So I Want a BlackBerry, But Have Some Questions

[millie_dillmount]

So I Want a BlackBerry, But Have Some Questions#1

Posted: 8/12/09 at 2:07am

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.

"We like to snark around here. Sometimes we actually talk about theater...but we try not to let that get in our way." - dramamama611

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

[wizard2joe]

re: So I Want a BlackBerry, But Have Some Questions#2

Posted: 8/12/09 at 2:27am

I have a curve and the AIM is included in the internet/e-mail plan and any other application ( Facebook, Myspace etc...) that uses internet is included in the plan.
You can use internet anywhere that has signal. It uses Edge when there is no Wifi.

[ashley0139]

re: So I Want a BlackBerry, But Have Some Questions#2

Posted: 8/12/09 at 11:48am

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.

"This table, he is over one hundred years old. If I could, I would take an old gramophone needle and run it along the surface of the wood. To hear the music of the voices. All that was said." - Doug Wright, I Am My Own Wife

[millie_dillmount]

re: So I Want a BlackBerry, But Have Some Questions#3

Posted: 8/12/09 at 1:01pm

Oops, it is called BBM, not BBB.

"We like to snark around here. Sometimes we actually talk about theater...but we try not to let that get in our way." - dramamama611

[spiderdj82]

re: So I Want a BlackBerry, But Have Some Questions#4

Posted: 8/12/09 at 1:15pm

I love my Blackberry Curve

"They're eating her and then they're going to eat me. OH MY GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!!!!" -Troll 2

[CyCoSpAz2]

re: So I Want a BlackBerry, But Have Some Questions#5

Posted: 8/12/09 at 1:58pm

You can still access the Internet through the 3G network, but in areas where there is no service, you are screwed.

I am in the market for a BlackBerry too and am torn on which to get... I just know I want one.

[Mister Matt]

re: So I Want a BlackBerry, But Have Some Questions#6

Posted: 8/12/09 at 4:39pm

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.

"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian

[TheatreDiva90016]

re: So I Want a BlackBerry, But Have Some Questions#7

Posted: 8/12/09 at 5:01pm

Mine works great..

After trouble with the first 4...

And any extras are going to cost you up the ying yang.

"TheatreDiva90016 - another good reason to frequent these boards less."<<>> “I hesitate to give this line of discussion the validation it so desperately craves by perpetuating it, but the light from logic is getting further and further away with your every successive post.” <<>> -whatever2

[shira467]

re: So I Want a BlackBerry, But Have Some Questions#8

Posted: 8/12/09 at 5:11pm

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

Deet: Shira, I Love You!

[KChenowethfan]

re: So I Want a BlackBerry, But Have Some Questions#9

Posted: 8/12/09 at 8:59pm

I'm another one who likes my Blackberry Curve though my provider in T-Mobile.

"Why do you care what people might say? Why try to fit into their design?" (Side Show)

[dramadude2]

re: So I Want a BlackBerry, But Have Some Questions#10

Posted: 8/12/09 at 9:18pm

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

No one wants to see a musical called Thoroughly Modern Mildred.

[millie_dillmount]

re: So I Want a BlackBerry, But Have Some Questions#11

Posted: 8/12/09 at 11:05pm

I don't plan on getting anything extra but the data plan I would be required to buy. I would have the minimum minutes and maybe a basic text plan. Thanks, guys!

"We like to snark around here. Sometimes we actually talk about theater...but we try not to let that get in our way." - dramamama611

[orangeskittles]

re: So I Want a BlackBerry, But Have Some Questions#12

Posted: 8/12/09 at 11:32pm

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.

Like a firework unexploded
Wanting life but never knowing how

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

[kooky]

re: So I Want a BlackBerry, But Have Some Questions#13

Posted: 8/13/09 at 9:08am

I have the Blackberry Storm .... it;s just OK !

[millie_dillmount]

re: So I Want a BlackBerry, But Have Some Questions#14

Posted: 8/13/09 at 4:17pm

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?

"We like to snark around here. Sometimes we actually talk about theater...but we try not to let that get in our way." - dramamama611

[broadwayguy2]

re: So I Want a BlackBerry, But Have Some Questions#15

Posted: 8/13/09 at 4:33pm

Hey Millie,
Are you attached to Blackberry as a brand, or just looking at the type of device itself? I'm going to be getting a Nokia E71. Based on what I have read, you might really like it. Very similar to a Blackberry, but without the tracking ball (which I personally don't like.. it feels loose to me) and it has recieved amazing consumer reviews. The alternate version is the Nolia #63, which is equally as popular, but with minor tweaks such as a different camera, headphone jack and casing from the E71

[DAME]

re: So I Want a BlackBerry, But Have Some Questions#16

Posted: 8/13/09 at 4:41pm

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

HUSSY POWER! ------ HUSSY POWER!

[DayDreamer]

re: So I Want a BlackBerry, But Have Some Questions#17

Posted: 8/13/09 at 6:18pm

I want to thank you all - I've been debating for a month now whether to stick with Verizon and go with the BB or switch to AT&T and get the iPhone. This thread has helped. Some.

Celebrate Life

Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted. - Randy Pausch

[Jilani]

re: So I Want a BlackBerry, But Have Some Questions#18

Posted: 8/13/09 at 7:36pm

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?

[DAME]

re: So I Want a BlackBerry, But Have Some Questions#19

Posted: 8/13/09 at 7:45pm

My partner has the Iphone. And while it is cool and does many cool things... It is a toy. A pricey toy with very expensive data packages.

HUSSY POWER! ------ HUSSY POWER!

Updated On: 8/13/09 at 07:45 PM

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

re: So I Want a BlackBerry, But Have Some Questions#20

Posted: 8/13/09 at 8:05pm

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.

[millie_dillmount]

re: So I Want a BlackBerry, But Have Some Questions#21

Posted: 8/13/09 at 10:27pm

Jilani: I plan on switching to Verizon, because I am dissatisfied with AT&T service. Plus, most of the people I talk to have Verizon.

The iPhone isn't available under Verizon, and I heard it probably wouldn't be for at least another year, even if AT&T had the exclusive contract for...5 years?

"We like to snark around here. Sometimes we actually talk about theater...but we try not to let that get in our way." - dramamama611

[DAME]

re: So I Want a BlackBerry, But Have Some Questions#22

Posted: 8/13/09 at 10:49pm

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

HUSSY POWER! ------ HUSSY POWER!

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

[binau]

re: So I Want a BlackBerry, But Have Some Questions#23

Posted: 8/14/09 at 6:06pm

"My partner has the Iphone. And while it is cool and does many cool things... It is a toy. A pricey toy with very expensive data packages."

Why do you think it's a toy?

Give me claws and a hunch, just away from this bunch.

[IdinaBellFoster]

re: So I Want a BlackBerry, But Have Some Questions#24

Posted: 8/15/09 at 3:22am

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.

"Oh look at the time, three more intelligent plays just closed and THE ADDAMS FAMILY made another million dollars" -Jackie Hoffman, Broadway.com Audience Awards