So I have had a whole weekend to explore and get the feel for my new 8830 WE Blackberry from Verizon. I love it! I can't see how I have lived without one. Much like switching to a Mac, the first day or so was a little aggravating but after that I fell in love. I am amazed at how connected I feel with it snugged away in it's holder on my side, or in my gentle hands. Of course just like any other gadget I have had it has Pros/Cons but I will admit the Pros are far greater than the Cons. With most of the Cons are it being a "Verizon Dumbed Down" phone.

The main things I really like about the Blackberry is the ease of messaging. Whether emailing, SMS, or alerts, they all are conveniently added to one message folder. I know alot of people out there dislike this, but I have grown to love it. And threaded SMS? OMG! I love it! Now I can stay completely on top of a SMS conversation, or a Google Talk IM session as well.

My main complaints with this phone are the low volumes of the ringers and or alerts. I have somewhat fixed this by creating ringtones and alerts through Audacity and maxing up the gain, as well as equalization. The other volume problem is it seems when using my Jawbone over Bluetooth the sounds leaves much to be desired. Something I can live with but somewhat of an inconvenience. Lastly there is no MMS on this phone... a bummer but not a necessity, as I usually just have co-workers sending me nasty pix messages anyway.

I have also found some useful programs as well listed below.....


Twitterberry

This is a MUST have for any blackberry user that uses Twitter.... The folks over at Orangatame Software have a great app going for them. The only problem with that was that I couldn't get to their site to download the app until late Sunday. It seems their site goes down alot and is only available from there. I have fixed that by adding the file to be downloaded HERE. I hope the folks at Orangatame don't mind.

BBWeather

Allows you to quickly check current weather and forecasts for locations you specify.

Crackberry Forums

Great place for anything Blackberry Related!

Pinstack

My Favorite Forums for Blackberry Software and more!

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Some of my friends on Twitter, and people that know me personally have seen that I have made some major changes in the Tech side of my life since the first of the year. I have become more open minded lately with certain products I said in the past I would "never" try. This is mainly referring my switch from being a Microsoft fanboy to becoming a "Mac Newb". I must admit... I am loving it though.

The first change was going from Windows Vista on my Toshiba laptop to a Macbook. A HUGE change for sure, but yet it was amazingly easy to make the change. Now I wouldn't trade my Macbook for anything. I love the reliability of the Mac, and just how much fun it is to use one. It's unexplainable really.

The next change was last week I got me a Crack... errr Blackberry. I have to say I LOVE this thing! I am still finding fun and useful apps for it, and must say I am enjoying how it keeps me so connected while on the go. I only have two gripes. No MMS messaging, and low ringer/Bluetooth volume. Other than that it's a gift from god.

In other news, this is my first attempt at posting to Blogger via email. We will see how it works. Also, my mom had surgery last Thursday on her foot, she seems to be doing fairly well. Now she is just waiting on her next appt to see when she can ditch her crutches. I must admit I am to cause while she is laid up I have to pickup my youngest from pre-school each day and it's a long drive from work. She does alot for me and really recognizing it lately.

My Xbox gaming has really been dwindling as of late too. I really hope to get some Call Of Duty 4 action in some this week. I ahve just been so busy with other things I haven't had time. I also need o try and finish Bioshock. Then after that's complete I hope to get the newest MLB game whenever is releases.

That's pretty much it for this post, I will most likely be posting another focusing on the Blackberry later today

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I am getting a BlackBerry, I have never had one. This should be an interesting change from the Voyager for sure. I am hoping I have more luck with the BlackBerry than I have had with Smartphones in the past. The main reason I am making the switch is I got an amazing deal on the 8830 BlackBerry World Edition with Verizon. I am going to list my Voyager on Ebay to round up some extra money.

But, I need some help. Does anyone out there know any must have apps, or any tips or tricks of the trade I should know. Any help would be greatly appreciated, so thanks in advance.

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We all have had it happen. Somehow a telemarketer has gotten your cellphone number, or maybe someone you just don't want to have it, this can be a pain. What's worse is it can also use up your minutes.

I have Verizon and I know for sure they do not offer call blocking. I hear other carriers are the same. If you have this problem, and wanna put a stop to it. Look no further than Youmail.com. Youmail.com is a free substitute to your carriers voicemail service. It's free, and has a ton of fun and cool features. But most of all you can have it send a certain number to a disconnection sound or any other announcement you like. Don't just take my word for it.... Try it out now!

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Ipod killer? Nope not even close…….

Wanna know whats amazing about that statement coming from me? I have NEVER touched an iPhone. The Voyager is lacking…… in all areas. Of course what’s con’s without some pro’s? So I’ll start with them.

Reasons I “like” or even better I am content with my Voyager.

• For HTML browsing I only have to pay $15 for the Vcast package
• I can easily use it as a modem for my Macbook over Bluetooth
• The qwerty keyboard, and believe it or not I like it’s looks.

Now the reasons I get aggrivated with it

• The screen just isn’t big enough for me
• The touchscreen is in now way comparable to the feel of an iPhone (I have an IPOD Touch so I know the feel)
• It’s not a PDA by any means
• And the biggest fault….. VERIZON software

Overall the Voyager is a good phone when quality, and looks are concerned. But when it comes to usability and a great experience for a Tech geek it fails …. miserably. I just keep wishing every day one or two things would happen. Either Verizon wakes up and realizes people would buy more of their PDA/Smartphones if the broadband service didnt cost $50 for unlimited added to your calling plan. Or the Iphone comes to Verizon. If they can offer full HTML unlimited browsing for $15 on the Voyager then why can’t they do the same with a PDA or Smartphone?

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