vB Easy Archive - BB Pearl 8120, Wifi and Data Plan/"Tethering" Options

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BB Pearl 8120, Wifi and Data Plan/"Tethering" Options
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Posted by: CatInFL

Greetings.

I'm a soon to be Palm refugee to Blackberry. I've waited long enough and like any self respecting gadget addict, I'm already "jonesing" before I've even tasted the device

Some questions for your crackberry fiends:

1. Data Access Plan for AT&T - one of the most important functions I will need is 'net access via my XP Pro laptop via the 8120. My understanding is that the Bluetooth implementation on the Blackberrys don't include DUN or "untethered" access to get to the net. Is this correct?

2. My understanding also is that for a basic unlimited 'net access on the Pearl (not including the XP box), I'll have to pay 30 bucks for what is called "Personal Unlimited" (AT&T). Is this correct?

3. For me to get my XP box "tethered" to the Pearl, my understanding is I need some kind of "PDA" or "tethering" plan. Is this correct?

4. If number 3 is true, does anyone have any real pricing info on what these plans run, as an AT&T rep told me this whole enchilada would cost me 50 bucks a month and I can't find that price on the sites I've visited.

5. My understanding is that running Wifi does not require a data plan - I just connect to an access point and I'm good to go to get on the 'net - is this correct?

6. Regarding the Wifi implementation on the Pearl, does it support WPA2, WPA or (hopefully not) just WEP?

7. I'll assume with BB Desktop 4.3 and the included (I hope?) USB cable I won't need to use Bluetooth to do file transfers (mp3's, .doc and .xls files, etc.) Is this correct?

8. Regarding supported file types, will the Pearl run an .avi (video) and if so, does it include a "viewer" or can one be downloaded for free to watch movies? If not .avi, does it support any other standard video file types?

9. Can apps be directly downloaded onto to the gadget via a 'net connection or do they require an install/transfer? I know this in part will be dependent on what the app does, but I'm talking about stand alone apps that run exclusively on the Pearl and don't require a conduit to data residing on the PC.

10. For those of you who have "lived" on various carriers, how would you rate AT&T's service and pricing for the BB compared to others?

11. For other Palm OS refugees, how do you like standing with the "dark side of the force" and does it feel as good I anticipate it's going to be taking into account the dismal go nowhere do nothing attitude Palm has had for years forcing those of us who were once Palm "fiends" to jump ship to RIM?

Any comments would be greatly appreciated and I thank you for the help.

Regards,

Cat

Posted by: nateconq

#5 - WiFi does not require a data plan. I don't have a data plan and I surf the net on my 8120 all the time. Unfortunately, BB has made all other apps included on it (such as Music Shop) only available thru a data connection. I personally think this is bull, and there should be some app or something to make wifi work with everything. Some 3rd party apps can use wifi however, but since the 8120 is still relatively new the vast majority don't.

#7 - USB Cable is included, no you don't need to use bluetooth for file transfers. Make sure you install the BB Desktop Manager on the CD included in the box rather than the version available on the internet because the latter does not include Roxio Media Manager.

#9 - Apps can be loaded directly from the 8120's internet connection.

Sorry I couldn't help with all of your questions. Its a real sexy phone if I say so myself. I went to otterbox.com and bought the defender case for it since I'm pretty liable to drop mine in water at work. There are some really cool apps out the, such as XPlayer. I don't know if it play's avi though, all I have tried to use is .mp4.

Posted by: SciFi08

Quote:

Originally Posted by nateconq

#5 - WiFi does not require a data plan. I don't have a data plan and I surf the net on my 8120 all the time. Unfortunately, BB has made all other apps included on it (such as Music Shop) only available thru a data connection. I personally think this is bull, and there should be some app or something to make wifi work with everything. Some 3rd party apps can use wifi however, but since the 8120 is still relatively new the vast majority don't.

#7 - USB Cable is included, no you don't need to use bluetooth for file transfers. Make sure you install the BB Desktop Manager on the CD included in the box rather than the version available on the internet because the latter does not include Roxio Media Manager.

#9 - Apps can be loaded directly from the 8120's internet connection.

Sorry I couldn't help with all of your questions. Its a real sexy phone if I say so myself. I went to otterbox.com and bought the defender case for it since I'm pretty liable to drop mine in water at work. There are some really cool apps out the, such as XPlayer. I don't know if it play's avi though, all I have tried to use is .mp4.

nateconq, are you on ATT or T-mob?

Posted by: nateconq

I'm on AT&T

Posted by: Prom1

Quote:

Originally Posted by CatInFL

Not correct. Bluetooth Tethering IS possible on a BlackBerry - unsure about the 8120 though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackberryFAQs'

Model 8320 Curve (via BlueTooth): Success (T-Mobile)

http://blackberryfaq.com/index.php/...kBerry_As_Modem

Hope this works as I'd like to use it down the road as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CatInFL

2. My understanding also is that for a basic unlimited 'net access on the Pearl (not including the XP box), I'll have to pay 30 bucks for what is called "Personal Unlimited" (AT&T). Is this correct?

3. For me to get my XP box "tethered" to the Pearl, my understanding is I need some kind of "PDA" or "tethering" plan. Is this correct?

4. If number 3 is true, does anyone have any real pricing info on what these plans run, as an AT&T rep told me this whole enchilada would cost me 50 bucks a month and I can't find that price on the sites I've visited.

First off, yes AT&T does separate data pricing models.

Personal Email & Unlimited Internet
Corporate Email & Unlimited Internet
Personal Email & Unlimited Internet & Tethering
Corporate Email & Unlimited Internet & Tethering (God knows why so many seperations though).

Secondly, you should ask "customer service" as its THEIR job to assist users finding information on their site. Because if a user states that pricing is not accurate with their system then they NEED to show users the price they're quoting is accurate and valid on your bill & their billing system. Without it then you get things you're way company looses money. So ASK them how to find the seperate pricing models for what you're after.

Third, if you work for a fairly large business or corporation then ask about corporate pricing plan ... this "MAY" save you a few dollars but some restrictions in features may also limit you??

Quote:

Originally Posted by CatInFL

11. For other Palm OS refugees, how do you like standing with the "dark side of the force" and does it feel as good I anticipate it's going to be taking into account the dismal go nowhere do nothing attitude Palm has had for years forcing those of us who were once Palm "fiends" to jump ship to RIM?

RIM is not the "dark side of the force"; they just took off where Palm just stayed complacent and did not innovate. But you'll understand the BlackBerry almost like second nature. Common over the water is fine & its growing in size and abilities.

Oh yeah and do a google for an app called SUPER! its incredible for converting video/audio from one codec to the other. its PURE FREE as well. Media Manager is good as well.