Hi,

I'm looking at upgrading my bb at work (to a 8100) and I was wondering if I could get any bb, plug it in and have it sync up to my outlook profile?

I had heard a thing a while back that some bbs weren't 'enterprise' and therefore would only work with internet mail - any truth to this?

Thanks

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8800/4.2.1 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/100)

FALSE

You should be able to use any BB as long as work supports that carrier I believe

It may not matter tho as long as you have the BB BES plan for your carrier

That is partly true. Any Blackberry device WILL work with a BES, provided the device has the correct BES/BIS plan.

BES/BIS Blackberry data plan = will work on BES
BIS only Blackberry data plan = will not work on BES

It is possible for you company to lock down BES access to certain models however I believe. May want to ask them first before purchasing.

Thanks - if I bought a new device only, would there be any reason for that to be tied to a BIS only plan?

I'm not planning on changing my contract or anything like that - it's all billed through the office on vodafone. I'd literally just put my current sim card in the new device.

If you currently have a BES data plan and you don't plan on changing it, you'll be just fine. Will need to go through the reactivation process on the new device though.

No Blackberrys are built for "BIS Only". In that respect, all Blackberrys are capable of using BES. Not every BES, but they're not restricted in and of themselves.

Keep in mind that if you use a personal BB on your company BES, their IT Policies will still apply which could keep you from viewing personal mail etc. In addition, the company has the right to see what email is coming and going and to also monitor your use of the device. Not saying they will, but they might.

Personally, I can't see the point in using a personal BB on BES when the company provides one and pays the bills. If you want a BB for personal use, use it on BIS and not be tied to the company at all.

In addition to what's been mentioned above... please keep in mind that your BES administrator may be using an Enterprise Service Policy... which could prevent your new device from being activated on the BES.

Enterprise Service Policy allows the BES admin to permit only certain devices.
You should absolutely check with your BES admin before switching your service to a new handheld.

edit - nm

Thanks for all the pointers everyone

I think I'll be ok - I've previously used non-standard bbs on this BES and had no trouble. As someone said, it's just a case of re-activation on the device.

I also take on board what others have said about company policies and the "point" of using a personal BB on a corporate BES. In many ways, I just want a better handset and am willing to fork out a little to get that. I don't plan on using personal email on it, and have no real issues with the company effectively 'controlling' the device. The only difference me owning it makes is that if I leave the company, I take the physical device with me.