Category Archives: Tutorials

5 tips to prepare for the end of BlackBerry

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The end of BlackBerry is near…what do you do? Follow my five tips below to get yourself prepared for aftermath of the BlackBerry meltdown! Enjoy!

1. Back up your data- No matter which way you look at it a new phone is inevitable for you. Start by backing up your data and contacts now so you can port it over to your next device sooner that later. I recommend starting with your contacts first. The Google sync app for BlackBerry will backup up your contacts directly to your Google account. If you go with Android for your next device the sync will be just a simple log in. If the iPhone is your next move you will have to sync your Google account with iTunes which is not too complicated. Gmail will also handle all your calendar and appointment inputs as well. Finally use the BlackBerry desktop software to make one last final back-up from your device.

2. Start shopping- Choosing a new smartphone is very similar to choosing a new car. Ideally you want to get something that gets the job done, is reliable, and something you ultimately like and can afford. When making the jump away from Blackberry you will be presented with 3 new mobile operating systems; Android, iOS, and Windows Phone. If your Blackberry is primarily for work make sure you check with your IT professional to determine which OS they support or recommend for your network.  While shopping for a new phone you will be given a variety of options, features, and form factors which at times can get overwhelming. My favorite tool to use for narrowing down my selection is the phone finder tool at GSMarena. This tool will give you tons of options to pin point exactly which phone is right for you. You can narrow down screen size, resolution, camera, operating system, and even the CPU of the device. Once you have narrowed it down to a few choices it is time to get some prices. A simple Google search should point you directly to the carrier or a 3rd party vendor like Amazon or WireFly. Once you have your models chosen head to the store for some real hands-on time. I would not buy a car without a test drive, so make sure you give your next device a proper handling before you fork over the cash.

3. Trade-in- Once you have selected a new phone, you can now prepare your phone to be traded in to cover some of the cost of your new device. Just like when buying a new car people look to trade-in their old car to get some cash back. The better condition of your car, the more you are going to get back. Well the same goes for phones. Give that Blackberry a good scrub and remove all the grime and sweat built up from over the years. I recommend Zaggfoam from Zagg which is a gentile cleaner made just for gadgets. Next you should gather up all your original accessories (charger, battery, cables, etc..) and box if you have them. Finally head to Gazelle.com and lock n your trade-in offer for your device. Our offers are good for 30 days. We will then send you a free shipping label and most of the team even a box. Package it up and you should get paid with in 5-7 days. Payment options include check, PayPal, and an Amazon gift card (5% more).

4. App up- If you are switching to Android or iPhone you can rest assured all your BlackBerry apps will be on board. On top of that there will be another 150k apps that will blow your mind. Start looking into apps that interest you or apps that you need for work. You have also now entered a brand new world of mobile gaming when ditching your old BlackBerry. Everything from sports and RPG to first person shooters and puzzle games are just a click away.

5. Build your eco-system- Now that you have made the switch over it is time to get fully integrated. For those with an iPhone, getting emerged in the Apple eco-system is very simple. Your iPad, iPod, Apple TV are all on the same page as your iPhone now thanks to iOS and the Cloud. Share content with other Apple devices like your iPad and Apple TV over the cloud and sync all your devices with iTunes. Streaming your movies, music, and images between all your Apple devices in the house is simple with AirPlay as well. For those on Android, Google is now your new best friend. Use the Google Play store and Google drive to purchase content,  store and share images, and game all in one place. Stream content from your device or home network to the Nexus Q or other DLNA enabled devices. The options are endless with your new smartphone. Enjoy it and customize how you see fit!

So there you have it, my 5 key points when ditching the Berry for an Apple or Droid. Which ever you choose just make sure you are happy with the device, and it can handle what ever you throw at it. Some advice I like to tell my friends when they are looking for a new phone is “buy the device that you will use in 2 years”. Technology changes very fast and keeping up with the latest and greatest can become expensive. So make sure the next phone you buy is not missing anything you might need down the road. Good luck and enjoy!

The Best Travel Gadgets For Men

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With August around the corner millions of guys around the world will prepare for their big summer vacation. Whether it be Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, or just down the street many of us will look to technology to enhance our time away. From capturing memories on your camera, and checking emails from your phone, to GPS devices to find the local pub, technology can play a big part in enjoying your stay. To save you all the hassle of Googling, researching, and browsing I have compiled my 2011 gadget travel guide to make sure your vacation or holiday (which ever you call it) all goes according to plan. So slip on those sandals and get your passport ready, as this gadget guide is about to depart. Enjoy!

Communication

Let’s face it nobody can go without their phone for a week or 2, hec I can’t last 2 minutes without mine glued to my hand. When looking for the ultimate travel phone you are going to have to look at GSM models. Sorry Verizon and Sprint but your dual mode phones just complicate things. For those on T-Mobile & AT&T you are all set, just check your roaming rates to see how much your calls/data will cost you before dialing the family back home. The option I prefer is to buy an unlocked phone and use a local SIM card from that country. This along with a calling card will give you the best bang for you buck. If data and apps are not important while away you can opt for a cheap unlocked device that cost under $100. My top choices are…

AT&T: iPhone 4 ($199) – not only is it a great device but it can multitask between all your apps while sailing down the French Riviera. From a great 5MP camera, Video, Apps, and GPS, the iPhone 4 becomes the true Swiss Army knife of gadgets.

T-Mobile: HTC Sensation 4G ($199) – for those on T-Mobile the HTC Sensation is the top dog at the moment. Your apps, email, and video will never lag with its dual-core processor and Android Gingerbread OS. Plus the 8MP snapper beats out the iPhone in still shots. You will also find GPS, apps, and full HD video. While in the hotel feel free to hook it up to your HD TV to watch movies in HD quality via the HDMI MHL adapter cable.

Unlocked: The Cheap option – you can’t go wrong with a simple Nokia GSM handset. You get reliable build quality and great battery life with out all the bells and whistles of a smartphone. My personal pick is the C2-01, which is quad-band, sports a 3.2MP camera, and only cost $80. If you want a high-end unlocked device with full smartphone features you can check out the HTC Desire S, Samsung Galaxy S II, and the Nokia N8.

Photo/Video

Hopefully your vacation will be a truly memorable one, but why not secure those memories with breathtaking pictures and stunning video. When it comes to imaging you will run into 2 options, those who wish to produce high quality content who have experience with photograph; or the average Joe who just wants to snap some pics of his family on the Eiffel tower. I present my top choices for both the Pro and the Joe below.

The Pro

Imaging: Most pros are going to look for a full DSLR camera with lenses for any memory capturing moment. So I will leave the point and shoots to the average Joe. My favorite DSLR at the moment has to be the Nikon D7000 kit. At $1200 it’s not cheap but the images will rival higher-end DSLR cameras as well. It features an HR 16.2 MP DX-format CMOS sensor, twin SD card slots, and it will capture 1080p video. Feel free to purchase different lenses depending on your shooting situation, but be warned this photo habit can get pricey.
Video: If you are looking for camcorder look no further than the Canon Vixia HF S21 ($900). This little monster shoots full HD  1080p video with 64Gb of on-board storage included. With features such as 24mbps recording, built-in 1.7x Digital Tele-converter, Dynamic SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization, and Instant AF, the Vixia can handle any job no matter what the situation.

The Joe

Imaging: We all know a point and shoot will not give you the same quality as a high-end DSLR, but many new models have tons of features to make taking quality pictures a simple task. My top choices for point and shoots are the Sony DSC-TX10 and the Canon S95. The TX10 from Sony ($330) takes amazing stills with its 16.2 megapixel “Exmor R” CMOS image sensor. It also happens to shoot 3D still images and 3D panorama shots.  Plus the big features found on the TX10 is the touchscreen and its waterproof. If beaches and pools are in your itinerary the TX10 is the way to go. The Canon S95 ($379) feels great in the hands and has a solid build quality. The image quality is top notch and offers a ton of manual control features. It will also shoot 720p video and can shoot in RAW mode, which lets you shoot images without JPEG compression. The S95 is for those with a bit more photography and editing experience who don’t want to lug around a full DSLR.

Computing

For all those who just need their laptops with them for business or pleasure I have a few options to make your vacation trip an easier one. The worst part of a lugging around a laptop everywhere is…lugging around a laptop everywhere. On my trips I look for smaller more compact models, thin and light is the way to go. The new MacBook Air from Apple is my top pick for a travel computer. With an 11.6” screen and only .68” thin the MBA is the ultimate travel mate. Starting at $999 it will give you a dual-core i5 chip, 64GB SSD, and 2GB of RAM. Not a bad deal if you ask me. If you are a PC fan I would look towards the Samsung Series 9, this is the true competitor of the MBA. Starting at $999 you get a dual-core i3, 64Gb SSD, and 2GB of RAM. The Series 9 will be slightly thinner than the MBA at .65”, and honestly is one of the best looking machines on the market. If you are looking for something more on a budget you can find a Netbook (yes they still exist) for around $400.  I like the ASUS 1215n, Samsung NB30, and the HP Mini 210. Honestly if you are looking at a Netbook I would move that $400 over to a tablet which brings us to our next chapter.

Tablets

Funny how a little over a year ago people looked at tablets with the idea of “what do I do with this tablet thing?” One year later it seems that everybody has one in their bag. The king of all tablets to me is still the Apple iPad but other manufactures are slowing stealing some market share. No surprise that I have to give the iPad 2 my top choice in the tablet category. From it’s sleek design, powerful A5 chip, and dual cameras, the 2nd gen tablet can replace most laptops, media players, and portable gaming consoles. The iPad 2 can supply your trip with directions, where to eat, games, movies, books, and of course email and communications.  I honestly feel naked when I travel without mine. It is all in the Apps when it comes to the iPad, and traveling apps they are a plenty. Overall I would rate the iPad as my top travel gadget companion. For all the Android fans looking towards a Tablet I would go with the Asus EEE Pad Transformer ($399). This sleek 10.1″ Android tablet also features a snap in keyboard for typing ($149 additional charge). Unlike the iPad the EEE Pad will give you HDMI out to share videos on your HDTV plus an Invidia Tegra 2 Chip for excellent gaming and video playback. It also features a higher end 5MP camera on the back and an SD slot for additional storage. Although the Gingerbread OS is a nice upgrade from Froyo the market place does not support that many apps as iOS. The iPad and the App store dominate the Tablet market due to the sheer number of quality Apps available. iPad all the way for me.

MP3 Player/ Headphones

MP3 Player

For those who are bringing a tablet on board a media player may not be needed. Also most smartphones these days feature great media players, streaming radio, and massive storage for music. However if an mp3 player is what you want I have my top choices below. The iPod Touch 4th gen ($229) from Apple is an amazing little device; you pretty much get and iPhone minus the calling capabilities. From movies to games this personal media player has it all. For those who have the iPhone/iPad and just want a simple player the iPod Nano 6th gen is your answer. This little player is ideal for travel as it can fit and go anywhere. Starting at $149 for the 8GB model I ideally use mine at the Hotel gym when traveling, just clip it on and go. For those who just need a simple player the Sansa Clip+ from Sandisk for $40 can’t be beat. It gives you 4GB of storage and 15hrs of battery life. It also includes an FM radio for catching local tunes.

Headphones

Now that you got the mp3 player you still need to get the tunes to your head. With headphones you can look for a variety of features such as noise cancelling, microphone integration, and even Bluetooth. Headphones are not only about sound but also comfort and style. I always like to try them on for comfort before purchasing, kind of like sunglasses. I will break down my top 3 choices from each category type below.

Over the Ear:  If you are going for that DJ look you might as well do it right. My all time favorite DJ phones are the Pioneer HDJ-1000 ($169). These babies feature a wicked 50mm driver with a frequency range from 5-30,000hz. Expect massive bass and clear highs from the HDJ-1000.

In ear: The Klipsch X5 Noise Isolating ($130) in ear buds are truly amazing. They are extremely comfortable, small, and lightweight. The X5′s are ideal for long flight and trips, and the noise isolation is a plus for that screaming baby next to you.

Noise Cancelling: When it comes to complete noise cancellation Bose still remains supreme. The Bose QuietComfort 15 ($300) can put you a state of trance as all outside noise just shuts off.  A true must for those who need rest and relaxation on their next long journey.

Wrist Watch

Remember what Rocky said to Adrian in Rocky 2 “Do you like having a good time? Then you need a good watch!”…I couldn’t agree more. Over the past decade technology has become more evident in watches. From heart monitors and gps, to weather and compasses. A nice watch should be an essential piece of your travel gear. I have broken it down from high-tech, high-fashion, and high-end below.

High-Tech: The Tissot T-Touch Expert ($675) blends technology, fashion, and functionality into one unique timepiece. It features a Touch sensitive face that can display Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Perpetual Calendar, CD backlight, 2nd time zone, Barometer, Altimeter, Compass, Chronograph, Thermometer.

High-Fashion: This summer is all about the pilot watch. From its classic design to over sized face, a pilot’s watch is a travel essential in my book. IWC is the king of the pilot watch but if you don’t have $10k to dish out I would opt for the Hamilton Khaki Pilot ($800). This high quality Swiss Automatic watch features a 46mm face and comes in a variety of dial colors and strap options. Rule the sky this summer with a pilot watch strapped on your wrist.

High-End:  If you’re an international traveler who jumps from country to county, why not do it in true Bond style with his watch. The Omega Ultimate Planet Ocean ($3600) is a king among dive watches.  Available in both 42mm and 45.5mm face options this Swiss made beauty is 2000 feet water resistant with a Sapphire Crystal display. Although you will look the part of the secret agent try not to lose all your cash at the baccarat table while in Montenegro!

Luggage

If you are planning on lugging all this gear around with you make sure you have the proper bag to store it in. The Arrive Collection from Tumi is one of my favorite sets. These high quality pieces of luggage not only look good, but also help keep your precious electronics safe and sound. All these pieces below are part of the new Arrive collection.
The McCarren Zip Top Crossbody ($245) is perfect for your gadgets and your iPad. If you need something for a laptop try the Galeao Messenger ($495). For all your clothes and shoes the De Gaulle International Carry-On ($1095) should have you covered. Last but not least is your toiletry kit. Without a proper shave or wash your trip is going to stink. Try the Barajas kit ($145), which comes in 2 colors and features antibacterial lining. The entire Arrive collection can be viewed at Tumi.com

Final Words

So there you have it, the GazelleLab Best Travel Gadget Guide for Men is complete. I hope you enjoyed my gadget choices for this summer, and please feel free to comment or email me on your favorites as well. No matter what your summer plans are or where your destination may be, make sure to have fun, be safe, and enjoy your time away.
Cheers!

Buying iPad 2: How To Back-Up and Restore Your iPad 1

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For all those who are upgrading from the iPad 1 to the new iPad 2, you are going to be faced with some data migration and erasure tasks. Users will want to back-up their current iPad with iTunes in order to transition the data over to the new device. The next step would be to restore and erase all your personal information if your planning on selling it…or trading it in to Gazelle.com (shameless plug!). Check out the simple steps below for getting your iPad ready for March 11th. I have also included a video from CNET below for those who need a more visual experience. Enjoy!

1. Back Up: Connect to iTunes> Right-click (or Control-click) the iPad in iTunes under Devices and choose Back Up

2. Restore & Erase: Connect to iTunes>In the Summary tab, click the Restore button

3. Manual Erase (through the iPad): Settings> General> Reset> Erase All Content and Settings

4. SIM Card Removal: If you are moving from a 3G iPad to another 3G iPad2 REMEMBER to remove your microSIM and transfer it to the new iPad

How To Buy a Used Laptop: 5 Key Tips

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With computer manufactures releasing new and innovative models every 6 months, many consumers can still get a powerful used laptop at an affordable price. When looking to purchase a used laptop computer many factors come into play that will impact your purchasing decision.  I have compiled my 5 top tips for making sure you get the best bang for your buck when looking to purchase used gear.

1.    Determine what you need the laptop for:
Are you looking to buy and everyday machine? Gaming? Design? By determining what you will be primarily using the laptop for will help you understand what kind of specifications your machine will need to complete the tasks at hand.
For example if you will be gaming or doing projects with intense graphics or video you should opt for a machine with a faster processor, more RAM, and a high-end graphics card.

2.    Research the model:
Once you have found a certain model that looks appealing to you, Google the heck out of it. Start by searching known problems or help articles to understand if the model has any common issues or known problems. Your next bit of research should be on the standard specification of the laptop. You want to make sure the one you are buying is up to par and has not been downgraded. Also check to see if it can be upgraded. Certain laptops will only allow certain size RAM maximum or hard drive size. So if you are looking to upgrade it later this is something you should look into.

3.    Physical Inspection:
When a professional athlete signs a million dollar contract with a team he is sure to get a thorough physical inspection. This should be true for you new computer purchase as well (minus the cough and turn!). Below are the main hardware components to watch out for. If you are buying online ask the seller for detailed images or a video that will cover the items below.

•    Screen- check for dead pixels, flickering, and proper brightness
•    Hinges, Ports, and Drives- maker sure all the moving parts work from the hinges to the optical drive slot. Also try to plug in USB drives to see if all the ports work properly.
•    Battery- check to see if the battery holds a charge. If possible make sure it can stay on longer than 30 minutes. Also check the power cable and jack to ensure it powers when plugged in.
•    Use your senses- listen to strange sounds from hard drive or chassis, touch to feel for extreme heat or hot air. If it smells bad…just stay away.

4.    Check for legal issues and warranty:
With plenty of counterfeit machines and operating systems on the market you want to make sure authenticity. Look for a COA (certificate of authenticity) on the bottom of the machine. Next make sure the COA matches the OS installed on the machine. If the previous user has made OS or software upgrades, make sure they have all licenses and boxes if possible. One last thing to check would be remaining warranty if applicable. Just like buying a used car, many vehicles still offer the remaining factory warranty with the purchase.

5.    Ask question, seek advice:
If you are still undecided about your purchase ask the user as many questions as possible. The seller’s reactions should give you better clarity on how the machine was used and how honest the seller is. If possible ask for help from tech savvy friend or colleague. Obliviously a second or third opinion from an outside source can’t hurt.

Conclusion:
Finding a proper used machine for yourself does require you to do your homework, but will be rewarding at the end of the day. If researching and examining is not your cup of tea, I would recommend looking at refurbished machines from the manufacturer. This essentially is like buying a “Certified Pre-Owned” car. Normally the manufacturer will offer a warranty and money back guarantee behind their refurbished products. The savings on a refurbished machine may not be as great compared to a second hand machine, but it does replace a lot of the headache. The bottom line is whether you are buying new, refurbished, or used you make sure you know what you need and what you like. With those 2 factors decided and a bit of Google power, you should be well on your way to finding your perfect match. Remember that you can also save some cash on your new purchase by trading in your old Apple laptop, check out our website for a fast and hassle-free way to sell your Macbook. Good luck!

How to Erase All Content and Settings from your iPhone

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The process to remove all content from your iPhone is a relatively simple one, and should be completed before you sell your iPhone or trade it to Gazelle! Just follow the following steps and you will be good to go.
1. Go into Settings
2. Tap on General
3. Tap Reset (at Bottom of Menu)
4. Tap Erase All Content And Settings
Now your iPhone will begin the resetting process, and in a couple of hours your phone will be clear of all personal info.

iPhone Wipe Screen

Power Up: Android Battery Replacement Guide

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Is the battery on your Android phone feeling a bit sluggish lately? Overtime batteries just tend to loose their charging capabilities from everyday usage. Over the past years most new phones feature big bright LCD/LED displays that require bigger batteries to power them. Along with powerful processors and multitasking, batteries tend to take a beating throughout the life of your phone. Most of us either don’t charge fully or overcharge our batteries at times. If your Android device is in the market for a new battery, just click the link for your phone below and power it back up like an altered beast!

T-Mobile:
Motorola Charm
Motorola Cliq
Motorola Cliq XT
Samsung Vibrant
HTC myTouch 3G Slide
HTC Nexus One
Samsung Behold II
HTC MyTouch 3G
HTC G1

AT&T:
Samsung Captivate
HTC Aria
Sony Xperia X10
Motorola BackFlip

Sprint:
Samsung Epic 4G
Motorola i1
Samsung Intercept
HTC EVO 4G
Samsung Moment
HTC Hero

Verizon:
Motorola Droid
Motorola Droid 2
Motorola Droid X
Motorola Devour
LG Ally
HTC Droid Incredibile
HTC Droid Eris
Samsung Fascinate

When & How To Sell Your iPad?

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Apple fans around the world can usually expect some type of a new Apple upgraded product almost every year. This year already we saw a new iPhone, new iPods, and the all new iPad in April. Like many tech geeks out there most of us want the latest and greatest Apple products to replace their previous model. Over the past 3 years we have seen Apple unleash a new iPhone every summer, and the rumors leading up the launch are everywhere on the web. Many iPhone users start fixing, polishing up, backing up their old iPhone to make a quick sale in order to fund the new model. Everybody knows this pattern to be true with iPhones, but what about iPads?

With endless rumors of a new iPad coming this holiday season or shortly after, when is the ideal time to sell yours for the newer model? Some of us may wish to hold on to the current model until the new model is actually released and tested, and broken down by the press. Most techies love to be the early adopters such as myself. I have made quick checklist below on what steps to take when getting ready to sell your iPad  as fast, convenient, and profitable as possible. Check out the list below. Enjoy?

Step 1: Follow the news frequently. Rumors and news development are coming out daily. Make sure your on top of it so you don’t miss your window of opportunity. Like the leaked iPhone 4  a few months back, buyers can get a sneak peak of whats to come. Checkout some of my favorite sources below for rumors and news.

Step 2: Monitor current iPad prices both used and new. Apple may often lower prices or shell out deals when a new model is about to launch. Make sure to check-

Step 3: As soon as your hear the official launch date start your preparation to sell. Make sure you back up your device just in case you change your mind, having the data is better than needing it later. Also before your sale make sure you remove your personal data.  Check out the guides below for these procedures.

Step 4: Sell the baby! Now you have a bunch of different outlets to sell your beloved baby. Some require more work than others, and some will make you more money than others. Due to the fact that the announcement of the new iPad could be a long way from launch date, you could find yourself without a device if you choose to sell early. For this reason I recommended Gazelle as the best option. Gazelle allows you to lock in your trade-in price up to 30 days prior to mailing it. This will assure you have a better price than waiting, but at the same time allows you to keep your device until the new one arrives in most cases. Plus no dealing with customer questions, feedback, creepy dudes on the corner, etc…Just one simple and easy to use service.

Conclusion: So there you have it, the complete guide to when and how to sell your iPad. I hope this helps when looking to buy a new iPad or the next big Android Tablet. No matter what gadget you are trading up to make sure you do your homework. There are a ton of ways to maximize the value/life of your gadget through care and maintenance. Along with Gazelle.com the process should be as easy as picking up your new toy!

PS3 Move, Xbox Kinect, Wii: Motion Based Gaming How To Guide

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With all the hype this holiday season around motion based gaming systems, consumer may find it difficult to choose the proper system that fits their needs. With new hardware coming from Sony (Move) and Microsoft (Kinect), the Wii looks like it won’t take center stage this year in gaming. If you are looking to pick up one of these systems this holiday season Amazon has put together a great guide on motion based gaming. The guide breaks down 4 different aspects of motion based gaming: Controllers, Games, Cost, and Exclusive Content. If you want to check out more on this unique tutorial check out the link from Amazon below. Enjoy!

Motion Based Gaming 101

How To Replace BlackBerry Tour Trackball – Tutorial by Gazelle.com

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After showing everybody how to clean their trackball for the BlackBerry 81xx-83xx-88xx series, I had some request for changing the Tour trackball. Although the Tour trackball is a bit more complicated to remove, GazelleLab veteran Jake simplifies it in his easy to follow video below. If you run into any problems you can always hit me up @GazelleLab on twitter and I will be sure to help. Enjoy!

How To Clean BlackBerry Trackball – Tutorial by Gazelle.com

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The GazelleLab shows you how to fix and clean your non functioning BlackBerry trackball. Just check out this easy to follow video below and your trackball should be back in top form. Enjoy!