HTML Email Program For Blackberry: BB Smart Review
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BB Smart was the first HTML email program for Blackberry on the market and is now in its second version (2.3). The main drawback of the original version was speed and that has been moderately addressed in the new version although the price ($29) is still higher than its main competitor, Empower HTML program for Blackberry (although has a richer feature set). Below is an in depth look at the newest version of BB Smart 2.3:
Compatibility
BB Smart’s new version is compatible with Blackberry Device Software 4.2.X or higher (if you have an older version of the device software you will need to download the previous version of BB Smart, or upgrade your device software)
BB Smart is compatible with the following Blackberry devices:
7100g, 7100i, 7100r, 7100t, 7100v, 7100x, 7105t, 7130c, 7130e, 7130g, 7130v, 7230, 7250, 7270, 7280, 7290, 7510, 7520, 7730, 7750, 7780
8700c, 8700f, 8700g, 8700r, 8700v, 8703e, 8707v, 8100 (Pearl), 8300 (Curve), 8310 (Curve), 8320 (Curve), 8330 (Curve), 8800, 8820, 8830, 8120 (Pearl 2), 8130 (Pearl 2), 8110 (Pearl 2)
Installation
The folks at BB Smart have made installation a breeze. You can install the Blackberry HTML email program both over the air (OTA) or by Desktop installation.
To download using OTA visit the following link from your Blackberry browser: http://www.blackberrysmart.com/otatrial.html . The trial version is a full functioning version and lasts for 4 days before the trial runs out. Once the trial runs out (or before if you can’t live without the program), you can navigate the Buy/Activate option in the email menu for instructions on how to buy the program.
To install using the Blackberry Desktop software, visit the BB Smart website, and download the .zip file to your hard drive and unzip the files. Then open your Blackberry Desktop software, plug in your phone via USB, and go to the application loader. Browse for the .alx file on your computer and then click next on the Blackberry application loader. The process is identical to what you would do to install any program on your desktop.
Once the program is installed on your Blackberry device, you will immediately be able to view any HTML email as it was meant to be seen (including emoticons and pictures).
Configuration
Configuring BB Smart is very easy and you can navigate to the Option screen by clicking opening the menu in your email inbox (BB Smart Options will be the first selection). A list and description of each option is provided below:
Email Display Options
- Display images in email - This is pretty self explanatory
- Set as default email viewer - You will want to set BB Smart as your default email viewer to ensure that you can properly read HTML email on your Blackberry. You may want to de-select this option if you have another HTML email program for Blackberry installed on your device that you want to use permanently otherwise BB Smart will default as the HTML email viewer of choice.
- Always show full details in email - Checking this option will show all details including the full email contents and sent from addresses, etc
- Show full hyperlinks in email - To continue to make emails easier to read and not have run off hyperlinks you will want to leave unchecked. Doing this shows the anchor text of the hyperlink rather than the full link.
Email Header/Email Text Display Options
The following options allow you to change the font size, font type, font color and background color in the display of each email. Another great feature built into this HTML email program for Blackberry is the ability to change the display options for each email address or mailbox (if you have more than one) which is an ingenious feature. This means that you can have a different look for your Hotmail account, Yahoo account and Gmail account making each one easily identifiable, unique, and easier to read.
Connection Options
The next set of options allow you to choose your connections settings. There are options for BES/MDS, BIS, TCP/IP and WAP. Choose the setting that is appropriate given your email connection settings. If you are using your Blackberry with a work email that connects to your corporate network with Blackberry Exchange Server then choose BES. Otherwise, most people will be using Blackberry Internet Service through their cellular phone provider and should choose BIS.
Image Cache Option
Set your cache to delete at least every week to ensure speedier performance. You can clear it more often if you prefer and there are options for 1 day, 2 days, a week, a month, or never.
PIM Integration Options
The last set of options allow you to integrate your email with the PIM (Personal Information Management) functions of the Blackberry. BB Smart HTML email program for Blackberry allows you to make Task, Calendar or Memo entries from an email, including Title and body text.
SmartSay Option
While in the BB Smart HTML email program for Blackberry options, opening the menu will give you an option called SmartSay. This allows you to leave a signature at the bottom of every email - very useful to leave your contact information automatically with every email. There are three preset options, however you can create as many as you want by clicking ‘Create New’.
Interface
Once you open an HTML email on your Blackberry, BB Smart HTML email program will automatically render the HTML in the email for you to view properly (as long as BB Smart is the default email program). Once you are in an HTML email (or any email), you can bring up all of the menu items by opening the menu on your Blackberry. All functions are available on the menu and some have a shortcut key beside the menu item that will help those don’t want to open the menu each time they want to make an action.
The regular options are available such as forward and reply as well as being able to show/hide images, save as a SmartSay template, or add the email as calendar or task entry. Another nice feature is called Smartnote which allows you to leave a note for each email and set a priority for it. This is very handy if you just scan the email and then come back to it.
Hot Keys
BB Smart HTML email program for Blackberry has added the ability of additional hotkeys which enable easier navigation of your emails. Hit the “B” key to go to the bottom of the email and the “T” key to back to the top. You can also use the spacebar skip through an email one screen at a time.
Feature Set Summary
- Improves the readability of all emails
- Allows you to view images in your email
- Reduces large, unreadable hyperlinks
- Allows the use of emoticons (or smileys) as they are viewed in your online inbox
- Completely customizable: Change the background color, font size, style, and color to see emails exactly how you want
- Easy set up
- Add email as tasks and to your calendar (OS 4.2 or higher only).
- Tag your emails with SmartNotes!
- Customizable email headers for all your email accounts.
- Email templates: Allows you to insert your signature, phone number, etc. or anything you want to each and every email
BB Smart HTML email program for blackberry is a great Blackberry add on that lets you view HTML email on your Blackberry. If you are willing to spend the $29 it is worth every penny in increased productivity and less frustration in reading HTML emails.
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