BlackBerry® All-in-One For Dummies®

Chapter 1. The BlackBerry Platform in a Nutshell

In This Chapter

• Checking out your BlackBerry behind the scenes

• Seeing what your BlackBerry can do

• Handling the hardware

There has been a lot of talk in the last few years about smartphones like the BlackBerry (which you are probably carrying), and how they can change the way you work, communicate with others, and the way you are entertained. We're sure that you have an idea of what the BlackBerry smartphone is (it's quite okay if you don't) and you aren't eating it. (We hope you aren't eating it.)

Before we jump right into how the BlackBerry can change your lifestyle, we're just curious, though — what actually convinced you to buy this particular handheld mobile device? Was it BlackBerry Messenger, the always-connected e-mail, the multimedia player to replace your iPod or iPhone, or a really good app that you saw on your friend's BlackBerry? We know; the list could go on and on — and we might never hit the exact reason you got yours. For whatever reason you bought your BlackBerry, congratulations; you made an intelligent choice.

The same smarts that made you buy your BlackBerry are clearly at it again. This time, your intelligence led you to pick up this book, perhaps because your intuition told you that there's more to your BlackBerry than meets the eye.

Your hunch is right. Your BlackBerry can help you do more than you thought. For example, your BlackBerry is a whiz at making phone calls and checking e-mails, but it's also a social networking ...