The one complaint regarding smartphones is that while offering more flexibility for the user it can also be more costly due to on occassion requiring additional third party software solutions to make up for what a particular device is lacking. Another complaint is that there really hasn't been an option to cancel a product subscription early when it comes to third party software. So before rushing out to purchase third party software to meet your requirements I'd recommend Rogers subscribers on this forum take a few minutes to review the Blackberry business solutions available from Rogers.

For example I found eOffice from Dynoplex is lower cost through Rogers than buying directly from Dynoplex or even from third party distributors like Handigo. The application can be directly downloaded to your device and billed $8.00 CDN per month which will be listed on your Rogers invoice as a premium service. You also have the option of canceling anytime so you're not locked in for a year if you decide you no longer need the service. Another good point is that since the software is recommend by Rogers their Blackberry tech support are familiar with troubleshooting questions regarding Dynoplex's software.

Another useful application is BBTV (Blackberry TV) which is new provided by Sona Mobile as an entertainment/news resource solution for Blackberry customers. BBTV is listed at $5.00 CDN per month and again will be listed on your invoice as a premium service. Okay so it doesn't provide the same experience as watching TV at home but it's great for those Blackberry users looking for a MobiTV alternative, are always on the go or just are sitting in the back seat with a lot of free time.

Reference:

eOffice: Rogers.com - Business Applications

BBTV: Rogers.com - Business Applications

Rogers Blackberry Data Support Inquiries: 1-866-931-DATA (3282)

Cheers

BBTV is not ready. Buyer beware on this one. When it takes 22 minutes (in EDGE) to download a 1 minute and 4 second clip of news that I already watched, we need to re-evalute this product's readiness. Content needs a rethink as well. Just my $.02 (CDN)

My download was a lot less than 22 minutes using the Pearl. The largest file took approximately 2 minutes to download. Possible issue with your settings. Suggest you contact Data Support.

As for BBTV not being ready I would like to have the option to stream video in real-time but I don't believe that will be available until RIM starts offering devices with 3G support. Note Rogers starting offering 3G support since this past November but there is a lack of 3G devices for North America.

Hmmm.... I am on an 8700r in Toronto with full EDGE. I am on the 200 MB plan and use roughly 150 MB/month. Extensive DocHawk, eFile attachment transfer and multiple browser use and SSH without issue so I'm guessing my data connection is not the problem... 22 minutes per clip download is the norm. If you are telling me that you are experiencing a 1 to 1 ratio of clip length to d/l time, I would then like the oppurtunity to purchase some of the seemingly super high quality crack cocaine you are surely smoking. (Tongue planted firmly in cheek)
Cheers - Happy Holidays!