BlackBerry For Dummies, 2nd Edition
A Book Review
BlackBerry for Dummies, 2nd Edition by Robert Kao and Dante Sarigumba, delivers exactly what’s promised: a very basic introduction to the BlackBerry, mostly the device, for new users.
The book covers the built in smartphone functions, such as Contacts, Calendar, To Dos, Phone, and Browser. They also reference keyboard shortcuts, distinguishing between the full QWERTY keyboard of the Curves and the 8800 series, and the Pearls, with their multitap or SureType options.
BlackBerry for Dummies also covers multimedia features such as the camera, music, and video, plus GPS. Some of the more advanced discussions cover using Wi-Fi (if the device has this capability) and BlackBerry as a modem. There is also a discussion of BlackBerry Desktop Manager, including installing new Applications, switching devices, and backing up device data.
The part of tens, a feature of the “For Dummies” series, reviews BlackBerry Accessories, Applications, Games, and websites optimized for viewing on a mobile device.
This book is geared mostly toward the Pearls, Curves, and 8800s, so if the user has an older device, the first edition would be a better guide.
Pros
For a user who has received their first ever BlackBerry smartphone and who is not a technical whiz, this book breaks down the basics in a simple and understandable manner. There are a good number of screen shots, which make following the directions in the book much easier.
For an intermediate user who has figured out the BlackBerry basics on his or her own and is now interested in customizing the look and feel of the device, using instant messaging (IM) from the smartphone, or getting into PIN-to-PIN or SMS messaging, this is a great guide.
Cons
If the user has the word “engineer” anywhere in his or her job title, this book will be too basic. BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) Administration, J2ME and MDS Development, and other advanced topics are not covered.
For advanced users who are on their second BlackBerry smartphone, or who are familiar with the topics outlined in the summary above, this will be a good gift for the people who always ask the advanced user questions, but there won’t be much new information.
Additionally, the treatment of backend systems is a bit unclear, with the authors switching between enterprise users and home users in a way that makes keeping up with which scenario is being address a bit confusing.
In Conculsion
BlackBerry for Dummies is a great starter manual for new BlackBerry users who need basic information on where to begin. More introductory material can also be found on CrackBerry.com and RIM’s site.
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