I don't see a thread on this, so here you go.

RIM recently release Desktop Manager v3.6, Service Pack 2 (3.6.2.9), which has support for Outlook 2003. It is available from the RIM support downloads web site.

Bigger news: RIM (and Cingular) have released Handheld version 3.1.7 for the 7280 BlackBerry. This version, which is for the 7200 series only, has one touch calling and a completely re-written phone application. A few other goodies, but the phone is the big deal. That is available at https://www.blackberry.com/SoftwareD...ient=Rc4cZBaBN

Can the software be used by a T-Mobile 7230 or is it tied to Cingular?

The "Cingular" 3.7.1 software has been successfully installed on a T-Mobile 7230 and an AT&T 7210. You may have to delete Vendor.XML in order for it to be sent to the handheld (common on BB OS upgrades), but it works perfectly. In fact T-Mobile is beta testing the exact same (identical) code (v3.7.1.21).

Quick question...

How does the OS upgrade/downgrade go?

Can you upgrade without worry?

If something goes wrong, how hard is it to go backwards?

Is there flashing of memory or is it just files on the system?

I'm just a little leary after having to do ROM flashes on my PPC PE and needing the right equipment.

Thanks.

The upgrade is done via the Application Loader within the Desktop Manager. It flashes the SRAM on the BlackBerry. The process is as follows:

Download updated BlackBerry handheld software and execute the program. Connect your BlackBerry. Start the Desktop Manager and open Application Loader. It should detect the new software and suggest an upgrade.

If you can't see a version of the OS in Application Loader, make sure the VENDOR.XML file in C:\Program Files\Common Files\Research In Motion\AppLoader is empty or not there. This file limits the OS versions available to the device through the Application Loader.

When the upgrade starts, it first backs up ALL of your application data, erases all applications, loads the new applications, reboots the BlackBerry and does a restore.

If it crashes in the middle (for some reason), you just restart the process and then do a manual restore using the backup created in step 1.

If you decide to downgrade for some reason, you uninstall the new handheld software on your desktop, install the old one, and run the Application Loader again. It will whine about downgrading, but it will let you do it.

I have had a BlackBerry for almost four years, and have never downgraded (even on betas).

Cool, I'll have to give it a try then