Over this past week, I’ve answered more BlackBerry questions than ever before. Plenty of friends and family members got BlackBerry devices for the holidays, and many of them need help with basic functions. Thankfully, those who ask by email get a link to one of our many useful articles. Those who ask in person get the universal sign for “give it to me.” Over at Pocket-lint, Stuart Miles goes over another important aspect of your new BlackBerry: what applications do you get first? Stuart has some good ideas, but I’d like to add my own take. The major difference is that he’s in the UK, while I’m in the States, so there might be a nuanced change here or there. Anyway, here’s my list vs. Stuart’s.
Stuart’s pick: Facebook
My pick: Viigo
So I might have an anti-Facebook bias, but that’s not the entire reason I’m picking Viigo first. It’s basically your all-in-one application, providing news, weather, sports, entertainment, and travel information. It’s the one app I’ve kept on my BlackBerry throughout the years, and one I don’t plan to delete any time soon. Best of all, it’s free, just like Facebook. You can get your BBGeeks Viigo here.
Stuart’s pick: 7digital
My pick: ditto
No argument here. I love 7digital’s music store. You can check out the 7digital post here and then download it from App World.
Stuart’s pick: Goal.com
My pick: Google Maps
Google Maps is so much better than the default BlackBerry Maps app, and even better if your internal GPS can use it. Mine can’t, but I still find plenty of use for Google Maps, including street view and public transit options. Since sports scores are included in Viigo, I’ll just skip over a comparable app. Plus, soccer just isn’t as big in the US. You can get Google Maps here.
Stuart’s pick: Bejeweled
My pick: Paperboy
Games are a matter of taste, but your BlackBerry comes preloaded with a few puzzle games. Might as well mix it up if you’re going to pay for one. You can check out Paperboy for BlackBerry here.
Stuart’s pick: BlackBerry Messenger 5.0
My pick: ditto
Hard to argue with this one. Not only is BBM a great way to keep in contact with your BlackBerry buddies, both old and new, but the upgrade is also urged by RIM. Maybe your Berry came preloaded with the latest version, but if it didn’t you should head to the BBM download site to make sure you’re up to date.
I love posts like this because the comments section fills up with your favorite applications. What’s the first app you’d download on a brand new BlackBerry?
This post originated at BBGeeks.com – home to all things Blackberry! Also a great source of info about AT&T BlackBerry.
The first 5 apps to download to your new BlackBerry
This post originated at BBGeeks.com – home to all things Blackberry! Also a great source of info about AT&T BlackBerry.
The first 5 apps to download to your new BlackBerry