vB Easy Archive - Using a Blackberry without the Blackberry features

Pages: 1 2 3

Using a Blackberry without the Blackberry features - Possible?
(Click here to view the original thread with full colors/images)

Posted by: indie_b

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alpinemaps

Okay, my turn for a couple of questions. I did a search, couldn't find anything (but may have missed it), so here goes.

I have two BB 8310 and AT&T set up on a family plan. I've got the Unlimited Family Text Plan for $30. Since I'm posting in this thread, I obviously don't have BB services on these lines.

1. Texting works fine, but I can't seem to send MMS messages on either phone. I do have data services turned off.

2. Is IM'ing available? I can't seem to figure that one out. I seem to see conflicting info. I swear on the board I see that IM'ing is a data service, not part of this plan. But AT&T's website says you can do unlimited IM'ing. If I can IM - what IM should I be using? BB Messaging? Or something else?

1. MMS you need BB data plan to do so. regular text does not use "data"
2. unsure about BB messagin. I use BeeJive as it uses data. ... but I only have ATT Blue unlimited mmode.... i don't have BB Data on my BB.....

1 want to try to PIN.. but i have no one to test that with if it will work without the BB data. will try with my sis tonite since she just got a BB with full capabilities.

Posted by: indie_b

Quote:

Originally Posted by vibe69

that is completley WRONG. I dont have a data package and i can send MMS, go download another carriers OS and install it on your blackberry, im using the T-Mobil one with my Rogers BB and i can send MMS just fine without a data package and it doesnt cost me any extra.

on ATT you can not get MMS without BB data regardless of what carrier OS you use.... tried already... even if u use regular ATT data (no BB DATA) it will not work.

EDIT: I would love to be proven wrong so i can start getting MMS.. lol

Posted by: Alpinemaps

On the AT&T Family Messaging Unlimited, that includes unlimited MMS. I believe there's a 300K cap on each MMS, but the MMS are included.

I don't have a data plan, but do have the FMU, so that does give me the MMS for free.

(I ended up swapping out my Curve - AT&T Corp Store I was working with figured out the problem was the device. I can send and receive without issue on the new Curve I got)

Posted by: E92Vancouver

If anyone wants to access email on their BB without a BB data plan, you can use Logicmail. This is a POP client.

http://www.logicprobe.org/proj/logicmail

Posted by: tiggit

tiggit mail was written to allow people with out BlackBerry data packages to access their email accounts such as g-mail and yahoo. it is a full POP3 and IMAP client. It also works with pay as you go tariffs.

Some BlackBerrys cannot make direct internet connections, due to corporate firewall controls, and so tiggit mail can also use http to connect to mail servers.

www.tiggit.com

Posted by: andywitzz

Just got off the phone with a Verizon rep. Their deal with RIM, is that Verizon requires anybody who has any blackberry device on their network, to also pay for a data plan.

The lowest data plan available: $29.99

Posted by: tigerwolf

Quote:

Originally Posted by andywitzz

Just got off the phone with a Verizon rep. Their deal with RIM, is that Verizon requires anybody who has any blackberry device on their network, to also pay for a data plan.

The lowest data plan available: $29.99

I *think* U.S. Cellular lets you use them without data plans...I hope.

I've been sort of toying with the idea of getting one, since it seems like MAYBE I'd be able to use it as a PDA (since it's got Docs to Go available for it...though it seems like it might be harder to use than the Palm one).

Posted by: tiggit

Most carriers will want you to have a BlackBerry data tariff. This is to pay for the infrastructure they need to install to run the BlackBerry handhelds: Mobile Data Server and BlackBerry Internet Server. I imagine there is also some kind of commission paid to RIM for routing email through their NOC.

Tiggit mail is an application that allows you to access your email from a BlackBerry handheld that is not on a BlackBerry tariff - i.e. a regular GPRS service. (These are often cheaper.)

You can also use the Opera Browser with a regular GPRS service too. So the combination of tiggit mail and Opera gives you the same functionality as the native BlackBerry applications without the on-going cost of a BlackBerry tariff.

Posted by: bravens52

I have sprint and the blackberry curve 8330 i dont pay for the bb data plan..I have sprint unlimited vision data plan and unlimited text messages...i downloaded opera mini browser(better than the bb browser ive heard).I downloaded Y!Weather (just for quick weather updates) Now all i need is a good gps system that you can download via pc as well and i have everything that the blackberry has to offer with its data plan..( I LOVE THESE LEGAL LUPOLS)

Posted by: misterlilb890

If you want MMS do you have to get the data plan? Just Wondering

Posted by: tigerwolf

MMS would be different, except you'd probably need a data plan anyway because most carriers seem to require it

Posted by: misterlilb890

I took a look at this and it is claiming to not make me pay the blackberry fee. Although, I didn't get email.
Shopping Cart

Please confirm your order and continue to checkout.
Normal delivery is 1 to 2 business days. Pre-orders will ship when item becomes available.

Plan & Phone
Item Qty Total Due
Monthly Total Due
Today
Plan 1
BlackBerry® Nationwide Email Unlimited Change | Remove 1 $129.99

Phone
BlackBerry® Curve™ 8330 Smartphone - regularly $219.99 Change | Remove 1 $149.99
One-time activation fee (will appear on first bill) $35.00

Accessories Add Accessories
Included Accessories

Features Add Features
Included Features
Additional Features Change Features
500 messages PLUS Unlimited IN Messaging $10.00
Decline Equipment Protection $0.00
BroadbandAccess Connect - 1st Month Free, $15/month thereafter $15.00

I don't see the Blackberry data plan anywhere

Posted by: andywitzz

Quote:

Originally Posted by misterlilb890

Plan 1
BlackBerry® Nationwide Email Unlimited Change | Remove 1 $129.99

That's a data plan.

Posted by: JeffMerr

I had a question for you all.

I just recieved my Blackberry Pearl under the SERO plan.

I want to MAKE SURE that I don't accidently use any of the blackberry features so that I don't get some crazy bill at the end of the month for using something not on my plan. I have data, so I have been using Opera, but what other things can I use that won't use any of the BB features, can I use google maps? any other advice is appreciated. Also if there is a way to turn the features off so that you don't accidently use them that would help.

Posted by: thehuydog

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffMerr

I had a question for you all.

I just recieved my Blackberry Pearl under the SERO plan.

I want to MAKE SURE that I don't accidently use any of the blackberry features so that I don't get some crazy bill at the end of the month for using something not on my plan. I have data, so I have been using Opera, but what other things can I use that won't use any of the BB features, can I use google maps? any other advice is appreciated. Also if there is a way to turn the features off so that you don't accidently use them that would help.

I have the same thing, except mine is the curve. If you go to your sprint account and go down to data usage, then you should see two things:

Text
Data.
Both should say unlimited. Googlemaps and what not should be fine. You can't "tether" it to a laptop for free though, or you have to pay like 30 bucks? for the modem feature. You shouldn't get charged for using any "blackberry" service...b/c you never signed up with blackberry.

Posted by: martymar09

Yeah totally. My buddy has a Curve and he doesn't have the internet plan, only voice and text.

Posted by: youm0nt

so would i be able to get on the internet with a wifi blackberry(example: connect to the wireless work in home) from the posts ive read, ill need the data plan?is this correct?

Posted by: tigerwolf

Quote:

Originally Posted by martymar09

Yeah totally. My buddy has a Curve and he doesn't have the internet plan, only voice and text.

How? Who with? The post ahead of yours was talking about having a data plan.

Posted by: evanllama18

my friend put a prepaid at&t sim in her 8310 and it works fine, except for the browser and anything with data....

Posted by: stuntd97

Quote:

Originally Posted by youm0nt

so would i be able to get on the internet with a wifi blackberry(example: connect to the wireless work in home) from the posts ive read, ill need the data plan?is this correct?

If your BB has wifi, you will be able to connect with the wifi without a data plan. You just have to change the browser settings to hotspot browser, or it wll not work. Keep in mind though, you will not have push email or the BB messanger. But you can get other apps to check email (logic mail), etc.

Posted by: doyphoto

Ya, that's kinda like a car that doesn't go anywhere, right? What's the point of a Berry without BIS/BES? Like superman that can get shot - he's not bullet-proof?

Quote:

Originally Posted by martymar09

Yeah totally. My buddy has a Curve and he doesn't have the internet plan, only voice and text.

Posted by: superiorsam

by a car and sit in t only to listen to the radio

Posted by: tigerwolf

It's nothing like those things. People have already given plenty of reasons we'd like to be able to get these types of phones without a data plan.

Posted by: bzzztobee

hmmm. does anybody know whether there are any canadian phone companies (Rogers, Telus, Bell, Virgin) that allow you to get a BB w/o a BB plan? I already have a SIM card from a Telus pay as u go phone, can i buy a BB with no contract price with them and insert my SIM card in? i really dont need to surf the net or send emails.

Posted by: andrewcjduong

i bought a curve off my friend so i didnt have to pay full price, and instead of using the blackberry data plan from rogers (costy) i signed up for pay as you go and added the $7 unlimited WAP on the phone, and that allowed me to surf WAP, but obviously i dont get push email and stuff like that, i only needed internet and WAP is good enough, then i just use my other phone as a cell.

Posted by: xspeedy

Quote:

Originally Posted by doyphoto

Ya, that's kinda like a car that doesn't go anywhere, right? What's the point of a Berry without BIS/BES? Like superman that can get shot - he's not bullet-proof?

Some people do like the basic qualities of a BB handset. Things like great sound quality, loud speakerphone, loud ringers, QWERTY keypad, good build quality, stable OS, standard headphone jack, dynamic profiling via a magnet case...

I was using mine with my work plan which has SMS and pay as you go data. I was able to use Opera Mini, Google Maps, and GMail for the rare times I needed to. The QWERTY was great for work related SMS and the package is nice and compact for such a device.

Remember that the blackberry is also a phone.

Posted by: bzzztobee

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewcjduong

i bought a curve off my friend so i didnt have to pay full price, and instead of using the blackberry data plan from rogers (costy) i signed up for pay as you go and added the $7 unlimited WAP on the phone, and that allowed me to surf WAP, but obviously i dont get push email and stuff like that, i only needed internet and WAP is good enough, then i just use my other phone as a cell.

hmmm... so it seems like i can only do this with Roger company since i heard that Telus and Bell dont use SIM cards for their phones?? can anyone elaborate more on this 7$ unlimited WAP thing? is that the cost per month? how do i get it if i'm using pay as u go plan and does it allow you to surf unlimited web pages, but you cant email people?

Posted by: BB.est07

Quote:

Originally Posted by bzzztobee

Don't know about the carriers down in the States, but Rogers is the only carrier in Canada that allows or gives you a WAP browser for your BlackBerry. With Bell or Telus, it's either the full browser through BIS/BES or no browser at all. Some people are still comfortable with just using a WAP browser rather than putting down 30+ for a BlackBerry Plan. Like with the BlackBerry plan, I believe there are some plans that allow for different WAP usage.

Posted by: andrewcjduong

i just added the feature, and a WAP browser showed up on m blackberry, and when i get email i just check gmail.com, i set it up so that when i get an email it goes to your10digitnumber@pcs.rogers.com and goes to my phone as a text, then i just see it from there.

Posted by: bzzztobee

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewcjduong

i just added the feature, and a WAP browser showed up on m blackberry, and when i get email i just check gmail.com, i set it up so that when i get an email it goes to your10digitnumber@pcs.rogers.com and goes to my phone as a text, then i just see it from there.

can anyone explain to me more about this wap browser thing? i just got an unlocked BB Pearl, put it a Rogers SIM card and charged with a 10$ prepaid card. what is the difference between having a WAP browser and full internet? what does the WAP browser allow u to do and how do i get it ?

Posted by: squall458

I would like more info on WAP browsing as well. is it painless to check your gmail or does it take a lot of effort? How did you set it so that it emailed to your rogers email and then to your phone? do you find it redundant having your email on your phone and checking it at home/work?

Posted by: andrewcjduong

Quote:

Originally Posted by bzzztobee

WAP is like a shortened more compacted version of the web, when you use a WAP browser to surf the internet, the websites know that your on a mobile phone and compacts the site to make it more quicker to load (takes out some pictures or drops the quality of it) and you cant go onto all sites, you usually can go on full HTML sites but it takes maybe 5 min to load a full html page.

Posted by: hyung

Hi, I just got a BB Curve 8320 w/ WiFi not too long ago and just wondering what I can do besides text/call on a pay as you go plan with Rogers Wireless without paying extra fees?

I read you can browse the web but when I used the WAP browser, it said something about 5 cents a page =O. What else can I do with it? IMs? Maps?

Thanks =)

Posted by: andrewcjduong

Quote:

Originally Posted by hyung

Hi, I just got a BB Curve 8320 w/ WiFi not too long ago and just wondering what I can do besides text/call on a pay as you go plan with Rogers Wireless without paying extra fees?

I read you can browse the web but when I used the WAP browser, it said something about 5 cents a page =O. What else can I do with it? IMs? Maps?

Thanks =)

you could use WAP browser and use ebuddy and stuff like that, you would have to pay 5 cents a page or pay $7 a month for unlimited wap browser (thats what i do.) you can also just get the BB Data Plan, but its expensive.

Posted by: bzzztobee

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewcjduong

how do you get 7$/month for unlimited wap browser?? i'm with rogers and i thought that feature is not possible to have with a BB?

Posted by: dembidj

I have a Pearl I bought from AT&T through their "refurbished" plan. I didn't get the blackberry service or any data plan when I signed up. My phone plan allows me to surf for a per minute charge. AT&T said I could pay $30.00 extra per month and have unlimited data usage added.

Posted by: AtypicalPsyche

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack T. Chance

There's a lot of misinformation on this thread, so let me set the record straight as I've understood the situation to be.

As I understand it, NO carrier will let you use a BlackBerry without the associated BlackBerry data plan, because they've all signed agreements with RIM wherein they agreed to make sure that ALL customers using a BlackBerry were also signed up for a BB data plan.

This is something I heard back in 2005, however, so my info may be out of date. Perhaps things have changed since then, I just can't verify that they have.

Sounds right.

They used to let you get it w/o a plan, but that was years ago. Now if you get the phone they give you the plan automatically.

And why would you even get a BB if all you need is a QWERTY keyboard? There's a million other phones on the market for that.

Posted by: berry-berry

Quote:

Originally Posted by AtypicalPsyche

I can't speak for anyone else, but I have a BB 8820 with AT&T and no Blackberry data plan of any type and it works fine.

The BB data features don't work of course, but I can do regular internet surfing, and use WiFi at home & office.

I signed up about 6 months ago, and the reason I went with this model, was at the time it was almost the only phone from ATT that had WiFi support. There were a couple others that cost hundreds of dollars, but the 8820 was $99.

Posted by: andrewcjduong

ive been using the blackberry for a few months already, and i use the rogers unlimited WAP data plan for $7 and it only has the WAP surfing, its alright, but im switching to a blackberry plan because suriously, without a blackberry plan, theres nothing good for it.

Posted by: lindigj

Quote:

Originally Posted by doyphoto

Ya, that's kinda like a car that doesn't go anywhere, right? What's the point of a Berry without BIS/BES? Like superman that can get shot - he's not bullet-proof?

This is a bad analogy, as you are comparing the primary function of a car with a secondary function of the Blackberry. The Blackberry is primarily a phone and secondary functions include SMS/push email/internet etc.

Using the Blackberry without using the data features would be more akin to buying a truck and never using it for hauling stuff.

To answer many of your questions, as far as agreements work with AT&T and many of the US providers, if you purchase the phone at a store that required you to sign an agreement, you are typically required to keep the data plan for 60 days in order for them to properly get paid for the handset they sold you. At that point, the only issue is that AT&T is not going to let you take the Blackberry plan away as long as you continue to tell them that is the device you are using.

So, simply go online and change your device to something that fits the plan you want to get, i.e. a standard phone capable of data usage with EDGE on AT&T's service (I'm not 100% EDGE is necessary, you might be able to get away with any 3g device, just being safe here). Then pick the data + sms plan you need. You should be able to browse wap, send text, and use the phone as normal at this point.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AtypicalPsyche

And why would you even get a BB if all you need is a QWERTY keyboard? There's a million other phones on the market for that.

Dunno about everyone else here, but I got mine free, pricematched with WalMart, upgrade price. You like free, right?

Posted by: timvideo

Quote:

Originally Posted by greensubmariner

Hey peeps. Thanks for reading this.

I was wondering if it was possible to use a blackberry without subscribing to a blackberry plan. I only need to use it as a phone and to send text messages - that's it. No emails. I just wanted a keyboard. I found a 7290 which is quad band. It seems to fulfill my needs. What do you guys think? Is this possible or do I need a data plan to even do send messages (not email) and make calls?

Thanks muchy.
AL.

I couldnt see using a Blackberry for anything other than data/ All of the major carriers offer phones that have full qwerty keyboards for text messaging. I have also been told that you can use windows mobile phones without a data plan.

Posted by: stufried

Google on Activeberry or Astrasync -- an activesync program for Blackberry.