If you have a Blackberry device running OS7 and you are not too tech savvy, you may have to spend between N2,000 - N3,000 to upgrade the operating system software of your device to OS7.1; it comes with -
* The Hotspot feature (which allows you to share the data connection on your device wirelessly with up to five other devices including but not limited to - Laptops, Tablets, Smart phones, WiFi-enabled TVs, WiFi-enabled printers)
* The FM Radio (which has been missing in all of RIM's devices up until recently)
* New APN engine (which allows you to bypass the restrictions placed on Blackberry Protect by the pseudo-BIS packages offered by Nigerian Telecoms Operators)
Alternatively, you can take your OS7 device to the Blackberry section of Slot Systems at Computer village, Ikeja, Lagos and they will upgrade your device to OS7.1 for FREE. You read correctly, the upgrade is FREE of charge, and there is no hidden agenda (maybe there is, but its not something that will take money out of your pocket, so, no worries there)
From the benefits listed above, the pertinent one for now is the new APN engine that allows you to make use of the Blackberry protect with the Blackberry complete packages offered by all the networks. This saves you 50% off the subscription for the full Blackberry Internet Service (BIS).
Why Blackberry protect? Once activated, it creates a back-up of your data (contacts, messages, memo, calendar, bookmarks) remotely (on RIM's servers) and depending on the frequency you choose, it will perform the back-up in the background. In the event of a software crash, hardware fault, or loss of the device, you can get a new device and just login to Blackberry protect and get all your data from the last back-up on the old device to the new device. This reduces the lag between transition of devices, of moving data and setting up.
What's more, you have many more options with Blackberry Protect, in the event that your device is stolen. All you have to do is login to Blackberry Protect on a computer (http://us.blackberry.com/apps/blackberry-apps/protect.html). You will need a Blackberry ID which you used when setting up your device for the first time (usually, its your email address).
Once you login, you can lock your stolen device, display a message on the screen, wipe the entire content of the device, check its location on a map (if it is GPS-enabled, and it is not underground or inside a building), and many more. This protects your data (which is more valuable than the device) and gives you total control, such that whoever stole the device or whoever bought the stolen device will not be able to use it (as you can choose to wipe the device daily, lock it daily, and display a nagging message on the screen) and all these are made possible via Blackberry Protect, and even if the device is turned off, as soon as it connects to the Blackberry servers, the command you set will be executed without delay.
So, I suggest you get Blackberry protect installed and activated on your device today! Plus, you should have a password on your device at all times, you are better off that way. Your data is your life, you can do more to protect it and prevent it from getting into the wrong hands.
On a final note, if your Blackberry device is powered by OS5 or OS6, you will have to subscribe for the full BIS packages offered by the telecoms companies in Nigeria in order to be able to use Blackberry Protect on your device.
PS: Research in Motion, makers of Blackberry did not pay me for this article, I am still waiting to hear from them.
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