Every once in a while, we like to dig into the wide array of themes available for BlackBerry. We’ve gone over how to change your BlackBerry theme and how to download a theme via BlackBerry Desktop Manager. Plus, we’ve linked to a ton of free BlackBerry themes, and have reviewed themes from Gadgetbean (3D Icons theme and iBerry Blocks) and BlueRoomSolution (#1, #2, and #3). Today, we’re going to take one from each.
Iron Maiden theme
First up is one from BlueRoomSluton, courtesy of DJ C-Note. It features the stylings of 80s metal geniuses Iron Maiden. The main screen is absolutely superb. It features the image you see to your right. The band’s mascot, Eddie, carries a tattered British flag. That’s the entire main screen right there. There are no icons present, save for the profiles option, which is selected by default. In order to access any applications or functions, you’ll have to click in the menu key. This might be fine by some people, who prefer nothing but aesthetic brilliance when they look at their BB. For others, it can become an incredible pain in the ass.
I’ve gotten rather used to the Today Plus theme, with two main screens of icons before the full application menu. So this became a bit frustrating. It brings back the separate mailbox icons, which I loved not seeing with Today Plus. Otherwise, functionally, it works like most other themes.
The only problem I can see from a universal standpoint is the font. True Maiden fans will love it, because it’s the same font the band uses in its album artwork. Others, though, might find it difficult to read. The messages screen is also a blockier, bolder text, which might turn off some potential users.
All in all, though, it’s tough to go wrong with Bruce Dickinson and the gang. You can nab the Iron Maiden theme over at BlueRoom.
Real Enterprise Today theme
This offering from Gadgetbean will certainly tickle the fancy of minimalists out there. The Real Enterprise Today theme doesn’t claim to be more than it is. Which is a simple, business-minded theme that allows you to utilize your BlackBerry without fancy icons and multi-level menus. So many times we search for the zaniest or prettiest themes out there. Today, we’re looking at simplicity defined.
The main screen you might recognize from the Today theme series. Just a straightforward listing of messages, calendar, and phone log. Plus, if you have a Curve, a camera option. Everything else is accessed by hitting the menu button, or by hitting the Applications icon at the bottom of the main menu. From there, this acts like basically any other BlackBerry theme, with all of your applications listed. Remember, you can shuffle them around by hitting the menu key while the icon is highlighted.
The best part about this theme is that there’s no clutter. It’s all right there in front of you, and because of the simple background it is easy to see everything. And that’s the most important part, right? Who cares if you have a killer background — and Iron Maiden one, even — if you can’t read the text on the screen?
While the Iron Maiden theme is free and available via an OTA link on BlueRoom, the Real Enterprise theme will cost you $7 basically anywhere you look. You can nab it from the BBGeeks Store. Unfortunately, though, it doesn’t allow you to install the theme OTA. You’ve got to download it and install it from there.
