You know the scene. BlackBerry users are a loose club. Owning a Blackberry: you’re in. When we meet, we compare notes on the best programs to add. We are all looking for ways to make our lives faster and easier to manage.
Personally, I need to be flexible. At one point I was at my desk working on an email. Two minutes later I’m sending a reply, but now I’m down the hall or even heading to the car. Blackberry to the rescue.
Now, on my third blackberry in four years, I have had the opportunity to try many programs. This is the list of the best ones that work for me.
Wall Street Journal Reader for Blackberry. Use it several times a day. Very fast to scan headlines. Then click for a summary and click again for the full article. Did I say this is free? So far they are not charging blackberry users. The app will send articles to anyone in your phone book, Facebook, or quick link to your email. You also have custom search and your portfolio updates automatically.
HP 12C Financial Calculator. This one will cost $13. It works perfect. I pulled out the basic calculator on my phone. You can RPN or algebraic thing. Check it out at lygea.com
Project Manager – Task List. And free form database with full search capability. Rexwireless offers a lot of software solutions. I chose two to suit my needs for flexible and detailed task and project management and one to handle all the databases and notes I want to take with me. (I replaced a handheld with the Blackberry.) ToDoMatrix and IdeaMatrix work very well. Most of the people who use them claim that they are the best apps available. They integrate well with the rest of BB applications. All data is automatically and instantly synced with web-based versions. So you can work on the phone or on the web. Customer service has been amazing when needed. They also offer enterprise-grade versions where the entire company can share data. The best application in my BB, I live in these applications. The cost is $60 each or both for $100.
Google Mobile Products. Google has several great tools. I use some but not all. Google Maps goes right at the top. I love the live traffic updates and quick search for a place I need by simply scrolling to the general area on the map and searching. GoogleSync is essential for me to automatically back up my calendar and address book. You’ll need a Google account, then you’ll sync with an online calendar and address book. The calendar can be shared with staff. See who has priority with gmail/sync. I recommend you to backup BB databases using desktop and cable as well. The sync works fine, but it’s confusing until you get the preferences right.
Google also has a Gmail client for Blackberry. I use this for email sometimes. Mainly to receive emails that I already deleted from the BB. (I frequently delete BB email to clear memory.) But with gmail I can find anything from years ago.
Beyond411 Based on quick location and any other type of search as well. I use this as my first search line. No need to open a browser to start searching. Just type quickly and click. It’s based on location, so it’s great for finding a place you need close by. Gives maps, directions, directions and phone numbers. Just click on the phone number and you’re making table reservations! It also performs general web searches, white pages, and 1,000 more special searches so you only get the kind of answers you want. It’s free and widely used. Faster than calling 411 and let me say it again, FREE. You can find it at thebogles.com.
Electronic office. I recently paid the money to be able to write Microsoft Word documents and Excel spreadsheets. $30.00 Dynoplex offers this. Although it is difficult to use. Email or tweet me for an update on how I troubleshoot going fully mobile with office tools.
What are your favorite applications? Just let me know.
