So I Want a BlackBerry, But Have Some Questions

Once I get a job (recent grad), I am looking to get a new cell phone. Currently, I have AT&T, but would like to switch to Verizon since I know more people on the network (and would be wasting less minutes).

I really want to get a BlackBerry, but am a bit clueless as to how they work. I get the gist and have done research in stores and online, but I am still a little confused about some of the specifics. I am aware you are committed to a monthly unlimited data plan in addition to your monthly phone fee that does not include text messages (just Internet/e-mail).

I keep hearing about BBB pin numbers, and I tried to read a little about the BBB service. Are the messages you send over the BBB network to others categorized as text messages or are they included in the data Internet/e-mail plan? Because I am not sure I would get a texting plan, and if I do, it would not be unlimited. Also, I am assuming you can get AIM on the phone. On my cell phone now, each AIM message equals a text, so I am just curious if AIM messages on BlackBerries are also considered texts or are they included in the data plan?

Second, I am thinking about getting the BlackBerry Tour. I heard it does not have Wi-Fi...? Does this mean even if I paid for the unlimited data plan I am committed to, I cannot access the Internet browser if I am away from home (say, if I needed to access a website to get an address)? Because I was under the impression that unlimited data plan would allow me to access the Internet from anywhere. And I have been able to access Internet on my cell phone before from random places. I might be misunderstanding something, so what would be the significance of Wi-Fi in the first place if you have the unlimited data plan?

Finally, as I mentioned I am considering the BlackBerry Tour. Does anyone have it and have any thoughts? What about the more recent Curve or any other model? Thoughts? Thanks all.

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Updated On: 8/12/09 at 02:07 AM

BBM is included in your data plan and does not count as text messages. That's kinda the point of it, haha.

I have never even heard of the blackberry tour.

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I love my Blackberry Curve

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I have the Blackberry Curve 8310. Anything internet related (AIM, for example) is included in your data package while calls and texts are part of your voice package. Mine is for work, so we have it connected to our email server, which is another fee on top of the phone plan and the data plan. Then if you travel outside the country, you have to add international roaming and international data (two separate packages). It can get ridiculously expensive if you want to use all the bells and whistles all the time. My boss has the Blackberry Bold and the 3G has been great for internet, but his phone service is much worse with calls dropping all the time. I wouldn't waste my money on it for at least another year when the technology gets a bit better.

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I have a Blackberry Curve on Verizon, and I just love it.

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My parents refused to get me one because it would cost them up the wazoo.

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I also have a Blackberry Curve on Verizon. The unlimited plan is only $5 more than the basic plan, and totally worth it. The charges for going over are more than $5. Not worth the risk, as many web pages can overload your limits easily.

As others have said, the internet works as long as you have phone service. I've been known to click on links in in Metro stations so they load, then read the page while the train is traveling through tunnels. I was without a personal computer for awhile, so it was definitely beneficial as a substitute.

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Updated On: 8/12/09 at 11:32 PM

I didn't want a Storm because of the touchscreen. If I got a touchscreen, I would get the iPhone. Why is your Storm just OK?

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I love my Blackberry curve. I had the storm for about 3 days before I sent it back. Really hated the touch screen.

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I have a Blackberry for work, but I recently got an iPhone for personal use, and in my opinion, there's no comparison . . . the iPhone blows the Blackberry out of the water. Is there a reason you want a Blackberry instead?

I love my BlackBerry Curve. I have problems with it every now and then but I'm like 80% sure it's just my specific device. But I love it.

Apple is making a phone for Verizon. It wont be the Iphone but just like it. It will be something new. That is how they are getting around that.

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/wireless/phones/2009-04-26-apple-verizon-iphone_N.htm

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Updated On: 8/13/09 at 10:49 PM

I have AT&T and I recently bought the Blackberry Bold, the best one AT&T offers.

I've had very few problems with it, and it has very easy to use web browsing, as well as a nice camera. I've yet to use BBM though.

And, just as a side note, the Facebook application is fantastic.

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