1. Google Maps

It’s not only great for the PC, but in my opinion it’s one of the few PC programs that actually offers users a more rich experience on their handheld cellular devices. With Google Maps users can find local businesses and other points of interest, discover traffic delays, receive turn by turn directions, and even use GPS capabilites via My Location Based Services without having a GPS receiver installed on their device. (Of course it will work with a built-in recevier or Bluetooth GPS receiver add-on). Adding to all of the Google Maps for Blackberry devices is the price - it’s 100% free.

2. Xplayer

I really don’t like the Media Player found on Blackberry cell phones, but xPlayer definitely steps up the devices game. It supports all type of media files including MP3, AAC, AAC+, WMA, etc. Plus it will even play video files and offers a pretty impressive codec base for playing back a ton of different video file types. Again this one is free, so it’s worth a look see.

3. Opera Mini

The Blackberry included browser is horrendous (only because I couldn’t think of a better word to use than horrendous). The factory-installed browser doesn’t offer good page views, and the pages that do come up render rather slowly.

In comes Opera Mini! Not only can you zoom in and out of pages allowing you to see the whole page as nature (or the webmaster) intended it, but you can also set the page views for your own optimal viewing. You can even use a landscape mode and save pages easily to your bookmarks section. Plus, it uses very little system resources in the grand scheme of things. Overall another awesome program that’s once again freeware based.

4. BBWeather

I don’t like to get rained on, or suffer from heat stroke, and I don’t have to thanks to this nifty program. BBweather gives Blackberry cell phone users the ability to configure their weather forecasts for the city they’re in.

Users who travel can also set up different profiles for several locations, while viewing anywhere from 2-10 days of future weather forecasts. With dewpoint, humidity and other information also given its another great freeware program that’s worth a go around.

5. Google Mobile Search

Once again Google proves why they’re on top of the digital world. Google Mobile Search For Blackberry Devices is the best option for quick web searches. Not only can you find local businesses, but you can store your recent searches for quick look ups later. Not to mention you can find images, phone numbers, addresses and much more directly from your device.

The Google Mobile Search option will also show off by providing up-to-date stock quotes, offering a glossary of search terms, displaying Local listings, offering Movie times and it will even let you click on a phone number to auto dial the number being displayed. It’s also offered at the very cheap price of FREE.

Even if I had to pay for this program I would use it - it’s really that good, and pretty much an essential install for any traveler.

6. Facebook For Blackberry

I must admit that when on my Facebook account, I rarely install many apps offered to me by friends. However I love the cell phone apps offered by some very skillful developers, and the Blackberry Facebook Application is no exception.

With this free application you can be notified on your Blackberry homescreen when you receive new messages on your facebook account. The program will even display your full wall messages, let you know who’s poking you, show new photo tags and so much more. You can even update your status, check out your friends’ status, and even post your pictures from your device directly. Basically you can manage your entire Facebook account without ever stepping near a computer. The cost is again free, and it’s a simple install to your Blackberry device.

7. BBLight

This is a really simple freeware program that offers one simple solution, however, it’s a solution that users who watch alot of videos will want to take advantage of. BBlight allows you to set a time length for when your screen will turn off. This is really useful if you’re on a plane or travelling by some other means and your watching a longer video. Yes it’s simple, but again it’s free and rather a quite useful application for the heavy video viewer crowd.

8. WorldMate For Blackberry Devices

This is a must have application for travellers. The Gold package will cost you $99 per year, but pardon the pun when I say it can be worth its weight in gold. The app allows users to store their own itineraries, view a world clock and check out the weather.

Where the application really shines though is in its ability to display flight schedules and show the status of each flight you want to look up. This application can save valuable time by always keeping you on top of your flight plans, while giving you easy access to your airlines’ phone numbers in case you need to make other arrangements. It may cost money, but with the time it can save travellers, it may be worth the cost.

9. Open Office For Blackberry

This is a great option if you need to edit Microsoft Office, including Microsoft 2007, documents on the fly. At $69.95 the program isn’t too pricey especially when you consider what it offers. The screen on the Open Office application allows users to easily add Bold, Italic, and other formatting standards. If you need to edit office documents and keep the original formatting this is the way to go. But beware - to create and not just edit documents you’ll pay an additional fee up to $70.

10. Cellfire

Normally I wouldn’t include this program, but given the price of gas, every dollar saving technique is welcomed.

Cellfire basically blasts coupons to a user’s cell phone with a unique 5 digit code which users can then show to clerks at local stores to receive the discount. Right now the program is already working with some major companies such as Dominos, McDonalds, and Sears to name just a few, and the number of subscribing companies is continuing to grow. The best part? You only receive the coupons when you choose to have your device go out and fetch the newest offerings, meaning you won’t be bombarded with advertisements at all times of the day. This one’s better than free. Not only will you not pay for it, but Cellfire can literally save you money. (source)

In the box you’ll find:

• Li-Ion battery
• AC Adapter
• USB cable
• Stereo headphones
• 16GB microSD card

Design:
Visually, there isn’t a lot of difference between the 9530 and the newer RIM BlackBerry Storm2 9550. The overall feel is very much the same, and again one of the first things to catch our attention was the weight of the device. The Storm2 measures in at a nearly identical 112.5 x 62 x 13.9mm compared to the Storm, but weighs in at 5g more. The battery door latch mechanism is similar to the one found on the 8520, which is a welcome change, and the speaker has also moved from the back to the bottom of the phone, making it easier to hear when laid down. The side keys are now rubber instead of silver, again taking their design cue from the 8520. All of them offer plenty of travel and reassurance when they are pressed.

The largest design difference is the function keys below of the screen. On the original these were four physical buttons, separate from each other, but this time around these are incorporated into the screen itself. Our preview unit had all kinds of issues that prevented us from actually pressing these buttons most of the time, but on this latest unit everything is great. The Piezo technology is definitely in effect, and is very cool. When the power is off the screen is not clickable, but it doesn’t end there: RIM has blended Piezo and capacitive technologies so that when the screen is turned on it is only clickable with bare skin. This prevents accidental key presses and is a very cool addition.

The display is again gorgeous, measuring in at 3.25” with a resolution of 360×480 at 184ppi but just 65K colors. We’re not sure that this is any better than the screen on the Storm, but then again that was a very pretty panel as well. More importantly it is much better to use. The wiggle is gone, and we can no longer see the circuit board along the edges of the display. Now with the new SurePress technology, it is much easier to click and the multiple input sensors make typing much more accurate. This time around autocorrect was able to fix most of our mistakes, though not quite all. In a typical message we’d have to manually correct only one or two words, which is way better than the original. It also does a better job of replicating the feel of a physical keyboard, but it is still well behind the Tour’s physical keyboard.

We have to think that this is what RIM was going for the first time around. The difference is so night and day that we really feel RIM should have dropped the Storm name, even if the two devices are extremely similar. This new implementation of screen clicking is worthy of a new brand name. (source)

There are several BlackBerry accessories that I consider to be must-haves. For example, I definitely want a screen protector to help ward off scratches, so that’s the first item on my list. I’m also looking for a nice leather case so my handset doesn’t get damaged when it’s not in use. I like keeping my phones as pristine as possible, because I can often sell them on eBay once I’m ready for a new model. Having the right BlackBerry accessories can make a world of difference in this department, so I don’t mind spending a little bit extra for the good stuff.

Besides protecting the handset and screen, I’m also interested in buying products that will improve my new phone’s performance. There are several great BlackBerry accessories designed to do just that, including Bluetooth headsets, car charger kits, and extra batteries.

I know it might seem like I’m going a tad too far with all of these BlackBerry accessories, but I rely on my phone so much that I can’t imagine trying to make do with anything less. Plus, I’ve learned that I can get some outstanding deals on BlackBerry accessories online, so that helps lessen the impact on my wallet.

In fact, I was just checking out some of my favorite online stores today, and noticed that several of the BlackBerry accessories I want are currently on sale. Most of these web retailers already have the lowest prices around, so catching these products on sale is really just an added bonus. Then when you consider that I can get free shipping and won’t have to pay sales tax on my order — well, why wouldn’t I shop online?

I’ve only had my Pearl 8100 for a few days, but I absolutely love it thus far. It’s a sleek, powerful phone that has a bunch of cool features to help me stay organized. By buying a few good BlackBerry accessories, I can make my phone even better-suited to handle everything that I need it to do, while maintaining that fresh, out-of-the-box look. If you’re doing this with your phones, you’re making a big mistake!