New BlackBerry HS500 Bluetooth Headset on it's way?

Although it hasn’t been confirmed yet, it looks as though there is a new Bluetooth headset on the way from BlackBerry. The current headset, theBlackBerry HS-655 was actually made by Plantronics and was a great headset in its day, but as time and technology have moved on, it is definitely in need of an update.

The BlackBerry HS-500 is made by Jabra this time and has the same brushed metal finish as some of the latest BlackBerry handsets. As the HS500 is based on the Jabra BT530, it shares the same noise cancelling dual microphone technology to make sure your calls are as clear as possible.

BlackBerry HS-500 Bluetooth Headset

The HS-500 is essentially the same as the Jabra BT530, so in terms of features it will have:

• Noise blackout technology with two noise cancellation microphones
• Multipoint technology lets you connect 2 devices at the same time
• Pair up to 8 devices – 2 at a time
• Crystal clear sound by advanced DSP (digital signal processing) technology
• Intelligent volume controls and audio shock protection
• Dual wearing style ear gel or flexible ear hook
• Dedicated on/off slide switch
• Micro USB Charging
• 6 Hours talk time
• 120 Hours stand by time

The BlackBerry HS500 is expected to be released in the next few weeks and is available to pre order now.

As always, features, specification and release dates are subject to change.

How to find your BlackBerry model number

BlackBerry phones have really taken off over the last few years and are no longer seen as just a business users phone. As their popularity has grown, so has the range of devices – the days of just having a range of 2 or 3 BlackBerry’s has gone and with most of them looking pretty similar, getting the right accessories for it can be quite tricky if you don’t know the model number of your BlackBerry.

To confuse things a little, BlackBerry have recently started to give their handsets nicknames such as BlackBerry Pearl, BlackBerry Curve, BlackBerry Storm & BlackBerry Bold. These names aren’t always the model number of your phone as there are currently 5 handsets that carry the name Pearl and 5 handsets that carry the name Curve. To get the right accessories for your BlackBerry you will also need to know the 4 digit model number that normally starts with an 8 or 9.

This short guide will show you a few quick and easy ways to work out which BlackBerry model you have.

Read more »

BlackBerry Cases Guide

BlackBerry devices normally take a fair few knocks in their day to day use, and in order to look after yours and keep it working as hard as you do, a case is a worthwhile investment. Leading manufacturers such as Krusell, PDair, Piel Frama and BlackBerry themselves make cases specifically for the BlackBerry devices, but which case is right for you?

Genuine BlackBerry
Genuine BlackBerry cases are designed to compliment your BlackBerry, while keeping your phone as accessible as possible. BlackBerry are one of the only manufacturers who offer phone specific cases in a range of styles and colours – and the only manufacturer that offer silicone cases. Genuine BlackBerry cases range from Protective Skins to Executive Leather Pouches. BlackBerry Skins protect your device from knocks and scrapes, without adding any extra bulk to your phone while the leather cases add style to your BlackBerry and normally cover the whole device. Your BlackBerry can still be charged and synchronised with out having to be removed from the case thanks to cut outs in the case for chargers and data cables. The BlackBerry pouches are similar in design to the original pouch provided with the BlackBerry Curve. They protect the phone from everyday knocks and some some also feature the magnet that puts your BlackBerry into quiet mode when insterted into the case.

• Genuine BlackBerry Pearl 8100 Cases
• Genuine BlackBerry Pearl 8110 / 8120/ 8130 Cases
• Genuine BlackBerry Curve 8300 Cases
• Genuine BlackBerry Curve 8310 / 8320 Cases
• Genuine BlackBerry 8800 Cases
• Genuine BlackBerry Bold Cases
• Genuine BlackBerry Storm Cases

Piel Frama

The Piel Frama range of BlackBerry cases are hand made, with meticulous attention to detail. Every Piel Frama case is assembled by hand, to create designs that perfectly complement your BlackBerry. As with the Genuine BlackBerry cases, your BlackBerry can be charged and synchronised without having to be removed from the case thanks to cut outs in the leather. Each case has space for storing credit cards or business cards. All Piel Frama cases are a vertical flip design and have a removable belt clip.

• Piel Frama BlackBerry Pearl 8100 Cases
• Piel Frama BlackBerry Pearl 8110 / 8120 / 8130 Cases
• Piel Frama BlackBerry Curve 8300 / 8310 / 8320 Cases
• Piel Frama BlackBerry 8800 Cases

PDair
PDair BlackBerry cases are Executive Leather cases that protect your phone and keep it looking stylish. PDair BlackBerry cases are available in a range of styles, including; Book Case, Sleeve Case and Flip Case. Most of the PDair BlackBerry cases have a magnetic sensor built in that activates the "In-Holster" profile settings. They have a secure belt clip that can be easily removed if not required and have cut outs in the leather to allow your BlackBerry to be charged or connected to your PC with out having to be taken out of the case.

• PDair BlackBerry Pearl 8100 Cases
• PDair BlackBerry Pearl 8110 / 8120 / 8130 Cases
• PDair BlackBerry Curve 8300 / 8310 / 8320 Cases
• PDair BlackBerry 8800 Cases
• PDair BlackBerry Bold Cases
• PDair BlackBerry Storm Cases

Krusell
Krusell BlackBerry cases are designed for the everyday user. Krusell’s "cabriolet" design leaves the keyboard open, making typing much easier, and the open top allows for quick removal of your BlackBerry device. Krusell cases are also compatible with the Multidapt range of holders – a unique interchangeable clip stystem. Learn more about Multidapt.

• Krusell BlackBerry Pearl 8100 Cases
• Krusell BlackBerry Pearl 8110 / 8120/ 8130 Cases
• Krusell BlackBerry Curve 8300 / 8310 / 8320 Cases
• Krusell BlackBerry 8800 Cases
• Krusell BlackBerry Bold Cases
• Krusell BlackBerry Storm Cases

BlackBerry Curve 8310 Pouches

As an 8310 owner one of the biggest difficulties I faced was getting a case for my phone. I’m not joking, I see a lot of cases listed in various sites but they all have 8300 in the name. Do all 8300 cases fit the 8310? Do only some cases fit? Is it just me??

So after hours (well actually minutes) of pain staking work, I can confirm the cases below not only fit, but where appropriate leave charging points accessible. So despite the names these will definitely work with the 8310.

PDair Pouch for the BlackBerry 8300 Curve

Genuine BlackBerry 8300 Curve Vinyl Pouch

Genuine BlackBerry 8300 Curve Skin Pouch

BlackBerry Bold

Sounds Familiar!
The name maybe often confused for a BlueBerry, but BlackBerry is one of the most recognised names in the business world.

Why is it popular in the Business World then?
BlackBerry by converging technology now supports push e-mail, mobile telephone, text messaging, internet faxing, web browsing and other wireless information services. This means its ideal for people who need all their office facilities on the move.

It does Email?
Arguably the push email system it provides is what makes BlackBerry famous! Push Email means instant email. As soon as an email is received by the server, the email is pushed to your BlackBerry device within seconds. Standard email servers usually work by connecting to the server every so often and downloading a batch of emails at a time, so its not instantaneous.

Just for Business users then?
Id honestly say no, with all the features packed into this device it is suitable for anyone looking for a good phone with top end features. It maybe seen as a business handset, but if you need HSDPA (fast internet access), GPS or even Wi-Fi, then this phone will do the job.

Any other ways to communicate?
Well, its not just a phone and email device but there is also there BlackBerry Messenger, its a free service similar to MSN that allows you to instantly chat with other BlackBerry users. Oh dont worry if you have MSN or Yahoo messenger – that will work too but you may have to pay extra for it to your network.

What is the latest BlackBerry out?
The BlackBerry Bold is coming out this month!

Whats so special about it?
Well it has the normal features of previous BlackBerry devices, but it will be the first BlackBerry with HSDPA which means fast internet connection. It also has all the features you would expect for a new top range phone including inbuilt GPS and Wi-Fi, a 2 Megapixel camera, expandable memory, Media Player and support for Word, Excel and PDF files.

Do I really need one?
If youre an email junky, a techie or just someone who likes to stay up to date – then yes. If youve never had email on your mobile before, I cant explain how useful it is, and its not just perfect for business users, I use it to keep up to date with my Facebook notifications.

Summary
Heres a quick list on why you should buy it:

• Push email.
• HSDPA for fast internet connection.
• In-built GPS so you never get lost again.
• Wi-Fi.
• QWERTY keyboard for easy emailing and messaging.
• Half-VGA (480×320 pixel resolution) and a 65,000-color display for nice clear viewing.

View more information on the BlackBerry Bold on the Mobile Fun Website

If you already have your BlackBerry Bold don’t miss our BlackBerry Bold Accessories range.

Are you waiting for the BlackBerry Bold? Do you think that it will be an "iPhone Killer"? Let us know your thoughts below.