TferThomas

Almost 6 months later....my updated thoughts on the BlackBerry Bold 9900

2012-02-21T22:58:00.001-08:00

Well it's been almost 6 months since I first startedusing the BlackBerry Bold 9900, and it is timely to give an update on mythoughts of the device.

I thought the best way would be to do a then and nowcomparison, as follows.

"One of my favourite devices, size wise, especiallykeyboard, was the first Bold.....the 9000. and I was one of the many BlackBerryusers shattered when RIM introduced the successor to the 9000, the 9700, and,for me, its cramped keyboard. That said, we are a adaptable bunch, for itwasn't long before we were all rocking the 9700 and thumbing out emails,tweets, posts and the like from its keyboard.

So I move onto the Torch 9800 and then the Bold9780......and now the Bold 9900. And it took me all of about 2 minutes tore-accquaint back with the larger keyboard....welcome home! And lovingit! And while we are on the keyboard etc, I really do like the highlightedsurrounding of the trackpad......rather cool."

6 months on, the keyboard of the 9900 remains my firmfavourite of all BlackBerry devices & variations. To say it is comfortableis an understatement, and provides a compelling argument for physical keyboardsin Smart Phones. I do hope RIM keep a physical keyboard within the range of BB10 devices.

"The Bold 9900 is of course hefty but oh so slim(for a BlackBerry) and feels great cradled between my hands, or in onehand......but, and yes I understand the NFC requirements, but a smooth backplate??? Hmmm, not too happy about this, and already I have caught my Boldtwice as it slid off a couple of places (where normally a BlackBerry wouldnot). Unfortunately for me, I prefer my BlackBerry devices to be naked, so askin is not the answer. Need to be a little more careful though."

I have now successfully (or is that unsuccessfully)dropped the 9900 3 times, and no traction from the smooth battery cover isclearly the culprit. Luckily, no real damage apart from the odd bodyworkscratch.

"OS7: well yes, it is an evolution of the BlackBerryOS and a nice one. Anyone coming from OS6 will immediately feel at home. I likethe icons and colours. I also like the way you can manage the panels(yay.....now only have one panel: All)."

OS7.1: while not that different to OS7.0 it definitely ismuch more stable & reliable. Previously I have had not much joy with OS 7.0 with the Bold 9900 bricking more than 30 times (bricking is a generic term, meaning rendering the device unusable, whether stuck in a constant reboot cycle, or one of those nasty little JVM errors). Now with OS 7.1 the bricking has seemingly ceased to exist for me. *a deep sigh of relief*

"The higher spec single core processor was bothurgently needed but gratefully received. There is significantly less hourglassing than ever before, and things do seem to move around much more fluidly.Yep, happy with this. The increased RAM is also appreciated. Boot time has beenreduced further....nice (not that you have to reboot the 9900 as often asprevious devices, but good to know, nevertheless)."

No change here (although I do think the boot time withOS7.1 has been reduced compared to OS7.0), and this all still rings true.

"Touchscreen: I wondered whether this for me wouldbe a redundant feature, and pleased to say I was wrong. The touch screen for meis very useful to hunt around for the needed application & to click on itto open, something easily achieved while holding the 9900 in one hand (andthere are lots of times you only have one hand to operate your BlackBerrywith)."

My second device being used simultaneously to the Bold9900, is a Torch 9810. Both devices' OS makes full use of the touch screens,and a big boon for me is the holding of pressure on the touch screen over anicon, to open up a quick menu panel: brilliant. Both devices aren't entirelyperfect for one handed operation (Bold 9900 is very broad & reach with justone thumb is a little hard at times (but brilliant for thumbing out messages with both thumbs, accurately and very quickly), and the Torch 9810 is just a little topheavy (slider extended). I am currently waiting for a Bold 9790, as I believethis BlackBerry will be as close to perfect for one handed operations.

"Battery Life: in one word; hopeless. Sorry, but Icannot get through 2/3 of a day without running out of juice. Screen brightnessis set to 10%, most apps set to either not auto-refresh, or set at a longerrefresh interval, WiFi switched off (don't really use it too much anyway), andwhile this has made a little difference, there is still a way to go. Sparebattery has been ordered and that will sort the problem for now. Perhaps laterOS upgrades may/may not alleviate the problem. But in essence, running asmaller battery, than the previous 9780, but with bigger screen, and touch,etc, doesn't quite add up."

Has the battery life improved with OS7.1? In short, maybea tiny bit, but not to any significant level. I always carry a spare fullycharged battery, and with a shorter boot time, I am not off the air forlong.

"Charging: Here's a little hint. If you have aPlayBook, use the rapid charger for your Bold 9900 (charges oh so muchquicker). I have also found that the previous car chargers I have been using,now no longer charge the Bold 9900. So I purchased a Motorola Rapid Charger forthe car, and this one works perfectly.

But the battery life is something I can put up with,especially given the improvements to both hardware and software, that RIM haveimplemented."

I am still happy to live with the poor battery life, but did notice on my recent trip to India (on the Vodafone network......Edge signal only) that the Bold 9900 fairly chewed through the battery life (even with the network settings as 2G only) (My 2 spare batteries came in very handy!), where as back in Australia on the Telstra Next-G network, battery life was better??? Confused? Yes, me too, but a happy form of confusion, as Australia is my home. Having said that, battery life still seems to be better than the iPhone and various Androids that were on the same trip as I was (India).

"Challenge: to all of you who went to anothermanufacturer: try out a Bold 9900, and see what you think. For me, staying withthe BlackBerry brand has been worth it (and the sometimes pain associated withprevious lesser spec devices). Try it for yourself."

The challenge is still there......for the knockers.....if you are basing your out dated opinions on an older BlackBerry device, try a Bold 9900 and be prepared to be pleasantly surprised. In a recent comparison between two colleagues' iPhone 4S and my Bold 9900 (all 3 on the same Australian network) going to the same webpage, the Bold was consistently and noticeably quicker in rendering the webpage. Hmmm...

"Good job RIM."

I am still happy with my BlackBerry Bold 9900, and have not found a compelling argument from any other manufacturer / OS to even consider switching. Biased, yes......but with very good reasons to be so.

TferThomas

BlackBerry Bold 9900: my initial impressions

2011-09-11T04:04:00.000-07:00

Having used the Bold 9900 for the past 2 weeks, I thought it was about time to put pen to paper and describe my impressions thus far.

A lot has already been written about RIM's newest flagship device, both good and bad, but having used a BlackBerry of one from or another since 2004, I think it is my turn.

One of my favourite devices, size wise, especially keyboard, was the first Bold.....the 9000. and I was one of the many BlackBerry users shattered when RIM introduced the successor to the 9000, the 9700, and, for me, its cramped keyboard. That said, we are a adaptable bunch, for it wasn't long before we were all rocking the 9700 and thumbing out emails, tweets, posts and the like from its keyboard.

So I move onto the Torch 9800 and then the Bold 9780......and now the Bold 9900. And it took me all of about 2 minutes to re-accquaint back with the larger keyboard....welcome home! And loving it! And while we are on the keyboard etc, I really do like the highlighted surrounding of the trackpad......rather cool.

The Bold 9900 is of course hefty but oh so slim (for a BlackBerry) and feels great cradled between my hands, or in one hand......but, and yes I understand the NFC requirements, but a smooth back plate??? Hmmm, not too happy about this, and already I have caught my Bold twice as it slid off a couple of places (where normally a BlackBerry would not). Unfortunately for me, I prefer my BlackBerry devices to be naked, so a skin is not the answer. Need to be a little more careful though.

OS7: well yes, it is an evolution of the BlackBerry OS and a nice one. Anyone coming from OS6 will immediately feel at home. I like the icons and colours. I also like the way you can manage the panels (yay.....now only have one panel: All).

The higher spec single core processor was both urgently needed but gratefully received. There is significantly less hour glassing than ever before, and things do seem to move around much more fluidly. Yep, happy with this. The increased RAM is also appreciated. Boot time has been reduced further....nice (not that you have to reboot the 9900 as often as previous devices, but good to know, nevertheless).

Touchscreen: I wondered whether this for me would be a redundant feature, and pleased to say I was wrong. The touch screen for me is very useful to hunt around for the needed application & to click on it to open, something easily achieved while holding the 9900 in one hand (and there are lots of times you only have one hand to operate your BlackBerry with).

Battery Life: in one word; hopeless. Sorry, but I cannot get through 2/3 of a day without running out of juice. Screen brightness is set to 10%, most apps set to either not auto-refresh, or set at a longer refresh interval, WiFi switched off (don't really use it too much anyway), and while this has made a little difference, there is still a way to go. Spare battery has been ordered and that will sort the problem for now. Perhaps later OS upgrades may/may not alleviate the problem. But in essence, running a smaller battery, than the previous 9780, but with bigger screen, and touch, etc, doesn't quite add up.

Charging: Here's a little hint. If you have a PlayBook, use the rapid charger for your Bold 9900 (charges oh so much quicker). I have also found that the previous car chargers I have been using, now no longer charge the Bold 9900. So I purchased a Motorola Rapid Charger for the car, and this one works perfectly.

But the battery life is something I can put up with, especially given the improvements to both hardware and software, that RIM have implemented.

Challenge: to all of you who went to another manufacturer: try out a Bold 9900, and see what you think. For me, staying with the BlackBerry brand has been worth it (and the sometimes pain associated with previous lesser spec devices). Try it for yourself.

Good job RIM.

TferThomas

My latest gadget: Infinit's Solar Powered BackPack

2011-05-09T16:01:00.000-07:00

Yes, surely did have to get this, and if you have gadgets, and spend a bit of time away from power sources, you will totally understand.

The backpack itself is a normal design, with good straps, but it is the extra hardware that is most interesting.

Sporting a rechargable battery pack, which can be charged from both the sun (solar panels on the back of the backpack) and mains power (via adaptor or computer's USB) the backpack can recharge its battery and keep your gadgets charges (came with lots of different tips).

So it does prove, you can be green and tech at the same time.

Thomas

Accessory for my BlackBerry Torch 9800: Jabra Stone bluetooth earpiece

2011-04-25T02:25:00.000-07:00

And lastly tonight......the Jabra Stone bluetooth earpiece.

What can I say: such a gorgeous piece of tech! And Jabra have designed it spot on!

I have been for a while now on the hunt for a discreet bluetooth earpiece, that looked good, but performed well too, and this for me is it.

Couple of points of note:

The Stone that the earpiece sits in, recharges the earpiece even when not connected to power (built in battery), so you have charge no matter where you are
The earpiece will bluetooth sync with your BlackBerry, just as soon as you disengage from its stone, and disconnects once place back in the stone.
It charges via a mini USB

Very happy with this little piece of tech!

Accessory for my BlackBerry Torch 9800: Scosche flipSYNC Keychain Charge/Sync Mini/Micro USB

2011-04-25T02:13:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that this cool little gadget is not sold in Australia? Unbelievable.

Anyway, with the power of online shopping, I now have one.

Quite simple, yes, it is designed to be placed on a keyring for access, but mine is kept snugly in the Cocoon Grid-It system, which for my purposes, makes it just as accessible.

And it's all about saving space......which the Scosche flipSYNC does brilliantly.

Love this, and it just makes sense!

Accessory for my BlackBerry Torch 9800: Omi portable external speaker system

2011-04-25T02:06:00.000-07:00

It may be known that I have a Blueant Bluetooth S1 Stereo Speaker (including sub woofer) which gets good use at the various parties/bar-b-ques we hold.

As it may also be known, I also take regular flights to our Melbourne office, and needed a music solution for the apartment I live in two weeks every month, and not wanting to lug around the fairly heavy Blueant unit.

So then I came across the Omi portable external speaker system, and as you can see from the photos, it is quite small, but does pack a punch.

The things I like about the device:

Small in size
Packs a rechargable battery (will run for up to 6 hours on a charge)
Plugs directly into your BlackBerry headset socket
Charges via a mini USB cable from your Laptop
It expands for use
Lift its top lid for better punchier base sound

So there you have it....and seriously, for its size, the sound is to be heard!

Accessory for my BlackBerry Torch 9800: Cocoon's Grid-It

2011-04-25T01:40:00.000-07:00

Is it really an accessory for my BlackBerry Torch 9800, or a mobilised accessory? Does it really matter?

This is the small version of Cocoon's Grid-It (available in 3 sizes), and given my passion for black (BlackBerry, black leather satchel (seen partly in the background), etc), of course it had to be black (it does come in other colours).

The purpose of the Grid-It for me anyway, is to keep neat and tidy all the bits and pieces I use during my mobilised life. Can you see:

Ear phones
Spare Torch battery
Extendable micro USB cable
Mobile 3G USB Stick
A couple of rechargable portable power devices
Spare cable
Place for other items (like BlackBerry OEM headset) in zippered rear section

And it is perfect for me during my regular flights around the country..... simply pull it out of my satchel and place in the seat pocket. Absolutely perfect!

No more ferreting around trying to find bits and pieces.......all safely secured.

Accessory for my BlackBerry Torch 9800: BlackBerry Music Gateway

2011-04-25T01:27:00.000-07:00

I have started to purchase a few accessories for my BlackBerry Torch 9800, and they each do something uniquely different, but most importantly add value to my Blackberry (and mobilised) experience.

The BlackBerry Music Gateway's concept is a simple and straight forward concept: it literally acts as a bluetooth gateway from your BlackBerry to your home stereo system (the Music Gateway is plugged into my home sound system via a 3.5mm jack.

So you ask.....enhances my mobilised experience?

Correct, as it means I can keep my music on my 32g micro SD card in my BlackBerry Torch, but access the songs at home when I need to.....or take the Music Gateway with me, and plug it into any sound system, anywhere.

Oh, and yes, the BlackBerry logo is pretty cool too!

Accessory for the BlackBerry Torch 9800

2010-12-08T17:20:00.000-08:00

Now this wasn't strictly purchased for the Torch. Originally, it was intended for a new BlackBerry Bold 9780, but as discussed here previously, I went the directional change of the BlackBerry Torch 9800.

What is it? Well, it's called a SmrtWallet and in a nutshell, it combines the functionality and practicality of a wallet (for your cards and cash) and a protective case for your BlackBerry. Let's face it, if your wallet was attached to your BlackBerry, would you ever forget your wallet? I think not :) Genius!

It was a tad tight when I first tried it (in fact it used to pull my Bold 9700's battery cover off when removing the BlackBerry from the SmrtWallet), and in fact I thought the Torch wouldn't fit easily. But there is a fix...

I left my Bold 9700 in the SmrtWallet for a few weeks (I was by then using the Torch, so the Bold had become a spare), and it simply stretched the SmrtWallet. The Torch now fits (albeit it snugly). Brilliant!

And so there you have it....

The first full working week with my BlackBerry Torch 9800

2010-12-02T03:13:00.000-08:00

I'm on my way home to Brisbane, from Melbourne, on a Thursday evening, sitting where I usually sit (either row 4 or 5, in a Virgin Blue Boeing 737-800) a day earlier than would be normal, so I guess the title is not quite accurate. That said, I don't expect to discover something amazingly different to what I had already experienced so far.

I've now been using the Torch since last Friday night, and from Monday to Thursday, it received a solid workout. These are my personal findings.

Battery life:
I did the normal setting changes one would normally be expected to:
• Reduced screen brightness to 20%
• Switched off wifi (very rarely do I have a need for it, but good to have)
• Screen lock when placing in my pocket or just carrying

And what have I found? To be honest, I can get through 2/3 of a day without charging. Thank goodness for the mandatory spare battery I have made a point of purchasing since my BlackBerry Bold 9700 days. Luckily the Torch boots noticeably quicker than the Bold2, so I am off the air for a much shorter time.

Now in fairness, a colleague purchased a Samsung Galaxy S at the same time, and with similar settings, she can only get 1/2 day without charging (yay for the Torch).

Keyboard:
When I originally saw leaked shots of the Torch, a lot of people scoffed at the form factor (vertical slider), but the one thing I cautioned people, via twitter, was quite simply, if the keyboard was right, who cares if it was a vertical slider, rather than the more trendy side slider.

And I believe I have been proven right.

For all intents & purposes, the Torch's keyboard is about the same as the Bold2's, and coming from a Bold2, that for me was a good thing!

The main differences of the Torch's keyboard are:
• Raised side edges
• Bottom concave lip
• Slight cramped feel along the centre part of the top row

Incredibly, even though the trackpad is raised and a little further away, it remains very accessible.

Touch Screen:
Well this is something new to me and an area that traditionally has been a no go zone.

The Torch was more of a business decision for me, and not a passionate one (I did want a Bold 9780) as discussed in a previous post.

This being the case, the keyboard of choice is the hardware one not the touch/virtual option (I am very clumsy with the touch screen keyboard).

But I am really warming to doing some things on the touch screen:
• Finding and activating an application
• Reading emails, RSS feeds, twitter feeds etc
• Viewing photos (and a quick thumbs up for the 5mp camera), hunting through music

I have found the need to have the touch screen set to quite a high degree of sensitivity, but still adapting myself to it.

And finally, I am enjoying the size of the screen and the ability to view things in landscape mode :)

Convenience key:
well something happened and we lost one, and unfortunately for left handers like me, the left convenience has gone awol!

Micro USB slot:
Not a happy camper here, and with the placement of the Micro USB charging/syncing slot low on the left side, makes it awkward to type while charging. If it was placed higher (ala Bold2) it would have happily sat between fingers 1 & 2 on my left hand, which cradle the Torch fairly widely splayed.

As it is hardware, I can't see a fix here.

OS 6.0.0337:
I like the current rendition of the BlackBerry Operating System, and I believe new members of TeamBlackBerry will adapt to BlackBerry a lot quicker and much more seamlessly, than on previous OS versions.

For long time users who have seen and used OS versions from say 4.2 onwards, you may find some things are more straightforward, where as other things are more hidden.

Overall though, a good job.

Applications and transferring from a Bold2:
Ha! What a week it was. Bricked the Torch 5 times in a week!

Why? Quite simply:
• I was a little too casual in my approach
• I didn't check all applications on my Bold2 would work successfully on the Torch
• I didn't refresh my apps from a Bold2 version to a Torch version.

But on the upside, I developed a new found love for good old Jl_cmdr (the windows PC/laptop app that wipes your BlackBerry (especially one that states on the BlackBerry white screen of death, App Error 603.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, I am now running a slightly smaller list of apps than I did on the Bold2, on a device that has twice the internal memory. I am sure that memory will be put to good use in the not too distant future.

And right now, I have 253.24mb of free internal memory waiting :)

Dimensions and feel:
Well you certainly know when you have a Torch in your pocket, over a Bold2....she does feel heavier.

But also, the Torch has an air of solidness, and a sliding function, one of definite actions. I like it.

Apart from that, the Torch is a tad thicker, but nothing here or there to cause worry.

Summary:
I am warming nicely to the Torch. Could I go to a pure touch screen BlackBerry (Storm 3 anyone?)?..... No, definitely not yet.

I personally think RIM have come close to the mark with the Torch 9800, one that comfortably has its feet on both sides of the great mobile device divide: on the one side, a hardware keyboard and on the other side, a responsive touch screen.

And for me, using both to aid in getting things done, is quite nice thank you :)

I see the Torch as RIM's front foot fight back against the likes of Apple and Android, and personally, I am rooting for RIM, and very pleased they are now on the offensive.

Watching a non BlackBerry/smartphone user become a BlackBerry Torch user and becoming a BlackBerry fan

2010-11-28T23:26:00.000-08:00

I actually never really considered it happening to be honest, but it did, and I feel I need to share.

My wife, as wonderful and gorgeous as she can only be, is not a techno gadget loving person. Sure she likes a touch screen camera, but would never really consider a camera in a phone. Email is done on a computer and stresses to me, that she doesn't have to be tied to a smartphone.

One day she decided that yes she would like to get the feel of a BlackBerry; but no, no data, just phone. My BlackBerry Tour 9630 was pressed into service. It was a different move to her, as the phone the Tour replaced, was a candybar Nokia.

Then something happened....a girl friend of hers came over to dinner, and brought with her an iPhone 4. Oh the simplicity of the UI; within no time my wife was navigating all through the various apps and functions. Childs play.

Now if you are Australian, you'll know when I am referring to: the Australian dollar made parity with the US greenback....woot! when it comes to purchasing stuff on eBay. And that's just what I was doing on the couch next to the ladies.

My wife is Indian, and Diwali was a few weeks away, and I wanted to get her a gift: a BlackBerry Torch 9800. Three things about the Torch appealed as the BlackBerry for my wife:
1. Touch screen
2. Operating System 6.0
3. Keyboard just in case (she was used to the Tour by now).

So while she played with the iPhone 4, I hunted for the right Torch (price, condition, seller's reputation). Click, and it was purchased. Good price, considering the dollar's parity. And then the girls realised I was rather quiet, and boy did I cop it from both, when I told them what I had done (at this stage neither knew it was bought for ny wife). I took it all rather well.

So off I go that week for yet another fortnightly stint in Melbourne (2 weeks every month for the company I work for as an International Business Manager, Priority Management (http://bit.ly/pmanz)) and waited for the Torch to arrive in Melbourne, which it finally did, on my last day. So on my flight home to Brisbane, I got to play at length with the Torch (no data mind), and even for a keyboard BlackBerry fan as I am, I was impressed.

I arrived home on the night prior to Diwali, via Taxi, as my wife had a prayer session and couldn't leave the house. And so I presented her with the Torch: took her totally and completely by surprise, but the smile grew when she realised which BlackBerry it was (yeah you may of guessed, I just had to tell the girls (on the night I purchased it) all about the Torch and what it could do). She now had the most up to date BlackBerry around.

The weekend arrived and we activated a BlackBerry plan for her (and got 2 months free to boot!); set up her hotmail and facebook and a few other applications. Gave her a preloaded 4gig micro SD card with the type of music she likes and photos I knew she liked.

And it didn't take long for my wife to display some typical crackberry tendencies:
• The wall charger is on her side of the bed
• She is on facebook a lot more
• She hunts through her emails
• She relies less on her laptop (especially with the good rendering of web pages by the Torch's webkit browser)
• The BlackBerry gets checked as soon as she wakes up.

But the most interesting thing was hoiw quickly she became acclimatised to the BlackBerry OS 6.0's UI....much more user friendly to new BlackBerry users.

As for the question regarding keyboard preference, physical or virtual? She has really adapted to, and adopted the virtual one as her default keyboard! And she's quite proficient with it too!

Apart from now each of us having BlackBerry Messenger (BBM), the big advantage for me is now I really don't get a hard time about my BlackBerry usage/tendencies and habits :)

So there you have it....another crackberry added. One by one, they will come to the DarkSide! LOL!

Oh yeah, this was typed on my BlackBerry Torch, which only landed in my hands a mere two days ago (typed on the physical keyboard, thank you).

Why I chose the BlackBerry Torch 9800 over the Bold 9780

2010-11-24T03:33:00.000-08:00

If anything is perfectly clear, when it comes to me and my BlackBerry preferences, one thing is abundantly clear... I am not a fan of touch screens. In fact, you could say I dislike touch screens.

So the simple question is, seeing as my Torch arrived today (well at least I believe it has (I am in Melbourne at the moment, and it arrived at the Brisbane office today, and I won't get to confirm this, until Friday evening), is .... why?

If you follow me on twitter, you know my perfect BlackBerry device is one with the qwerty keyboard; the type RIM has spent so much time (and no doubt money) perfecting. And that is not a term taken lightly. But I simply haven't come across a better mobile device keyboard, that I can thumb out emails, tweets, etc more efficiently.

I recently purchased a Torch, but that was for my wife (she served out her apprenticeship on a 9630 Tour), and what I can say, is she took to the Torch, like a duck to water, and it is quite impressive to watch her put the Torch through its paces. But she mainly prefers the touch screen.... almost always ignoring the keyboard.

Now my day to day job is an International Business Manager for a global training company, which specialises in time management, workload management, project management and productivity training. One of our signature programs is Working Smart with BlackBerry (http://www.prioritymanagement.com.au/training/time-management/blackberry), and one that fellow BlackBerry Alliance Members have started taking notice of. The reason? Well, there are phones out there which are more personal devices but have some business tendencies...... and most are touch screens. And there are decision makers out there who prefer the touch screen devices. Our training provides the BlackBerry user with a solid grounding in not only the functionality of the BlackBerry device, but more importantly, how they can save significant time, and plan their days more effectively, by using the BlackBerry as their productivity tool. And a happy BlackBerry user will not have to look elsewhere at other devices. So now, I have fellow BlackBerry Alliance Members starting to refer their clients to myself and Priority Management.

Invariably, during meetings, there will be, as a general rule, BlackBerry users and other devices (touch screens) are normally present.... how to bridge the gap with both? Quite simply, the BlackBerry Torch covers the ground beautifully.

For the touch screen device user, the Torch touch screen walks the walk (and remember, the Torch was specifically designed to operate as 1. a touch screen device only, 2. a keyboard device only. and 3. a combination of both) so we have that type of user covered. For the traditional BlackBerry user (or other lesser keyboard devices) slide out the Torch's keyboard, and let your thumbs do the talking (of interest, apart from the raised lips around the keyboard, the Torch's keyboard is a dead ringer for the Bold 9700's keyboard, and that, my friends, is a good, no, great thing).

So for business, networking and to support our position as a BlackBerry Alliance Member, the BlackBerry Torch 9800 was the most appropriate BlackBerry device, and the Bold 9780 became an also ran.

And that is why a new BlackBerry Torch 9800 arrived for me today (not that I can get my hands on it until Friday evening).

TferThomas

Paying it forward in real life

2010-04-11T14:35:00.000-07:00

As you know, I am huge fan of paying it forward; in fact, I try to live my life with paying it forward.

A couple of weeks ago, an opportunity presented itself to actually pay it forward in person.

Quite often, when I stay in Melbourne, I walk between the apartment and the office (roughly a 20-25 minute walk), and the walk is the perfect time to mentally prepare myself for the new day. So, yes it can be said, I am in a world of my own, but seeing something jolted me out of my own pre-occupiedness... an iPhone sitting in the gutter.

Now we all know I am not a fan of the iPhone but the sight intrigued me...it was clear someone must have lost it.

I remembered that there most likely would be some sort of screen lock & that proved simple. I noted it said it was Sim card locked, so the owner must have reported it lost.

Now to find the owner (yes, why would I even consider keeping the iPhone (I have no need for one) or giving it to any number of friends/family who wanted one...never even considered it; it was always going to be handed back to the rightful owner). I know how much an inconvenience it is setting up a BlackBerry from scratch, so only can imagine the same would be said of an iPhone.

Eventually I found the contacts folder, and yes, as you would expect, found Mum (doesn't everyone have Mum/Dad listed in their phone?). So I rang "Mum" and yes she had a son who owned an iPhone (seems he has a history of losing devices).

So Mum came to our office that afternoon and collected the iPhone. She was most appreciative, and she presented me with a home grown bottle of peach chutney to say thanks.

The son rang that afternoon, to express his gratitude. "There should be more people like you in the world" he said. I simply said that it was the only thing to do, but also that I much prefer BlackBerry to iPhone, so I was always going to give it back (hey, what else would you expect me to say?)...he took it very well.

So there you go...paying it forward in real life; it's not that hard.

LoveBlackBerry: going retro with a 7100g

2010-04-11T14:10:00.000-07:00

I was over at a mate's place the other night (@scooterwrecker on twitter) and as our conversations quite often go, we digressed back to times gone by. Whether, its music, movies, cars or tech, back the conversation goes, and to be honest, I enjoy it, considering most of my life is focussed forward.

Not too long ago I helped him and his lovely wife into BlackBerry devices and they each got a Bold 9000. And they have been quick learners too, I've since gone to the Bold 9700 but the discussions around apps, OS upgrades and settings continue at a rapid rate.

So whilst watching Terminator Salvation on his Blue Ray player, we naturally discussed the bits out of the movie that hinted at previous movies long gone by, but which we remembered, and then it dawned... How far has Research in Motion come with their BlackBerry devices? And for me, where better to start than the first one I used; the BlackBerry 7100g.

Towards the end of 2004, while working for a financial institution I became the first non-executive to be given a BlackBerry, and into my hands came a 7100g.

It stayed with me until midway through 2006 when I left that organisation. For the next 6 or so months I dabbled with a Nokia E61 on a BlackBerry Connect plan, until the BlackBerry Pearl 8100 was released.

As soon as the BlackBerry Curve 8300 was released, I had to have it and the Pearl was relegated to the top drawer, beside the bed.

I was one of the first in Australia to get my hands on the Bold 9000, and the second one is now sitting in the top drawer (with the Pearl and Curve, after the first one's track ball failed).

So, what am I using now? Well the Bold 9700 of course. It's common knowledge that I am not a touch screen fan (although I recently upgraded a colleague's Storm 9500's OS & I was quite taken to the massive improvement in responsiveness and tactileness) so a Storm has never really been considered. Perhaps one for my gorgeous wife?

So after a quick search on eBay, the 7100g options were found and dissected and two sprung to the top of the list (one purchased straight away, and one to bid on). Now, I am a novice with eBay, so I chose the former. Prior to buying, I emailed the seller to confirm all was in good working order (that was on the Saturday night, and he/she replied in the affirmative the next morning). The order was placed.

Sunday evening I received an email update to confirm the BlackBerry 7100g has been dispatched.

Now the interesting things are still to come:
• Will use the 7100g for a working week
• Will need to remember how to use a track wheel and not a trackpad again
• Go back from OS 5.0.0.545 to OS 4.1.0.454 (if I remember rightly)
• Seeing actually what apps I can get to work (I know OpenBeak does work so I will still be on twitter)

Applications will be the tough one. For instance the following apps I regularly use won't work on the 7100g (a lot of apps require minimum OS to be 4.2.1):
• SocialScope
• Viigo
• Vlingo
• Xing
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Seesmic
• Wicked
• Duly Noted
• My Listy
• Google Maps
• Kindle
• GymTechnik
• Role Call Tasks
• WorldMate
• Xobni
• Copy to Contact
• MemoryBooster
• FourSquare
• Tumblr
• Forward, Reply & Edit
• Tungle
• Chasm
• Compass
• LaterDudePro
• Zen Minder
• Tether
• Impatica
• SugarSync
• BeeJive I'm
• Chalk
• Time Mobile
• Voxofon
• BlaCaDa
• Amazon
• Airplane Mode
• Message Peek
• Show me the images
• Contacts cleaner
• BerryJoose
• BerryBuzz
• BerryWeather
• QuickLaunch
• Fancy Tran
• World Clock
• MindBerry
• Photonote

And I can't remember if the BBM exists or whether it is just PIN messaging?? I guess time will tell.

So I may need to resort loading my RSS Feeds onto tweetminer (a desktop app for twitter that I use for the @PriorityMgt account) and using OpenBeak, but again, time will tell when I finally get my hands on the little beasty.

So, am I just a little crazy? Perhaps, as it is simply not a time efficient thing to do, but will it be fun? I am thinking in part it will be fun, but frustrating as well.

I am certain a lot of people won't notice the BlackBerry 7100g, but for the BlackBerry users who most likely will notice, I wonder if they will look at me with perhaps, pity (poor person can't afford to get a newer BlackBerry), or perhaps with a touch of nostalgia?

One week should do it. She (yes all of my BlackBerry devices are ladies) arrives this week, and the week using the 7100g starts the following week.

Stay tuned...

BlackBerry Users: how do you connect with others? Paying It Forward

2009-11-15T02:12:00.000-08:00

I love it when I can connect with other BlackBerry users, regardless of where they geographically are, what level of usage they use their BlackBerry, or their level of experience.

I connect with BlackBerry users via the following sites (of course non BlackBerry users can also connect with me):
• Twitter (http://twitter.com/TferThomas)
• Facebook (http://facebook.com/TferThomas)
• BlackBerry Messenger (255B9281)
• FriendFeed (http://friendfeed.com/TferThomas)
• LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasskennerton)
• Xing (http://xing.com/TferThomas)
• Tumblr (http://tumblr.com/TferThomas)
• Blip.fm (http://blip.fm/TferThomas)

The good thing is most of these sites are available right from your BlackBerry, which is what I am all about...sharing the love about the BlackBerry way of getting things done, and paying it forward to anyone who needs assistance/advice/or even an ear or shoulder.

I enjoy the real satisfaction, a warm glow, when someone asks for BlackBerry advice, or if one of my friends introduces me to another BlackBerry user.

But I am not alone on this. No, my findings are crystal clear and validated, and the verdict has been reached; BlackBerry users, generally speaking, are a helpful bunch, and love nothing more than to be able share their BlackBerry knowledge, jump in and help out one of their own, or give their opinions to all and sundry regarding BlackBerry experiences.

I love it, and so glad to be part of this intriguing bunch!

So if I can help you, if you would like to share something with me, or even connect with me on multiple sites, please do, and together we can pay it forward.

Love the BlackBerry.

Marriage and my best friend

2009-11-15T02:11:00.000-08:00

Here I am, on yet another flight (I do on average at least 4 a month, and have done so for the past 13 months), and take this golden opportunity to write another post (or pen to paper, as I like to refer to writing blog posts).

This weekend marks one of the rarer moments in my normal home surroundings... my wife was away for the weekend. She has taken a well deserved short break back home in Fiji, and this is a break I know she sorely needed.

My normal calendar month at work consists of two consecutive weeks in our Melbourne office and the balance in our Brisbane office (Priority Management http://prioritymanagement.com.au). Apart from a fair bit of travel, I spend two working weeks away from my wife. Luckily, Priority Management is forward thinking and caring enough to send me home for the middle weekend, to be with her.

I came home last Thursday night, in order to spend a night with my wife, prior to driving her to the airport Friday morning for her flight to Fiji. That night, I came home to an empty house, and this is the rare moment: I would spend the weekend in the house alone.

I refer to our home as the "house" simply because one of the main reasons it is my home is because of my wife.

My wife is Fiji-Indian and I believe true to her heritage, beliefs and upbringing. Apart from being breath takingly gorgeous, she carries herself in almost a regal sense, and for me, she lights up my world.

That said, she has strong opinions and is always totally upfront with me, no matter what. And this can be a little confronting at times, but for me, providing I keep this in mind, ensures the strong conversations can take place, solutions or negotiations can be worked through, without fear of retrospective actions, and never a grudge to be held. Certainly, I am thankful that emotional blackmail is not a part of our relationship or marriage.

She is a self made woman, who has made her mark on this world, without a man by her side (apart from her father, who left this world around 3 years ago, prior to my coming onto the scene), and really, owes no one, anything. Words can't really do justice to my respect for what she has achieved, and for me, she is my daily inspiration.

As a woman who is herself, she didn't enter our relationship as someone who was needy, or dependent; rather, first and foremost, we were able to develop a friendship and love based on two individuals who chose to come together in a relationship, but also, neither of us losing our sense of self.

Not only is she my wife, but also very clearly, my best friend. And that makes me one very lucky and blessed guy.

This weekend (that I just spent alone), made it perfectly clear just what value she adds to our home life, and how the sum of all she does and I do, and all of our interactions, turn the "house" into our "home". And yes we have been texting, calling and skyping, but the spontaneity of the simple happenings and interactions are missing.

I am very lucky and fortunate to be a part of a deep friendship and a truly positive relationship with my partner; to be married to my wife is a place second to nothing else here on this earth.

The weekend has served me well; it has reminded me of just how lucky I am, and what a great life I live. And my wife's singular importance won't be forgotten.

Some time saving small applications on my BlackBerry Bold

2009-10-11T16:19:00.000-07:00

My last blog post was all about my Social and Business Networking from my BlackBerry, and all this used fairly big memory hogging applications installed...both a necessity and a blessing.
Now, I would like to cover off a few much smaller applications that increases the BlackBerry Bold's efficiencies.
Theses applications aren't flashy, but are extremely effective in what they do, and they all do their thing, really well. It should also be noted, quite a few of these applications don't even have an icon to speak of (their application resides in the menu), and certainly none of these appear in my home screen. Without them though, I would be a little bit frustrated and nowhere near as productive.
So, in alphabetical order:

•Anagram:
A simple free application (it competitor is the pay for "Gwabbit") that captures the data contained within an email signature and assembles it into either a new contact or updates an existing contact, in your address book. Perhaps it does need a few more steps than Gwabbit, but it is free and for me, works quite well.

•AppInfoRevealed:
This application advises you of the version you are running of a particular application you are currently in (does not work with all applications mind)

•BatteryBooster:
This one is considered to be a bit controversial, as some BlackBerry users think it works, and others firmly do not. I think it does work, and approximately adds one hour to the life of my battery, which for me, is brilliant.

•BerryAddon:
A simple application that enables a whole range of things to "work" such as call blocking, vibrate and ring at the same time, logging calls to your calendar, prompting to save phone numbers not in your address book etc. I use BerryAddon to log my calls.

•CaptureIt:
Basically it does what the name implies; captures a screen shot of your BlackBerry onto your SD Card (that's where I got the included screen shots from)

•ForwardWithEdit
Ever had an email that you wanted to forward to someone else, but perhaps remove some details first? Well, this is what ForwardWithEdit does, just remember it won't forward attachments.

•LaterDudePro:
From my good friend @FabianMH comes a really neat application that gives you a prompt after missing a call to remind you by a number of different methods, to action it at a later time/date.

•LedReset:
Occasionally you will have a random LED flash, for no apparent reason, and this application simply sorts that annoyance out.

•MagicMail:
Do you send regular "similar" emails from your BlackBerry? Would a template or number of templates make things easier? If so, look no further. Although you have to set up the templates yourself, once done, it is amazing how many emails in very little time, you can thumb out.

•MemoryUp:
Again, similar to BatteryBooster, another controversial application. With applications like the new BlackBerry Messenger 5.0 weighing in at 2.4mb, SocialScope, Facebook, Viigo, SugarSync and BlackBerry Application World each over 1mb, your BlackBerry memory can be a thing of the past. This attempts to continually free up memory. I don't have any hard evidence either way, of it effectiveness, but from a comfort level, I am happy for it to be installed.

•MessageSchedule:
Similar to LaterDudePro is what it tries to do. I am trialing it comparing the two, and then deciding.

•QuickLaunch:
When you start getting quite a few applications, your home screen starts overflowing with icons, and thus slow down finding an application you need. QuickLaunch alleviates this by creating a list of applications (you decide what is/isn't included in the list) accessible anywhere by the use of one of convenience keys. And...the list is key letter sensitive and organisable. It also contains a very handy device info screen (showing version of Operating System, memory, battery life, etc).

•SaveNumberAs:
My original prior to BerryAddon, but haven't had the heart to remove. Simply instead of using the native "save number" which always saves a number as business, this one, like BerryAddon, allows you select the type of number (work, home, mobile).

•TimelySMS:
Ever forgotten a friend's birthday? No more...load up a customised SMS and date and time activate it.

So there you go. A few applications that make my mobilised life on my BlackBerry Bold that much more efficient and time effective.

Hope this helps some of you.

Social networking / media direct from my BlackBerry Bold

2009-10-06T06:09:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me, both personally or say on twitter, realise how attached to BlackBerry I am, and how much I rely on the BlackBerry to manage as much as possible, my social media/networking duties. What follows is the list of applications I regularly use to achieve all of this.
Row one, left to right:
• Messages:
What the BlackBerry does best. All of my 7 email addresses, google alerts, Facebook alerts, twitterlerts, meeting requests, etc all land.
• Calendar:
I have taken the bold step of combining all calendars (including Facebook) into the one calendar. For me, that equates to ease of referencing from the BlackBerry, and synced to Outlook.
• Address book (contacts):
All of my contacts, business and personal, are included here, even my BlackBerry Messenger contacts, and all synced to Outlook.
• Tasks:
My business life, right here, and again, synced to Outlook. At last count, I had 134 tasks spread over 6 months. Being an Account Manager for a time and workload management training company (Priority Management: http://prioritymanagement.comau/) means these tasks are the be all and end all critical part of my worklife, which frees up time for my social media/networking activities.
• MyListyPro:
My personal life, right here, with cloud computing, and soon to be connected to a web app as well, for your desktop/laptop. I find it easier to keep my personal & work related tasks separate, for now. I can share a task/list with someone else via email or BlackBerry PIN or even post to twitter.
• BlackBerry Messenger:
Of course, using BBM 5.0. The BlackBerry Messenger is like instant messaging but between BlackBerry devices, using the PIN (a combination of numbers and letters unique to each device) as the address. I have 143 contacts currently in my BlackBerry Messenger.
Row two, left to right:
• SocialScope:
I can use twitter more effectively and quicker on the BlackBerry with SocialScope than with any other application (including desktop clients). SocialScope also utilises the native BlackBerry shortcuts and auto-text. It also integrates with Facebook. No other twitter client in my opinion comes close.
• Viigo:
Awesome free RSS reader which in its fullest form, has an inbuilt twitter client and weather app. With Viigo, you can select websites to subscribe to, and post links from these, directly to twitter, Facebook, Delicious, or even email to yourself. I guess you could call Viigo the workhorse of my social networking/media strategy, with SocialScope being the racehorse.
• Facebook:
Accept friend, meeting/event requests, comment on your friends' status, receive and send Facebook emails, right here.
• Xing:
Similar to LinkedIn this is a world wide business networking site (http://xing.com/). Enough said.
• tumblr:
I have both a tumblr and posterous blog. I can post to either using email from my BlackBerry, or in the case of tumblr, this client, whether it is text, photo and text, quote, or links.
• SugarSync:
Recently updated to support BIS this application allows you to access files and photos etc from your PC/laptop from your BlackBerry. Very handy to aid with blogging. I purchased a 30gig plan.
Row three, left to right:
• Wicked Blogging App (wordpress):
This blog is of course on Blogger, but I have a parallel blog on WordPress, for the very reason so I can use the Wicked Blogging App. Again, ScreamingToaster uses cloud computing to keep the memory footprint low. Compared to the free WordPress app, Wicked is much more user friendly and flexible. You can share locations, meet new users, post to twitter and PIN message other BlackBerry users directly from this app. Blogger and TypePad support through Wicked is coming.
• DulyNoted Pro:
This is the third ScreamingToaster app on my BlackBerry, and yes, again, uses cloud computing. It too can post to twitter & share information via email or BlackBerry PIN. I use DulyNoted for my work in progress social media projects, as distinct to MyListy Pro. All three Apps integrate with each other, and will all soon be linked to a web app on your desktop/laptop (so my BlackBerry has five twitter clients).
• Browser:
(this is where I access fftogo (FriendFeedToGo) from and of course any worthwhile links I come across or are referred to. I really can't be bothered using a third party browser, as the native BlackBerry browser is perfectly adequate for my requirements.

• Twitterlerts:
Awesome app to conduct close to real time searches on twitter, using specific keywords. I can state here that I have paid it forward to a some BlackBerry users who were having issues of varying degrees, and we haven't previously met on twitter.
• Shazam:
Music forms a great background for me to blog with or when I am working on a project. If I hear a song I like, I can find it using Shazam, and even purchase it. Awesome for resurrecting that old '80's playlist ;)
• BlackBerry Application World:
here in Australia we only get access to the free apps, or apps that do have a free trial period, but it is a good place to keep an eye out for new BlackBerry apps, especially those which will boost my online experience, right from the BlackBerry.

I have other smaller, integrated apps that assist with my productivity and ensuring my BlackBerry experience is a very positive one, and one blog post soon, we shall go through these in detail.

I hope this helps someone out there...the BlackBerry really is a mobile workhouse, with a social media/networking tendency.

Enjoy!

Paying it forward .... twitter style

2009-10-02T14:22:00.000-07:00

The amazing thing about twitter, is the almost instantaneous nature of the conversation (or referred to as "tweets" from the twittersphere). The tweets are usually short and to the point, and really, how can they not be, when you are only allowed up to 140 characters per tweet?

So how does one pay it forward on twitter?

Firstly, paying it forward...

Paying it forward, if you weren't sure, is a concept by which I try to live my life by, and I know others do the same. To pay it forward, simpl means helping out someone randomnly (unplanned) in a way that potentially may give that person the necessary leg up so that they can achieve something important in their life. To you it is nothing of any great significance, and doesn't really cause you any discomfort, mentally, emotionally, physically, nor financially.

To the recipient however, your paying it forward may just be the missing piece in the puzzle for them to achieve something positive/life changing/life saving from their life, for their life. For example, placing some spare change into a parking meter, allows a person to park (they may actually have no money), and make that critical job interview on time, therefore win the interview process, get the job, and become employed for the first time in two years. What did it cost you.... $3.20 perhaps. But for them, that $3.20 helped them get their life back on track.

So, I understand the concept of paying it forward, now how can I pay it forward on twitter?

Twitter works on building a social/business network by finding people to follow, and people follow you..... and so it goes.

You can pay it forward by simply connecting two people, who may not know each other, together, and you have paid it forward, because you are the middle link.
Someone may be on hard times and needs that leg up.... you know someone who can assist, and by bringing them together, you have paid it forward.
You come across some information tweeted by someone you follow, and you think it is interesting enough to retweet (share it again)... this information then goes out to all of your followers, maybe onto someone who really needs this tweet... you have paid it forward.

Paying it forward on twitter can really work. What does it cost you? Apart from your time... nothing.
So, the next time you feel an urge to share the love, I have three words to share... Pay It Forward.

Thomas

Updating your BlackBerry device's firmware... what, why and how?

2009-10-02T14:17:00.000-07:00

One of the first I do when taking delivery of a new BlackBerry, or when one of my friends or colleagues at Priority Management (http://prioritymanagement.com.au/) do, is to update the firmware.
The firmware, is the BlackBerry device's Operating System (or OS for short). Quite often, your new device has a version of the OS that has already been upgraded, but it just happens to be not on your BlackBerry. So why would you bother upgrading. Quite simply, an upgrade is an improvement over the last version (normally), whereby RIM may have tweaked battery life, reception, updating of a particular application, and/or the removal of any bugs that may have been in the last version. Usually, the upgrade contains little incremental improvements, but as any BlackBerry power user would attest, any little tweak, no matter how small, towards further refining and improving the BlackBerry experience, is always welcomed, and eagerly sought.
There are basically three ways you can find the new improved OS:
1. Set up a notification from your Carrier message, so you either get notified of the OS upgrade, by either SMS, email, or when you connect your BlackBerry to your laptop / PC via the BlackBerry Desktop Manager
2. Subscribe to one of the many BlackBerry forums (http://blackberryforums.com.au/, http://berryreview.com/, http://crackberry.com/, etc)
3. Search the internet.
Each BlackBerry has a different version of the OS so you really do need to pay attention to which one your BlackBerry runs (BIS users, go Options>About>3rd line displayed). Of the three BlackBerry devices, the following has been observed:
• BlackBerry Pearl (8100): v4.5 (you may still be running v4.2)
• BlackBerry Curve (8300): v4.5 (you may still be running v4.2)
• BlackBerry Bold (9000): v4.6
My BlackBerry Bold's OS is as follows:

BlackBerry® 9000
smartphone (3G, Wi-Fi)
v4.6.0.301 (Platform 4.0.0.245)
Cryptographic Kernel v3.8.5.50a
Branding Version: 1.0.122.129
Micro Edition Configuration: CLDC-1.1
Micro Edition Profile: MIDP-2.0
Micro Edition JTWI Version: 1.0
Micro Edition Media Version: 1.1
Micro Edition PIM Version: 1.0
Micro Edition File Version: 1.0
Micro Edition Bluetooth Version: 1.1
Micro Edition Location Version: 1.0.1
Micro Edition Security and Trust Services (APDU) Version: 1.0
WLAN Version: 2.4.0.91{16}
http://www.blackberry.com/
Copyright © 1997-2008
Research In Motion Limited.
All rights reserved.

You may also decide, in an endeavour to have the latest OS, to use another Carrier's OS, and not your Carrier's version. Prior to uploading onto your BlackBerry device, you need to ensure the vendor xml is removed first.
For instructions on how to upload your OS, please take a look at any of the previously mentioned BlackBerry forums for a comprehensive step by step guide.
So take a moment and check which version of OS you currently have installed, and see whether or not an upgrade may be warranted.

Enjoy,
Thomas

Saying goodbye to a phenomenal man

2009-09-06T16:46:00.000-07:00

This week marked the passing of a truly great man...someone most of you won't know, and someone I had only know for a bit over 5 months.

My wife's Mother's brother-in-law, our Mosa, passed away peacefully (from all accounts; I wasn't present) last Tuesday. And he will be missed.

Mosa was not only present at our Hindu wedding back in March, but more importantly, he was both our Pundit (Hindu Priest) and our Civil Celebrant...he performed our wedding ceremony, and it was the last one he performed.

I met him for the first time about an hour before our wedding, and he instantly made me relax. Suffering a rare skin disorder, Mosa was literally as white as me, which really took me by surprise, and it sort of enhanced his Pundit "aura" in my mind.

Mosa ensured I was fully aware of what would and was happening, every step of the way, and I know from my family and friends' perspective (not to mention mine as well) this was hugely welcoming and comforting at the same time.

His keen sense of humour came into play a number of times during the ceremony (apparently my wife has to obey me! ;) ), and his patience for a Gora like me right in the middle of a Hindu wedding, was much appreciated.

But it was the two days after spent in Mosa's company that I was so lucky and fortunate to receive. For it was this time I was able to learn more about this great man's 80+ years of life's experiences...and there were many lessons learnt and still learning, as a direct result of our conversations, and time spent.

And it is not just me who obviously feels this way about Mosa...at his "public" funeral service, at least 500 people were in attendance, and the line of the people waiting to say goodbye seemingly took forever to run its course. He was well loved.

Mosa has gone to a better place, and we here are poorer for that. I now have someone else I can class as one of my life's guidance counselors; even though he has passed on, his memories and advice live on.

God rest his soul

Nameste

Forced comparison: BlackBerry Curve 8300 vs BlackBerry Bold 9000

2009-09-06T16:25:00.000-07:00

The day occurred that all BlackBerry users dread....the trackball on my Bold failed (failed for the downward scroll, which let's face it, is probably the most critical movement for the trackball).

With one month left on my warranty (how good is that!) the Bold has been returned to Telstra for repair/replacement (I have been advised full replacement, so shall wait with baited breath), which will take approximately two weeks.

So...what does a BlackBerry user do in circumstances like this? Easy...pull another BlackBerry out of the drawer. I have two in the drawer now; a Pearl 8100 and a Curve 8300, so the Curve was chosen.

Why the Curve? Well quite simple really. It is the newer of the two spare BlackBerry devices (by about a year), has had less use than the Pearl (the Curve was in use only for six months prior to the Bold arriving), and it has a proper qwerty keyboard (compared to the Pearl's SureType 2 letters per key setup).

Now the Curve has been back in use coming up to a week, and I now can start to make some comparisons (regardless of whether you want to or not, comparisons are inevitable).

SIZE:
The Bold is quite a hefty BlackBerry, both in dimensions and weight. The Curve on the other hand, seems to fit into your hand (and not your hand fit the BlackBerry, as in the case of the Bold), and feels quite delicate. The pocket test (how it feels sitting in your pants pocket) obviously belongs to the Curve; much more unobtrusive.

QWERTY KEYBOARD:
The Curve got its name from the curved shape of the qwerty keyboard, which in retrospect, works well, with the keys, though small, easily found, being both raised and spaced apart). It took me no time to get reaccquainted with the Curve's keyboard.

The Bold's keyboard adopted the curved qwerty keyboard look of the Curve, but the key design of the 8800; that corporate workhorse. So even though the keys are placed up against each other, the extra girth of the Bold allows for a more spacious keyboard & slightly larger keys (again similar to the 8800). The Bold's keyboard makes thumbing out emails an easier task (although it took me a little bit more to become familiar with the design).

Where the Curve's keyboard trumps the Bold's is in the area of one thumb operation. You know the situation I am sure; your better half is sound asleep next to you & your arm just happens to be in "use", leaving you just one hand to operate your BlackBerry. Let me just say, the Curve's smaller keyboard is less of a chore with one thumb, than the keyboard of the Bold.

SCREEN:
You just have to love the Bold's screen... Big bright and delivers beautifully rendered images...especially when compared to the Curve's. I miss the Bold's screen.

OPERATING SYSTEM (OS):
The first thing I did when I pulled out of the drawer, out of "semi retirement" was to google up the latest OS, and came up with 4.5.0.161.

The Bold was running 4.6.0.293 although I have made a note of 4.6.0.301.

And the second number of each is the whole key to the BlackBerry experience. 4.5 OS is found to be quite lacking in its looks (and for once I am not a fan of old world charm) compared to 4.6 OS. The 4.6 OS on the Bold, in conjunction with its screen and processing power (see below) is just a whole other level in superiority to the Curve's 4.5 OS. It is like comparing the 4.2 OS found on some older BlackBerry devices (example any 8800 that has not been upgraded) to the latest 4.5 OS and then another big step forward.

SIGNAL AND BATTERY LIFE:
The Bold is a 3G and 2G device with WiFi, where as the Curve is a 2G device only. In 3G mode (which is my chosen selection on the Bold) the Bold is a far superior downloader than the 2G Curve, as you would expect.

But 3G has a disadvantage though...it loves using the battery, and even with a larger battery, the Bold suffers. I consider it a good day to get through a day without having to recharge with the Bold (to its defence, I do run a number of auto refreshing applications which is not a battery friendly position to be in).

The 2G Curve though is much more economical with its battery usage.

PROCESSING AND MULTI TASKING:
Now this is probably the biggest area of difference. As all BlackBerry users know so well and love, and the Apple fanboys cringe about, is a BlackBerry device can multi task like no other, and multi task until the cows come home (and still Apple's iPhone, even in its latest illustrious format, cannot multi task).

The Curve can multi task just as the Bold can, but you need to give the Curve some good old "Indian stretch time". By that I mean, things will take longer to do the same thing on the Curve, as it does on the Bold, and this is exaggerated on the Curve when you are running multiple applications at once.

The Bold just goes about doing its multi tasking as if it was born to multi task (which I guess it was) where as the Curve was the learning impaired poorer cousin....it will get the job done...in time.

How or rather why, is this so? Quite simply, with a new evolutionary OS, oh almost twice the processing power, and with 3G at its disposal, the Bold was always going to be able to do its thing, faster, more efficiently, & with less effort.

While I haven't tried it personally myself, there have been quite a few reports about the speed and abilities of the Curve 8900, which although lacking 3G, has more processing power and new OS than the older Curve 8300, and somes close to the Bold's abilities as a result.

THIRD PARTY APPLICATIONS:
As more developers move to more intensive multitasking applications, and cloud computing, the older OS is being excluded. Case in point is Screaming Toaster's Wicked Blogging application (only available for 4.6 or 4.7 OS (4.7 is for the Storm, Tour, etc) and as a result I am without this application, until my Bold is returned.

Expect developers to move away more from less than 4.6 OS as we approach the 5.0 OS (standard for the Onyx and which the Bold will definitely move to, but I am doubtful about the Curve).

SUMMARY:
Horses for courses, but my Curve 8300 makes a good spare (my Pearl is about to be given to a mate of mine as his first BlackBerry), and I can hardly wait for the Bold to be returned.

My thoughts.

Handy apps to assist with my mobile BlackBerry productivity

2009-08-02T16:46:00.000-07:00

It is no secret that I am working towards being able to do everything I need to from my BlackBerry.

For social/networking I use the following:
• SocialScope for twitter and Facebook (http://SocialScope.net or @SocialScope on twitter)
• Facebook application for BlackBerry
• Viigo for all my RSS feeds (http://getviigo.com or @Viigo on twitter)
• Bit.lify (URL shortener for BlackBerry directly from your menu)
• Snap2twitter
• Xing application for BlackBerry (http://xing.com or @xing on twitter)
• BrightBerry
• GyPSii (http://GyPSii.com or @GyPSii on twitter)

For blogging:
• WordPress Wicked App from ScreamingToaster (http://screamingtoaster.com or @Izabel_Idris_ST on twitter)
• Tumblr for BlackBerry
• Email for blogger (although ScreamingToaster are working on integrating blogger & Typepad blogs with their awesome application)
• SnapScreen or ZonaSnap (screen capturing)

Helpful business/productivity applications:
• Anagram (captures data from email signatures and adds into your contacts)
• Action Pad (currently in beta) replacing your original Memo Pad (not to be deleted though)
• Copy All: able to copy a complete email simply & quickly
• Save Number as: instead of the default saving number as work number, this one provides you with home, mobile or work options.
• Forward with edit: allows you to edit an email prior to forwarding onto someone else.
• Onto task: turns a received email into a task, which then in turn, synchronises with Outlook.
• Onto calendar: turns a received email into a calendar entry, which in turn, synchronises with Outlook.
• Remind Me Later: a simple added menu option to remind you of a call, SMS, email, appointment at a later time.
• Send Timely SMS: never forget an important anniversary ever again. Program in a message and time its delivery...set and forget.
• QuickLaunch: assign a hot key to quickly access the myriad of applications installed on your BlackBerry
• IntelliLaunch: a search function for anything that is stored in your BlackBerry whether it is the internal memory or on the SD Card. Also shows battery life and BlackBerry PIN
• MindBerry: mind mapping on your BlackBerry and exportable to your laptop/PC
• QuickPull: quickly and easily do a soft reset of your BlackBerry without having to complete a battery pull.
• WhatsApp: allows other who are connected to you to see if you are available, without having to ask (@WhatsAppInc on twitter).
• Google Maps: self explanatory.
• Vlingo: voice activation. You can create emails, SMS others, create tasks, remind yourself, call people, search for things, as well as post to twitter and Facebook, all of which activated by one hot key.

Inbuilt applications in the BlackBerry that may not be commonly used:
• AutoText: a simple way of creating words/phrases/signature panels/whole sentences simply by keying a couple of letters into an SMS, email, SocialScope, BlackBerry Messenger etc, and hitting the space bar (eg. "pif" becomes #payingitforward from my AutoText list)
• Tasks: anyone who practices the 4D's (delete, delegate, do it, & date activate) with time and workload management, would welcome the Task folder, which synchronises perfectly with Outlook.
• BlackBerry Messenger: a BlackBerry to BlackBerry (or PIN to PIN) messenging service: quick, simple and free. Like Instant Messaging, it requires other users to accept you as a contact.

This is the list of applications that I use on a daily basis... I haven't provided links to everything here, but as they say in the classics... google is your friend.

I hope it helps you also.

#followfriday: my twitter list

2009-08-01T04:07:00.000-07:00

Followfriday is a phenomenon on twitter, and if you don't know about it, you are either very new to twitter, or have been living under a rock. Basically, #followfriday (the hashtag is to assist with search visibility) is a process whereby twitter users recommend some of their followers for others to follow ....a sort of #sharingthelove or #payingitforward in the twitterverse.

There are various ways people undertake #followfriday:

Mass blanket list of recommended followers with no background;

Individual #followfriday recommendations with a tweet filled with why others should follow this person;

Group #followfriday tweets (eg. a BlackBerry group of twitterers)... this is the option I used;

Retweeting someone else's list; either as a way of saying thank you, or a self-promoting exercise by someone trying to increase their friends on twitter; or

Someone hijacking another's #followfriday tweet and turning it into their own (this is maninly a sefl-promoting exercise to increase friend numbers).

Now remember, I am not condemning, nor condoning any of the afore mentioned methods, as I respect an "each to their own" process here. But I am changing mine... and the reasons are simple.

Currently in my work, I commute between Brisbane and Melbourne (two capital cities on the eastern seaboard of Australia), and the half the commutes are undertaken on a Friday, usually smack in the middle of #followfriday, so therefore I place a huge amount of pressure on myself to not only respond to everyone else's tweets, but to get my #followfriday tweets out as well.

And so comes this blog post.... my #followfriday list recommendations. I will over time update the lists as my friends and followers evolve, but for now, this is the one.

Inspirational #followfriday twitterers:

Sharon Hayes (http://twitter.com/SharonHayes)
Sasha (http://twitter.com/SashaKane)
Ariaa Jaeger (http://twitter.com/AriaaJaeger)
Shonika Proctor (http://twitter.com/teenbizcoach)
Kimyon (http://twitter.com/THEDIAMONDCOACH)
Naina Redhu (http://twitter.com/Naina)
Reg Sadler (http://twitter.com/Zaibatsu)
Donnette Davis (http://twitter.com/Donnette)
Marcome (http://twitter.com/MARCOME)
Shelly Kramer (http://twitter.com/ShellyKramer)
Wayne Mansfield (http://twitter.com/WayneMansfield)

Good friends #followfriday:

There are my good friends who don't fit into my allotted categories....yet, and perhaps they never will, but one thing I know, they are there for me when I need them, and I am there for them:

Alf Welch (http://twitter.com/whitsundays)
NicoleJensen (http://twitter.com/NicoleJensen)
Kathleen Joy (http://twitter.com/kissability)
Kath Juestel (http://twitter.com/Nana_Mex)
Shonah Kennedy (http://twitter.com/MissShonah)
DINA (http://twitter.com/_DINA)
Burcu Akyol (http://twitter.com/burcuakyol)
Kamla Bhatt (http://twitter.com/kamla)
Priya Florence (http://twitter.com/PriyaFlorence)
Collin McKenny (http://twitter.com/FijiLomalagi)
Ronald (http://twitter.com/Mossyy)
Anna Johnston (http://twitter.com/AnnaJ31)
Chris Cotter (http://twitter.com/CotterHUE)
Rahul Sah (http://twitter.com/rahulsah)
Howard Bowling (http://twitter.com/Howard74)
Bob John Bear (http://twitter.com/BearBob)
Tyler Rear (http://twitter.com/lifroc)
Brooke (http://twitter.com/spkspanglish)
Just call me Ted (http://twitter.com/Ted_Stiker32)
JUST SAY (http://twitter.com/justsay)
Ashlei Romero (http://twitter.com/ashleiromero)
Michael Lang (http://twitter.com/CongoTwitt)
Ryan (http://twitter.com/ryangerritsen)
Nadia Linda Hole (http://twitter.com/AlohaMD)
Trumaine Smith (http://twitter.com/Hollywood_Trey)
Yvonne (http://twitter.com/vene2ia)
Nurul Ambia (http://twitter.com/Nurul54)
Selina Ray (http://twitter.com/Wayshower)
Johannes Fridenstrom (http://twitter.com/fridenstrom)
Anshree Singh (http://twitter.com/Anshree)
Nicholas Rayner (http://twitter.com/aussienick)
BlokesLib (http://twitter.com/BlokesLib)
Dave Olsen (http://twitter.com/PheasantPhun)
Chris (http://twitter.com/ScooterWrecker
mcangeli (http://twitter.com/mcangeli)
Jo Hart (http://twitter.com/JoHart)
Bestcamdance.com (http://twitter.com/bestcamdance)
niva (http://twitter.com/proxy_man)
Blanca (http://twitter.com/Blanquis26)

iPhone friends/sparring partners #followfriday:

These are my iPhone friends (can a passionate BlackBerry user/abuser ever be friends with an iPhone user? Well, of course he/she can, and I am):

Mara Gordon (http://twitter.com/MaraBG)
Laurie (http://twitter.com/Loz62)
Ed Sullivan (http://twitter.com/edo_au)
Shelly Terrell (http://twitter.com/ShellTerrell)
Ahmad Nassri (http://twitter.com/ahmadnassri)
Malvin Latief (http://twitter.com/ascorve)
Paul Zammit (http://twitter.com/pawl03)

BlackBerry #followfriday legends:

These probably are my core group of twitter friends, mainly because they too are very passionate about BlackBerry devices, they are mobile (so are on twitter a lot of the time), and they are truly a helpful and friendly bunch (just don't rubbish the BlackBerry without having very good evidence on your side) (in no particular order):

Giulia (http://twitter.com/ItalyBerryGirl)
Nathalie (http://twitter.com/PinkBerryGirl)
Kathy Hopkinson (http://twitter.com/khopkinson)
Paul Rasmussen (http://twitter.com/Paul_Rasmussen)
Matt (http://twitter.com/casus_belli)
Aniya (http://twitter.com/TheEngTeacher)
Dan Kemble (http://twitter.com/kemblepdx)
Fabian Heuwieser (http://twitter.com/FabianMH)
Nan Palmero (http://twitter.com/nanpalmero)
Mark Ruddock (http://twitter.com/RuddockMH)
CiderGuru (http://twitter.com/CiderGuru)
Pedrito (http://twitter.com/sirpedro83)
Jason Anderson (http://twitter.com/jasonlanderson)
MissCindyBabyyy (http://twitter.com/MissCindyBabyyy)
Virgil83 (http://twitter.com/Virgil83)
Febiandi (http://twitter.com/febiandi)
Gary Brant (http://twitter.com/garybrant)
Nanda Aditya (http://twitter.com/NandaAditya)
Monica (http://twitter.com/Monicks)
Izabel Idris (http://twitter.com/Izabel_Idris_ST)
EvilBlade (http://twitter.com.com/evilbladeuk)
SocialScope (http://twitter.com/SocialScope)
Tungle (http://twitter.com/TungleRocks)
Viigo (http://twitter.com/Viigo)
GadgetGirl28 (http://twitter.com/Gadgetgirl28)
Mark Bowden (http://twitter.com/JMarkyBB)
Mark Clapham (http://twitter.com/Fevberry)
Zoe Earp (http://twitter.com/zoelearp)
G Style Magazine (http://twitter.com/GStyleMagazine)
Melina Taylor (http://twitter.com/mixd_ladee)
Cecilia Guerrero (http://twitter.com/cecig22)
Denise Heng (http://twitter.com/Sn0wrose)
Christine Cattaneo (http://twitter.com/chriscattaneo)
Pinswap (http://twitter.com/pinswap)
Daytripper67 (http://twitter.com/DayTripper67)
Angela Reid (http://twitter.com/aug1698)
Cydni Ambrosio (http://twitter.com/ChardonnayLuvs)
Barry Dunn (http://twitter.com/barryjdunn)
Monica (http://twitter.com/bbgeekchick)
Emma (http://twitter.com/iRockaBerry)
Bla1ze (http://twitter.com/videos4BB)
Aniya (http://twitter.com/AniyaBerry)
BlackBerryChick (http://twitter.com/BlackBerryChick)
BerryReview (http://twitter.com/BerryReview)
Christopher Ray (http://twitter.com/inhabitedvoid)
Life_Today (http://twitter.com/Life_Today)
Samuel JJ Sanders (http://twitter.com/samuels)
Kriti Arora (http://twitter.com/KritiA)
Dominic (http://twitter.com/d3athly)
Alessandro Rovacchi (http://twitter.com/Bubino75)
BlackBerry Rocks (http://twitter.com/BlackBerryRocks)
Gayle ideaswoman.com (http://twitter.com/ideaswoman)
Justin (http://twitter.com/justiniiams)
Angel (http://twitter.com/Berrygurl919)
Christine (http://twitter.com/killtheex)
Vitri Maulana (http://twitter.com/BerryVee)
Torrie Rankins (http://twitter.com/TRankins24)
Leah Chantelle (http://twitter.com/LeahChantelle)
Luis Merlos (http://twitter.com/DonLuiG)
Jennifer (http://twitter.com/CoolBBThemes)
xoticbeauty (http://twitter.com/xoticbeauty)
Mr Brayden of Style (http://twitter.com/wardrobeguy)
Mike Cheung (http://twitter.com/mikecheung)
Morena Azucar (http://twitter.com/MorenaAzucar)
Cindy (http://twitter.com.com/CindyLeigh)
Gary Brant (http://twitter.com/garybrant)
Kathy (http://twitter.com/helloo_kitty)
Bruce Burgess (http://twitter.com/BBICON)
Alex Trinidad (http://twitter.com/TZduzit)
Justin (http://twitter.com/BerryReporter)
Yes (http://twitter.com/kkaarrggaaa)
Daniel Sharpe (http://twitter.com/sharpie9)
Marc Postle-Hacon (http://twitter.com/mpers)
Luca Filigheddu (http://twitter.com/filos)
Tom Whitby (http://twitter.com/tomwhitby)
BBCrackman (http://twitter.com/BBCrackman)

So this is my #followfriday list.... I will no doubt realise this isn't a complete list and will make some adjustments as the upcoming weeks roll out.

I can wholeheartedly recommend any of these fabulous individuals. #payingitforward

Thomas

Having worldwide friends on twitter, and using twitter to revive a dead BlackBerry

2009-07-30T03:12:00.000-07:00

The other night I was routinely doing a clean out of my BlackBerry Bold via the DeskTop Manager, removing a couple of applications that I no longer required, and loading one that I wanted to use again (you see some applications run hot and cold with me, and others, like Socialscope, Viigo, Google Maps, Wicked App and Tumblr, I never tire of).

The process seemed to go well, but I realised something must have gone awry when my Bold got stuck in a never ceasing reboot cycle...not a pleasant sight to behold...and this was at 9pm, on a week night.

So jumped straight into trusty google and conducted a search, as this has never happened to me with any of my previous 3 BlackBerry devices, and I really didn't know what to do.

Hmmm, this was going to take a while going through the search results. Hang on, it must be coming into the morning for the UK and Europe, so hunting through twitter, I wanted to find a couple of good experienced BlackBerry friends (thank goodness I follow as many BlackBerry users on twitter as I can) who may be able to assist, and sure enough Fabian (@FabianMH) and Rob (@evilbladeUK) had come online.

Trying a hard start (full battery pull for half an hour) didn't cut the mustard, but Fabian had quickly found the relevant links to both JL Commander (a Windows program to nuke your BlackBerry) and what to do with a continually cycling/rebooting BlackBerry, while Rob promptly found me instructions on how to push through the replacement OS via Windows DOS commands.

Now Fabian and Rob are very busy guys on twitter and elsewhere, but I was still able to get advice and encouragement staggered from both of them, which was just like having one person on call, just for you.

So then the process started at approximately 11pm that night, sitting in an office by myself, frustrated and bewildered, but with the comfort of knowing both Fabian and Rob not too far away (even though they were on the other side of the world)...the value of twitter being a real time communication and networking tool.

I came to a grinding halt with entering of the DOS commands, until I remembered something, an extra move required...on a Vista laptop, don't forget to right click and "run as administrator"...I lost half an hour, and almost lost what hair I have left.

It was a great sense of relief when the OS was pushed through to my crippled BlackBerry via Windows and not the DeskTop Manager, and then the Bold came to life...that in itself was a wait that seemed to last an eternity.

Yes I lost everything: data, contacts, 3rd party applications, settings...BUT I did something one day earlier which saved me a lot of time. Let me explain...

Nan Palmero (@NanPalmero) posted a blog about how to back up specific data etc via your DeskTop Manager, over and above what you would normally do with the standard automated back up...and I paid attention. More to the point, I acted on his suggestions. So I was able to retrieve I would suggest about 95% of what I lost.

Rob gave me one further piece of excellent information...a link to the BlackBerry Messenger 5.0 which I could not seem to locate.

So at 1am I headed to the apartment with a functional BlackBerry, SocialScope, Viigo and BlackBerry Messenger 5.0 added.

No dinner that night, but amazing lessons learnt. A big heartfelt thank you to Fabian, Rob and Nan...if you are a BlackBerry user and are on twitter...friend these three.

Now to pay it forward... If anyone wants more information as to the steps I used, the links that came in handy etc, let me know. I have learnt, and now in a position to share the love.

Paying it forward with a BlackBerry... it happened to me

2009-07-21T19:46:00.000-07:00

Rushing around last Saturday morning, I did not have a chance to go through my regular RSS feeds received onto my BlackBerry Bold via the Viigo application, so had no idea what had happened... someone had leaked / released BlackBerry Messenger 5.0 to the wider market, apparently in beta format.

So what you might say, and fair enough, and I understand your lack of interest here if you are not a BlackBerry user. If however, on the other hand, you are, BlackBerry Messenger 5.0 is quite simply quite exciting (compared to the existing ones in use, virtually unchanged for it seems, ages):

pictures as avatars
share locations
share music you are listening to
lots of smiley emoticons
patriotic flags
etc

So, here I was, a BlackBerry user (or abuser) who is normally on top of applications that are released / leaked, not knowing this amazing update had surfaced.

Arrived at the Brisbane International Airport to meet my mother-in-law and sister-in-law (not to mention little nephew Daman) and received a BlackBerry Messenger from @JMarkyBB asking me my thoughts on BlackBerry Messenger 5.0 ..... boom! I was floored.

Paying It Forward:

Mark obviously thought enough of our friendship to bring this amazing piece of BlackBerry software to my attention.... in other words, he paid it forward.

I was then able to install BlackBerry Messenger 5.0 and start playing, but more importantly, was able to help others with the same .... I was able to pay it forward, as a direct result of Mark's paying it forward action.

If you get the chance, I would encourage you, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, to pay it forward.

Thomas

Maintaining your trackball

2009-07-11T21:06:00.000-07:00

A while ago I found my BlackBerry Bold's trackball starting to become quite unresponsive when scrolling down (all other actions were normal).

A few of my fellow CrackBerry users suggested replacing the trackball, canned air & one suggested a phone cleaning spray.

I can say I didn't want to operate on my Bold, so tried the canned air, which after a number of goes, did succeed in restoring full functionality to my Bold's trackball.

But maintaining/servicing the trackball... this is where the phone cleaning spray has come into its own. For approximately $20AUD I purchased the spray, which came complete with a polishing cloth.

Do your own research first, but I find spraying/misting the front of my Bold, and then immediately polishing the spray off with the cloth, at least once a week, keeps not only the face of my BlackBerry really clean & shiny, but I am certain, ensures the trackball continues to perform its required functions.

Maintenance which doesn't take much time, nor cost a lot.

Give it a try, especially if your trackball is unresponsive.

TferThomas

Another....paying it forward twitter style... a successful outcome

2009-07-08T01:54:00.000-07:00

I talk (tweet?) to a diverse range of people on twitter, something I am really proud of. No two of my twitter friends are the same, which is just brilliant for me, as one of my initial main reasons for signing up to twitter in the first place, was to simply learn from people... something I am pleased to say, happens many times every single day.

As you may well know, I use a hashtag quite a bit, and that one is #payingitforward and i have explained my views on paying it forward and how I try to pay it forward in this blog.

One morning, I was DM'd on twitter by a gentleman in the United States with a proposal that he thought I may be interested in, and let's be honest here, how many of these are simply "not my cup of tea" (I am sure you know what I mean)? Anyway, as is the case of the majority of these, I read them, check out any links and have a think. Yes or no, good or bad, interesting or not, they were the decisions to be made.

This one caught my eye... he was looking for a way to promote/introduce Australian artists in America, and whilst I didn't have a clue as to how to do this, or even where I would start, I immediately thought of one avenue....

You see, I know people within a government department whose job it is is to promote the export of Australian goods/services/talent to overseas markets. Perfect!

So I asked him to forward me a quick outline to my gmail account & I passed it onto my contacts.... paid it forward.

That was a couple of weeks ago, and today got notification that yes the government department would love to assist and contact was made.

Regardless of the outcome, I know from within myself, I have paid it forward.

So as I sit here and type away (on a keyboard that is way bigger than my BlackBerry Bold's qwerty keyboard), I feel a nice warm glow descend over me.... i have made a difference to someone else, and it literally cost me about 30 minutes of my time.

So, if ever you get the chance, go on, try paying it forward.

TferThomas

twitter: @TferThomas' rules ... Setting up your account

2009-06-27T18:47:00.000-07:00

One of the main things that keeps me constantly drawn to twitter, over most other social / business online sites, is the wide diversity of my friends on twitter, and the different approaches these people implement, to run their twitter lives.

That said, the following is an overview of my initial twitter rules of engagement... how I believe a twitter account should be set up.

SETTING UP YOUR ACCOUNT:

HAVING A SIMPLE USERNAME: I have used TferThomas for a number of reasons; it includes my first name, I believe it is a little catchy, it is not embarrassing, it doesn't make you believe I am something I am not, and I believe it is relatively easy to remember... all good networking positives.

HAVE A GOOD PROFILE PHOTO: I use the photo above for basically everything I do online, for the following reasons; it is a happy photo, it display all of my face relatively close up, it represents a professional side of me (yet not coldly), it is a friendly photo... all good networking positives. The photo remains a constant for me, which makes it easy for my friends to find me in their twitter stream, especially my BlackBerry friends who are using one of the many BlackBerry twitter applications (SocialScope, yatca, Ubertwitter, twitterberry, etc) and as such the avatars are smaller.

HAVE A BIO: A small summary of what you are about as your bio is probably one of the easiest, yet most effective way of convincing others to follow you. and it needs to be stated here, that your bio needs to actually reflect you... be yourself. If you are here to market, then say so. 140 characters per tweet does not leave any room for deceptive marketing. If you don't have a bio, what are you actually hiding?
INCLUDE A FULL LENGTH URL IN YOU BIO: nothing flags more as potential spam as a tinyurl or bit.ly URL in your bio. Including a full length URL will help encourage others to actually click on it, and get to know you that much more intimately.
LOCATION: I believe it is more effective to have your actual location listed, and I am not talking micro-details. I show Brisbane, Australia as my location enabling my followers to know exactly where I am geographically, allowing them another choice.
BACKGROUND: I use @twitbacks as the source of my backgrounds and happy to promote their services here. I believe having a non standard background is important from an attention grabbing perspective... ie. making your account stand out from the crowd. Remember twitter is all about rapid fire 140 character tweets, and the twitterverse moves quickly.

Anyway, that's my thoughts on setting up a twitter account. Later, I shall pass on my thoughts about how to tweet, how to interact, and maintain your little part of the greater twitterverse.

Until then, be safe,

TferThomas

Working Sm@rt with BlackBerry... overcoming the digital deluge

2009-06-14T17:05:00.000-07:00

One of the biggest concerns which is raised with me when someone is considering using a BlackBerry, is will the BlackBerry take over my life? And without the proper groundwork, training and implementation of that training, any device accessing email, internet and the like, can try to take your life over.

Priority Management (whom I work for in their Brisbane & Melbourne offices in Australia) have a very effective half day training program for BlackBerry devices, & it's called Working Sm@rt with BlackBerry.

In their words...

"If you have a BlackBerry, and have learnt the basics, we have the process for increasing your productivity.

We created this workshop in conjunction with Research In Motion when the world's largest distributor of BlackBerry devices wanted to train their employees to use this tool more effectively.

Graduates of this class maintain increased productivity and enhanced on the job performance by knowing how to match the right process and skill set when using their BlackBerry."

This half day training program is delivered either in a training room environment (for a group of individuals or a group from a specific company), or across the internet wherever in the world you are, via WebEx (as long as you have a computer accessing the internet and you have a landline.... you need to "play" with BlackBerry during the training).

For more information, check out Working Sm@rt with BlackBerry at Priority Management http://prioritymanagment.com.au/ or email me thomas.s@prioritybrisbane.com

Get your life back! Use the BlackBerry for what it is intended for.... a tool to assist your productivity.

Thomas

Learn to like yourself first....

2009-06-13T22:38:00.000-07:00

Many of you would have heard of the term "people pleaser" I am sure, but if you haven't, allow me to explain. In my words, a "people pleaser" is a person whose main aim is to please others, and quite often, that is to the detriment of themselves (in other words, putting others' needs and wants before their very own).

Now, I am no psychologist, but this is not good for your self esteem, your positiveness, your motivation to develop as an individual, or more importantly, to like yourself as a person. By concentrating on others, you are not focusing on yourself (and I don't mean in a conceited way).

How can others like you, if you don't like yourself?

You really need to understand who you actually are, accept who you are, and be the best person you can be, while all the time remembering who you are.

If you can't be yourself, how can you strive to be a better person, or grow as the person you are? If you try to be someone you are not, you are not being true to yourself, and you simply cannot grow as the person you are.

But wait, what about striving to be a better person and so become a different person as a result? Sure this is fine, but in the end, you really don't know how you will develop.... all the fun of developing yourself and going on life's journey.... your journey. Note this clearly however, you do not know the end, or where you will end up.... if you think you do, then you are not being true to yourself.

Importantly, accept who you are and what your limitations are.... for me, I acknowledge the fact I am hopeless at most sports, not comfortable in fixing problems with Windows on my PC, but I know I am a hopeless romantic, I am a good listener, a reasonable networker, and a whiz on my BlackBerry. I have only listed a few things here, but you get the idea....

So one thing which helps me is to write down a list:

Things I am good at
Things I am not good at and will never be good at (normally, these are not important to me)
Things I am not good at but could become good at (my goals for improving myself)

Every month, review the list and map your development, watching how the first list (good at) increases while the last list (improving) reduces.... I am on my way to accepting myself as for who I am, which in turn, opens the door for other people to see me as "me". Friendship may, or may not develop, but if it develops, it is real.

Hope this helps. My thoughts for now,

Thomas

SnapMyLife

2009-06-06T20:02:00.000-07:00

Picked this application up the other day (it is free download from BlackBerry Application World) and it is quite an interesting application that relies on the BlackBerry (or any camera phone) and its user's mobility.

SnapMyLife in their words:
"Instantly share and view photos on your mobile phone.
SNAP a picture with your camera phone.
SEND to friends, family or the world.
VIEW everyone's photos from your phone."

It's free to join and I as I said before, the application for BlackBerry is also free. In fact, as the screen shot shows, there are two applications for twitter, and three ways to upload photos:
1. SnapMyLife application for BlackBerry: upload your photo as soon as you take directly to your SnapMyLife account. The SnapMyLife application runs in the background & pops up as soon as you have taken a photo.
2. Email the photo to your SnapMyLife account directly with the use of an email address specific to your account (attach the photo as a file, and type the comments for the photo in the subject field of the email)
3. Snap2twitter application for BlackBerry: take a photo and the Snap2twitter application for BlackBerry pops up (runs in the background), refer second screen shot) and prompts you with either save or save and send to twitter & allows you to add some commentary. It also then sends the photo and comments to your SnapMyLife account.

SnapMyLife suggest you may have to disable one of the SnapMyLife applications for BlackBerry to avoid potential conflict, so I guess there may be some developmental work underway here.

Two main disadvantages to these useful & extremely easy to use BlackBerry applications:
1. Applications are only available to be downloaded from the BlackBerry Application World (although to their credit, the developer emailed me the applications (here in Australia, RIM have not provided us with access to the BlackBerry Application World) with great descriptive instructions on how to load)
2. At this stage, the applications only run via your phone carrier's data plan, and don't have BIS support (at the time of writing, I am still awaiting the developer's thoughts of when BIS support will become available), so ensure you have a good data plan.

My SnapMyLife account can be found http://snapmylife.com/users/tferthomas

For more info contact Mobicious Inc's site http://snapmylife.com/

Enjoy,

TferThomas

twittering from the BlackBerry Bold

2009-06-03T03:46:00.000-07:00

Most of my tweets come via my BlackBerry Bold, and as of today I have most of the popular BlackBerry twitter clients installed and in use. So starting from left to right:

Socialscope (@SocialScope):
• This is still my favourite twitter application
• Really effective twitter and facebook integration
• Good search and follow functionality
• Easily move from Replies, Direct Messages, Timeline, and Facebook via top menu tabs
• Quite quick with updates & low battery life usage
• Post photos into your twitter timeline
• The rarest of all twitter applications (alpha testing)

Ubertwitter (@Ubertwiter):
• The newcomer for me, given they both have BIS support
• Location notification
• A little slower in responsiveness compared to Socialscope
• Includes separate timeline of your own tweets
• Locational search function

Viigo (@Viigo http://getviigo.com/alpha):
• Basically one of the most useful applications available for a BlackBerry
• Tweet interesting stuff directly from your RSS feeds (afterall Viigo is first and foremost a RSS reader)
• It is also a twitter client as well, though more responsive than twitterberry, but less than SocialScope and Ubertwitter

Pinwall (we shall leave this one for another time)

twitterberry (http://www.orangatame.com/twitterberry/):
• I guess from my perspective, the original twitter client for my BlackBerry devices, and ever dependable
• Slow compared to SocialScope and Ubertwitter
• Has a separate screen for your own timeline

yatca (yet another twitter client application: yatca.wordpress.com/):
• I cannot get this one to work well for me due to the integration of it into the native BlackBerry Messages folder (when you have 4,000 + followers tweeting, your Messages folder gets a little out of control). So for me, updates have been switched off
• Good simple application for posting a photo (whether taking a photo and posting at the same time, or extracting a saved photo) into your twitter timeline, and can be done from the menu function of any application you are working in at the time
• The above also applies to tweeting.

So overall, SocialScope remains my favourite, with Ubertwitter keeping it honest. Note, I have not tried tweetgenius yet, as at the time of writing, it does not have BIS support (update... now it does, but it is a pay for application).

Hope this helps someone out there.

Enjoy,
TferThomas

Viigo on BlackBerry ... how I get my information on the fly

2009-05-29T03:43:00.000-07:00

One thing I really enjoy about owning a BlackBerry, is I can do most things on the fly. As long as I have phone signal, I am a happy camper.

I also enjoy simply staying up to date, whether it's emails, twitter, or the like, but how do I stay up to date with news, social events or get my dose of my favourite subject... BlackBerry devices and applications?

Simple, I use Viigo. Viigo is probably, now the most widely used and recognised BlackBerry rss reader, and awesomely, it's free.

What I use Viigo for:

• Getting my current affairs, BlackBerry news, technology updates and more

• Getting my blog subscriptions right to my BlackBerry Bold

• Getting interesting, sometimes quirky commentary

• Keeping abreast of the weather in four different places

If I find any of my rss feeds interesting, I will post them to twitter (I am @TferThomas)... but how do I do that?

Within the Viigo alpha version I use, there is a twitter client, enabling me to tweet any of the rss feeds I receive. Viigo shortens the feed's url (similar to tinyurl.com or bit.lify) and places it ready to tweet. All you have to do is add your comments, if you want to, and then tweet! Simple.

I would be quite lost without Viigo or my BlackBerry Bold.

To get the latest Viigo application for BlackBerry, point your BlackBerry browser to http://GetViigo.com/alpha and enjoy.

Enjoy,

TferThomas

The BlackBerry email itch... it's contagious

2009-05-26T06:27:00.000-07:00

In your current group of friends and/or colleagues, how many are BlackBerry users? In my group, at really any given time, there is at least three BlackBerry users, and sometimes up to eight.

One of the BlackBerry claims to fame is the ability to remain in contact with your friends and colleagues, wherever you are (providing you have phone range of course). But it has a darker side... BlackBerry users are some of the most vigilant handset watchers out there!

Here's the test...

Next time you are with a group of BlackBerry users, have someone send you an email (or perhaps you get then constantly anyway), or tweet from twitter. When you receive the email (and for me, the only way you would know is the flashing LED light, as my emails and twitter applications do not have an alert), pull out your BlackBerry, open the email, read it and reply (or read the tweet, and then tweet a reply).

Now see what the others are doing...

Yep, that's right. Guaranteed, they all will have their own BlackBerry devices out, checking and/or reading the latest email/tweet... they could not simply help themselves, but to look at their own BlackBerry devices... the BlackBerry itch has struck again!

I have never seen a group of Nokia or iPhone users do a similar thing... it seems to be BlackBerry centric, and we just can't help ourselves.

The BlackBerry itch... it's contagious!

Until later,

TferThomas

Paying it forward...using twitter (it's happening right now)

2009-05-25T03:55:00.000-07:00

So a small group of us went out to a movie on Saturday night (saw Angels & Demons) and after it we went to a little cafe for so delightful crepes and hot chocolate, where the conversation took an interesting turn... and I could pay it forward.

One of our friends (a small time film maker, embarking on a documentary) had enlisted the assistance of a prominent Australian muso, but had now lost contact with him, and could not get a further response.

I may have a solution, or at the very least, an avenue to pursue... from my BlackBerry Bold, I opened up SocialScope Lite and DM'd one of my good twitter friends, and asked if there was a way to contact the muso in question. Hey, it couldn't hurt, and I had a good feeling.

Within half an hour, the reply was back (received on the drive back to the CBD)... there were two ways contact could be made, both very successful in the past.

Our film maker now had a way to get the project back on track, all because of a social media network called twitter, my positive helpful friend on twitter, and my BlackBerry.

Where the story is at....

A draft email is currently being penned, which will be forwarded from our film maker friend, to my twitter friend, for forwarding to the muso, whose help with the project will greatly assist 1. the project but more importantly, 2. some needy individuals.

Don't underestimate the power of paying it forward.

I shall update this as the story unfolds.

Until later,

TferThomas

Who uses BlackBerry Messenger?

2009-05-20T05:07:00.000-07:00

Most BlackBerry users I come across don't use it, nor understand this brilliant little application, which comes standard with every BlackBerry device, and quite seriously, should be embraced by all BlackBerry users.

So allow me to expand on the BlackBerry Messenger...

Each BlackBerry comes with its own unique PIN (for yours go Options>Status>PIN) and the PIN is your identity for BlackBerry Messenger.

Like instant messaging, the BlackBerry Messenger relies on you sending an invitation to someone (you need their PIN or at least their email address initially) and they accepting it. Once "contacts" you can PIN Message each other, and again, like instant messaging, your conversation is shown, line by line, emoticon by emoticon. And yes, you can invite others to the conversation.

What does it cost? Absolutely nothing... free... nada... nothing! And it doesn't access your beloved data plan either.

But wait, there's more... there is even a social website set up primarily for BlackBerry PIN users ... http://pinswap.me . Check it out and say hi to Keston.

And for the record, my current BlackBerry Bold's PIN is 255B98A9 so feel free to add me.

Enjoy,

TferThomas

Customising your BlackBerry's home screen: the icons

2009-05-17T17:02:00.000-07:00

One of the many overlooked features of a BlackBerry, is the ability to customise the home screen.

Previously I explained how to change your home screen's wallpaper or picture. Now, let's talk about the icons, more specifically, moving them around to suit you!

Included in any new or newish BlackBerry are many icons, covering a wide range of applications. Some of these are already on your home screen, and you may not want access to these. Others, are stored/filed in a number of folders found on the home screen (eg. Applications, Instant Messaging, Games & Set Up), and you may want access to some of these. Any new applications you download on your BlackBerry (eg. SocialScope Lite , twitterberry, Viigo, yatca, SplashID, ActionPad, etc) will be initially placed into your Downloads folder, and no doubt, you will definitely want most of these on your home screen.

So how do you go about moving your icons to customise your home screen?

The pictures here (taken directly from my BlackBerry Bold using an application called SnapScreen) outline the full way of moving an icon, in this case SocialScope Lite.

A similar method is used to move an icon from a folder to the home screen, but instead of selecting "move", you simply select "move to folder", then select "home".

To hide an icon, highlight the icon, from the menu select "hide". To retrieve a hidden icon, from the home screen, using the menu option, select "show all", highlight the icon, using the menu option, uncheck 'hide", using the menu, uncheck "show all".

Now you have the ability to:

• Move an icon

• Move an icon from a folder to the home screen (and vice versa)

• Hide an icon (or retrieve a hidden icon)

Have fun.

TferThomas

Customising your BlackBerry's home screen simply

2009-05-16T05:34:00.000-07:00

So you have a have a BlackBerry, and so do your mates, and the home screens all sort of look the same. What can you do to make yours different / stand out?

Here's what you can do to make your BlackBerry "yours"...

• Go to Media

• Go into Pictures

• Find the picture you want to use

• Open the picture

• To make the picture correct for your home screen, use your BlackBerry Options key (left hand side of trackball) and go to Zoom

• Use Zoom to enlarge or make smaller the picture, as well move the picture around the screen

• Once satisfied, click BlackBerry Options key and scroll to Make Picture Home Screen Image

And then you are set.

Mine is here to show you it is a really simple and easy way to customise your BlackBerry.

Until later,

TferThomas

Universal Keyboard (Blue Tooth)

2009-05-14T01:05:00.000-07:00

The BlackBerry's qwerty keyboard is a big favourite of mine, and one feature that I really do enjoy (and whilst I have a BlackBerry Pearl with suretype, it's just not quite the same). I have mastered the art of BlackBerry thumbing (not typing), using my two thumbs to good effect. I can easily bash out an email, or tweet on twitter, but using the BlackBerry's keyboard, but when it comes time for ereally long emails, blogs etc, then the Universal Keyboard is a must have, in my books.

Connected to the BlackBerry via Blue tooth, just like any handsfree device, or external speakers can be, this keyboard gives you in short a larger keyboard from which a higher wpm rate can be achieved. It runs on 2 AAA batteries, and has a handy cradle in which to sit your BlackBerry in, using the BlackBerry's screen as you would normally.

An absolute boon to have blogging, over a cup of coffee anywhere. For more information, go along to http://www.freedominput.com/

Enjoy,

Thomas

BlackBerrys and battery life

2009-05-13T00:07:00.000-07:00

For anyone who didn't know the BlackBerry has an almost unequalled ability to run multiple appplications in the background, meaning you can actually multitask on a BlackBerry (unlike other smart phones, which require you to close an application, prior to running another).

You can also run media in the background as well, and many a time have I had my tunes playing in the background whilst using twitter, reading my RSS feeds on Viigo, or even composing an email or text message.

There is a downside to this multitasking though.... it does put a strain on the normal battery. But I do have a couple of suggestions for you, plus the little gadget shown above.

Here are a couple of setting changes you can make which will improve battery life:

If you have Wi-Fi and don't use it regularly, switch it off
If you don't use BlueTooth, switch it off
Check any applications that auto refresh (twitterberry, Google, SocialScope, Viigo, yatca and similar), and only have the ones you need to auto refresh set that way... the other's switch to manual updates
If you are listening to music, when finished listening, turn the music off (otherwise it will run in the background and use battery power)
But the biggest killer of battery time is low reception levels. The BlackBerry will hunt for better signal strength, and therefore use more power.

If all else fails, and you don't want to lash out for another battery, there is a stop gap solution:

The Energizer portable charger

It takes 2 x AA batteries and has almost enough grunt to fully charge my BlackBerry Bold from almost empty to full, and has saved me at a number of airports over the past few months. and for Australian readers, Coles is currently selling these at AUD $15 (roughly half price).

I hope this helps out with prolonging your battery life on your BlackBerrys.

Enjoy,

TferThomas

Paying it forward .... twitter style

2009-04-23T03:36:00.000-07:00

The amazing thing about twitter, is the almost instantaneous nature of the conversation (or referred to as "tweets" from the twittersphere). The tweets are usually short and to the point, and really, how can they not be, when you are only allowed up to 140 characters per tweet?

So how does one pay it forward on twitter?

Firstly, paying it forward...

Paying it forward, if you weren't sure, is a concept by which I try to live my life by, and I know others do the same. To pay it forward, simply means helping out someone randomnly (unplanned) in a way that potentially may give that person the necessary leg up so that they can achieve something important in their life. To you it is nothing of any great significance, and doesn't really cause you any discomfort, mentally, emotionally, physically, nor financially.

To the recipient however, your paying it forward may just be the missing piece in the puzzle for them to achieve something positive/life changing/life saving from their life, for their life. For example, placing some spare change into a parking meter, allows a person to park (they may actually have no money), and make that critical job interview on time, therefore win the interview process, get the job, and become employed for the first time in two years. What did it cost you.... $3.20 perhaps. But for them, that $3.20 helped them get their life back on track.

So, I understand the concept of paying it forward, now how can I pay it forward on twitter?

Twitter works on building a social/business network by finding people to follow, and people follow you..... and so it goes.

You can pay it forward by simply connecting two people, who may not know each other, together, and you have paid it forward, because you are the middle link.

Someone may be on hard times and needs that leg up.... you know someone who can assist, and by bringing them together, you have paid it forward.
You come across some information tweeted by someone you follow, and you think it is interesting enough to retweet (share it again)... this information then goes out to all of your followers, maybe onto someone who really needs this tweet... you have paid it forward.

Paying it forward on twitter can really work. What does it cost you? Apart from your time... nothing.

So, the next time you feel an urge to share the love, I have three words to share...

Pay It Forward

Why I choose BlackBerry as my communication device

2009-04-12T20:44:00.000-07:00

If you didn't already know, I am @TferThomas on twitter, and it is crystal clear from my tweets I am very passionate about BlackBerrys and mobilised technology, and yes, I will fess up, I am biased.

Having said that though, I will NEVER EVER rubbish a person's mobile/smart phone choice. It is a basic fundamental right, as individuals, to be just that, an individual, and choose your weapon... oops, I mean phone, of choice.

As a result of my passionate tweeting of all things BlackBerry, a number of people have actually taken the time to ask me .... well, why? So the point of this blog post, is to try to explain why I choose BlackBerry as my weapon for communication (ha ha).

For the purpose of this blog post, I will use specifically my 9000 Bold as the example (I also have an 8100 Pearl and an 8300 Curve), and cover off what features and add on's that I use (this is NOT an exhaustive list).

Standard capabilities, staying in touch:
The BlackBerry Bold has a number of standard inbuilt features to enhance and make easier your day to day communication with others:

• It is a phone....
do I really need to explain this any further, apart from a lot of people don't realise you can make conference calls, straight out of the box.

•It has an email function...
apart from linking your web based email addresses to your BlackBerry (which can be done with basically any phone these days), by utilising a BlackBerry BIS plan (Business Internet Service, and no I am not going near BES, Business Enterprise Service, in this blog), you can have up to 10 email addresses pushed to your BlackBerry. Currently I am running 8 email addresses, neatly and tidily. Under most BlackBerry plans that I have seen, for a monthly BlackBerry plan fee, the number of emails per month is unlimited.

• It can SMS...
Or as a colleague of mine calls it "Short Message System". Again, I don't need to waste time here.

• It has MMS...
Multi-Media Messaging Service. Basically like a text message but for multi-media.

• For BlackBerry owners across the world, we are spoiled with PIN messaging...
A messaging service between BlackBerry devices, using their individual PINs that are unique to each BlackBerry device (consisting of alpha and numeric characters). It is included in your BlackBerry Plan, and to talk to someone else, you must first introduce yourself and ask they accept you (sort of instant messaging, but only between consenting BlackBerrys)

• IM...
Instant Messaging. This is the same service you can access and use on your PC, lap top or Mac etc, but is a mobilised, cut down version. A good example of this is the third party applications from MSN, Google and Yahoo. I must say, as a result of twitter, I very rarely use Google Talk these days, but it is still on the BlackBerry... just in case.

So, yes, you say, most of these are available (apart from PIN messaging) on my phone or smart phone. That's true, but then we start adding to the communication (both social and business) ability of the BlackBerry with dedicated specifically designed third party applications:

twitter...
Who hasn't heard of twitter? Basically twitter is a social and business networking tool, where you start by answering a simple question... "what are you doing?" which needs to be provided in 140 characters or less. You find people to follow, and people follow you. Yes, I know you know what it's all about, and there are a heap of twitterers out there who blog about using twitter every moment of every day, so I don't need to reinvent the wheel here.

Currently, I have access to 5 twitter tools:
1. twitterberry (twitter for BlackBerry) via a dedicated icon on your home screen (or wherever you decide to place it)
2. SocialScope (tool which integrates with twitter and facebook, via a dedicated icon)
3. yatca (yet another twitter client application, which works not only from a dedicated icon on your home screen, as well as from your option menus from any program's menu (very handy)
4. Viigo (as it is in beta testing, cannot say anything else here), but has a dedicated icon, and one of my used third party applications, and
5. Another one that is even more secretive from an existing webmail provider (and is integrated within the menu options). ;)

And as you only have 140 characters, you need to be able to shorten any posted url s, and sure you can use tinyurl.com (a web based url shortening site) or you can download bit.lify by Ubiquitous Systems onto your BlackBerry, which then adds a further option in your BlackBerry menu within any BlackBerry program.... very handy. Again, unlike tinyurl, this is a third party application that has been designed to integrate into the BlackBerry's menus.

Facebook:
Yep, I still have the "L Plates" on here as only a very recent, albeit unconvinced, Facebook participant. Via Facebook for BlackBerry 1.5 I can converse with my friends, view comments, send messages, upload photos, write on walls, etc.

I also use Socialscope which enables me to do some of these things, including uploading photos. And from the other "secret" web based application, again similar functions. Further, I can send a tweet (including photos, using twitpic.com as the bridge) to twitter, & it also updates my Facebook page... pretty cool hey?

Vlingo:
Voice activation is hear to stay with the BlackBerry, and with every application designed, it keeps getting more and more refined. Vlingo allows you to:
• Complete searches on the internet
• Compose and send updates to twitter and Facebook
• Compose and send SMS'
• Compose and send emails
All by using your voice (Google has recently introduced a voice activated search function as well for BlackBerrys (and no doubt almost every other phone operating system type). Furthermore, Vlingo again, like yatca and bit.lify is integrated into the BlackBerry's menu options.

Flickr:
I am sure most people have heard of Flickr, and the BlackBerry version, from a dedicated icon on your home screen, allows you to upload your photos to your Flickr account, which people can view etc. Why have I included Flickr as a communication tool?

Have a read of this....

"You've been sent a Flickr Mail from Emma J. Williams:

------------------------------------------------------------

:: Schmap Melbourne Seventh Edition: Photo Inclusion

Hi Thomas,

I am delighted to let you know that your submitted photo
has been selected for inclusion in the newly released
seventh edition of our Schmap Melbourne Guide:

Flinders Street Station
http://www.schmap.com/melbourne/sights_historic/p=70689/i=70689_76.jpg

On a desktop computer, you can see exactly how your photo is displayed and credited in the our guide at:

Flinders Street Station
http://www.schmap.com/?m=iphone#uid=melbourne&sid=sights_historic&p=70689&i=70689_76

Finally, if you have a blog, you might also like to check
out the customizable widgetized version of our Schmap
Melbourne Guide, complete with your published photo:

http://www.schmap.com/guidewidgets/p=32020117N05/c=SK50024930

Thanks so much for letting us include your photo - please enjoy the guide!

Best regards,

Emma Williams,
Managing Editor, Schmap Guides
www.schmap.me/emma.williams

------------------------------------------------------------"

By uploading this picture onto Flickr, via my Flickr account, Emma and I were able to connect.

In essence...
What I really like about all of these applications (some more so than others) is that they all integrate really rather seamlessly in with the BlackBerry OS (Operating System), which makes it dead easy for me to communicate with others, quickly and very efficiently.

Originally, the BlackBerry was a business tool for the high flyers, large corporates, or key government departments. Now, it's a totally different story... building on the second to none email efficiency and ability, the BlackBerry now appeals to a much wider audience (hey, I even know of a 16 year old girl who has one).

Finally...
The BlackBerry allows me to stay in touch, without the need for a laptop, desk, or even office. And that my friends, the very essence of flexibility and availability, is why I choose BlackBerry as my communication device, my phone.

Paying it forward... simply put

2009-04-01T05:16:00.000-07:00

One thing that I can confidently say is on twitter (http://twitter.com), I am well known for promoting the concept of "paying it forward". Well, at least with my twitter friends, and my friends, colleagues and peers in person.

A common question people ask when interacting on twitter, is how do I "pay it forward"? Hmmm, good question, and one that I shall now try to cover off here.

Firstly, paying it forward is never something you could say is pre meditated. Instead, you pay it forward, when the moment grabs you.... or spur of the moment, totally off the cuff. So being in tune with your inner self is important. Some call it your higher self, others refer to it as your sixth sense, but whichever it is... listen carefully to it. It is normally right.

Secondly, a paying it forward action should never have real negative implications for yourself. For example, putting some loose change into a parking meter (something I have done) is not really going to tax your overall position financially, where as spending $5,000 on a random someone just may. Paying it forward comes from someone who "can" to someone who possibly "can't".

Thirdly, paying it forward is done without having to think "what will I get out of this?" The very point of paying it forward, is to do it when you get the opportunity, done randomly, and with zero expectations to receiving anything in kind. Rest assured though, when you are in need, pay it forward comes full circle.

So the next time you get a feeling to help someone out, listen to that feeling, run with that feeling, and pay it forward.

Setting up to work effectively from home

2009-03-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

You may have been retrenched and decide it's time to follow that dream of yours, you may be tired of working next to the same old people, or you now may have more flexibility in your current career, ... you decide now is the time to work more from home.

Its far more easier to decide to work from home, then to actually do it for real, and having done it for approximately seven years (no longer as it doesn't fit in with my current career), I will now give you the guidelines according to Thomas.

The are a number of non negotiables that I abide by when setting up to work form home (I may be flexible on other matters, but remain totally firm on these):

1. Dedicated space for your home office.
Normally I allocate a bedroom and kick the bed out (at the most, the bed replaced by a sofa bed). By making a room exclusively your home office, means when you walk in, mentally you are at work.

2. A proper desk / work space.
This space is to be used for work, and work alone. No using the desk for your partner's hobbies or for you to store perhaps your magazines.

3. Suitable hardware.
Think about all the various office hardware you would normally use in a typical office situation... now, ensure you have the same in your home office (eg. If you use a fax, then implement a fax solution into your home office). If you short cut the process here, your work's efficiency levels will surely take a hit.

4. Communication.
Similar to hardware, if you use a landline as part of your business, ensure a landline is present in the home office ( a dedicated one at that), and don't forget a fax line, if the obligatory fax is used.

5. Chair.
A dining room chair just will not suffice. Companies don't provide ergonomic office chairs for the sake of it. That sofa bed I previously referred to has another purpose... visitor seating.

6. Air conditioning.
Most offices have their air conditioning set at 22.5 degrees celsius (apparently the optimum working temperature for office workers, or so I have been led to believe) so here is another area that must not be overlooked.

7. No house work during working hours.
This is a critical one to remember, so easy and logical, but many people use house chores as an excuse to take them away from their office work. Ask yourself a simple question... is it work related? If not, it is to be overlooked.

8. Dress for work.
Yes, sounds simple enough, but so many people forget this little detail... if you dress for work, it helps you to get into work mode. It may not be a suit as such, but adopting a certain dress code will always aid the process of working from home.

9. Schedule in some time with colleagues.
Humans, being the tribal species we are, love company, and it is the same in work. Perhaps once a week, go back to the office, even if it is for half a day, and mingle. Your work at home ethic will benefit as a result, and be easier to sustain.

10. Keep normal hours.
If you work an 8 hour day normally in an office environment, then a similar working day, at home, is totally appropriate, and not a 16 hour day. There are many good valid reasons for working from home, but longer hours is not one.

So there you have it, ten tips for working effectively from home. Use this as a starting point, and build from here. I hope it helps, and if you are lucky enough to be in this position... good luck.

When the "taken for granted" does not happen... and what to do.

2009-01-30T00:10:00.000-08:00

My week in Melbourne has been interesting. Not only has it been a fabulously successful week business wise (http://tinyurl.com/pmanz), a stimulating week fitness wise (three 1.33 - 1.5 hour brisk walks), but most importantly, was the stark realisation of when the "taken for granted" just does not happen, and how to overcome the hurdles which invariably transpires.

Three major "givens" occurred in Melbourne this week: the heat wave (the hottest since 1939), widespread power losses, and of course the train service (or rather lack of service).

The heat wave:

From the viewpoint of a Queenslander staying in Melbourne for the week, it was I guess, curious to see how people weren't coping. Yes, it was very hot (within 0.5 degrees celsius of the hottest day on record in Melbourne).

It was a really significantly dry heat, and one that almost took your breath away (not used to the dryness, as I haven't lived in Western Queensland for ages). For me, I liken it to being in an oven (where as in Queensland, it is more like being in a pressure cooker).

This weather system took everyone by surprise, and really slowed the place down. Who could blame the Melbournians... not me for one.

How to overcome this type of weather? Quite simply; stay out of the heat where ever possible, drink lots of fluid (and I mean water), don't do anything strenuous, and be patient (everyone is in the same boat remember).

But there is a cooler change a coming, so let's try to remember this for next time.

Power losses:

Due to the heat wave, properties all over the Melbourne power grid had their power switched off, even if it was for an hour (in blocks of 20,000).

Now this happened without notification. The basic commodity of power, and the "given" of its continuity, was shattered in one swoop. No power... no refrigerator, no air conditioning, no fans, and none of life's little luxuries (recharging of mobile, computer, lights, PS3, music etc).

What to do: keep the fridge closed to maintain the coolness, get the candles out, have spare batteries, get a small appliance charger (for laptop, mobile etc), and load some songs onto your mobile (I have 420+ songs on my BlackBerry Bold). Most of all, patience is required.

And hey, the perfect opportunity to meet and get to know your neighbours... you never know when you may just need them.

Train services:

Melbourne is where I have truly embraced public transport, over the car I would normally use. In Brisbane, the opposite stands true... I consider Brisbane's public transport system a bit of a hotch potch affair, and one to be avoided at all costs.

But in Melbourne, I happily use trains, trams and the Skylink service. But all that changed today... courtesy of Connex (train services) and their simple lack of being able to contend with the heat.

Train lines buckled (why doesn't this happen in the more tropical climate of Queensland, or if it does, is it handled more efficiently?), and train services cancelled (300 services alone today).

So when the service from Glenferrie Station to Southern Cross Station kept being delayed, after half an hour of delays, I knew I needed an alternate plan. And seeing everyone else must have had the same idea.... a taxi was out of the question (booking line 131008 was engaged, so can only imagine how overwhelmed it must have been), and so I had to rely on, yes indeed, a colleague and his car. Made it to the airport with minutes to spare...

What to do: give yourself more time (plan for the situation occurring (you can always enjoy a coffee or similar at your destination if you arrive early), pay attention to the local news service, twitter your concerns (so others can, and do, tweat back assistance), have a back up plan, and be patient.

Overall, I must say, I did embrace the week, I did pay it forward, and was returned the compliment by someone I had never met (thanks @iDarryl), and I did enjoy my Melbourne week.

Stay safe, stay cool, and may patience for your situation and others be rewarded.

Thomas

The simple things in life: time to enjoy them

2009-01-22T03:03:00.000-08:00

The Managing Director of the company I work for (Priority Management: http://tinyurl.com/pmanz) took me out for dinner last night, as we were both in Melbourne (Brisbane is home for both him and I) for the week, working from the Hawthorn office. So we caught the train into Flinders Street (from Glenferrie) and walked across the bridge to SouthBank.

We selected a restaurant close to the water and boulevard, and were able to simply watch the world go by. Now, I don't know about you, but I am fascinated by watching people go about their daily lives (and no, those reality type TV programs just don't do it for me), and it was a simple pleasure to do this... it really didn't cost anything, you can learn a lot about a city from the people you see, and you get to see people really from all walks of life, race, colour and creed. From a mulitcultural level, I believe Melbourne does it better than any other Australian city.

I watched in amazement when Richard (our Managing Director) burst into French, when he discovered a french gentleman waiting nearby... amazing (reminds me, I must get back into my Hindi learning).

We caught the train back to Hawthorn, but this time, disembarked at Hawthorn station and walked to the Glenferrie Hotel (where the company normally puts it's people), but before we went our separate ways, we decided (well Richard insisted) to have a couple of ales at a little bar near the Glenferrie Hotel (the Glenferrie Hotel is currently undergoing some massive renovations in the bar area).

Again, the act of having a beer (or two) and actually talking casually is really a simple thing to do, but ultimately a very rewarding past time.

We forget that some of the simple things in life, normally the ones we actually don't think about, or overlook, are some of the most rewarding occurences in our lives, and are usually the things which balance out the busy, over crowded lives we lead.

So the next time you are feeling perhaps a little overwhelmed, or frazzled, find a nice spot, sit down and let the world pass you right on by.... allow yourself to stop.

Enjoy the simple things in your life, make a mental note of them, and see how they give you some badly needed balance.

My thoughts and twitters for now,

Thomas

A little village in Fiji can show the world leaders a thing or two in racial relations and paying it forward

2008-12-23T19:26:00.000-08:00

This Christmas marks a couple of milestones for me... my first overseas trip, my first Christmas without my biological family and Christmas Fijian-Indian style.

I am in a little village outside Nausori, which in turn, is outside of Suva (which I am sure everyone knows of), and staying with my partner's family (Mum, older brother, his wife, and their little son) and are here for ten days.

A little bit of background of the village. It is a village, consisting of houses, grog shop, DVD store, general convenience and petrol store, Police Post and community centre (to which the grog shop is attached). From what I can tell, the residents are either Fijian or Fijian-Indian background. One family owns the grog shop, DVD store, and convenience store... and that's my partner's family (Fijian-Indian).

Their house is more than 100 years old, and has been through 3 generations of their family (originally built by my partner's great grandfather). In fact much of the immediate land was, or still is, in the family name (no longer farmed by the family, mostly on agistment with other farmers).

Sam (my partner's father) built the convenience store, DVD store, grog shop and community centre. The Community Centre consists of a room, amenities, covered large open room and lean-to for more room, and has a pool table.

It was by his influence within the local government that he was able to get the main road from his store to his neighbours bitumen (when asked why he didn't continue with the bitumen from his store to the main road (Suva - Nausori) he replied simply that he only got the bitumen done where his customers come from.

His lasting legacy (he passed away about 2 years ago) was not the bitumen road, but the Community Centre, and more importantly, the pre-Christmas get together, to celebrate Christmas within the little community. Basically, every parent provided a present for each of their children, which would be given out by Santa. In the meantime, lots of Christmas music would be played over the speakers, and Kava flowed freely.

This year, of course, was the first time I experienced the pre- Christmas community get together, and I noted the following:
* The Christmas music was both loud and very happy (no escaping it within the village)
* A good solid mix of Fijians and Fijian-Indians were present, and sat amongst each other, not segregated
* The MC of the event conducted a communal prayer (Christian based), ensured a Fijian chant was done, but most importantly explained to the children the importance of community spirit, respect for your neighbours, and helping each other.... in other words, he paid it forward.
* Santa had an amazing tan, a wicked pair of Oakleys, and 2 missing teeth :)
* Santa arrived on a back of a ute, in convoy with a couple of cars
* Santa liked Kava
* Every adult male was offered Kava by the local Fijians, and I had a couple of coconut shells worth (yes, it does taste like muddy water, it doesn't make you sleepy like say beer, and t does numb your mouth)
* The level of respect my partner, her older brother, and most importantly, their Mum (Sam's widow) received by all and sundry was truly incredible, and a sight to behold. As a tag along, I too was offered and given great respect; something totally unexpected. It was very obvious that Sam's presence was still very much among them all.
* I knew I was safe having some Kava with the locals, even with a well known ability of not holding my own with alcohol
* I tried to learn some of the customs with Kava (saying Bula first, clapping the hands (cupped) once, drinking, and then clapping cupped hands twice)
* Every child had a present (my partner made sure we had purchased a number of presents for some of the less advantaged families' children)... yep she understands the concept of paying it forward
* A few families (Fijian and Fijian-Indian) provided the curry chicken and rice for everyone
* The store provided the lollies for Santa to hand out
* The night went on to 10:30pm with lots of music, and beer (the Kava ran out early evening) but promptly stopped so as to not annoy the neighbours with children.
* The following day, a group of locals cleaned up the community centre, and life returned to normal.

This little aspect of life in a village is one that our world leaders should take heed of when dealing with the international and localised problems:
* Two races interacted with each other, in the same way long term friendly neighbours do (and of course that's just what they are)
* Religion did not impede on the day's events, with both Christians and Hindus peacefully enjoying their day together (yes, I know Hinduism is more a way of life, but you get my drift)
* Regardless of wealth, or lack thereof, a community, with the right spirit and sense of respect, can be both wholesome and fun to be a part of.

So, on this Christmas Eve, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and a safe, rewarding and relaxing break. Please take some time to pay it forward to someone else... You never know where it will lead.

Pay it forward... how can I actually do this?

2008-12-17T04:39:00.000-08:00

Back on the 1st of December I wrote a blog covering off the simple, yet very effective concept of "Paying it Forward". As a result of this blog, a number of people have asked me.... "how do I pay it forward?"

Hmmm... I really can't say that I have actually given the "how to" part of paying it forward any real serious thought... so I guess, now is as good a time as any.

Paying it forward: a simple concept of helping someone (usually unknown to yourself) by making one little part of their life easier/happier. This allows that person to achieve something better than perhaps they previously would have. They then are energised to do the same for someone else.... and so it goes... paying it forward.

How to pay it forward... a layman's perspective.

The main common theme behind the majority of all pay it forwards, is that they are normally quite often, off the cuff, or spur of the moment decisions, with little analytical thinking behind the action. So, exactly right what you are thinking, pay it forwards rely on your subconscious, your sixth sense, or what I refer to as your higher self.

So, I guess, paying it forward involves selfless actions on your part, without expecting anything in return. And no I am not suggesting for a moment that you be a martyr, as you shouldn't disadvantage yourself to the benefit of somebody else.

So how do you pay it forward? Let's look at some simple examples:
* Topping up a parking meter before you drive off, giving the next parker something to smile about (perhaps helping them make that important meeting on time)
* Positively affirming someone's decision, allowing them the drive to follow through on their chosen path (maybe, as a result, they apply for that new job, and get it)
* Tipping the waitress if they actually did make your night that much more special/or even just saying thank you for someone else doing their job (you never know who may be watching)
* Helping someone who appears lost/upset/confused/not well (speaks for itself really)
* tweeting that bit of information/linking one tweeter to another tweeter who needs a helping hand (and why would you do this... because you can!)
* Share information if you can to someone who needs it... actually take the time to send the helping tweet, instead of worrying about your next self promotional tweet.

And yes, the last couple of ideas are based around http://www.twitter.com/ ... why? twitter is an easy to access, simple to use, application that can literally put you in direct contact with someone who is literally on the other side of the world... and that someone may actually need you to pay if forward.

So there you go... in almost any situation, there is the ability to pay it forward. And remember... if you are the recipient of a pay if forward by a complete stranger, please be open to paying it forward to someone else, when the opportunity presents itself.

Good luck and enjoy paying it forward, as I do.

The power of the face to face meeting.

2008-12-05T01:00:00.000-08:00

I love the internet, and I enjoy the various methods available to communicate electronically to people, whether locally, nationally or worldwide.

As a means for getting data from myself to one of my clients, email / internet are fabulous tools, and yes, email can be used (together with the internet) to build relationships and make the deals. A lot of people do business this way, but it misses a vital ingredient... the personal human interactive touch.

Depending on who's advice / research you decide to hang your hat on, anywhere from 60 - 75% of communication is made non-verbally; you know, facial expressions, body language and even the aura given. This is an amazing amount of communication found wanting in emails, instant messaging, texts and even tweets.

A simple face to face meeting can easily shortcut the sales / negotiation process, by paying careful attention to non-verbal signals. How many people have witnessed their client suddenly leaning back, crossing their arms and giving off a negative vibe? And if you weren't there at the meeting, and this meeting was being held in cyberspace... would you have picked up the clues? Most likely not.

However, being present at that meeting, in person, and staying alert to the non-verbal cues, places you in the box seat to counter any objections your client may have, implementing a strategy to get the meeting's direction back on track. Or simply, realise it wasn't meant to be... and no further time needs to be wasted for now (remember, don't burn any bridges).

Until mankind negates the core need to have close, physical personal interaction, face to face meetings / communication remains an important part of anyone's work and life.

Thomas

Paying it forward....

2008-11-30T13:39:00.000-08:00

I have mentioned this term in a number of other places, but the concept, Paying it Forward, is such a simple yet hugely worthwhile theology, it deserves another mention.

Some could call it Karma, and although they are closely related, they aren't the same. Karma can have both positive and negative influences on your life, some even life changing (you would have heard the term "bad karma").

Paying it Forward can only have positive influences on your life... starting with the feel good lift in your day. Let me explain... how may of you have done something nice to someone unknown (you know, perhaps held a door open to a complete stranger), and the other person said thank you and smiled. How did that make you feel? Now, unless you were that engrossed in your thoughts about you and your day, the feedback would have warmed you... albeit perhaps briefly. You have just Paid it Forward.

So, it's clear to say that most of us at some stage or another, have Paid it Forward. It's not that difficult.

Paying it Forward comes from the heart and your roots in common decency, with perhaps a touch of gallantry thrown in for good measure. It doesn't have to be an awe inspiring good deed, and definitely not contrived.

By assisting someone else, who is known, or unknown to you, Paying it Forward empowers the other person to continue on their journey of life, along a path smoother than before. This may / may not allow them to be in a position where they too can Pay if Forward to someone else. And as the process of Paying it Forward goes about its journey, what goes round, does come round. Someone may actually Pay it Forward to you, when you least expect it, but maybe in a time of most need.

I am absolutely certain I have been the fortunate recipient of Paying it Forward and I have been hugely blessed as a result of the timely assistance from left of field. Just when you felt life was at its darkest, and there was no hope, something happened, or someone came along and gave a helping hand. And I know that at no stage could any of it have been planned.

I have found twitter (http://www.twitter.com/) a shining example of global Paying it Forward. Sure, it is a social and business networking tool, but I have seen many examples whereby someone has supplied a helpful tweet to someone in need. Nice one!

Life does move in mysterious ways... be a part of the positive side of the mystery... Pay if Forward. What do you have to lose?

My thoughts and twitters for now,

Thomas

Two ears and one mouth...

2008-11-21T17:23:00.000-08:00

Recently this old saying has surfaced in a number of conversations and presentations that I have been privileged to be a part of. I thought I should share my thoughts here, and share the love of this age old saying.

You have two ears and one mouth, and that's the proportion you should use them.

How many times in the past have you been in an important meeting, and when concluded, only to find that you appear to have missed some key, critical information? It has certainly happened to me on a number of occasions. Until, that is, someone shared the love of this old saying to me.

If you can actually resist opening your mouth, and therefore not talk, but more importantly, concentrate on what the other party is discussing, the chances of you absorbing what they are trying to say (whether directly, or indirectly) increases exponentially... to your favour.

And this is the point, by gaining the direct and indirect insights (ie. the world according to the other party), you are leaps and bounds of someone else (perhaps your competitor).

But this doesn't just apply to business dealings.... again, how many times have you had a conversation with your loved one, and later, could not recall what he / she was really drilling down to from within the conversation? Its happened to us all, and will continue to do so, if you don't zip it.

Of course, verbal acknowledgments do assist the non verbal signs, confirming the simple fact you are listening, but that's just the point.... two ears and one mouth.

So the next time you are sitting with someone (business or pleasure), give it a go, and let me know what the outcomes were.

My thoughts and twitters for now,

Thomas

Mobile technology... the third party software application

2008-11-17T23:53:00.000-08:00

I love technology, plain and simple. Whether or not I actually understand it, or can fully utilise, well that's a whole other question.

I love reading Stuff magazine (http://stuff.tv/) where I get my monthly dose of gadgets, technology, and of course mobile phones, or rather the increasingly popular smartphones.

I use a BlackBerry Bold and try to "really use" it's capabilities, but its the aftermarket, the third party, applications that really personalise your BlackBerry into something more than the standard smartphone. What follows is a list of a number of key third party applications that I use on my Bold, and which also make life a little more interesting.

twitter:

Starting off with the obligatory question "What are you doing?", you can post your response in a short (< 140 characters) but concise message. You can follow people (keeping the theme going @StuffTV) and people can follow you. Great site for social and business networking. Go to http://www.twitter.com/ and sign up. For BlackBerry users, go to http://www.orangatame.com/ and download the application so you can twitter to your heart's content from your handset.

BerryReview:

A great site for BlackBerry specific applications, updates, whispers, reviews, etc. They have a fabulous BerryReview Store where you can download free applications, or purchase software and hardware. A great feature is there reminders when your purchased software is eligible for an upgrade, usually free. Go to http://www.berryreview.com/ and for BlackBerry users, you can download an icon to your home screen to take to your BerryReview whenever you need to.

Handango:

Another great site for software for a large range of smartphones, whether BlackBerry, Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, HTC, etc. Like Berry Review, you select the type of mobile you are using, and it will list the eligible software options for your consideration, ranging from free, up to premium priced software. A mobilised Handango application can be downloaded onto your handset, simply by visiting http://www.handango.com/ from your handset. This mobilised version has a great weather function, where you can enter 3 of your favourite places (and yes, works perfectly for Australian, Indian and Fijian locations).

Viigo:

A useful and very well respected RSS feeder/reader, Viigo brings all your interesting websites to one location. You have a large range of stored RSS sites (covering a vast range of topics) to choose from, or you can simply add your preferred ones to the Viigo list, simply by adding the correct url address. Go to http://www.berryreview.com/ on your handset, go to their OTA section, and simply download Viigo. Add BerryReview to your list of RSS sites, and off you go.

A few applications for your consideration, which can add to your smartphone (in my case, BlackBerry) experience.

My thoughts and twitters,

Thomas

Starting dating again, after a divorce (from a male perspective)

2008-11-17T03:57:00.000-08:00

An interesting thing happened while I was at the hairdressers (which normally happens every three weeks)... I was sitting there enjoying a head massage when I was asked to join a conversation between three ladies. The subject... when should a person re-enter the dating arena after a divorce; more specifically, a 35+ lady with a 2 year old daughter. I was asked from,would you believe it, a male's viewpoint.

Well sure, being a divorced male with a couple of relationship trainwrecks in his past, but getting closer to remarrying (and boy,am I the lucky one), I did have a little experience, and it was obvious this lady was hurting (her ex had quickly found another; it only took a month), so I thought why not.

Couple of things important for everyone to know:

Give it some time: Don't force a relationship to happen; they need time to develop and to be nurtured. It's not a race to find someone, anyone, but time may be needed to find the right someone.
Don't hide things like children from your date: Why hide someone so special from a potential partner? Remember,if that initial date turns into something much deeper, and you have held back critical detail of that significant other person in your life, what does that say about your belief in the strength of the new relationship? And if he doesn't want/like children... why would you string him on?
It's not a competition with your ex: Just because he jumped out of one relationship, and virtually straight into another (not allowing himself time to recover and learn from the previous relationship) certainly does not mean you should to (refer back to point 1.).
Create a small personal card: This may sound a little contrived, or even a little snobbish, but creating a small personal card, showing your name, a secondary email / twitter address, and a short one liner, but NOT a mobile number, may be an easy way of allowing contact after the date to occur, but without having to disconnect your mobile phone, as a result of a relationship gone south.
Meet a blind date in public, during the day: Normally, a date during the day is a lot less easier to extract yourself from, than compared to one during the evening. If the date isn't going according to plan,you can always exit stage right, with an excuse of an appointment / meeting / tweetup, where as a night time date has less escape options.
Your life doesn't have to be put on hold just because you have a child: Sounds harsh but in 0 - 18 years or more, that child will have grown up and perhaps moved on. Can you really afford to put your life on hold for that long. If your child is such a big part of your life, then let your life move forwards with your child.
See a psychologist: Any momentous change in your life,certainly needs an amount of support to assist with the recovery,and a psychologist is perfect and quite subtle. And really, anything more than three months (unless there were some major issues) with a psychologist, is consdiered to be a waste of time and money.

This is by no means the definitive list, and I am sure anyone could add something here, but it's a starting point, and I certainly hope someone, somewhere, will take advantage of this information.

My thoughts for now,

Thomas

It must be getting close to Christmas.... all the mobile phone shops are packed!

2008-11-07T19:32:00.000-08:00

Well after getting a lot of my music sorted so that I can grab what I need and place onto my BlackBerry Bold's micro sd card, I was going let's say a little stir crazy, and needed to get out and about.

I certainly needed to eat some lunch, so my local (shopping centre) was the obvious choice, and I pick a particular car park where I know I will always get a park... well, let's just say I got one, but it wasn't as straightforward or easy as normal; clue number one.

Now I currently have a 2 gig micro sd card for the Bold, and seeing as I wanted to add more music onto my BlackBerry, I thought a bigger micros sd would be a great option (I see there is a 16 gig out now).

So off I trundle into the mad mass of weekend shoppers, weaving my way in and out, and a common trend was spotted.... not one phone shop / kiosk was anything but jammed packed with customers. And with so many different options for mobile phones now flooding the market, why wouldn't you update your, or your loved one's mobile phone.

So, what about the micro sd card? I think I will enjoy my sandwich (chicken schnitzel with barbecue sauce, salt and pepper on white thank you very much)and coffee, finish typing this blog, and go home for some gardening. I will have a look for one when I am in Melbourne this week.

And no, I normally don't use the BlackBerry's keyboard for long emails / blogging.... rather, I use this...

http://twitxr.com/image/120995/

Freedom Universal Bluetooth Keyboard.... good piece of gear this.

That's my thoughts and twitters for now.

Thomas

BlackBerry: master of communications

2008-11-07T03:53:00.000-08:00

Upfront, I will admit to being a BlackBerry fan... even go as far to say a CrackBerry addictwas, so upfront you know I am biased.

I am on my fourth BlackBerry... from a 7100, drifted to the "dark side" with a Nokia E61 (BlackBerry connect,of course), then back on track with a 8100 Pearl, 8300 Curve and now a 9000 Bold. And each one has been a forward step forward... well, the Bold was more of a leap forward,but you get the picture.

Now standard, the Bold has email (upto 10 separate email addresses), phone, sms, mms, BlackBerry messenger... now add a couple of third party applications, and you add to your communications arsenal: instant messaging, twitter, flickr, voice assistance, and Voip / Skype.

So really.... something for everyone's taste... whatever your communicating requirements, the BlackBerry Bold appears to have it covered, which lends the Bold well for both the traditional role of a business SmartPhone, and that of a SmartPhone for the technologically savvy personal user.

And the really good thing... not all my friends / clients / peers prefer the one type of communication means, which means I have choices to suit each one.... and I can also actually sit down with any of them and just talk.

www.BlackBerry.com/Bold

My thoughts for now.

Thomas

The power of your 6th sense (your higher self)

2008-11-06T13:42:00.000-08:00

We have all been there at some stage or another. You know what I am talking about... finding that desired car park, stopping suddenly for no apparent reason (and missing the child who steps onto the road), run someone for no particular reason (but they needed to talk)... and the list goes on and on.

Is it luck? I think not. Rather it is put down to you tapping into (or listening to your 6th sense), and then acting on it. In layman's terms.... your gut feel, your instinct, or flying by the seat of your pants.

The mind is such a potent device, and yet we take so much for granted. Not only that, we think we know it all. In a way, yes we do, or rather, our mind does. It has the ability to process more data than what we can consciously absorb. This and the simple process of being acclimatised to our surroundings, guided by our morals, upbringings, beliefs, culture, peer pressure, and our previous experiences, further dulls our clear decision making abilities. We are lulled into an autopilot type decision making process... but sometimes this is very much the wrong path.

How do we know when the 6th sense has kicked in? To the uninitiated, normally the first glimpse of acknowledging your 6th sense is when you get that frustrating sense of "I knew that" or "I was going to do that". However, your mind previously told you the right decision / action to take... you just decided to ignore it.

What to do? When you get that sometimes uneasy feeling of a decision that is "felt" to be right, but your rationalising has come up with another direction to take... take the former. In most cases, your mind has already worked out the correct answer, and hasn't taken your conditioning into the equation.

Trust your mind... it knows more than you will ever know ;)

Working Sm@rter

2008-11-03T15:48:00.000-08:00

During this time of general unrest towards financial stability and security, a lot of companies, corporations, government bodies, and organisations are considering employee reductions as a viable solution to counter slowing cashflow.

But is this the answer... maybe, but also, possibly not. Perhaps the solution is working smarter, increasing productivity, whilst not increasing costs. And Priority Management has the inside, intimate knowledge of time and workload management training... who else can free up on average 74 minutes per day per graduate of these programs?

Whether your email platform is based on Outlook, Lotus Notes or GroupWise, there is a training program that will enable you to work smart... and no additional software is required.

The training is based on the revision of the basic default view, in a way that puts your time back into your control, and not you being controlled by the inbox. Sounds too good to be true, and far to simple? But its the simplicity of the training that produces such profound differences to your day, and the increases in your effectiveness.

So, instead of culling your team, why not consider training as part of your solution, and be rewarded by more effective, higher productivity?

For more information on the programs offered by Priority Management, visit

http://www.prioritymanagement.com.au/

My thoughts and twitters,

Thomas