12 Things You Should Know

#1 Carrier

#2 Device

#3 Operating System

#4 Support / Training

#5 BIS or BES

#6 Bluetooth®

#7 Contracts and Service Agreements

#8 Coverage

#9 Security

#10 Internet Access

#11 GPS (Global Positioning Service)

#12 International Use

Which carrier should I choose?

Which BlackBerry do I need?

Do I use Microsoft Exchange, Lotus Domino, GroupWise or something else?

Who will teach me how to use my new BlackBerry™?

What does this mean?

What is Bluetooth®?

What do I need to watch for?

Will it work where I live, work and play?

Is it safe? Can anyone get my info or emails?

Can I use it to surf the web?

What does this do for me and how can I use it?

Can I use my new BlackBerry™ when I travel overseas?

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12 things you should know before you get your BlackBerry — the following is a list of the areas of concern that we address every day in our business.

This will ultimately drive most of the decisions around “price” of the device and rates (voice and/or data). If you have an existing cell phone service and you are under a service agreement it may be best to look at that carrier first then at other comparable options. Prices vary greatly from carrier to carrier EX: Hardware costs vary from $99.99 to as much as $500.00 – and data services from $19.99 – $49.99 so ask lots of questions when deciding on a carrier.

Do you like a full QWERTY keyboard or a device that is smaller and has more than one "letter" per key? We describe this as email device first then phone OR phone first then email device. There are basically 2 different types of devices a traditional full keyboard (7200, 7500, 8700 series) OR a smaller version (7100, Pearl series). This is mostly a personal preference.

When looking at the BlackBerry™ you will need to understand "how" the email and other information "moves" from your operating system to your new BlackBerry™. You typically are not limited by any system you use now and we can help provide setup for just about any operating system you use- just ask when you call and one of our "BlackBerryGuys" can help get both the email and the other (calendar, contacts, tasks, memos and more) setup so you don’t have to.

We will! One of the most valuable things you can do is take some time and really learn how to use your new BlackBerry™. Learn more about the training programs available for you. More Info.

BlackBerry™ Internet Service OR BlackBerry™ Enterprise Server- these are two services that the BlackBerry™ uses to wirelessly sync the BlackBerry™ to your email and/or your (Outlook, Lotus, GroupWise or other information management system). This usually is determined by the number of users in your group. Less than 5 users we recommend using the BIS solution- this is a service that is free of charge and easy to setup and manage. If you have more than 5 users you should look at a BES solution. There are additional fees for this solution and some hardware needs. At NationLink® we will work with you to 1. Determine your needs (Software and Hardware) 2. Order and assist in the installation of all software and setup 3. Training on and maintaining the same; OR if you choose we can host this solution and take it completely out of your hands.

Bluetooth® refers to a short range radio frequency used to exchange either data or voice. Learn More.

Every carrier will look to add to or start a new service agreement term. The norm is a 2 year term... And based on the pricing of the equipment can be as much as 4 years. Be sure you understand the length of any service agreement. With technology changing all the time and often very rapidly you may want to upgrade before your term is up - and ask about the consequences of doing so. At NationLink® we know the terms and conditions for every carrier and how these terms can help and harm a client - we will spend the time necessary to ensure you fully understand as well and get the most value for your commitment.

Every carrier has "holes" in their network. The key is to find the one that works best for you- where you go everyday. Most carriers offer a trial period with the BlackBerry™ and you should take advantage of this to test the network- usually 14 days. NationLink® will be sure you are satisfied with your coverage area and that you get what you need from the carriers.

A BlackBerry™ is the most secure wireless device available. It is above "triple DES" encryption and is the device chosen by the FBI, Secret Service and The White House- if it is good enough for them it is certainly secure enough for you.

Your information is encrypted on both ends of delivery. We at NationLink® are happy to provide you with data regarding security of the BlackBerry™ and how it is the most secure device.

Internet access is unlimited with a BlackBerry™ and is very easy to use. Bookmarks (favorites) can be set for fast browsing along with full HTML access (the real web not just text) you can see the pictures as they are meant to be seen. At NationLink® we can suggest some special sites deigned to make the web on your BlackBerry™ more user friendly.

GPS refers to 24 satellites circling the globe all the time. Each GPS satellite transmits data that indicates its location and the current time. All GPS satellites synchronize operations so that these repeating signals are transmitted at the same instant. The signals, moving at the speed of light, arrive at a GPS receiver (your BlackBerry™ in this case) at slightly different times because some satellites are further away than others. The distance to the GPS satellites can be determined by estimating the amount of time it takes for their signals to reach the receiver. When the receiver estimates the distance to at least four GPS satellites, it can calculate its position in three dimensions. WOW - in real people terms - it can tell you where you are... and by doing so it can give you directions to where you want to go. This only works with certain BlackBerry™ devices at this time. Using a service called Telenav, a BlackBerry™ user can get "verbal" turn-by-turn directions - anywhere. At NationLink® we can help you load this solution and coach you on its use it truly is amazing.

Jan 2009

International roaming is available from select carriers - Cingular, TMobile, Sprint and in some areas Nextel - offer the ability for you to use your BlackBerry™ not just for voice (cell service) but also for email and other data services.

Feel free to call on us anytime to pick our brains (good luck) or to order BlackBerry (services, support, and training).