I'm wanting to get a BlackBerry Curve 8320 and I've read that you can use the generic data plans on the BlackBerry if you configure them correctly. I know that you can't use the BlackBerry apps with the generic data plan but I know you can still use third party apps. I already have unlimited calling and texting so I don't have to worry about paying for minutes and texts.

Will AT&T sell you a BlackBerry Curve 8320 with a generic data plan or will they only sell you the BlackBerry data plan? If they don't sell you a generic data plan with the BlackBerry than how do you get the generic data plan for it?

ATT will sell you a BlackBerry with NO data plan.

I don't know how a generic data plan will work with it, normally all you will need to do is configure the APN/TCP settings on the device. And that normally will work for free. You won't get much use except a few third party apps like you mentioned.

So I only get to use a few third party apps? I thought I got to download any third party apps.

I read this:

http://www.blackberryfaq.com/index.p...eric_Data_Plan

and it looks like I can use any third party app with the generic plan.

I was thinking about buying a BlackBerry on eBay without any contracts and I'd just extend the contract on my SIM card and add on the generic data plan and then I'd put the SIM card in the BlackBerry so I would have the generic data plan for the BlackBerry.

Wirelessly posted (Tmo's cheapest BB customer)

I think with the generic data plan you can use most any 3rd party apps. With the 8320 you have wifi, which you'll need to download and install the apps to your device. But those apps that work with the data plan may not work over wifi.

Ok great.

I was looking on ebay and I found some 8320s that I might want but I also saw some new 8310s that were cheap.

Is the BlackBerry Curve 8310 a good phone?

The 8320 and 8310 are generally the same except for a few important features. One of which is that only the 8320 has wifi. I believe the 8310 has GPS, whereas the 8320 does not. I guess it may boil down to what you feel is more important to you.

Wirelessly posted (9530; (I'm mobile) MF231; 35h)

But to the main question--some third party apps require the BIS plan (such as Facebook) and some don't care. As long as you understand there will be some limitations you'll be fine.