There are a few programs out there for BlackBerry that allow you to track your mileage.  I tested out two programs, TrackIT: Vehicle Edition and Mileage Manager.  They both work very well to record your mileage.

TrackIT: Vehicle Edition - $24.99 at Handango

This program allows you to track all vehicle expenses in one place: mileage, fuel costs, vehicle expenses, and maintenance.  It also allows you to track multiple vehicles.  The program is very easy to use and even has a feature to view reports and graphs for your expenses.  Data can be exported to your computer using email on your BlackBerry.  Filters can be set to export certain types of data.

Mileage Manager - $9.50 at Handango

This is a more basic way to track your mileage.  If you are not interested in tracking other expenses, this program is for you.  You can easily add mileage entries to the list and export it using email in either HTML or CSV (for Excel) format.  Mileage Manager allows you to set a reimbursement amount for your mileage and will keep a running total of how much reimbursement you are owed.  This application does not allow you to view reports or graphs.  There is one “bug” with Mileage Manager.  Normally, if you press the back button on a BlackBerry, it prompts you to save or discard your changes.  With this program, the back button will automatically discard your changes.  You have to press menu, then save in order for your changes to take effect.

Trial versions of both software is available for download:

TrackIT: Vehicle Edition

Mileage Manager

Check out the video review of both applications below:

BlackBerry users can now purchase an infrared eKey fob (pictured).  This is a bluetooth device that connects to the BlackBerry similar to a headset and is small enough to connect to your key chain.  Once you enter your PIN to open a lock box, the keyfob translates the signal from the BlackBerry to infrared in order to open the lock box.

There are two types of eKey service designed for the BlackBerry.  The first is eKey Basic, which is available now.  This allows you retrieve keys for iBoxes, program iBox access hours, beam data to iBoxes (showing notes, listing highlights, and business card information), change shackle codes, and track KeyBox inventory.

eKey Professional will be available sometime in March of 2009 and will include all of the features of eKey Basic.  It will also include eDATA Mobile which allows realtors access to listing information while on the go.  eDATA allows searching of MLS listings that can be viewed on Google Maps.  It also shows updated contact information for other agents and gives you the ability to receive real-time showing notifications.

You can find out more information about eKey for BlackBerry, including an order form for the IR keyfob by clicking here.

e-Mobile Software has created a program for the BlackBerry operating system that allows you to have an active desktop. e-Mobile Today Professional lists missed calls, contacts, calendar entries, tasks, emails, and text messages all on the main screen. Add-ons can also be purchased to include weather, news, and stocks. You can customize the background image and also remove certain features from the home screen. Shortcut keys can be assigned for easy access to applications on the BlackBerry. To exit to the main BlackBerry operating system, just press the end call button.

Some things that can be improved:

• E-mail accounts are not separated.
• The home screen does not recognize MMS (picture messaging).
• Voicemails show up as an SMS.
• Interface takes a little time to get used to.
• Must exit program to lock keys.
• Cannot dial from active desktop. Green button can be pressed to access call screen.
• Program takes over BlackBerry OS. Returns to the program after a certain amount of time.

The program is pretty useful despite a few shortcomings. I am looking forward to testing out the News, Weather, and Stocks add-ons. Check out a video of the software in action below:

Download software:

e-Mobile Today Professional Edition

e-Mobile Today Weather Expansion Pack

e-Mobile Today News Expansion Pack

e-Mobile Today Stocks Expansion Pack

The following video demonstrates how Quick Response can:

• Help you quickly respond to messages by using preconfigured templates.
• Create templates from scratch and using received messages.
• Insert templates.
• Use placeholders.

You can purchase QuickResponse or download a trial version here: Quick Response Download

With Hurricane Gustav and Tropical Storm Hanna threatening the gulf coast region, I wanted to share a few tips on being prepared for these storms.

Our email system is housed out of state and will continue to operate as normal in the event of power failure in our area.  There are several factors that may impact to receive your email on your computer or mobile device.

· If power or internet is down in your area, you will not be able to send or receive messages from your computer during this time.

· In addition, your calendar, address book, tasks, and memos from your computer will not synchronize with our server.

· Any incoming email messages will continue to be received by our server and will come to your computer as soon as power and internet is restored.

· You have Outlook access at http://mail.securembox.com from any internet connected computer.  Shared contacts and calendar are not available on the online version of Outlook.  Login with your full email address as the username and your current password.

If you use a mobile device, you will have the ability to send and receive messages and continue to synchronize with our server as long as your wireless carrier is operating as normal.

· If you are using an AT&T  BlackBerry, your carrier is operating correctly if you have “EDGE” or “GPRS” (all capital letters) next to your signal bars.

· For Verizon BlackBerry users, you should have “1XEV” by the signal bars.

· Windows Mobile users generally have an icon “E” or “3G” signifying that you have correct data service.

· Even when your cell phone is reading a normal data signal, an influx of usage could cause some delays in data being sent and received.

· Text messaging, PIN messaging (for BlackBerry users), and email are usually the best ways to communicate using your cell phone if voice calls are not working as normal.

You may want to back up any data from your computer to a USB flash drive or to a CD.

**Emails, contacts, calendar entries, and memos are backed up to our server and can be easily restored.

If there are any questions regarding any of your wireless or computer needs, do not hesitate to contact me at info@wirelessiqllc.com. In the event Baton Rouge is evacuated, I will forward the landline number to my cell phone or another landline phone.

Visit www.getagameplan.org for tips on hurricane preparedness.

From my live blog:

9:29: Just saw a copy of an email about the system issues stating:

“Current Issues and Workarounds

These are the issues that are currently being worked. We do not have solutions for some of the systematic issues just yet. As many workarounds as are available are provided below.

Issues upgrading a FT line (CARE only):

Work around to get customer out the door: split line off of the FT, make individual and then put back on the FT account.

Tethering for Unbrick is slow or erroring (telegence and care)

Send customer home to tether. Reps will still be comped.

Cannot add a line to an existing FT account (CARE only):

New line Port-in Failures:

The vast majority of our port failures have been because the rep is not asking for the Pin/Password. This field MUST be populated if the customer has a pin/passcode on their account.

Cannot sell out the 16GB white device (69115)- not available for sale (care and telegence) on both new line (port) and upgrade:

Not showing as a 3G device.

The CSS for upgrades in CARE markets is not printing the Upgrade Fee for ANY phone sales. iPhone and non-iPhone.

Rep must be sure to cover the fee with the customer. Fix is not until Tuesday.

Feature Conflict with Existing FT Messaging”

I didn’t get the second page, so if anybody wants to fill that in, email me.

Picture after the jump.

7:00: Daycare was a few minutes late opening but traffic was not too bad. I am number 59 in line. It just so happens that my spot has a bench to sit on. They won’t tell us how many are in stock. I got a free bottle of water. I wonder what happens if I have to go to the bathroom. I’ll take it easy on the water. Pictures below.

I just saw a person that was waiting in line last year for the iPhone and the Ms. Debbie Heroman, the lady that did our flowers.

7:22: The guy in the number 61 spot bought a first-gen iPhone two weeks ago and now has to wait in line to exchange it for the 3G version. What rock was he hiding under?

8:00: The doors are finally open. I ran to Starbucks to use the bathroom while someone held my spot in line. I talked to the first people in line and they said they got here about 11:30 last night. I also got a glimpse of the new phone. Pretty nice looking. The line is moving fast.

8:30: Pretty much at a standstill. I’m sure activating in store this year is going to make the wait a little longer. I’ve made a few business contacts while waiting in line.

8:40: Someone just came outside and said there was a “small glitch” in the system. Great.

8:44: I’m starting to hear a lot of cell phone conversations saying “I’m gonna be a little late for work.”

8:49: Some guy just shouted “Does anybody want to buy a BlackBerry Curve?!” My battery is about to die on my laptop. I’ll be back when I plug it back in.

9:29: Just saw a copy of an email about the system issues stating:

“Current Issues and Workarounds

These are the issues that are currently being worked. We do not have solutions for some of the systematic issues just yet. As many workarounds as are available are provided below.

Issues upgrading a FT line (CARE only):

Work around to get customer out the door: split line off of the FT, make individual and then put back on the FT account.

Tethering for Unbrick is slow or erroring (telegence and care)

Send customer home to tether. Reps will still be comped.

Cannot add a line to an existing FT account (CARE only):

New line Port-in Failures:

The vast majority of our port failures have been because the rep is not asking for the Pin/Password. This field MUST be populated if the customer has a pin/passcode on their account.

Cannot sell out the 16GB white device (69115)- not available for sale (care and telegence) on both new line (port) and upgrade:

Not showing as a 3G device.

The CSS for upgrades in CARE markets is not printing the Upgrade Fee for ANY phone sales. iPhone and non-iPhone.

Rep must be sure to cover the fee with the customer. Fix is not until Tuesday.

Feature Conflict with Existing FT Messaging”

I didn’t get the second page, so if anybody wants to fill that in, email me.

10:32: Finally in, out of the 92 degree heat. It is a little heated in here, with people frustrated by the system slowdowns and news that they are not eligible for upgrade. The combination of the two has caused a pretty long wait.

I’ve been told that I will have to activate the phone using iTunes. They also have to change my rate plan to the same rate plan??? It was easier when you just had to buy the phone and then activate through iTunes.

10:50: Got to play with a demo. 3G is pretty fast, but I noticed that the frame rate is lower than using wifi. i’m going to post a video review once I activate through iTunes.

11:10: I’m done. Not sure what all just happened, but I am getting out of here. Still have to “unbrick” through iTunes. I might wait until a little later to activate it.

11:23: As I was walking out, I heard a manager say they were out of 16GB in black.

Pictures below.

AT&T is finally allowing customer’s to cover PDAs and smartphones under their insurance program.  This coverage includes unintentional liquid/physical damage and lost or stolen cell phones.  You may also make a claim if your phone has warranty issues after the one year warranty is up.  The monthly service charge for insurance coverage remains at $4.99 per month per phone.

Until November 3, 2008, all claims covered under the insurance program will have a $50 non-refundable deductible.  After that time, a tier system will be used to determine the deductible you will have to pay.  Tier 1 will be a $50 non-refundable deductible and Tier 2 will be a $125 non-refundable deductible.  Tier 2 phones are high end PDAs, including the latest BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, and Palm Treo devices.  Phones may be moved from Tier 2 to Tier 1 during the phone’s life cycle, reducing the deductible.

There is a 30 day enrollment period that begins on the day you purchase the device.  You may want to call the insurance number (1-888-562-8662) and ask if they will make an exception due to the new policy.

Check here (pdf link) to see if your phone is eligible.

You can view more information about AT&T’s insurance policy here.

Ben
ben@wirelessiqllc.com
www.wirelessiqllc.com

From any cell phone browser, you can go to m.facebook.com and pull up a mobile version of the social networking website.

You can upload pictures and video from your cellphone by sending a multimedia message (MMS) to mobile@facebook.com.

In the video below, we review the Facebook application that was designed for the Palm Treo 680, 755p, and the Centro. Facebook is accessed using the internet connection through a program instead of the web browser.

To download it directly to your compatible Palm device, use the phone’s browser to go to http://mobile.palm.com/facebook. The installation process is also covered in the video.

Click “Continue Reading…” to view the video.

Ben
ben@wirelessiqllc.com
www.wirelessiqllc.com

*When opening the training, you may be prompted to install the WebEx application.

Feel free to pass this information on to anybody that would find it useful.

Training: http://www.wirelessiqllc.com/training.php

Contact us if you or your company is interested in additional training.  Wireless I.Q. provides on site training in addition to live and prerecorded online training.

Ben
ben@wirelessiqllc.com
www.wirelessiqllc.com