How to Learn BlackBerry Keyboard Shortcuts

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Typing with your thumbs may seem strange at first, but BlackBerry users get fast at it quite quickly. Use BlackBerry keyboard shortcuts to increase speed with typing and make better use of the many features on the device. A couple of basic keyboard shortcuts are the basis for many more that can have your thumbs flying in no time.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Find the "Alt" key. This is important for nearly all BlackBerry keyboard shortcuts. On some models it is marked with the letters "Alt," and on others it is marked with a half-moon symbol.
Step 2

Hold the "Alt" key while scrolling to move through text in a message and position the insert point, which is similar to a cursor on a computer.
Step 3

Hit the space bar twice to insert a period.
Step 4

Press the letter "C" while in the message screen to open your address book and compose an email.
Step 5

Use the "CAP" key to select more than one item in a list.
Step 6

Choose the "B" key while reading a message to get to the end. Press "F" while reading a message to launch the forward function and send the email to someone else.
Step 7

Punch the letter "T" while in the calendar screen to get to appointments for the current day.

Tips & Warnings

To get to the help screen quickly, press the "Alt" key and "CAPS" key at the same time. Then press the letter "H."
Use the basic shortcuts often, then move on to more sophisticated ones.
BlackBerry users trade keyboard shortcut kits in online forums.

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