[Jim Dalrymple]

In reply to:

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I have looked at the information on Blackberry's site, but it is not clear to me how the workaround will be distributed, as a download to the PC or as a download direct to the device over the network.

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As far as I know RIM hasn't said specifically how the update will be distributed. I am hoping for an OTA update, but I think it will depend on how much of the system is changed.

[Jim Dalrymple]

In reply to:

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If you're using a Blackberry phone model from a provider AIM hasn't specifically listed, then you're probably S.O.L.

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I know that AIM is available for some phones, but I wasn't aware that they made one for any Blackberry.

[ricochet]

http://aolmobile.aol...al/mobileaim.do

[schalliol]

What about the T-Mobile SideKick/hiptop? It's a lot cheaper and I believe more functional. I considered a BBerry, but they want so much for it monthly in addition to the high price. I didn't see you rave about the BlackBerry on any functionality that the hiptop can't do. Just a thought....

[Peter Cohen]

The Sidekick is awesome, as long as you're content with T-Mobile's coverage area. Their coverage in my area sucks, unfortunately.

[schalliol]

Yep, you've got to have coverage!

[Diomedes]

Some carriers offer hosted BES services, but even those fall short of what you get of an internal server, particularly when it comes to being a true PIM. Even a jaded IT manager like myself was pleasantly surprised discovering how useful it is (also during MacWorld)!
The Blackberry Browser can render HTML pages, whereas the standard one is a WAP browser. Integration with BES can also enable access to corporate intranet(s), if so allowed.

[Diomedes]

RIM's main market is enterprise-class customers; it's not meant to be a Palm-style PDA, but a mobile PIM with push-email. It's that market that vendors like Palm and Nokia (along with Microsoft) are gunning for.
If you are using Blackberry Internet Service (this is generally the out-of-the-box service the carrier provides), you can use PocketMac for Blackberry (which is now a free download); the Internet Service also allows you to upload addresses. The Enterprise Server handles all of that on the back-end, so there is no need for a desktop client.
RIM has released some information about this workaround: http://www.blackberry.com/select/mme//
I am only hoping this is as seamless and secure as the current service.

[Diomedes]

There are a couple of ways to IM on a Blackberry:
Except for Cingular, there is Blackberry Chat (I think it's called), but it is limited to BB-BB communication;
You can use AIM via "Wireless Web" or have messages forwarded;
A new option, Google Talk is supposed to be available for BB devices. I don't have any details, but I would presume that you could connect the Google Talk client the same way you connect iChat to it (somebody correct me if I am mistaken).
Finally, if your organization has a enterprise-level IM system, there may be other IM options (although they may not be open-standards protocols).

[launch_pad]

Thanks for your reply, but I did indicate in my post that I already use PocketMac software for data synching. However, this software does not allow users to download and install system software updates, which is what I am concerned about regarding the workaround.
Although I am not an enterprise user, my Blackberry works just fine as a personal PDA using Blackberry Internet Service from my mobile phone provider and the PocketMac software to sync my data.

[NAK123179]

Has anyone ever tried to sync their .Mac account with their Blackberry? What problems, if any, have they encountered?
Thanks much.

[R_Althouse]

I just purchased a Blackberry and I'm very happy with it except for one thing. I seem to be spending much of my time, going through junk mail and deleting it. I've talked to my server, and they say because it's not compatible with Mac, not much can be done about this.
I've gone to my Blackberry web site and tried to set up as many filters as I can, but this doesn't seem to make a dent on the volume of junk mail that comes through.
Does anyone have a solution to this?
thanks,
Bob