To start using BAW, go to BlackBerry App World to download the software. You will need a PayPay account to purchase the applications. If you do not have one, you can sign up at paypal.com. Also, take note of the followings:

• BlackBerry Device Software of 4.2 or higher (latest as of April 09 is version 4.5) is required.
• Only BlackBerry Smartphone with a touch screen or trackball is supported.
• BAW is only available to users in US, Canada and UK. Not all networks are supported.

Connect your BlackBerry to your computer via USB to download and install on your Smartphone. You will have to use Microsoft Internet Explorer as RIM uses ActiveX controls. Once BAW is running on your BlackBerry, you will see several featured apps on the home screen; similar to App Store on iPhone. BAW supports both free and for purchase applications (as low as US$2). There are a couple of hundred of apps to choose from in the store. The interface is very easy to use, although you have to go thru some menus. For the apps, you can see the publisher’s description and read user reviews. Just click on the link
and it will download directly to your BlackBerry. Downloading of the app is easy and hassle-free. The app will download into your phone Download folder.

BAW is not as flashy as iPhone App Store but it works pretty well. The problem it not faces is the low number of app, but I have no doubt that in the next few months it will definitely grow. The collection of app is already very good. Seem that the App Stores path is the trend for the Smartphone’s war. Now where is the Symbian App Store?