How to Dial 'Alpha' Numbers on Your BlackBerry

Reader screamcap has a problem: Because his BlackBerry lacks a traditional alphanumeric dial pad, it's impossible (or at least very difficult) to dial numbers like 800-GO-FEDEX or navigate an automated phone directory (e.g., "enter the first three letters of the person's last name").

Fortunately, there's an easy solution: Hold down the Alt button while tapping the appropriate letters. The BlackBerry will automatically convert them to the proper numeric tones. If your model has a keyboard where the letters are doubled up, just press twice (while holding down Alt) to get the "second" letter for any given key.

Hey, and while we're on the subject of BlackBerry tips, here's a favorite: At the end of sentence, press the space bar twice to get a period, a space, and automatic capitalization of the next letter. Got one of your own to share? You know where: the Comments!