The BlackBerry has become an invaluable tool for those of us who need to stay connected and in the loop. But most people take advantage of only a few features that this marvelous communications device offers. What if you could do much more with your BlackBerry than just web surfing and email? 

BlackBerry Hacks will enhance your mobile computing with great tips and tricks. You'll learn that the BlackBerry is capable of things you never thought possible, and you'll learn how to make it an even better email and web workhorse:

• Get the most out of the built-in applications
• Take control of email with filters, searches, and more
• Rev up your mobile gaming--whether you're an arcade addict or poker pro
• Browse the web, chat over IM, and keep up with news and weblogs
• Work with office documents, spell check your messages, and send faxes
• Become more secure, lock down your BlackBerry and stash secure information somewhere safe
• Manage and monitor the BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) and Mobile Data System (MDS)
• Create web sites that look great on a BlackBerry
• Develop and deploy BlackBerry applications

Whether you need to schedule a meeting from a trade show floor, confirm your child's next play date at the park, or just find the show times and secure movie tickets while at dinner, this book helps you use the remarkable BlackBerry to stay in touch and in-the-know--no matter where you are or where you go. 

About the Author 
Dave Mabe is an accomplished and largely self-taught engineer and writer who strives to create a simple, elegant solution to a complex problem. Dave has worked in the communications industry for eight years and has worked with BlackBerry devices for almost five. Always looking to save a few keystrokes and mouse clicks, he is the kind of person who would rather spend several hours inventing an automated solution than spend a few monotonous moments each day performing a menial task. He fancies himself a proficient Perl programmer and would love to see Perl running on a BlackBerry one day. Dave enjoys tinkering with the latest gadgets and software, both closed and open source. When not working on computer-oriented stuff, you're likely to see Dave running on the roads and trails (mostly trails!) of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the place he calls home and where he enjoys a Perl-automated cup of coffee each morning. He occasionally blogs at http://dave.runningland.com.

Chapter 1 Using Your BlackBerry

• Hacks 1–21: Introduction
• Choose a Data Plan
• Cut and Paste Text
• Take the Easy Way Out with Shortcuts
• Sync Your Calendar over the Air
• Organize the Icons on the Home Screen
• Run Programs in the Background
• Type Less Using AutoText
• View the Event Log
• Use Your BlackBerry as a Modem
• Maximize Your Battery Life
• Optimize Your BlackBerry Browser
• Maximize Your Free Memory
• Get Things Done with the BlackBerry
• Create Your Own Polyphonic Ringtones
• Store a Photo Collection on Your Device
• Turn Your Computer into a Speakerphone
• Display Signal Strength as a Number
• Dial Like a Pro
• Put Notes in the Call Log
• Upgrade Your Handheld Software
• Type on a Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard

Chapter 2 Email

• Hacks 22–31: Introduction
• Clear Your Inbox Quickly
• Create Persistent Custom Searches
• Filter Messages by Type
• Use an Auto Signature
• Send a Message to a Group of Users
• Send a Message Directly to Another BlackBerry User
• Send and Receive S/MIME Encrypted Emails
• Six Ways to Check Your Gmail
• Use Filters to Control Message Delivery
• Get Mail from Multiple Accounts

Chapter 3 Games

• Hacks 32–36: Introduction
• Play Texas Hold 'Em
• Play Chess
• Play Free Java Games
• Play Free Magmic Games
• Play Zork on Your BlackBerry

Chapter 4 The Internet and Other Networks

• Hacks 37–50: Introduction
• Configure Your BlackBerry for Internet Access
• Blog from Your BlackBerry
• Read News and Blogs on the BlackBerry
• Control Another Computer Remotely
• Use Google Maps
• Telnet or SSH to Internet Servers
• Telnet or SSH to Intranet Servers
• Chat over IM
• Chat over IRC
• Bookmark It on del.icio.us
• Use Backpack as Your Mobile Workspace
• Use Gmail as a Spam-Catcher
• Use Your BlackBerry Browser to…
• Find Your Way with a GPS

Chapter 5 Free Programs

• Hacks 51–59: Introduction
• Get Fast and Free Mobile Search
• Store Your Passwords Securely
• Skin Your Device
• Run a Stress Test
• Install a Planetarium
• Rein In Your Backlight
• Use Multiple Reply-to Addresses
• Shop Amazon.com
• Manage Your eBay Auctions

Chapter 6 Shareware Apps

• Hacks 60–71: Introduction
• Display a BlackBerry Today View
• Sync Your BlackBerry to Your Mac
• Send Voice Emails from Your Device
• Fax from Your BlackBerry
• Sync Memos over the Air Without a BES
• Spellcheck Outgoing Messages
• Try a Third-Party Web Browser
• Try Another Email Program
• Edit Office Documents
• Display a Slideshow
• Get Real-Time Stock Quotes and Charts
• Track Your Fitness

Chapter 7 BES Administration

• Hacks 72–84: Introduction
• Add Users to the BES in Bulk
• Lock Down Your BlackBerry
• Test Your SRP Connection
• Send an Alert When Your SRP Is Down
• Ping a User's BlackBerry
• Track Message Delivery Time
• Create Alerts for Important Users
• Move the Attachment Service
• Monitor Attachment Usage
• Export User Stats to a Text File
• Create a Web Interface for User Administration
• Set Owner Info for All Devices
• Query the BES 4.0 Database

Chapter 8 The Web and MDS

• Hacks 85–93: Introduction
• Control Access to Certain Sites
• Track MDS HTTP Requests
• Detect BlackBerry Browser Requests the Right Way
• Make Your Web Sites BlackBerry Friendly
• Browse WML from Your Desktop
• Create a Simple Push Application
• Delete a Push Application
• Push Install Applications
• Simulate Any BlackBerry

Chapter 9 Application Development

• Hacks 94–100: Introduction
• Create HTTP Connections
• Create a Simple Stock Quote Application
• Integrate the Browser into a Java App
• Deploy BlackBerry Applications
• Sign Your COD Files
• Control BlackBerry Applications in the Enterprise
• Ensure Your App Is Placed First on the Home Screen

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