Quoted: So your cellphone has a brushed-metal shell, can flip and slide four ways and has more buttons than an airplane cockpit. Big deal.

The new status symbol is what your phone can do — count calories, teach Spanish, simulate a flute, or fling a monkey from a tree.

With the advent of touch-screen technology and faster wireless networks, the new competition and cool factor revolves around thousands of fun, quirky (and even useful) programs that run on the phones.

The popularity of such applications for Apple’s iPhone, the leader of the transformation, is driving a fierce competition among the makers of the BlackBerry and Palm devices, and even Google and Microsoft.

It heralds a new era in the allure of a mobile device — the phone is no longer a fashion statement but a digital bag of tricks.

Pogue's review of the BlackBerry Storm (touch screen BlackBerry). He hates it and I think he has good reasons.

Quoted: The first sign of trouble for the new BlackBerry Storm was the concept: a touchscreen BlackBerry.

Quoted: The Plazmic Content Developer's Kit™ (CDK) v4.2.2 for BlackBerry® is now available for download. Before downloading, please be sure to review the Compatibility, System Requirements and Download Instructions sections below. After installation, be sure to review the Release Notes for the latest news and information on this release.

Quoted: I'm just going to create this thread as a repository for updated versions of the BlackBerry.alx files. This thread will contain the files for all 32MB and 64MB devices, including the 7100 series (GSM), the 7100i, the 7130e, the 7250, the 7520, the 7290, and the 8700 series (and any future handhelds). These files will simply add the ability to install all vendor-supplied theme files available with the applicable OS installation package. I will attempt to keep it updated with the latest installations from the various carriers.

Quoted: We constantly get emails asking us where to find themes for BlackBerry devices. I tried helping out in August by posting the previous “Where To Find Themes For Your BlackBerry"

Another plastic cover/shield. Covers entire case, which is a bit unusual.

Quoted: The invisibleSHIELD™ is the premier name in handheld device protection. Made from a urethane film originally used to protect the leading edges of military helicopter blades, the invisibleSHIELD is clear, durable, and virtually scratch-proof. The invisibleSHIELD is precision cut to fit your BlackBerry 8100 Pearl, giving it perfectly contoured protection that other screen protectors can't match.

I wonder if these are any good. Seems pretty thin. Might be better for a device like an iPod.

Quoted: BodyGuardz are a clear film that covers the body of a device providing scratch protection from outside elements. Designed to custom fit each particular device, these protectors are made from the same material that is used to protect the front of automobiles from stones and other abrasive elements. Tough and durable, you can be assured that your device is protected by BodyGuardz.

Quoted: 8100 Trackball Cleaning and Disassembly w/ PICTURES

Replacement parts for BlackBerries - a bit expensive

Quoted: The "BlackBerry Repair Shop" offers the perfect solution for BlackBerrys that are out of warranty or have damage the warranty does not cover. Why buy ...