The BlackBerry platform has been around for a while, but with record numbers of devices sold and the launch of RIM's application store - App World-there has never been a more exciting time to get into BlackBerry development. Assuming only some background in Java, C#, or a related language, this book starts with the basics, walking you through the process of downloading and installing RIM's JDE for BlackBerry - or, optionally, RIM's JDE plug-in for the Eclipse platform. This book will lead you through the creation of your first BlackBerry application, and from there, you'll master everything you need to produce and effectively distribute world-class BlackBerry applications. You'll learn how to effectively create networked applications, leverage the GPS capabilities of the latest BlackBerry handhelds, create applications that interact with the built-in applications on the BlackBerry - like the camera, contacts, and BlackBerry maps - and build user interfaces that go way beyond the plain- vanilla look and feel common among BlackBerry apps today.