I've never had a blackberry before. I'm thinking about getting the 8520 (affordable), obviously the major issue is the lack of 3G.

On smartphones, 3G is almost a must, as it makes webpages quicker, access on the net quicker, etc. But i'm thinking now, I only want a blackberry for messaging. The only internet related activities I will be doing is Email and Instant messaging. I could care less about web browsing.

Could those with the 8520, 8900, etc with only 2G data tell me if the response of push email compared with 3G's push?
Also, Instant messaging, how does that fare with 3G? If i sent a message on MSN, wouldn't it be immediate (give or take seconds) anyways regardless of 2G or 3G?

For your needs, there's almost no noticeable difference in speed between EGDE and 3G.
One advantage 3G has over EGDE is the ability to have simultaneous data and voice... so you can send/receive data while on a phone call.

Agree with penguin. Other advantage is when tethering...you can get better speeds with 3G than EDGE.

Oh.

How about the push email? My friend was saying how his friend's blackberry on edge was slower then his Tour on 3g when recvieing emails..

If its even a whole minute difference, then i honestly could care less lol.

but wait, blackberry DOES have push email right?

I answered this above.

He's wrong.

Yes.

Agree with the penguin. I don't think you would (or could) notice any difference between EDGE and 3G when it comes to email. Basically, push email happens.

Oh wow, Awesom thanks.

Another question (unrelated to above); How immdediate is push email really? Say my friend sent me an email. How long until I get it on my blackberry? Is it immediately? (Note that i never had a smartphone before, never used email on phone, etc)

depends on the email provider.
yahoo = instant
gmail = near instant, possible delay
ISP/HOTMAIL/other webmail = up to 15 minutes.

1) can you sign in appear-offline/ invisible?

2) can you send messages while appear offline, OR your contacts are appeared offline?

someone please try it for me ?

edit: @*(^*$*& it i posted in here instead of new topic my bad

Hotmail is immediate if configured properly, no?

It is on my berry.

The keyboard on the 8520 sucks, though. Get an 8900.

@Oasissux, it might be now, i remember it wasn't.

@arikado, 1. yes, 2. no