1. Introduction
   Did you know that BlackBerry can now be used just like an external modem for a laptop computer, so that a laptop can have full Internet access? This is useful when you need to do certain things that a BlackBerry cannot yet do. Increasing numbers of success reports have caused me to post this message. (Note: Mark Rejhon has not himself yet successfully used a BlackBerry as a modem; I am aggregating information). Sometimes, it is still tricky to set up a BlackBerry as a modem for a laptop, but this feature is becoming more and more common in cellphones, and BlackBerry models are following suit.
   .
2. Credits
   Credit goes to (BBForums Usernames) Mark Rejhon, Scoobydoo, bfrye, bollar, VitaminB, jmounts, webtoker, dozment for their contributions. Thanks for user Wobly specifically for the Vista instructions.
   .
3. Supported BlackBerry Models
   Model 710X: Success (Rogers, T-Mobile)
   Model 7290: Success (Rogers, AT&T, Cingular, T-Mobile)
   Model 7250: Success (Verizon)
   Model 8100 Pearl: Success (T-Mobile)
   Model 8300 Curve: Success (T-Mobile)
   Model 8320 Curve (via BlueTooth): Success (T-Mobile)
   Model 8310 Curve (via BlueTooth): Success (AT&T)
   Model 8800: Success (T-Mobile)
   Model 8700: Success (T-Mobile, Rogers, Cingular, Verizon)
   Model 7130e: Success (Verizon, Bell Mobility)
   Model 7510/7520/7230/7280/7730/7780/7100i: Use http://www.mobishark.com/
   All Older Models: Use http://www.mobishark.com/
   .
   IMPORTANT:
   Other Models Than Listed Above: There is no modem built in. However, you can use third-party modem software called Shark Modem at http://www.mobishark.com/
   .
4. Supported Carriers
   Carrier AT&T: Success!
   Carrier Rogers: Success!
   Carrier Vodafone: Success!
   Carrier T-Mobile: Success!
   Carrier SwissCom: Success!
   Carrier Verizon: Sometimes Successful
   Carrier Cingular: Sometimes Successful
   Carrier Nextel/Telus: May need to use http://www.mobishark.com/</a>
   Carrier Sprint: May need to use http://www.mobishark.com/
   Carrier Bell Mobility: 7130e Confirmed, Must use http://www.mobishark.com/ otherwise
   Currently, Rogers, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Vodafone UK are reported to work. Sometimes and Cingular works, but is much harder to setup. No confirmations for other carriers yet.
   Important: If you are using a BES 4.0 server, your BES 4.0 server, you should not use the “Disable IPmodem” setting. BES hosting providers such as eOutlook/Mailstreet/BES4U/MyBlueberry must avoid setting the “Disable IPmodem” setting.
   .
5. Connect Your BlackBerry
   Make sure your BlackBerry is connected by USB cable, and your BlackBerry Handheld Manager is running (just launch BlackBerry Desktop to run it.) This is necessary for using the BlackBerry as an external modem. You cannot use BlackBerry as a modem unless you have BlackBerry Handheld Manager running in the background! Note: For a Bluetooth modem connection on new Curve devices the BlackBerry Manager does not have to run in the background for the connection to work. You need to simply pair your laptop and the Curve.
   .
6. Modem Driver Install
   If you installed a recent version of BlackBerry Desktop that came with a 7100t, 7290, 7250, or 7520, it should include modem drivers and already be automatically installed. In the event you need to manually install them, the modem drivers should be located in this directory:
   C:\program files\Common Files\Research In Motion\Modem Drivers
   However, if you are having problems with these drivers, uninstall, delete all leftover RIM files, and then reinstall the latest version of BlackBerry Desktop.
   .
7. Verify The Modem Driver Is Functioning
   Go to Control Panel -> Phone & Modem Options. In the Modems tab, you should see a new Standard Modem on a new port (such as COM6 or COM11). Click Properties -> Diagnostics -> Query Modem. You should see the following:Quote:

   ATQ0V1E0 – OK
   AT+GMM – BlackBerry IPmodem
   AT+FCLASS=? COMMAND NOT SUPPORTED
   AT#CLS=? COMMAND NOT SUPPORTED
   AT+GCI? COMMAND NOT SUPPORTED
   AT+GCI=? COMMAND NOT SUPPORTED
   ATI1 – Research In Motion / BlackBerry IPmodem
   ATI2 – Research In Motion / BlackBerry IPmodem
   ATI3 – Research In Motion / BlackBerry IPmodem
   ATI4 – Research In Motion / BlackBerry IPmodem
   ATI5 – Research In Motion / BlackBerry IPmodem
   ATI6 – Research In Motion / BlackBerry IPmodem
   ATI7 – Research In Motion / BlackBerry IPmodem

   Note: This may look different on Nextel 7520, or Sprint/Verizon/Bell Mobility 7250. This is normal. Just make sure there is a response at all, rather than no response.
   .

8. IMPORTANT SPECIAL CONFIGURATION STEP
   Click Properties -> Advanced. Add only ONE of the following Extra initialization commands with the appropriate carrier-specific APN Setting:
   • For Vista users only: Under Control Panel>Phone and Modem>Properties on the General Tab, click “Change Settings”. After giving Administrator approval, click the Advanced tab. There, enter the appropriate APN settings for your carrier as noted below.

   TMOBILE USA Users (Success!)
   +cgdcont=1,”IP”,”wap.voicestream.com”
   This is a newer string from TMO that works: +cgdcont=1,,”wap.voicestream.com”
   Another alternate string (required for BlackBerry 8100 Pearl & BlackBerry 8800): +cgdcont=1,”IP”,”wap.voicestream.com”

   Rogers Users (Success!)
   +cgdcont=1,”IP”,”internet.com”

   Cingular Blue/AT&T Users (Success!)
   +cgdcont=1,”IP”,”proxy”

   Cingular Orange Users (Success!)
   +cgdcont=1,”IP”,”ISP.CINGULAR”

   at&t Users (Success!)
   AT+cgdcont=1,”IP”,”WAP.CINGULAR”

   UK Vodafone Users (Success!)
   +cgdcont=1,”IP”,”internet”

   SwissCom Users (Success!)
   +cgdcont=1,”IP”,”gprs.swisscom.ch”

   Verizon Users (Success!) – Keep blank
   Nextel/Telus iDEN Users (untested) – Keep blank
   Sprint/Bell Mobility CDMA Users (untested) – Keep blank
   .

9. Add A New Internet Connection
   Close the Phone and Modem Options and the Control Panel.
   For XP: Create a new connection with Start -> Connect To -> Show all connections -> Create a new connection.

   1. Click Next

   2. Select “Connect To The Internet” then Next

   3. Select “Set up my connection manually” then Next

   4. Select “Connect using a dial-up modem” then Next.

   For Vista: Create a new connection with Start -> Connect To ->

   1. Set up a connection or network

   2. Choose a connection option: Click on “Connect to the Internet (Set up a wireless, broadband, or dial-up connection to the Internet.”

   3. You are already connected to the Internet – Click on “Set up a new connection anyway”

   4. At “How do you want to connect?” Click on “Dial-up”

   5. Check only the Standard Modem (if prompted).

   6. Give the connection a name such as “BlackBerry Modem”, then Next.

   7. On the next screen, pick one of the following phone numbers, depending on your carrier:
   ….If you use GSM/Cingular/AT&T/TMobile/SwissCom: Enter phone number *99#
   ….If you use iDEN/Nextel/Telus: Enter phone number S=2
   ….If you use CDMA/Verizon/Sprint/Bell Canada: Enter phone number #777

   8. Click Next.

   9. On the next screen, pick one of the following, depending on your carrier:

   ….If you use Cingular Blue, AT&T or Nextel:
   ………Username: (blank)
   ………Password: (blank)

   ….If you use Rogers Canada:
   ………Username: wapuser1
   ………Password: wap

   ….If you use Cingular Orange:
   ………Username: ISPDA@CINGULARGPRS.COM
   ………Password: CINGULAR1

   ….If you use T-Mobile:
   ………Username: (Your TMobile 10-digit phone number)
   ………Password: (Your existing TMobile.com Password)
   ………Note: In USA, you can leave both blank

   ….If you use Verizon, replace 8005551212 with your phone number:
   ………Username: 8005551212@vzw3g.com
   ………Password: 8005551212

   ….If you use Sprint:
   ………Username: (Your existing Sprint PCS Username)
   ………Password: (Your existing Sprint PCS Password)

   ….If you use Bell Mobility, replace 8005551212 with your phone number:
   ………Username: 8005551212@1x.bell.ca
   ………Password: (Your Bell Mobility Voicemail PIN)

   ….If you use Swisscom:
   …….The connection can be established anonymously, however some devices need data in those fields, if that’s the case, use:
   ………Username: gprs
   ………Password: gprs

   10. Clear all checkboxes (“Use…when anyone…” and “Make this the default…”)

   11. Click Finish

   .

10. Disable IP Header Compression (*Vista users, see the note below)
    Make sure TCP/IP Properties (Advanced) “Use IP Header Compression” checkbox is NOT checked. To verify this, do these steps:

    1. Start Menu->Network Connections->”BlackBerry Modem”
    2. Click Properties Button
    3. Click Networking Tab
    4. Select “Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)”
    5. Click Properties Button
    6. Click Advanced… Button
    7. Disable “Use IP header compression” checkbox
    8. Click all OK buttons to close all dialogs

    Also make sure you clear all these checkboxes, if you see any of these checked:
    Turn off “Enable Hardware Flow Control”
    Turn off “Enable Modem Error Control”
    Turn off “Enable Modem Compression”

    • For Vista users only: Under the Network and Sharing Center, click “Manage Network Connections”. When the Network Connections screen is visible, you should have the Blackberry Modem connection you created. Right click the Blackberry Modem and select “Properties”. Under the Properties screen on the General tab, select the “Configure” button. Ensure that ALL check boxes are unchecked. Select “OK” to exit the screen. Under the Networking tab, select the properties for the Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPV4). On the Properties screen, select the “Advanced” button. Ensure that “Use IP Header Compression” is unchecked. Select OK to exit the screen.

    .

11. BES Configuration
    Skip this step if you are not on BES. You only need to follow this step if your company gave the BlackBerry to you. If you are at a company and you are on a BES 4.0, your Administrator must enable the “BlackBerry IPModem” setting on the BES. This is a new setting in the Version 4.0 of BES.
    .
12. Surf On The Laptop!
    Connect to the Internet on the laptop by clicking the “BlackBerry Modem” icon via Start Menu->Network Connections. No username or password is needed.

Tweet This Post

I have just read about this nifty little application that can turn your blackberry device into a portable bluetooth mouse and keyboard. Best of all this application is now FREE but if you like it be sure to donate to them. The donations you send to developers like these help keep quality apps coming our way

BluCTRL now includes quite a few media functions including:

• (Vol up/down/Mute)
• Alt-tab
• Ability to click and drag
• double click
• scroll with different combinations of alt/shift and the trackball

If you already downloaded the bluCTRL trial you can just download their new version at www.bluctrl.com and you will be good to go. Let me know what you think! This is definitely worth a second look.

From the description:

bluCTRL, is an application that turns your BlackBerry into a full wireless Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. With bluCTRL, you can now conduct PowerPoint presentations, surf the web, and control your media center from your BlackBerry. This “in your pocket” convenience works with any Bluetooth enabled laptop or PC, giving you the ability to control multiple machines from a single device.

• Simple - To start using bluCTRL simply pair your BlackBerry with a PC using the step by step wizard.
• Easy - Controlling your PC is now as easy as using your BlackBerry trackball and keyboard.
• Convenient - Now you can control all your PCs using one central input device, your BlackBerry.

Tweet This Post

For super fast access to pictures: Pictures should be moved onto the microSD on your Blackberry, try to get a microSD with 16gb – despite this won’t affect this tip, it will get more space to your device to store all your stuff. Create and move into sub-folders for different categories and when you view, it should show the folders you can choose, making handling faster.

Speedy Web browsing: Turning Java off, you will still be prompted when needs be to turn it on again.Turn off HTML tables – This is older technology and not as widely used.Keep browser optimized for Blackberry and not for  PC. “Berryspeed“  is a cool little app that measures bandwidth speed. Get it at  http://ota.deltatech.com.mx/.

Faster keystrokes: Hold Alt while using the trackweel for Page Up or Down. To go to the  Top of the Page  press T, and to go to the bottom press B.

It’s an all-downhill ride when  resources are free: Please note – Pressing the red phone button doesn’t close a program. Instead it will run in the background continuing processor and memory usage. To curb unwanted utilization go to options>Exit when in a particular program to be closed. To see whats grading your speed press simultaneously- ALT and Escape keys, and letting go of the Escape key only,  you are able to scroll through the list of the running applications. And this I said on the last paragraph applies even to Nokia cellphones, Symbian S60 3rd and 5th Edition, or Sony Ericsson Satio that runs with Symbian S60.

Tweet This Post

1) Check Wireless Signal Strength

RIM suggested checking on your wireless signal strength if you’re experiencing issues, to ensure you’re in a coverage area. Obviously, if you don’t see any coverage bars on your BlackBerry home screen or there’s an out of service (SOS) icon, you dont have wireless coverage. And that’s problem.

Another quick way to check your wireless signal strength is via a BlackBerry keyboard shortcut. Just hold down your BlackBerry’s ALT key and type the letters N, M, L, L. Your home screen will then show your wireless signal strength in Dbms. If your signal strength isn’t within the -40 to -100 Dbms range, you’re not in an adequate wireless coverage area. (Note: This shortcut only works on BlackBerry smartphones with full QWERTY keyboards.)

2) Pull Your Battery or “Hard Reset”

RIM’s second troubleshooting tip is to simply remove and replace your BlackBerry’s battery. Doing so is as simple as removing the device’s battery cover and popping out the power pack, with the edge of a credit card or other prying tool. This is referred to as a BlackBerry “hard reset.”

3) Check Wireless Network Settings

BlackBerry users experiencing wireless coverage or data transfer issues should ensure that their network settings are correct, RIM says. To do open up the Manage Connections menu via your BlackBerry home screen. The Mobile Network option should have checked box next to it to signify connectivity.

Next, scroll down to Mobile Network Options and make sure Data Services are enabled and the Mobile Network and Network Mode are set to the appropriate carrier and network options.

4) Register Your BlackBerry the Wireless Network

RIM also suggests registering your BlackBerry with your wireless network if problems arise. Registering a BlackBerry device running RIM’s handheld software v4.1 or higher is simple. Just open your BlackBerry Options menu via your home screen, click Advanced Options and then Host Routing Table. On the following screen, tap your BlackBerry Menu key and choose Register Now.

You’ll then receive a network notification message to let you know your device has been registered.

5) Check your BlackBerry’s Connection to a Computer

If you’re having issues working with RIM’s BlackBerry Desktop Manager software, you should ensure that your device connects properly to your machine, according to RIM.

To determine whether or not your device is connected to BlackBerry Desktop Manager, open up the program’s Options menu and hit Connection Settings. You should see your device’s unique BlackBerry PIN number in the on-screen connection field. If not, click the Detect button. If your device is successfully connected, the program will tell you your device has been located.

Still experiencing Desktop Manager issues? Visit RIM’s site for more troubleshooting suggestions.

6) Confirm BlackBerry Can Receive E-Mail

One way to see whether or not you’re experiencing BlackBerry mail delivery latency or other problems is to simply send yourself a test message from an e-mail account that’s not associated with your device, RIM says. If you send the message and it appears on your BlackBerry, you can receive e-mail. If the message arrives, but it’s delayed, you’re very likely experiencing some sort of latency.

Solutions for e-mail reception problems vary greatly depending on a number of user-specific factors, including whether or not the BlackBerry is on corporate BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) or a consumer-oriented BlackBerry Internet Service account. If you cannot receive e-mail, try registering your handheld with the network (see step four) and resending your service books (refer to step eight.) If you’re on a BES, you may have to contact your BlackBerry administrator for further assistance.

7) Confirm BlackBerry Can Send E-Mail, PIN Messages (BlackBerry Messenger)

RIM also suggests checking your outgoing mail delivery if you’re having BlackBerry issues. Do so by first sending an e-mail message from your BlackBerry device to a mail account associated with your BlackBerry. (It’s okay to use the same account to send and receive the message.) If you receive the message, you can send e-mail.

Secondly, you should confirm that you can send and receive BlackBerry Messenger and PIN messages. To do so, send a PIN message from your BlackBerry to yourself by opening up your Messages folder, hitting Menu and choosing Compose PIN. Type in your BlackBerry PIN and hit send. If you receive the message, you can send PIN messages.

Solutions for e-mail problems vary greatly depending on a number of user-specific factors, including whether or not the BlackBerry is on corporate BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) or a consumer-oriented BlackBerry Internet Service (BIS) account. If you’re on a BES, you may have to contact your BlackBerry administrator for further assistance.

Resend BlackBerry Service Books

If you’re having mail or messaging issues, or any other BlackBerry performance problems, you should resend your device’s service books, RIM says. Service books communicate with your network’s BlackBerry infrastructure, specifying which services should be available and how they should function.

There are three ways to resend your BlackBerry service books: 1) You can send the service books directly from your handheld; 2) you can log into your carrier’s (BIS) page and send them from there; and finally, 3) you can call on your carrier’s customer service reps to do the job for you. For instructions on each option, visit RIM’s website.

9) Launch the BlackBerry “Help” App

Each and every new BlackBerry ships with a “Help” application and associated home screen icon, and RIM says this is one of the quickest and easiest ways to solve basic BlackBerry issues.

To utilize the option, click the Help icon on your BlackBerry’s home screen and click Troubleshooting on the following page.

You can also access the BlackBerry Help menu from within certain native BlackBerry apps, by hitting your Menu while an app’s open and choosing Help.

10) Visit BlackBerry Technical Solutions Center

RIM posts bundles of information, in the form of “knowledge base” articles, to its BlackBerry Technical Solutions Center. The online destination is one of, if not the, best places on the Web to find solutions to advanced BlackBerry problems. It’s also a great resource for learning more about your handheld.

RIM suggests visiting the BlackBerry Technical Solutions Center whenever you encounter a BlackBerry-related issue you can’t easily solve–and I do, too.

Tweet This Post

BlackBerry 8310 User Guide download! Direct Link!

BlackBerry8310

Tweet This Post