Using a Blackberry without the Blackberry features - Possible?

[yellow101]

People like me want to use a BB because it has a good keyboard, big screen, friendly user interface (much different from MS Mobile), not much fancy useless program to slow down the process. They (me) don't necessary need push email, and do not expect to receive a lot. On top of all that, one can find a cheap and unlocked BB either on eBay or other shops. It almost alway is a quad band GSM phone, so can be used anywhere in the world. I bought my 7105T new for only C$130.

[yellow101]

People like me want to use a BB because it has a good keyboard, big screen, friendly user interface (much different from MS Mobile), not much fancy useless program to slow down the process. They (me) don't necessary need push email, and do not expect to receive a lot. On top of all that, one can find a cheap and unlocked BB either on eBay or other shops. It almost alway is a quad band GSM phone, so can be used anywhere in the world. I bought my 7105T new for only C$130.

Having said that, before anyone jumps in and spend their hard earned dollars to buy a BB and not subscribing a BB data plan the device can only function as a cell phone with the same function a regular cell phone provides. i.e. make and receive phone calls, send and receive sms messages (have not tried attaching multi-media yet, please don't ask), calender and appointment, alarm clock, address book (extensive, better than regular phone), camera (depends on model).... etc. There are a few extras that some cell phones do not have, but smart phones have. The BB has a memo pad which I use it to record my daily thoughts , good keyboard, and if you buy the OEM case it has a magnet switch to turn off the screen's back light and put it to sleep.

Have tried to connect to the web using Opera Mini, but unsuccessful. My monthly bill showed that I have tried and charged me for about C$1 or less, meaning it is possible but need to do more searching. May be I should subscribe a data plan with Rogers (not a BB data plan). However, using a regular cell phone from Rogers can browse without a data plan. I need more research in this.

I don't think I have included everything, may be some member can fill them in. Anyway, make sure you know the limitations.

Cheers.

[indie_b]

Use the BB plan from www.mail2web.com - $9.99

that wont work.. per mail2web.com customer service... u still need a BB data plan with BES support, which is the more expensive plan... see here directly from them:
________________________________
"Greetings,

If you take a look at the requirements for BES:

http://services.mail2web.com/Busines...Blackberry.asp

A data plan with support of BES is necessary. Mail2web BES service cannot be used to replace your blackberry data plan.

Regards,

Peter
Customer Support
http://myhosting.com
http://mail2web.com
http://softcom.biz

Keep up to date with SoftCom news and announcements at http://blog.softcom.biz

If you need any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our 24/7 support team at support@mail2web.com.

Thank you for using mail2web.com."

____________________________________
it was a good sugggestion... as i was thinking about doing this as well.

[indie_b]

This thread is the answer for why RIM should make a Blackberry for those that don't want push e-mail. In other words, make a generic smartphone that doesn't require Blackberry service. Make a better Blackjack.

***co-sign*** best thing i read while at work today... lol, its true tho..they need to

[k_dam]

You can use your blackberry and access the internet without the BB data plan. I have an unlocked curve and have rogers wap browser and IM. Rogers has an IM plan, for $8/month you get 2500 sent msg, unlimited incoming and the best thing about it is, you dont get charged for any data charges.

I recently signed up for it, and ask the rogers rep if i use a 3rd party IM app will my IM plan apply ( i didnt tell them i have a blackberry as they will AND I GUARANTEE say you will not be able to connect to internet without the BB data plan) and will it charge me any data. They said, "as far as i know, it shouldnt but if it does you will certainly be credit for it." I recorded the convo and got the rep name as i (and many others) have been screwed by a rogers rep with theyre lying.

So far, from 24hours of use of IM, (with minimal use of chatting, mostly idle time) i've noticed:

24hours = 948 kb

with heavy chatting for 1hour its about 200 kb.

[risenshine85]

i am wondering if consilent's push mail app might work with curve

[drozek]

I have a BlackBerry 8830 with Sprint SERO plan. Works great without the BB service, I have Opera running as my browser, and JiveTalk for IMing and all other chats. GSP works wonders and it is all around one of the best phones I have ever used.

[dlawer]

So you are saying your wap browser works on rogers network. What browser are you using, because if you do not have a bb data plan, you do not have a wap browser.(does the IM plan give you a browser?) Are you using opera mini, and what apn settings does your browser use. I have tried but never have got any browser to work on a bb with rogers, without a bb data plan. Thanks.

You can use your blackberry and access the internet without the BB data plan. I have an unlocked curve and have rogers wap browser and IM. Rogers has an IM plan, for $8/month you get 2500 sent msg, unlimited incoming and the best thing about it is, you dont get charged for any data charges.

I recently signed up for it, and ask the rogers rep if i use a 3rd party IM app will my IM plan apply ( i didnt tell them i have a blackberry as they will AND I GUARANTEE say you will not be able to connect to internet without the BB data plan) and will it charge me any data. They said, "as far as i know, it shouldnt but if it does you will certainly be credit for it." I recorded the convo and got the rep name as i (and many others) have been screwed by a rogers rep with theyre lying.

So far, from 24hours of use of IM, (with minimal use of chatting, mostly idle time) i've noticed:

24hours = 948 kb

with heavy chatting for 1hour its about 200 kb.

[risenshine85]

with curve it works

[yellow101]

with curve it works

Please give more details.
Thanks.

[squall458]

So you are saying your wap browser works on rogers network. What browser are you using, because if you do not have a bb data plan, you do not have a wap browser.(does the IM plan give you a browser?) Are you using opera mini, and what apn settings does your browser use. I have tried but never have got any browser to work on a bb with rogers, without a bb data plan. Thanks.

Ya! I have no browswer either and I cannot install opera as you have to do it through OTA. If you give us more details, I would love to sign up for the same thing you did!

[squall458]

The mail2web sounds like a good option, but you have to sign up for a person exchange email service too.

System and Device Requirements

* All current BlackBerry Wireless Handheld models with a subscription from a wireless service provider
* For Desktop management of your service, BlackBerry Desktop Manager version 3.6 SP2 or later is required. For BES 4.0 features, Desktop Manager 4.0 or later is required
* An active mail2web.com Personal Exchange or Business Exchange account
* For BES 4.0 features, 4.x Firmware is required on your BlackBerry device

It doesnt say you need a BB data plan though.

http://services.mail2web.com/Busines...BlackBerry.asp

It looks like they operate in Canada too.

[risenshine85]

The mail2web sounds like a good option, but you have to sign up for a person exchange email service too.

System and Device Requirements

* All current BlackBerry Wireless Handheld models with a subscription from a wireless service provider
* For Desktop management of your service, BlackBerry Desktop Manager version 3.6 SP2 or later is required. For BES 4.0 features, Desktop Manager 4.0 or later is required
* An active mail2web.com Personal Exchange or Business Exchange account
* For BES 4.0 features, 4.x Firmware is required on your BlackBerry device

It doesnt say you need a BB data plan though.

http://services.mail2web.com/Busines...BlackBerry.asp

It looks like they operate in Canada too.

BES/BIS both need Blackberry DATA plan
You can work with normal data on curve but not for blackberry services
you can check your gmail with google apps and stuff like that
but blackberry services still require provider bb data

[k_dam]

anyone with an answer to wifi?? I havnt found 1 3party program that operates through bes/bis and/or normal data connection and/or WIFI

[afici0nad0]

very informative thread. i just bought an 8700c, and will be swapping my gsm phone sim.