vB Easy Archive - Wanting to get a BlackBerry device, last minute questions

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Wanting to get a BlackBerry device, last minute questions
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Posted by: wAkO

I tried reading around, but most of the FAQs werent specific enough to what I was looking for, and the results I found from searching also werent exactly what I was looking for... so here it goes...

For the Email client it is hooked up with the BlackBerry server, however I do not plan on getting the BlackBerry data plan. I was wondering whether or not I can configure it so I can make it check my email through a pop3/imap instead?

If not, are there applications for the BlackBerry so that it uses pop3/imap? And if it isnt, how integrated is the messaging application on the BlackBerry? Is it possible I can get third party applications to notify me when I get new email?

Finally another question is... are there any games for the Blackberry? Im looking for at least tetris and solitaire...

Posted by: Moderator HF 7

Without a BlackBerry data plan you cannot receive email via pop3. Paying for a BlackBerry data plan gives you access to BIS (BlackBerry Internet Service) for your email delivery. There is no 3rd party application you can add to the device to enable email delivery without a BlackBerry data plan from your service provider. Game wise there are games available for the BlackBerry.

Posted by: wAkO

HOLY CRAP USE ANOTHER LOGIN!... please...

when I saw your name as a reply I thought I did something bad....

Im with Tmobile and the internet is working with 5.99 data plan on my MDA (WM5 device). Are there nothing that can take advantage of the internet for emails?

Posted by: Moderator HF 7

The $5.99 wap plan you have right now will not give you push email via pop3 on your BlackBerry. As I stated previously if you want your emails delivered to the handheld you will require a BlackBerry data plan from your provider (T-Mobile).

Posted by: wAkO

What about Gmail application for the BlackBerry? Does that work? Im not interested in push email, I just want an application that will check my email for me and update me if i have anything new in it...

Damn, I guess I wont be getting a BlackBerry afterall

thanks

Posted by: DubDub

No BB dataplan, no Internet and no email. It is pretty simple.

Posted by: dcboy78

I don't know about T-mobile, but the new BlackBerry Curve 8300 permits TCP connections over a regular data plan. This allows a user to check e-mail via WAP or the Gmail client without using BIS. I use Rogers, $5 for 10 MB of regular data.

Posted by: CowboyNYC

wako,

When you think Blackberry you must also think Blackberry Plan. Since RIM is designing better, more consumer friendly devices more and more are confused into thinking the BB is just another cellphone or smartphone, it's not. Some might be able to hack around, but it's really pointless. If your going to buy a Blackberry why not get the best RIM offers get a Blackberry with a plan which has the backend to support the Blackberry and all it's functions.

Posted by: sk7

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcboy78

I don't know about T-mobile, but the new BlackBerry Curve 8300 permits TCP connections over a regular data plan. This allows a user to check e-mail via WAP or the Gmail client without using BIS. I use Rogers, $5 for 10 MB of regular data.

I can vouch that the gmail client works without BIS on the Curve.

On a side note, I'm a new blackberry user, coming from a k790a. Still deciding whether to keep the blackberry or not.

Posted by: wAkO

Okay... I was looking at the sign up process of BIS and it seems like you simply get service as long as you can connect into their server. If I already have a data plan, wouldnt I be able to sign up for the BIS service because I would be able to access the site?

Because I dont think they actually individually sign up each phone when you sign up for a BlackBerry data plan do they?

Hmm, i dont think I explained what I just said too well, lets see if someone is catching on to what Im getting at...

Posted by: Moderator HF 7

Quote:

Originally Posted by wAkO

Okay... I was looking at the sign up process of BIS and it seems like you simply get service as long as you can connect into their server. If I already have a data plan, wouldnt I be able to sign up for the BIS service because I would be able to access the site?

If you want access to BIS you require a BlackBerry data plan. BlackBerry is not just a device it's a service that you pay for. The BlackBerry Curve may permit TCP connections but checking your email via wap isn't push email. If you want all your emails delivered to your handheld via pop3 then look at adding on a BlackBerry data plan to your existing voice plan for $19.99. If you're not a heavy email person and only want to check the odd email account such as gmail or hotmail via wap every now and again then you should be able to use your wap plan. That being said it's important to remember that not every BlackBerry model supports TCP connections.

Posted by: tgeekb

There are so many other phones out there that I don't understand why people want a blackberry but not a BB plan. It's like trying to put a square peg in a round hole, it doesn't work very well. Yes, you may be able to have a workaround but why no just get a phone that better fits your needs.

Posted by: dcboy78

Quote:

Originally Posted by RNmac

There are so many other phones out there that I don't understand why people want a blackberry but not a BB plan. It's like trying to put a square peg in a round hole, it doesn't work very well. Yes, you may be able to have a workaround but why no just get a phone that better fits your needs.

As a BB user who didn't always use a BB data plan, I can comment on this purchase decision. Although there are other devices that don't use BB service, the hardware benefits, form factor, software ease of use (think contact searching, calendar scheduling, and reliability) of a BB make it a superior choice, even without a BB plan.

Sync regularly with your PC, and you have a robust phone with PIM capabilities and comfortable input capabilities.

Posted by: wAkO

Quote:

Originally Posted by RNmac

I understand what you re saying... so I feel I should explain myself...

I personally love going into something totally blind, and once I learn to master it, i move on.. or at least when I get bored or too frustrated with it. When I got my MDA I had NO IDEA what the hell I was doing. I probably had to reinstall the ROM a good 5 times within the first week. I've been with this phone for a year and Im bored of it since I know enough to move on. I want something new to play with and troubleshoot. I do this with my computers as well, and have taught myself to be proficient enough in most of the major operating systems. Linux/Unix was the biggest nightmare which is why I ended up getting a Mac so i can ease my way into it.

So back to the question at hand, why do I want a Blackberry? Simply so I can play with it, crash it a few times, probably call in for warranty repairs when I brick it master it and move on.

I want to know whats the hype about Blackberries, because from what I can see from Windows Mobile devices, I dont see why Blackberry even has a market. Its time to explore another unchartered territory.

Posted by: Moderator HF 7

Quote:

Originally Posted by wAkO

You won't the same technical issues with a BlackBerry that you had with a Windows Mobile device, the BlackBerry is much more stable.

Posted by: dcboy78

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moderator HF 7

You won't the same technical issues with a BlackBerry that you had with a Windows Mobile device, the BlackBerry is much more stable.

My last device (HTC S621 running WM5 and WM6) gave me grey hairs and forced me to engage in anger management classes.

It's strange, I must have spent 20-30 hours and over $100 trying to get the thing to work the way I wanted.

Then I went back to BlackBerry and have been bored, since there are no tweaks or features I need to add. It just works the way I want it to. How quaint.

Posted by: wAkO

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moderator HF 7

You won't the same technical issues with a BlackBerry that you had with a Windows Mobile device, the BlackBerry is much more stable.

hand me your blackberry, let me play with it for a week, and Im sure I can brick it

Posted by: CowboyNYC

But you did use the BB data plan? BIS is not only email, but unlimited internet. Are you saying you had a BB and no data plan? The BB device was unable to get any data? Or you had it and just think you "didn't use it"

wako,
Yes Blackberry DOES individually sign up each phone when you sign up for a BlackBerry data plan. You can set it up online.

I agree with the others a BB device without a Blackberry data service plan is a waste, the device is just not designed for that, your only going to get 1/2 the service. The BB is not exactly designed or built for the claimed hacker in you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcboy78

Posted by: karnblack

Quote:

Originally Posted by wAkO

I want to know whats the hype about Blackberries, because from what I can see from Windows Mobile devices, I dont see why Blackberry even has a market.

It seems like you're trying to avoid the Blackberry service which is the whole reason for the hype about the Crackberry. If you take that away you cripple the device, and when you compare that crippled device to a WM phone you won't realize what the hype was about in the first place. It's all about the push email.

Posted by: tgeekb

Quote:

Originally Posted by wAkO

Well, I can certainly understand your passion for playing with the latest gadgets! It's what brings most of us here to hofo.

That being said, blackberries are not exactly the type of devices you play around with since they are mostly business tools. They can be a little "boring" compared to other devices but do what they do extremely well. If you do choose to jump on the BB bandwagon, you may find yourself more satisfied than ever before! Have fun!

Posted by: wAkO

man thats a downer... i was really looking forward to the blackberry. But after doing more research of what you guys said, doesnt seem like I really can get my email any other way than to sign up for BIS. $30 a month is just something I cant do.

Oh well, I guess Ill be stuck in the WM world... Maybe UIQ? nah, thats trash....

Posted by: dcboy78

Quote:

Originally Posted by wAkO

man thats a downer... i was really looking forward to the blackberry. But after doing more research of what you guys said, doesnt seem like I really can get my email any other way than to sign up for BIS. $30 a month is just something I cant do.

Oh well, I guess Ill be stuck in the WM world... Maybe UIQ? nah, thats trash....

Why don't you try a BB on the cheapest plan for a month, watch your data usage, and then cancel it? That way you'll get to play with it, which is what you want to do anyway.

Posted by: coop3422

I do the same thing wAKO, I have had about 15 phones in 2.5 years. I buy one, play wiht it, get bored with it an move on. Surprisingly I seem to make money every time I buy and sell a phone so I can justify my doing this. My BB Pearl is in the mailand should be here thurs, it is replacing my sammy d807 slider which I had for longer than expected. I have had a V3 and V3i, the orig razr I had for a little over a year, which is the longest I have had a phone. Best phone I have ever had was an SE W810i, almost bought another one, but like you want to see what this blackberry thing is all about and why it is so popular, and I too will not be buyign a data pan. Chances are in a couple months I will grow bored and go back to an SE like a w850i which is what I really want. Maybe I will be able to find someone on here who will trade a Pearl for an w850i, lol

. I can always hope

Posted by: wAkO

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcboy78

Why don't you try a BB on the cheapest plan for a month, watch your data usage, and then cancel it? That way you'll get to play with it, which is what you want to do anyway.

Tmobile USA only has a $30 dollar plan as the cheapest. They dont have any plan where it is my MB

Posted by: carrolldf

Quote:

Originally Posted by wAkO

Tmobile USA only has a $30 dollar plan as the cheapest. They dont have any plan where it is my MB

Actually, if it is an add-on to a voice plan, then it's only $20 for BIS. $30 is BIS as stand-alone.