I'm trying to set up push email for my boss, but I don't know much about BB's. She has a Blackberry Bold, not sure which model number. Our business currently uses a single hotmail address (terrible I know, will be changed in the near future). On my android phone, the stock email app has the option to set the email server AND the server type. However on this BB I can only change the server, not the "Email server type". It auto configures it to pop3 and won't let me change it.

am i SOL on this?

Does the user have a BB data plan?

If so, it might be easier to go to the BIS site for the network provider, register the BB and add the hotmail account via BIS.

Also, ActiveSync does NOT work with BlackBerrys...

It does work? Could you elaborate please?

Would that make emails arrive on the phone instantly?

What does ActiveSync have to do with a hotmail account?
Unless I am missing something... In the absence of a corporate email system, how does BES or AS even matter?

I changed my typo; Activesync does not work with BlackBerrys. BES (enterprise server) or BIS..

Honestly not sure about instantly... Been a while since I used BIS, and different email providers seemed to have different levels of functionality with BIS.

This might be a useful starting point though:

BlackBerry - Smartphone and Email Account Setup

I'm sorry I'm not well versed in email protocols, but I do know that in the settings for my android email app, I use activesync as a connection type and the server is m.hotmail.com as opposed to pop3.live.com

OK, ActiveSync settings won't work with the BB.

You need to use the BIS option. The link above should help...

Email from some providers arrives in near time using BIS, but most utilize RIM's 15 minute push cycle. Mail could arrive within 2 to 3 minutes of hitting the server or it could take as long as 15 minutes.