If this is for dummies, then I need the one for idiots! Seriously! This is not a book for beginners. (I'm still looking for that one, I'll keep you posted) It reminds me of the software books written by people who are so knowledgeable about the subject that they've lost their ability to "break it down" for the common folk. Hard to find some of the most basic information. Very, very frustrating and disappointing. If you're new to the berry - don't start here.

Very easy to maneuver around the book finding what I need to know and ignoring the usual Dummies blather.

I think the book gives a great overview of BlackBerry and many details into common applications!! If you are expecting an advanced book on topics like "hacking tips" then that is out of scope. The content does provide a lot of insight and it's a great read.

You don't have to be a CEO of a start-up IT company to own a blackberry now-a-days. This technology has become very popular and affordable and this book is a great way to learn the product and experience the technological revolution that's happening now in front of us by puting powerful tools literally at the palm of your hand. The book breaks down the main concepts into simple steps and shows how to become an expert user. This is a great buy. Highly recommended to users of all levels.

When I purchased my BlackBerry ("BB") 8830 and turned it on, I knew I was in trouble. The "Getting Started Guide" that comes with the 8830 is GROSSLY inadequate for first-time BB users. With the help of the staff at the Sprint Store (they were very helpful and friendly), I was able to get the basic functions going and use them. But, I knew that to maximize the use of my 8830 that I would have to find a way to better self-educate myself on how to setup and use my new BB.

Because I have used the "Dummies" books for several years with great success, I ordered this book. Unfortunately, this is the first really bad Dummies book I have ever used. Here are my reasons for this assessment.
1. The omissions (tethering, robust use of the internet, etc) are significant.
2. The book spends too much time on concepts that are fundamental and actually covered in the Getting Started Guide and too little time on the next level of sophistication that the average user will find helpful.
3. The instructions are often confusing, contain too few illustrations, and use descriptions with multiple meanings. (I have long believed that persons who write technical manuals come from a pool of US citizens who could greatly benefit from ESL training; this book proves the point!)

The more I learn about my new BB, the more convinced I am of its capabilities and how useful they will be in my daily life. But, my recommendation is to let the staff know at the store at which you purchase your BB that you will need help and get their commitment to spending more than a few minutes with you when it is delivered and for a couple of weeks thereafter.

Confessing incompetence and asking for help is a much better choice than buying this book.

The book was for a gift for my son who had just purchased a Blackberry. The ad was very informative and just what I wanted for him. He specified the second edition. It arrived in plenty of time and he is thrilled.

Easy to read and well structured book. It helps me to familar with the device very quickly.

virtually a total waste of time. Hard to source problem solving. Not easily executed for actions. The Index does not have enough subjects for the user. Not real simple and clear for actions. Would not recommend this product!

Seems like all the tech talk lately has been about the potential shutdown of RIM and the BlackBerry network. But it dawns on me that I really don't know *why* these devices have been dubbed "CrackBerry" by those addicted to them. After reading BlackBerry for Dummies by Robert Kao and Dante Sarigumba, I can see the appeal...



Contents:

Part 1 - Meet and Greet Your BlackBerry: Your BlackBerry is NOT an Edible Fruit?; Turning On Your BlackBerry (And Keeping It Happy)

Part 2 - Getting Organized with Your BlackBerry: Remembering Your Acquaintances; Never Miss Another Appointment - Ever!; Bring Your Own Taskmaster; Making Notes and Calculations

Part 3 - Getting Online with Your BlackBerry: You've Got (Lots of) E-Mail; Too Cool for E-Mail; Surfing the Internet Wave; Calling Your Favorite Person

Part 4 - Working with Desktop Manager: Synching the Intellisync Way; Installing Applications; Running Redirector; Protecting Your Information

Part 5 - The Part of Tens: Ten (Or So) New Features on the New Generation BlackBerry; Ten Great BlackBerry Accessories; Ten Productive BlackBerry Applications; Ten Fun Games on Your BlackBerry; Ten Must-Have BlackBerry Programs; Ten (More or Less) Web Site Categories for BlackBerry Browsing

Index



I can see how this book would appeal to both the prospective BlackBerry owner and someone who just opened the box and is wondering "what next?". The first part of the book does a nice job explaining the different types of BlackBerry devices and how they are all branded based on the network provider who is selling them. From then on, it's a matter of exploring all the different software options that come part and parcel with the device. You could almost look at this as the readable instruction manual for your new toy, because there's not much that's not covered here. I was especially surprised about how the PIN to PIN messaging occurs, and how it's potentially the most secure type of messaging you can find on the market today. Plus it continues to work when many other cellular services break down due to overload. All really good stuff here...



This is worth purchasing if you've just jumped into the BlackBerry field or if you've been handed one at work with little explanation on how to use it. A little time spent between you, this book, and your BlackBerry will make everyone a whole lot happier. I'm even considering making the switch now...

Seems like all the tech talk lately has been about the potential shutdown of RIM and the BlackBerry network. But it dawns on me that I really don't know *why* these devices have been dubbed "CrackBerry" by those addicted to them. After reading BlackBerry for Dummies by Robert Kao and Dante Sarigumba, I can see the appeal...

Contents:
Part 1 - Meet and Greet Your BlackBerry: Your BlackBerry is NOT an Edible Fruit?; Turning On Your BlackBerry (And Keeping It Happy)
Part 2 - Getting Organized with Your BlackBerry: Remembering Your Acquaintances; Never Miss Another Appointment - Ever!; Bring Your Own Taskmaster; Making Notes and Calculations
Part 3 - Getting Online with Your BlackBerry: You've Got (Lots of) E-Mail; Too Cool for E-Mail; Surfing the Internet Wave; Calling Your Favorite Person
Part 4 - Working with Desktop Manager: Synching the Intellisync Way; Installing Applications; Running Redirector; Protecting Your Information
Part 5 - The Part of Tens: Ten (Or So) New Features on the New Generation BlackBerry; Ten Great BlackBerry Accessories; Ten Productive BlackBerry Applications; Ten Fun Games on Your BlackBerry; Ten Must-Have BlackBerry Programs; Ten (More or Less) Web Site Categories for BlackBerry Browsing
Index

I can see how this book would appeal to both the prospective BlackBerry owner and someone who just opened the box and is wondering "what next?". The first part of the book does a nice job explaining the different types of BlackBerry devices and how they are all branded based on the network provider who is selling them. From then on, it's a matter of exploring all the different software options that come part and parcel with the device. You could almost look at this as the readable instruction manual for your new toy, because there's not much that's not covered here. I was especially surprised about how the PIN to PIN messaging occurs, and how it's potentially the most secure type of messaging you can find on the market today. Plus it continues to work when many other cellular services break down due to overload. All really good stuff here...

This is worth purchasing if you've just jumped into the BlackBerry field or if you've been handed one at work with little explanation on how to use it. A little time spent between you, this book, and your BlackBerry will make everyone a whole lot happier. I'm even considering making the switch now...