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Last week I was out to dinner with a few friends, and as is bound to happen at such gatherings, one of them pulled out a BlackBerry and answered an email. Usually this doesn’t affect the rest of us, but one by one everyone with a BlackBerry pulled it out to check email (monkey see, monkey do, my Berry-less buddy says). This prompted a story from one about how he’s been pocket dialing the same person three or four times a day, because he’s too lazy to lock his Berry when he puts it in his pocket. “I’ve got an easy fix,” I said, ready to impress with my BlackBerry knowledge.
Long-time BBGeeks readers might remember our quick tip about the convenience key. This is basically the same thing, though with a more pointed goal.
No one enjoys receiving pocket dials, and no one really likes making them. It’s annoying, and in some cases it needlessly wastes people’s minutes. I used to curb my pocket dialing by placing the lock keypad icon on my home screen, but even that wasn’t quite enough. Finally I had enough, and set my convenience key — for those who don’t know, it’s the button or buttons on the side of your device — to lock the keyboard. This way, it only takes one action to lock the keys.
To set the key or keys you’ll go to Options, then Screen/Keyboard. Scroll down until you see Convenience Key. Some models will have a left and right one, some will just have one. Click on the option, then scroll until you find Keyboard Lock. Set it, save it, and you’re good. Just remember to tap that button before you put away your BlackBerry, and you should never pocket dial anyone ever again.
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Filed under : Quick Tips 7 Comments
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7 Comments ↓
I find the inexpensive autostandby app works well
I think it’d be much better to go into options and turn off ‘dial from home screen’. Then you will have keyboard shortcuts, so you just press ‘K’ to lock the keyboard. I’d use the convenience key for something much more useful.
Pretty useful and convenient. I had my convenience key set to voice dial and I would continuously hear from my pocket, “say a command”. Simple solution to annoying problem.
Thanks.
Why use screen lock at all? Just use the mute key to put it into stand by mode. This will also save you battery life.
And your buddy should also check his speed dials. If he keeps pocket dialing the same person, they are probably set to a speed dial. Most likely the letter ‘Q’ or ‘P’ because they are on the outside of the keyboard and easy to pocket press.
That’s a great tip. Everyone’s needs and use varies, but this fits mine. Thanks!
[...] Stop pocket dialing in its tracks. Use the Convenience Key to lock your keyboard. [...]
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