Hi,

I have never used a Blackberry before and intending to purchase one to replace my failing Windows Mobile phone. I would like to ask some questions to decide if bb is the way to go for me.

1.
The prices of data plans in my country are ridiculous.
Can i use any internet applications (Web browsing, pop3 mail download, MSN...etc) on the BB via my own WIFI network without purchasing any data plans from Blackberry nor my service provider?

2.
I would be using the phone to sync my tasks and calendar with Outlook 2003. Would this be achievable on a Blackberry?

3.
Blackberry comes with GPS support, does the OS usually comes with a preloaded GPS navigation software and preloaded maps? (I know this would vary among service providers)

Thank you for any advice.

1. results are mixed

2. yes

3. the maps are not preloaded, they download as needed via the data connection

all this is my personal experience/theory, other's results may vary.

You might be better off with a WM device. Without a data plan, I think the WM is a better PDA phone than the blackberry.

1. Good luck finding a POP mail client.

3. May or may not depending on carrier. You definitely need a data plan if you intend to use GPS as stated above.