vB Easy Archive - Smartphone for backup internet?

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Smartphone for backup internet?
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Posted by: temnik

I am looking for a smartphone to use as my day-to-day phone and backup internet access device when I'm out of the office.

I don't need to use it for e-mail, but QWERTY would be a plus.

8820 seems to fit the bill - I can get it cheap (refurbished) and wi-fi is nice to have.

On the other hand, I heard that browser software is weak on blackberries. Would anyone care to share his experience with RIM's software?

Thanks!

Posted by: penpower

get a referb tilt and tether it with your laptop or use opera mini on WM.

And yes, rim's web browser is weak and no flash support at this time.

Posted by: temnik

Thank you. Is Opera Mini much better than RIM's browser?

Posted by: penpower

In terms of speed and functionality, opera mini is way better than internal browser. However, opera mini still has some limitations when compared to its desktop counterpart, such as accessing some flash web site or site requires security features.

Take a look at this review of v4.0 http://the-gadgeteer.com/review/ope...ile_web_browser

Posted by: temnik

Thank you. I don't need flash on my QVGA screen, but I do need robust SSL and decent tables.

Posted by: DubDub

If you get a BB, you really need a BB dataplan for Internet. Some get OK service with Opera Mini and a standard, non-BB dataplan, but from what I read, it isn't a great substitute.

Posted by: temnik

Thank you. In my research I found a nice summary of what goes wrong with blackberries in the no-OTA/wifi-only scenario. Basically, a lot of applications (including Opera) don't work with wifi connection. My knowledge of computer science and architecture is definitely insufficient to explain it in a rational (non-evil) way.