Expert: DebiN - 11/25/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
  I've got a Blackberry model 8800 with AT&T. It has the ability to play music from a media card which works fine. The problem is that when I play music, it only comes out of the left earbud, the right side is just silent. Is there a way to make it work without buying anything else? Thanks in advance.


ANSWER: In order to hear music in stereo on a BlackBerry, you need a stereo headset. The headset that you are using can't give you the sound you want to hear because it wasn't designed to do this. Are you using the headset that came with the device, or one you purchased separately? There isn't anything that can be changed on the device or headset to make it work the way you want it to, you would need to buy another headset that allows for stereo with your BlackBerry. I hope this helps. Thanks. DebiN

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello again,
         I've tried this with several different headsets and they all come out the left side only. None of them are made by Blackberry themselves. Is it because RIM cripples it or something?

ANSWER: It's likely because the headsets are not stereo headsets. If you try a stereo headset, it will play out of both ears. The ones you are trying are mono and are typically designed for talking on the phone, but not for music. Have you tried a stereo headset that states that it works with an 8800 BlackBerry? RIM doesn't cripple anything, you just have to have a headset that is stereo and works with a BlackBerry specifically. Have you tried the headset that came with your BlackBerry?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi,
  when I mention headsets, I mean the kinds you use with an ipod. I don't use talking ones. All the ones I have are stereo.

Answer
I am so sorry for not answering this completely previously. The BlackBerry 8800 is only capable of mono playback on music. It uses a 2.5MM headset jack. The newer BlackBerrys, models 8300, BOLD, etc. all have stereo music playback capabilities, but unfortunately, the 8800 does not. I hope this helps. Thanks. DebiN