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I like Google’s BlackBerry applications for many reasons. They respond to the specific needs of users; Google only invests time in the most useful applications; they are easy to use; they incorporate most, if not all, of the desktop or online features; and best of all, the Google applications I showcase here are free.

Google Maps

One of the most useful application for the BlackBerry, Google Maps is a must have companion to any BlackBerry device, even if you hve BlackBerry maps pre-installed on your device. To get Google Maps for BlackBerry, use your handset to go to http://m.google.com and choose the maps link. If you don’t have built-in GPS or an external receiver, you can still use Google Maps to get rough idea of your location. The application can use triangulation data from your carrier to work out where you are. With Google maps installed on your handset, you can work out where you are, find a given location and get a visual map of how to get where you need to be. The application can also give you turn-by-turn, written directions, but these are not suitable for when you are driving, unless you have someone acting as a navigator. There are no spoken directions-it is free after all.  You can get a satellite photography view and traffic information (where supported), and you can save favorite locations to speed up route planning, The applications works anywhere for which the normal Google Maps website offers maps.

GMail Mobile

If you use a BlackBerry service to get email into your device, talking to one or more Gmail accounts is easybecause Google’s service supports the POP3 and IMAP email protocools, However, Gmail also offers users a range of proprietary features that are not accessible via standard BlackBerry push email accounts. GMail is a fully featured email application for BlackBerry devices, designed specifically for the GMail service. Although GMail is most commonly used via the GMail webssite, this application installs on to your BlackBerry handset - you can download it to your  device by visiting http://m.google.com/ and clicking on the GMail link. With Gmail  Mobile, checking and composing messages is as easy with the standard GMail web interface. Many of the same features are available via the application, including the Gmail labeling and archiving feature , which you can’t access in its true form via the email client on your BlackBerry handset.

Google Sync

If you use Gmail or the complete Google Apps web-based office suite, Google Sync is a must- have application. It will allow you to keep your BlackBerry calendar and address book synchronized with the informationin Google Apps, providing Microsoft-Exchange-like synchronization for Google’s suite. Simply put in your Google Apps username and password, and choose whether you want calendar, contact information or both pushed to your device. To get google sync, go to http://m.google.comusing your BlackBerry and choose the Sync link.

Google Mobile App

The Google Mobile App is a very basic tool that gives you a dedicated Google web search box on your BlackBerry. The application can be moved to  anywhere in your icon list, so you could have Google search just a click away on your BlackBerry home screen. If  you have installed the Gmail and Google Maps applications on to your BlackBerry, these will show up within the Google Mobile App, giving you one-click access to both, directly above the search box. To get the Google Mobile App, go to http://m.google.com on your BlackBerry and choosing the Mobile App link.

Google Talk

Once Google Talk has been installed, you are presented with your Google Talk buddy list, as seen on your  ee status information and buddy lists just like YM and MSN. The BlackBerry implementation is purely a text chat service.  Using instant messaging is best with an unlimited data plan, but be aware some providers specifically exclude the use of IM on their networks.