Current Blackberries utilize GPRS, but not Edge correct? Does anyone know how extensive GPRS is on T-mobile's network, especially in main metropolitan cities like Miami, San Francisco, New York City, D.C., etc? thanks!

Where theres EDGE, theres GPRS

I understand this, but do BB's utilize GPRS or they can't go voer 56k?

P.S. Is there some kind of GPRS or Edge coverage map for T-Mobile?

Oh.. yea berries only support GPRS speeds...

GPRS speeds are from 56k-112k correct?

GPRS in most instances is 'up to 56k' dependant on a number of factors including signal strength. My blackberry has worked in all the cities you've mentioned even though it is a UK one as my mobile operator has roaming agreements in most countries worlwide. Not sure specifically for T-Mobile but you may find if you go to other ities it can roam if you have no coverage for your own provider. Basically the device has the capability to use any blackberry enabled carriers gprs network but it's down to a commercial agreement between operators as to whether your device will be allowed on their network. Easiest way is to do a network search on the device and see if any others let you on.

Hope thats clearer than it sounds!

Definitly, thanks Darkmark, what is the max speed someone can get on their blackberry?

Generally 56kbps

Real world closer to 30-40k. Dial up speeds.

I thought GPRS could get up to 112k?...that stinks...oh well....Can't wait to try it out.

It can actually go faster if you are using EDGE (E-GPRS) however, GPRS in it's native form is only like dialup...which is what the blackberry supports

FYI:
I used my BB as a wireless modem on Rogers GPRS network and was connected at 115.2 kbps. I downloaded a file and speeds ranged from 5-10 kB/s (40-80 kbps).

EDGE will be available on areas which has a lot of data traffic going, it won't be everywhere. So basically it's area specific. As of right now, the only way to know if you have data/voice coverage in your area would be if you go to http://compasss.t-mobile.com. EDGE will be out pretty soon.

Is 7290 even EDGE compatible, even if EDGE is present?

^No it isnt. No edge capable bb's yet

Unfortunately the 115.2 you saw was probably the port speed, not the modem connect speed. Thats as fast as the uart can transmit data across the cable and you can see the same thing on a 56k modem.

That's why I'm a CDMA guy,

1xRTT is faster than GPRS.

How does 1xRTT work outside of North America? I need to go to the UK in a few weeks and was hoping to get really good speeds there. What do you think.

(1xRTT runs around 80k and GPRS runs around 30-40k; both are painfully slow)...

Sorry to disappont but NJ but there is NO cdma coverage in the UK. GSM/GPRS 900/1800 or nothing!

Thanks Darkmark. I take that shot every time when people state how great CDMA is. It is great. Unless you travel outside of North America.

There is no disappointment