I am with T-Mobile, using the 7100t, using BWC, but would LOVE to switch to the 7290 currently out on Cingular/ATT, and really don't want to wait for T-Mobile to release it.

I see a couple of listings on Ebay for unlocked units, but I am wondering....and please forgive my ignorance.....can I buy one of these unlocked units and simply pop in my SIM, change the PIN# / IMEI# on the BWC webpage, and be good to go, or is there more to using an unlocked BB on a network it was not originally intended for?

Any input given here will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!

This thread may be the answer to your question:
http://blackberryforums.com/viewtopi...=unlocked+7290

Awesome.....thank you very much for the link to that thread. Don't know why, but the search function did not turn up that thread at all.

Muchos Gracios!!

All Cingular 7290 handsets are unlocked. TMO is expected to have their 7290 available in the next few weeks from what I'm hearing.

Well, I guess I understand that, techically, all Cingular 7290 handsets are unlocked, though if you search the net for information you get very conflicting reports. Regardless, the big thing is that, at least in the recent past, the one Cingular store near me won't sell me just the phone unless I am a Cingular customer or willing to become one. If it's all just the same, I would much rather buy an unlocked one elsewhere, or even better yet, a completely unbranded one (which I have seen on Ebay).

Anyway, its' a moot point now, because thanks to this thread I just ordered one from eAccess-eStore.com. Should have it tommorrow.

Thanks!

Where are we getting the info about TMO carrying the 7290? I'm dying here!

I got a couple 7290's from ebay. Brand new in an upopened box, unlocked, popped in my tmo sim and they worked. Paid about $270 each so can't complain there.

How long ago was this? I'm hearing that most are coming locked these days.

Hmmm, I actually love my 7100t, But I do miss the verizon coverage :(

There are times I would rather have the full keyboard though... maybe I should buy a 7290 and then just swap sims when needed?

Any advice on what else the 7290 would do?

Why would I want to buy it from amazon or eAccess versus ebay?

Yeah i have an unlocked 7290 on TMO on a new account. Just pop in the sim, change the PIN and IMEI on BWC and your good to go.

I think Cingular will sell an unlocked 7290 by itself. I tried and they actually said yes. I ended up paying full price and went with month to month service.

Just got back from the Cingular store here in Duluth, GA and the rep told me it would be retail ($399.99) plus $250. i laughed and walked out of the store. That's outrageous!

I heard the TMobile will start selling the 7290 on March 1st

I've asked and none of the reps seem to know about this.

One of my friends in Canada has a friend who works at RIM and claims that T-Mobile will have the 7290 soon, but he did not give a date.

I will wait it out...

Jeff

I paid $449.