How-To: Hardware Shortcuts: Blackjack Edition

One of the main problems many new users of Windows Mobile have is that the navigation can be difficult to master. It the interest of assisting with the transition from “newb” to “Windows Mobile Expert” (hmm…catchy), I’m going to explore the best hardware shortcuts for some of the devices currently on the market. Today’s device is the Samsung Blackjack.

• Task Manager: Home (press and hold). I use this one all the time. I’m a little OCD about what I leave running in the background.
• Quick Launcher: Jog Dial (press and hold). The Quick Launcher may be customized with your own applications. This is another lifesaver. Especially for those of use that have way to many apps installed.
• Quick List: Power (press and release). Menu containing options for powering off or locking the device, as well as a shortcut to the wireless manager and access to your profiles (ring, vibrate, etc.) This is much easier than navigating to Start>Settings>Profiles, though not as easy as having a plugin on your home screen.
• Voice Notes: Volume Up (press and hold). I personally don’t use this one too much…but I can see where some people would.
• Camera: Back (press and hold). This is default, but is customizable. While in Notes or the Internet Explorer Address bar (and some other places), this will clear the current line (Internet Explorer goes back to “http://”). I use it in IE more than anything…but having a customizable button is always a good thing.
• Device lock: Call End (press and hold).
• Backlight off: Mail (press and hold). Another one I use all the time, anything to save a little juice.
• Toggle Bluetooth on and off: Fn + B. This is another good power saving shortcut.
• Letter Keys (press and hold) – Types the alternate for that button (the number or symbol on the same key).

As the Blackjack is the primary handheld that I use on a daily basis, I get a lot of mileage out of these.

Any of these make your life easier? Any that I left off? Let me know in the comments.