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In Defense of BlackBerry Messenger

by Leila Brillson on March 3, 2010 at 01:00 AM


With AIM and Yahoo! Messenger, Gchat and Facebook chat, BlackBerry's Messenger just seems like another way to get reached by the teeming hordes. Very few people seem to use it, and those that are interested don't even know how to get it started. Yet, much like the top secret "Cult of Jeep" -- something that apparently happens to Jeep drivers where they all seem to psychically understand each other -- BlackBerry users should keep in touch, giving their comrades direct lines of communication, whether they use Storms, Curves, or the trusted 8800.

BlackBerry Messenger, or BBM as those in-the-know call it, is a simple instant messaging program that acts as a real time text messenger between two BlackBerry users. It's easy to see when the sender is typing, if the message has been delivered, and even if it's been read. Images, voice notes, and files can be transferred easily. Most fun, however, is that its simple to change your name.

First off, find your PIN code. (This is possible using email, but we like PINs because its more straight-forward -- and we've had problems in the past via email.) This can be done by heading into the main menu, selecting the 'Options' icon, and then looking up 'Status.' Your machine's PIN should be right there.

Give it to your BBM partner, or take theirs. Put it in their address book entry, under 'PIN.'

Then, by clicking on the 'BlackBerry Messenger' icon (two chat bubbles with the BlackBerry logo on each), you enter the application.

Hit the 'Menu' key, and when the drop-down options appear, choose 'Add a Contact.' Older phones take you to the address screen, where you select the newly amended name and a request will be sent. Newer phones ask immediately for an email address or a PIN.

A request has been sent to your pal to join your inner circle of BBM contacts. To accept a pending request, head into the program, and select the name that is in the 'Pending' list, and allow the contact to authorize. Now you can message away.

To create groups, head into your BBM app and hit the 'Menu' button. Select 'Add a New Group' and type in whatever you want to call the group. Then, go to your contacts, highlight the names you want to move, and hit the menu key while they are lit up. The option to 'Move Contact' appears, and when you select it, BBM gives you the option of the groups you have created, and you can sort your associates that way.

When you are set to chat, make sure you enter the application, hit menu, and choose 'My Status.' Different models have different options, so choose what you'd like to have displayed. By highlighting a contact with the track ball and then selecting them, a black screen pops up. Start typing, and when you want to send, hit the track ball again. The message should be sent.

Tip: A check beside your message means the message was sent. A 'D' indicates it was delivered, and an 'R' means it was read.

Lastly, you can change your name however often you'd like. When in the application, click the 'Menu' key and then choose 'Edit My Info.' Just be sure to select a choice that isn't confusing to your friends.

Tags: bbm, BlackBerry, cellphone, chat, mobile, top

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