Using Multiple Message Signatures Via AutoText

There are clear benefits to using a BlackBerry e-mail signature, but if you're like us, you probably don't want to use the same signature all the time--and there are likely instances in which you'd rather use no signature at all. Switching back and forth between signatures, or occasionally deleting one, can mean using different e-mail inboxes and accounts with separate signatures (or even repeatedly going into your BlackBerry Desktop Manager if you're on a BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) or BlackBerry Internet Service (BIS) account) to make the necessary changes. That's a lot of legwork.

We suggest using pre-programmed AutoText entries to call up different e-mail signatures.

To do so, first delete the current signature you're using via the desktop manager software or your wireless carrier's website if you use BIS. Then click the Options icon on your BlackBerry home screen, choose AutoText, and then hit your Menu button--if you're using an 8xxx series device, Menu is located directly to left of the trackball. Select New from the options list and then fill in the Replace field with an easy to remember command, like "ZZ" or "XX," and the With field with an e-mail signature. You can use this method to create as many different signatures as you'd like by typing different commands into the Replace fields. (Note: When using the new AutoText command, make sure you hit Space after you type your AutoText--"ZZ + Space", for instance--or the message may not correctly display your signature.

Dialing Alphanumeric Phone Numbers on Full QWERTY BlackBerry Keyboard

Ever tried dialing a phone number with letters, instead of all numerals, using your BlackBerry's QWERTY keyboard? You know, 1.800.Comcast, for example. If so, you've likely experienced the frustration of being unable to key in the letters you want as part of your number--unless, of course, you already know this shortcut. It's simple really. Just type the numerals as you normal would--1,8,0,0--then hold the ALT key while dialing the letters, and you're good to go.

Access Default BlackBerry Apps With a Single Click from Home Screen

Many folks use their BlackBerry smartphones for messaging and Web surfing more often than they employ phone features. If you fall into this category, you probably want to disable your Dial From Home Screen option so you can access a variety of helpful Home Screen shortcuts. To do so, click your Phone icon on the Home Screen or hit the green phone button on your device. Then press your Menu key, pick Options, then General Options and change the Dial From Home Screen field from "Yes" to "No." Finally, hit the Escape key and choose to save your changes. (Note: This option only works for devices with full QWERTY keyboards.)

Now you'll need to hit your Phone icon or click the green phone button to dial a number and place a call, but you'll have access to all of the following shortcuts from your Home Screen via a single click of the corresponding letter key:

• WAP Browser -- W
  
• Alarm -- R
  
• Tasks -- T
  
• Calculator -- U
  
• Options -- O
  
• Address Book -- A
  
• Search -- S
  
• Notes -- D
  
• Profiles -- F
  
• Help -- H
  
• Lock keypad -- K
  
• Calendar -- L
  
• Messages -- M
  
• Browser -- B
  
• BlackBerry Messenger -- N
  
• Saved messages -- V
  
• Compose -- C