The 8525 (and the previous Cingular 8125) provide decent messaging capabilities, both with SMS text messaging as well as full blow POP email access.

However, some irritating quirks and limitations exist in the internal Windows Mobile Outlook software - which can cause baffling error message pop ups and strange behavior. Below are some quick fixes and tips to tame the Mobile Outlook beast within the 8525 mobile pocket PC device.

Cingular forces their Xpress mail personal email service and software. You really don't need it, the 8525 smart phone has the Windows Mobile operating system which includes the Windows Mobile Outlook email client. The Cingular Xpressmail setup is very easy to setup however, so if one is a techno-phone it may be the preferred option.

To save time and headaches later, ensure you select the correct format (POP or IMAP) and select a short and meaningful name for each connection (instead of the default POP3) - since these two options CANNOT BE CHANGED AFTERWARDS. Enter the login name and password and check the STORE box, or it will drive you crazy later.

After completing the options setup for the mail account, your 8525 device will ask if you want to download mail. SAY NO! If you have other mail accounts, set them up now, always saying NO to download new mail after each is complete.

There is some weird problem with the Windows Mobile Outlook software, the settings that like you have entered have not actually taken effect yet. Press and HOLD the power button till the phone grumbles about being shut down - say YES. Wait a few seconds till it finally dozes off. Then use the stylus and poke the reboot button (the little hole next to the USB) and wait for the Cingular 8525 to restart.

Before you can pick up mail - yet another bug has to be squashed in the 8525 email Outlook client. Send an email to yourself on your desktop PC. If no mail is found the first time, mobile Outlook will constantly give "Messages could not be downloaded" errors. Finally, go to Messaging on your Cingular 8525 mobile PDA device and tap MENU, tap SEND RECEIVE MAIL on the pocket PC. With any luck, your initial test email will be picked up. Repeat for all mail accounts setup on the 8525 phone. Once you can receive email, try sending an email outbound.

If you get mail errors, go into the OPTIONS and tap the mail account, ensure all settings and passwords are correct, then save, power off, reboot and try again. It will eventually work, so be patient with it!

RSIs are caused by repeating the same task over and over again, such as constantly clicking your mouse or striking your keys too hard. These tasks can cause wear and tear on your body's soft tissues (tendons, nerves, etc). If care isn't taken to rest these parts, permanent damage can result.

Some of the more common RSIs are:

• Tenosynovitis – inflammation of the tendon sheath
• Tendonitis – inflammation of a tendon
• Epicondylitis – an inflamed tendon that attaches itself to the bones at the elbow
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – the compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel
• Cubital Tunnel Syndrome – compression of the ulnar nerve where it passes the elbow near the "funny bone."
• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome – affectation of the nerves and blood vessels of the neck and shoulder

• Tightness or soreness
• Throbbing or sharp pain
• Numbness / tingling / burning sensation
• Loss of strength in the hands, arms, shoulders or neck

Some of these symptoms may not reveal themselves while you're at work. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, for instance, sometimes manifests as hand numbness or tingling while you are trying to sleep. Usually, however, your first symptom of an RSI will be localized fatigue (aches, pains, loss of strength or trembling) in the affected limb. These sensations will increase if you continue the damaging activity, but usually decrease after stopping the task. If you begin to experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. A day or two could make a significant difference.

Factors known to contribute to RSIs:

• Monotonous or Repetitive Tasks – performing the same action with the same body part
• Posture – placing a joint toward its extreme end of movement in any direction away from its neutral or centered position
• Force – performing a task with excessive muscular exertion
• Static Exertion – holding an object or part of the body in the same position for an extended period of time
• Contact Stress – direct pressure on nerves or tendons from resting a body part on a hard or angled surface
• Exhaustion – infrequent or inflexible breaks while performing repetitive tasks

• Keep frequently-used items within arm's reach so that you needn't stretch uncomfortably to get them
• Adjust your chair so that your feet lie flat and your thighs are parallel to the floor
• Be sure to have proper support for your hands and forearms when you use your keyboard (either on a tabletop, wrist rest or the arms of your chair)
• Avoid bending your wrists for any lengthy period of time
• Adjust your typing (you know that typing is a critical skill that is absolutely need today) style and keyboard position to avoid striking the keys too hard
• Get up from your desk at regular intervals and move around for a few minutes
• Knowing the risk factors and symptoms of RSIs can go a long way toward preventing them. For more information on this topic, consult your physician.