How to use the BlackBerry's new e-mail flags
The new BlackBerry 5.0 OS includes this handy ability to set reminders up for your e-mails
Follow @infoworldBlackBerry maker Research in Motion (RIM) recently started shipping its brand-new mobile operating system, BlackBerry 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 e-mail messages for follow-up reminders, and each flag can be customized based on specific message needs.
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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 have one of RIM's latest devices like the BlackBerry Bold 9700 or Storm 2 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.










