This post is dedicated to enhancing the performance, battery life and overall productivity of your BlackBerry Storm 9530 and 9500. The information below is a combination of what I’ve learned along the way by playing with and testing different things with my BlackBerry Storm and from reading and learning from great resources, such as the CrackBerry Forums, which is well informed group of some of the most advanced and knowledgeable BlackBerry users.  I’ve attempted to categorize the information below to help you better find what you’re looking for.

IMPROVE PERFORMANCE AND BATTERY LIFE

For the steps below, I have to give credit where credit is due. Each step below has been compiled from a few different threads on Crackberry.com, A guide to make your Storm BETTER by Scoops and How to: Save Battery On Your Storm by BBA. To see noticeable and significant performance and battery enhancements, you don’t need to use all the steps, but I’ve listed them all so you can use what works best for you.

Modify GPS Settings = Click  Options -> Advanced Options -> GPS -> Change GPS Service to E911-> Save *Note: Some Applications, such as WeatherBug, Poynt, Maps and others will need the GPS settings On to work properly.

Results: Turns off your GPS, enabling only 911 to access your location. Enhances your battery life.

Change Network Settings = Click Options-> Mobile Network -> Click Network Technology -> Change Network Technology to 1XEV if you’re in North America or 2G if in Europe

Results: Increases Battery Life and Performance

Lower Your Backlight Timeout Settings = Click Options -> Screen/Keyboard -> Change Backlight Timeout to lower setting, i.e. 10

Results: Enhances your battery life

Lower Your Blackout Brightness = Click Options -> Screen/Keyboard -> Change Blackout Brightness to lower setting, i.e. 10

Results: Enhances your battery life

Disable Bluetooth if You Don’t Need It = Click Manage Connections -> Uncheck Bluetooth

Results: Enhances your battery life

Turn off LED Flash Alerts for Message Alerts = Click SMS and Messages -> Menu -> Messages Alert -> Click one listed item at a time, changing LED: to Off -> Save

Results: Enhances your battery life

To find more tips, tricks and how-to’s, visit the CrackBerry BlackBerry Storm Forums.

MAINTENANCE

To keep your BlackBerry Storm running smoothly and efficient, you’ll want to do occasional, routine maintenance. One thing I failed to realize when I first purchased my BlackBerry Storm was that every application you open, remains open and running in your background. If too many Apps are running in the background, this can kill your battery and significantly effect your Storm’s performance. In addition to Apps running in the background, downloading several Apps can suck up all your memory and have an effect on your performance. Below are a few tips to follow to keep your BlackBerry cleaned up.

Close Unnecessary Apps Running in the Background = Hold the Menu key -> Close

Charge on Regular Basis – Especially when it’s brand new, ensure you charge it for atleast 12 hours. I typically regularly charge my device every night before going to bed.

Delete Unused Apps = Click Options -> Advanced Options -> Applications -> Highlight Apps to delete, one at a time -> Click Menu -> Scroll down to select DeleteDelete all apps that you are not going to use.

Create a Maintenance Folder = Click Menu -> Add Folder-> Name Maintenance or whatever you choose, then you can move all your Maintenance Apps or utilities to this folder by highlighting each item, then clicking Menu -> Move or Move to Folder. I have Options, Memory Clean, Manage Connections and QuickPull in my Maintenance Folder for quick access.