can on PodTrapper) but it gets the job done. The people at Audible do an AMAZING job with their book production.
Mobigloo's Pinball Deluxe. Every BlackBerry user needs his timewaster. It's insane how much I play this little game.
trjnberry Jul 8, 2010 at 1:48 pm
Thanks for the tip on video on Podtrapper. I have been avoiding video podcasts because I thought PT only did audio.
hyopyofu Jul 7, 2010 at 7:57 pm
Opera mini 5/Bolt: The native browser leaves so much to be desired. These two fix that and complement each other nicely.
BerryBuzz: It's nice to be able to tell at a glance if I want to answer the text/call/email/whatever that just came in, especially since I usually leave my ringer on silent/vibrate
QuickLaunch: Access to anything I want at the click of a button, Who could ask for more?
smhotstuff Jul 7, 2010 at 8:16 pm
Quicklaunch is hands-down the most used app on my BB. Right behind it would be BOLT browser, with Mini Paint & Picture Magic tied for 3rd place... I play on my BB alot lol
Kiddo_24 Jul 7, 2010 at 8:43 pm
Never used these apps. Would you recommend this for a Bold & Storm or just for non-touch screen BBs?
ceb Jul 7, 2010 at 8:39 pm
I'm going to nominate a theme for an app (well, not really an app but an app helper as you'll se in a moment.)
The theme is the Foppa_5 clear. An icon-less theme with upper (well I guess icons) that take you to mail, the clock takes you to your calendar, the signal strength takes you to the phone/bt/wifi settings and the battery meter takes you to options.
The space button takes you to Quick Launch. QL, of course, takes you to all your other programs. This program is so good that I actually bought it for my office BB.
The entire screen is free for your favorite background - or in my case - Weatherberry.
Poynt gets a lot of use too, as does GoogleVoice.
I guess that's 4 (or 5 depending how you count the theme.)
Kiddo_24 Jul 7, 2010 at 8:41 pm
BBM
Twitter for BlackBerry
Tied for 3rd: all Google Apps available for BB (Maps/latitude, sync, voice, talk, Gmail app, Google Mobile App).
Yeah, I'm a Google junkie which is why I also sport the HTC Incredible!
artie Jul 7, 2010 at 8:48 pm
Quicklaunch, Poynt and Google Maps.
grayzweb Jul 7, 2010 at 8:56 pm
My most used is Viigo -> just to stay on top of the BB/ tech blogs. I check CB feed all day @ work
QuickLaunch - like a multitool app. makes life easier
I rely heavily on BerryBuzz (BeBuzz) to keep that led blinking so I know I have a message waiting :)
ALCie Jul 7, 2010 at 9:13 pm
Poynt: Such a great app that I always turn to when I want to see a movie, need to find a bank or dont know what to eat
Social Scope: I dont tweet much but I do use twitter and facebook feeds for news. The facebook status integration here is amazing.
BerryBuzz: I love being able to look at my BlackBerry from across the room and knowing exactly what notification I have.
innoveight Jul 7, 2010 at 9:20 pm
QSMS
SocialScope
Waze
And coming in above #1 is google apps. Gmail, google maps, google Sync...
crystinonfire Jul 8, 2010 at 3:43 am
QSMS!!! such a good one that I don't even think of as an app.
ej25sti Jul 7, 2010 at 9:38 pm
what about craig's choices???
Techno-Emigre Jul 7, 2010 at 9:40 pm
Tether(saves me $30 a month tethering fee),CrunchSMS, Opera Mini
ej25sti Jul 7, 2010 at 9:42 pm
CB Launcher
Facebook
Ubertwitter
Google Talk
19GhostRider71 Jul 7, 2010 at 10:37 pm
BerryBuzz, Its one of the best notification apps out there.
BeeJive IM, Its clean set up and I can IM my facebook contacts from there as well
Stitcher Radio, This is one of the cooler podcast radio apps I have run into. Very streamline and easy to use.
BB.girl92 Jul 7, 2010 at 11:29 pm
I had never heard of this app until just now! I was so excited they have a free version! Gonna go take a drive and see if it makes me a better driver haha.
alb123 Jul 7, 2010 at 11:39 pm
1) Toysoft Profiler - Every night at 1am my phone automatically switches into Silent mode. At 6am it switches back into Normal mode. I have health issues and have many doctor appointments per month. When a calendar event with the word "doctor" in it come up, my phone automatically switches into Vibrate mode. At the end of the visit (according to the calendar) my phone switches itself back to Normal. Easily my most appreciated application for almost 2 years now.
2) Viigo - The default browser is just so terrible and even Bolt/Opera Mini I try to use as infrequently as possible. Viigo keeps me up to speed on everything I give a crap about.
3) Poynt - Unless you never, ever leave your house - how could this not be an application you use almost daily, or several times per day?
s.p Jul 8, 2010 at 12:40 am
Well mine are
1)Pocket Informant - Loved it on WinMo, still love it after moving to BlackBerry. Keeps my life in order.
2)Mobile Checkbook - Keeps record of my expenses. Export in QIF for importing into MoneyDance in a PC which is the main program I use for handing my finances.
3)IM+ - Great for chatting on the go. The push mode lets me save battery life.
thedan862 Jul 8, 2010 at 2:23 am
#1--Pandora
#2--Poynt
#3--QuickPull
crystinonfire Jul 8, 2010 at 6:03 am
SocialScope
BBSmart Alarms Pro
BerryWeather
*honorable mention: Google Maps & TicketMaster
dmarcus48 Jul 8, 2010 at 9:43 am
This was very interesting and thanks for sharing. I never heard of Xobni, so I looked into it, it's EXPENSIVE!!!!! Really expensive for a phone app, no thanks, I'll stick to the contacts list.
Pilot Prop Jul 8, 2010 at 12:49 pm
In no particular order....Poynt, Dictionary.com, CB launcher, Bolt, Google Maps, Twitter for Blackberry, and Facebook
nimocone#cb Jul 8, 2010 at 8:54 pm
Calendar Pro (it just makes the calendar look so nice), Google Voice (for the free SMS and hiding behind a number when I call out to certain people), and UberTwitter.
JGLADIATORS Jul 9, 2010 at 7:45 am
My 3 favorites are the 1-Crackberry app 2-tether and 3-Facebook.....These are the apps that I run the most daily, I don't know if they're the best ones out there but they serve their purpose no doubt about it.
carolinakidd10 Jul 9, 2010 at 11:49 am
is there a free app like xobni that works with 8330? btw my top tre are (in random order) google maps, bolt, scoremobile(imma sports nut)
jackc4317 Jul 9, 2010 at 6:57 pm
I would have to say my top 3 are:
BBM
UberTwitter
Opera Mini
eaccents Jul 11, 2010 at 12:20 pm
1. ExpenseManager - tracks my purchases to keep me on budget
2. Drivesafe.ly - paid version; reads my email and SMS while I drive (I wish it would work for BBM too...); "enable when connected to bluetooth" was a stroke of genius because it turns the app on as soon as the car starts!
3. PageOnce Personal Assistant Premium - stay on track of all your $$$ accounts as well as phone minutes (group plan), eBay activity, Amazon activity, utility bills, travel itinerary, etc.
Honorable mentions:
* Enhanced Gmail - just found this, PERFECT reconciliation (although rendering could definitely be improved) since Yahoo and Gmail seem to now be one way FROM the device
* Facebook - helps me keep up with my busy friends
* MessageSchedule - schedule SMS or email in advance
droidnewbie2011 Jul 11, 2010 at 8:19 pm
Podtrapper, iheartradio Viigo
parman929 Jul 13, 2010 at 3:49 pm
I'd like to know how many Apps and much App Memory everyone has left on their BB. I have a Storm 2 with 3 apps on it and I have 96MB(38%) remaining. This seems quite low for as little as I have on it.