November 19, 2009, 3:40 PM — BlackBerry-maker Research In Motion (RIM) recently started shipping its brand new mobile operating system (OS), BlackBerry handheld OS 5.0. The new software packs a variety of cool new features and enhancements, including improved mail-folder management options; auto-correct and word-completion typing software; and a number of personal information management (PIM) feature-enhancements. (Note: Some of the new features require BlackBerry Enterprise Server BES 5.0.)
My personal favorite new addition found in BlackBerry OS 5.0? The Message Flags feature. BlackBerry Message Flags let users quickly assign "flags" to messages for follow-up reminders, and each individual flag can be customized based on specific message needs.
For example, you can assign a quick flag reminder to an e-mail message to ensure that you respond to all the message receipts and not just the sender. And other flag types let you set "due-dates" for message responses, complete with pop-up alerts to ensure you see the reminders.
BlackBerry Message Flags are new to BlackBerry OS 5.0, so you'll have to employ one of RIM's latest devices like the BlackBerry Bold 9700 or Storm2 to have access to the features. And some functionality may not work unless you're on a compatible BES. But RIM's already started updating BlackBerry software for older devices to 5.0; Verizon Wireless recently shipped BlackBerry software 5.0 for the original BlackBerry Storm 95xx. And you can check RIM's official list of BlackBerry smartphones that will get OS 5.0 to see if your smartphone is next in line for the update.
Even if your device isn't scheduled for the BlackBerry OS 5.0 update any time soon, you can download a third-party option called Flag Your E-Mails for $2.99 from RIM's BlackBerry App World software store. The apps can't do everything the native flags feature offers, but all the basic functionality is there.
Also, check out our related BlackBerry tutorial on using folders to "unclutter" your RIM smartphone.
Now, a walkthrough of the BlackBerry OS 5.0 Message Flags feature.
Using E-Mail Flags in BlackBerry Handheld OS 5.0
The simplest way to employ the new e-mail message flags in BlackBerry handheld OS 5.0 is to assign a flag to a message you received to remind yourself of something. For example, you can flag a message from your spouse requesting that you pick up a gallon of milk on the way home from the office. And you can program your device to remind you right at 5 PM to make sure you remember the grocery store stop and avoid the "dog house."
Note: BlackBerry E-Mail Flags only work with e-mail messages, i.e., you cannot flag PIN, SMS/MMS or any other sort of messages using the default e-mail flags feature in BlackBerry OS 5.0.
To assign an e-mail flag to a specific message, scroll over the e-mail in your messages list, click your BlackBerry Menu key--located directly to the left of your trackball/trackpad--and choose the Flag for Follow Up option. A "default flag" is then assigned to the message.
You can also use a quick keyboard shortcut to assign a new flag. In your messages inbox, simply highlight a message and hit your W key.
To edit or modify your flag settings, scroll over the flagged message, hit the BlackBerry Menu key once again, and choose "Flag Properties."
The Flag Properties screen offers up four customizable options: Request, or the specific type of flag you wish to assign to a message; Colour [sic]; Status--complete or not complete; and Due date, or when you want to be reminded.
First, you should choose the appropriate option in your Request field. Choices include Call, Follow up, Forward, No Response Necessary, Reply all and a "Custom Request" option that lets you type your own message/instructions/etc.
