How to Communicate With Other Blackberry Users

Messages sent from one Blackberry device to another are called PIN messages. When sending and receiving these messages, you must use the 8-digit personal identification number (PIN) assigned by Blackberry. These confidential messages make it easier for busy people to communicate in private.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Set the email option on your Blackberry by selecting "Options" then "Status." Your options icon will look like a pocket knife. Set your Blackberry's profile to send and receive PIN messages as level 1 messages.

2. Create a list of other people's PINs in your Contacts, in order to use the PIN message option with them. Type a person's PIN directly into the "To" field, if they are not in your contact list already.

3. Select "Compose," press "To" and search your Contacts. Select "PIN" and enter the PIN of the person you're sending the message to. Press "Enter" and compose the message as usual.

4. Receive notification that the other person received your PIN message. Use the PIN option when you are ready to send another email to the same person.

5. Use PIN messages from one Blackberry to another to eliminate message trails on desktops and servers. Remember, however, that there are no PIN-to-PIN encryptions, so do not send sensitive information.

Tips & Warnings

• The "Push Technology" used by Blackberry, when using PIN message communication, allows emergency messages to get out when email and voice mail cannot. This is due to the small amount of bandwidth used.