The best in free BlackBerry software

One of our favorite aspects of the BlackBerry is the bevy of third party applications available. Programs are available to help perform nearly every task. Unfortunately, many of them cost money, oftentimes more than they’re worth to you. It would be wasteful, for example, to drop $24.95 on a stock tracking program if you’re not really active in the market. But it would be nice to have.

So for you we’ve compiled a list of the very best in free BlackBerry software. Take a gander. You’ll probably find something useful to you.

Google Maps Mobile
We’re not sure about you, but we’re big fans of using Google Maps to navigate unknown places.


It seems like the offering is getting better and better all the time, as we’ve seen with the addition of Street View, where you can see an often-updated picture of the street you’re searching for. That’s perfect for dealing with hard-to-navigate intersections and unclear locations.

Their map application is available free for BlackBerry users. In addition to basic map functions, it offers the ability to zoom and change routes, so you can take the path best for your needs. It also offers real-time traffic updates, so you can find your way around congested areas.

Beyond411
Trouble finding businesses in an unfamiliar location? Beyond411 compiles business listings for you. This can be used in conjunction with Google Maps, or even on its own. Beyond411, in addition to business listings, also offers driving directions.

The best part is that it can search for businesses in your area by using your GPS. This will make finding exactly what you’re looking for — and getting there — a whole lot easier.

Skip
If you’re on the go, you’re likely always rushing around, making sure to be in an exact place at an exact time. Sometimes, though, life can get in the way. Delays happen at almost every juncture, and that can sap plans pretty quick. But with Skip for your BlackBerry, you can be notified of these delays and plan accordingly.

All you have to do is e-mail your trip information to Skip, and it will take care of the rest. You get real-time updates on your flight tracking and gate information. Plus, it allows for one-click check-in for your flight. So not only does it help you cope with delay, but also affords you valuable time if you’re delayed elsewhere.

PocketMac
Yes, your BlackBerry can sync with your PC, and you might not know what to do if it didn’t. But what if you’re one of those hipster Mac owners? It can be a long and painful process. That is, unless you’ve got PocketMac. It makes syncing your BlackBerry with your Mac as simple as a few clicks. Now you can keep all of your Entourage, Address Boook, iCal, Now Contact, Now Up-To-Date, and Stickies in line on both of your devices.

BeamBerry
Ever have trouble opening attachments with certain file extensions on your BlackBerry? Most of us have. It’s frustrating, since it can be sometimes important information. There are a few solutions, but BeamBerry offers one for free. Now you can download and view any attachment just as you would on your PC. It’ll also save time on the reply e-mail that says: “I can’t read the attachment…get back to you when I can.”

Update: At the time of publication the BeamBerry software was available for free. This software now carries a price tag of $58 and is available for a one month trial.

BBScreenStream
We’ve extensively gone over the uses of BBScreenStream at BBGeeks. This is just a reminder. You can create demo videos from your BlackBerry with this software, recording it and/or displaying it right on your PC. It works great for demonstration presentations.

BBScreenShooter
BBScreenShooter does just what its name implies: Captures screen shots from your BlackBerry. You can save the images in multiple formats: .jpg, .bmp, or .png. You can check out BBGeeks’ guide to BBScreenShooter for the full details.

StockView
Plenty of applications are available for the tracking of stocks from your BlackBerry, but they’re either expensive or hard to use. StockView, though, offers the best of both worlds. It’s free, and it works intuitively. Just add the stocks you wish to track, and you’ll be able to log in and check them whenever you want.

BlackBerry Unite!
This free collaboration software can help you keep up with your team’s progress when you’re on the go. After all, that’s why you have a BlackBerry in the first place, right?

You can share pictures, calendars, documents, and more between yours and your teammates’ BlackBerrys. So you can be where you need to be, and still get those pressing projects done.

JabpLite BlackBerry Personal Money Manager
Sometimes, when you’re moving at the speed of business, things can slip your mind. Keep better track of money-related things with JabpLite BlackBerry Personal Money Manager. It’s a simple, straightforward budgeting program that allows you to keep track of expected and actual expenses.

Simple spreadsheets will ensure that you’re earning more than you’re spending, and that your money is correctly distributed. Because the last thing you need is to be getting on a flight from New York to L.A. and have a complete budget breakdown.

MobiPocket Reader
We’ve talked about the MobiPocket Reader before. It’s an excellent application for reading eBooks right on your BlackBerry. Once they were thought of as an annoying medium, but with new readers coming out for smartphones, eBooks may actually be the wave of the future.

So catch up on all of your reading as you travel. Even if you don’t, it’s excellent for daily commutes and lunch breaks. We all need an escape from the daily grind, after all.

Viigo RSS Reader
Much like the MobiPocket, Viigo gives you a quick and easy way to read your favorite blogs when you’re on the go. This is especially helpful if you have trouble reading your feeds through other mobile readers. This one is designed specifically for the BlackBerry.