My previous Blackberry had some security issue with installing applications that I could never solve, so now I have a brand spanking 8707v, I’ve been busy installing everything I can find.

Google Talk for Blackberry devices
This is a full IM (instant messenger) client for Google Talk which integrates nicely with your Messages inbox, so any instant messages show up. You can’t use it to call people yet, but I think that won’t be too far away.

To install follow the following steps:

1) Open your Internet browser on you Blackberry.
2) Go to Options > Browser Configuration and check that you have the following settings:

Content Mode: WML & HTML
Emulation Mode: Blackberry

Make changes as required Save and close and return to the browser.

3) Go to the following URL:
http://mobile.blackberry.com/mss/extras

4) Scroll down to the Applications section and click on the link for Google Talk for Blackberry devices.

5) Follow the instructions on screen to download and install.

Gmail for Blackberry
This is a client for Gmail giving you access to your Gmail account without having to use the browser. It is much faster and has all the functionality of full web client, including search, which is very handy.

1) Go to the following URL using the Internet browser on your Blackberry:
http://www.gmail.com/app

2) Follow the instructions onscreen.

Google Maps for Blackberry
Complete access to Google Maps on your Blackberry. Includes map and satellite mode.

1) Go to the following URL using the Internet browser on your Blackberry:
http://www.google.com/gmm

2) Follow the instructions onscreen.
Here is the Help section on Google.

There is also a Skype client for Blackberry called Eqo. However, my carrier, Vodafone, has blocked the specific TCP/IP settings required for this to work on my device. No doubt this is a deliberate move as apparently Eqo will let you make voice calls over a mobile data network. It might work on your handset though, so give it a go.

Enjoy.

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