Every now and then, I get questions about BlackBerry thrown at me from all different angles at all different places. Although sometimes I need some research to get the information passed on, more often than not, I pretend like a BlackBerry Encyclopedia (if there’s any) with the answers automatically coming out of my mind. My entry today will address at least 5 Frequently Asked Questions that I get from everyone.

Question 1: Can I save downloaded apps from the phone memory to my media/memory card?

Response: Yes, but they can only be saved through ARCHIVING the apps. Users cannot run the apps while on an external media card. It can only be used to manage/free up application memory.

Archiving can be done through MY WORLD at the BlackBerry App World.

Question 2: Why does my trackpad respond/ move slow?

Response: Although this could possibly be a hardware issue, you may also want to check the phone’s trackpad settings. Go to OPTIONS from the icons tray, choose Screen/Keyboard from the menu, and select TRACKPAD. Here, you can adjust the trackpad’s sensitivity.

Question 3: With BlackBerry’s impressive reputation on battery life, why does mine run out so fast?

Response: This can be a little tricky because battery life is relative on every handset. However, there are some basic things you can do to help keep the battery from draining fast.

In BBM, you can deactivate the option for updates from your BBM friends. This will help save battery life as the phone doesn’t have o be regularly updating/checking your friends statuses.

For network or data coverage for 3G capable handsets, you can choose just 2G connection (EDGE) instead of the 3G,

For social networking like Twitter, you can limit the automatic notification/updates at longer intervals or periods. Instead of having the phone notify you of new tweets/ mentions every 5 mins, you can set it up at every 15 minutes or so.

(Additional tips, check Dec 28, 2011 entry by Jebus)

Question 4: What is the Security Wipe?

Response: You don’t exactly do this as often as clearing your log or internet browser settings, or doing a battery pull. Security Wipe is often performed when you’re handing your old BlackBerry to somebody else for good, or if you want to just get the whole handset back to its original “form”. Security Wipe deletes all your data/files saved on the phone including your own BBM contacts. It’s like putting the phone back to its factory settings. You can access Security Wipe at OPTIONS, then Security Settings, and lastly Security Wipe.

Again, this will delete all stored/saved data on the phone. This is normally performed before selling an old BB handset or if getting a new one.

Question 5: Are there special characters on the BB keyboard?

Response: Absolutely. Press and hold down the key you’d like to get special characters of and swipe the trackpad.

More questions? Hit the comment box below.

(Image from Google. No copyright infringement is intended in the use of the photo)