Blackberry Unlocked

Eenie, Meenie, Miney Berry… Which Should I Choose?

What a year! 2008 will definitely go down as the "Year of the Berry" for me. My little SIM Card found a home in no less than 7 different BlackBerrys this past year! While much of the use could be classified as "professional," there was certainly a "searching" for the perfect Berry as well. So, let's take a look at the year that was and maybe you can help me choose amongst my Berrys and I can keep my SIM Card parked in one device for at least a few months in 2009.

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CrackBerry.com’s feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. BlackBerrius Maximus – Part VII – New Year's Eve Edition

Today we received an email from Mike on the CrackBerry Podcast hotline (podcast @ crackberry.com) in New Jersey asking why there are different web browsers on his new BlackBerry Storm, and why he cannot download files larger than 5 Mb.

I thought that the answer to Mike's question would also benefit everyone else, so read on after the jump for an explanation of the BlackBerry Browser.

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CrackBerry.com’s feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. BlackBerry Browsers Explained

When I showed off my new CrackBerry Coveroo in the blogs last week (click here to see the image in case you missed it) the response of "I WANT THAT" was overwhelming… so much so in fact that you can now buy your own CrackBerry Coveroo straight from Coveroo.com!

We also held a contest for 10 Free CrackBerry Coveroos and it's time to announce the winners.. and the lucky winners are:

Congrats to all the winners! Be sure to watch your email as I'll be contacting you shortly with information on getting your CrackBerry Coveroo. And if you didn't win, what are you waiting for?! Go buy yourself a little present to get the new year started right. Coveroo now has support for the BlackBerry Storm and 8900 support is coming soon. And if the CrackBerry Coveroo isn't your thing they have an awesome selection of Coveroos to choose from. And if you still can't find what you're looking for, you can order a custom one. 

• Get your own CrackBerry Coveroo >>
• Got a Coveroo? Post a picture in the CrackBerry Forums >>  

CrackBerry.com’s feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. CrackBerry Coveroo Winners Announced! Didn't Win? Purchase Your Own CrackBerry Coveroo Today!!

Use Coupon Code endofyearsale20 at Check Out to Save 20%

2009 is almost upon us! To end 2008 on a high note and ring in the new year with a bang, we're holding a sale in our mobile app store! Until January 1st, 2009 you can save 20% on ALL BlackBerry titles (apps, games and themes!) purchased via our mobile app store. We started the sale on December 16th, so if you haven't taken advantage of the savings yet then the time is NOW!

On your BlackBerry's web browser, simply visit CrackBerryAppStore.com. While you're there, scroll to the bottom of the screen and be sure to install the App Store launcher which places a shortcut on your device so you can get back to the store in just one click. To take advantage of the 20% savings, simply enter endofyearsale20 into the coupon code field while checking out.

Please note: Coupon code is only valid in our mobile app store (crackberryappstore.com) and will not work in the the full website store (software.crackberry.com).

• Click Here for More Information on the Mobile App Store & Sale >> 
• Visit CrackBerryAppStore.com on your BlackBerry's Browser >>
  

CrackBerry.com’s feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Last Chance to Save 20% On BlackBerry Software in 2008!!

Send your CrackBerry Book proof of purchase in to contest@crackberrybook.com before the end of the year and one lucky reader will be rewarded with a $250 accessory shopping spree from ShopCrackBerry.com!!

I received a ton of emails from CrackBerry readers last week with pictures of what they found in their stockings… a copy of CRACKBERRY: True Tales of BlackBerry Use and Abuse! If you haven't done so yet, be sure to have a chat with CrackBerry Santa and email in your proof of purchase before the end of 2008!

And if you haven't picked up a copy yet, today would make a great day to order. For a few of you, I know Getting my BlackBerry use under control will be on the list of New Year's resolutions. 

Every BlackBerry user will be able to relate to the real life tales of BlackBerry use gone just a little too far. The book is part humor, part Freud and part 12-step recovery plan. Here's one reader's review of the CrackBerry book:

WOW! What an eye opener this book is. I read the "Chart of Shame" to my family and they said "that's Granny" to almost every one of them. I was even guilty of checking messages at Church… This book is funny, it makes you see yourself the way others do and yet doesn't take away the joy of being a Crackberry Addict. If you or someone you know has a Blackberry, the book is a must read. – Sue

CRACKBERRY: True Tales of BlackBerry Use and Abuse is available online in a soft cover from Amazon.com and ShopCrackBerry.com for $15.99. Be sure to email your proof of purchase into contest@crackberrybook.com before the end of the day. One lucky In-Rehab BlackBerry Addict will be rewarded with a $250 shopping spree for BlackBerry accessories from ShopCrackBerry.com! Happy New Year!! 

• Click Here for More Information & to Purchase from Amazon.com >>
• Click Here for More Information & to Purchase from ShopCrackBerry.com >>
  

CrackBerry.com’s feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Reminder: Send In Your CrackBerry Book Proof of Purchase!

I think this is the start of a tradition! Last year we extended the Smartphone Round Robin deadline by a week and we're doing the same thing this year! Between the holidays, some shipping delays, getting prepped for January's big events (CES coming up and Dieter/Rene will be hitting up MacWorld too) and just being swamped in general, we're going to keep the Round Robin going until January 10th. This is good news for those who have taken an active role in participating – this gives you an extra 10 days to visit each SPE site to make a comment on a Round Robin post or forum thread to gain an extra contest entry ballot… that's 50 more chances to win!

What's left to come in the Smartphone Round Robin? My Back on the Crack articles! It's time to review the BlackBerry Bold again plus throw it an official welcome home party. Will my perspective on the Bold have changed now that I've tasted the forbidden fruits?? I'm guessing you all know the answer to that, but you'll have to hang on to find out for sure. In the meantime, especially if you've missed out on the Round Robin posts to date, take this opportunity to look at the articles of the past month:

• Palm Treo Pro First Impressions Video >>
• Palm Treo Pro Final Thoughts Review >>
• T-Mobile G1 First Impressions Video >>
• T-Mobile G1 Final Thoughts Review >>
• Apple iPhone 3G First Impressions Video >>
• Apple iPhone 3G Final Thoughts Review >>
• AT&T/WinMo Fuze First Impressions Video >>
• AT&T/WinMo Fuze Final Thoughts Review >>
• See All Smartphone Round Robin Posts >> 

And heck, just to make it easy for you to get one more chance to win a BlackBerry Bold, let's make this an official contest post! Just be logged in and leave a comment and you could win a BlackBerry Bold, Spare Bold Battery and Case Mate Second Skin (thanks Case Mate!!). Need something to comment on? Tell us what your favorite part of the Round Robin has been so far!!!

CrackBerry.com’s feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Smartphone Round Robin Extended!

I'm not sure what's going on in the world of BlackBerry, but it seems the good 'ole US of A has (mainly) been getting the short end of the stick as of late in terms of getting new BlackBerry smartpones first. The BlackBerry Bold was released pretty much everywhere in the world this past summer, yet AT&T didn't get it until November, the Storm hit Vodafone a week before Verizon (not too big of a wait – won't complain on that one) and now Americans are left waiting yet again, this time for the BlackBerry Curve 8900.

I've had my Rogers BlackBerry Curve 8900 for a couple weeks now and am LOVING IT, so I was glad to see this T-Mobile roadmap get leaked yesterday which calls for a mid-February release of RIM's next generation Curve. This is one of those devices that just needs to be out there asap! Release dates such as these have a habit of changing, but the good news is that February 18th isn't that far off. Half of the fun of buying a new smartphone is the anticipation, so hopefully those of you have been waiting for this one will make the most of the next six weeks of agony. Now we just need to know when AT&T is getting this baby… don't be surprised if you see them release it prior to T-Mobile.

[ via BGR ]

CrackBerry.com’s feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. T-Mo USA Getting the BlackBerry Curve 8900 this February?

You just gotta love CrackBerry.com. What other blog would follow up a post about using your BlackBerry to get in shape in 2009 with one on mixing better alcoholic beverages to say farewell to 2008!

JUST in time for New Year's Eve, the folks at Mobatech have now made their popular Mobile Bartender for BlackBerry application available in a Storm-compatible version. If you haven't heard of Mobile Bartender before, be sure to check out our CrackBerry review. The app can be purchased for $7.95 from our ShopCrackBerry.com Software Store, but don't forget, until midnight on Jan 1st you can save yourself 20% on all software if you purchase via CrackBerryAppStore.com on your BlackBerry and checkout using coupon code endofyearsale20.

So other than champagne at the stroke of midnight, who's drinking what tomorrow?

• Mobile Bartender for BlackBerry @ ShopCrackBerry.com >>
• Save 20% on All Apps @ CrackBerryAppStore.com >>

CrackBerry.com’s feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Mobile Bartender Now Available for the BlackBerry Storm!

The folks over at Gym Technik are challenging all BlackBerry owners to get themselves into fighting form for 2009. This is not one of those New Year resolutions they want you to start and forget about by Spring – This is a resolution that they are working hard to make into a lifestyle for all of us.

If you are as pumped as I am and ready to take the new year on with a powerful swing, then check out their tips on how to turn your BlackBerry into your very own workout partner and join the fun in flexing out both yourself and your BlackBerry. If you're not familiar with GymTechnik, be sure to visit their website and check out our CrackBerry review.

Once Gym Technik is through with you in 2009 – You'll be out fishing for a new resolution in 2010!

• Read Tips to Turn your BlackBerry Into Your Workout Partner >>

CrackBerry.com’s feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. A Fit and Healthy 2009 With Your BlackBerry!

My Christmas Present – iPhone Smash!!!

What did you want for Christmas? A new BlackBerry? Maybe a Wii or some new Xbox games? World peace? Your two front teeth?? All I wanted for Christmas was a picture of me as the Incredible Hulk ripping an iPhone 3G in half!! I figured it would make the perfect desktop wallpaper for myself… a little CrackBerry Kevin goes iPhone Smash! to keep me on my toes for 2009 (maybe RIM employees should adopt the same approach!).

As you can tell from the image above, I got what I wanted. But it didn't come from Santa or even CrackBerry Santa for that matter… it was delivered to me by none other than our sister site TheiPhoneBlog's editor, Rene Ritchie. As you guy's know, the Ahh Frak Phone is my favorite Frenemy as is the BlackBerry is to Rene. I make fun of iPhones and he makes fun of BlackBerrys. We have some entertaining conversations to say the least.

And as you might guess, with the launch of the BlackBerry Storm and the slew of not-so-nice reviews that surfaced with its release, I have had to take an earful from Rene over the past month. Up until last week Rene's pokes were all second hand – he had never actually even held a BlackBerry Storm before. But with its introduction into Canada via Bell and Telus, he finally got his hands on the Storm and on Christmas Eve posted up his TiPb vs. Storm Initial Impressions. For the sake of editorial integrity, it's only fair that I point it out to those of you are interested. Enjoy the read and be sure to let Rene know in the comments what you think of his take on the storm.

ALSO…one last thing… I noticed in a CrackBerry blog post comment yesterday to my Fuze review that someone was wondering where my updated BlackBerry Storm review was. In case you missed it when I first posted, you can find it here. I followed up my monster of a pre-release review with a 90 minute Special Edition BlackBerry Storm CrackBerry Podcast. If you want to hear my thoughts on the Storm (the good, the bad and the ugly) this is probably the most comprehensive review you'll find anywhere. Once my fingers recover from all the Round Robin writing I'll get it summarized into the text form, but in the meantime it's already all out there in verbal form for those who want to know my thoughts on it!

• Read Rene's TheiPhoneBlog vs. BlackBerry Storm Review >>
• Listen to the BlackBerry Storm Review Podcast >> 
• Visit CrackBerry.com's BlackBerry Storm Forum >>
  

CrackBerry.com’s feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. An iPhone Fanboy's First Hands-On with the BlackBerry Storm