browser on a blackberry, comparable to say, ie6? In other words, I'd like the capacity to access any website I like. Is the blackberry capable of doing so, or are there alternatives that would? Would there be software that would enable me to do so?

Thanks alot,

Will

The BB browser isn't that great, but a quick download of Opera Mini solves that.

I 2nd that!!!!

Sounds good. So web graphics will display then I'd assume via Opera Mini? Thanks for the replies all.

I cant vouch for the BB browser since I have a data plan not a BB plan, but opera mini runs and loads any page I throw at it (though I've not tried any with imbedded video/sound or FLASH animations)

Just keep in mind the data speed of your carrier. I'm with Boost/Nextel and I get 14.4kbps so it takes me several minutes to load a small forum page without any graphis except avitars. If you're on a high-speed network, then that shouldn't be a problem.

wow, i didnt hold out too much hope for a browser on a BB that could do that. Do you have any suggestions for a BB model, Im new at this and want to make sure my 300+ dollars is getting my moneys worth. Thanks everybody for you help thus far...

Pick your carrier first (based on coverage), determine whether you want the SureType or full qwerty keyboard and you'll already be down to 1 or 2 models. In the latter cases you're typically looking at a newer 87XX series versus a 72XX series. I don't recommend the 72XX series unless you really need its keyboard as they're getting long in the tooth.

Generally models within a series are pretty comparable. However, I guess the 8703e has built-in GPS while the other 8700's don't (though Verizon disables GPS on theirs). If you want the details on specs you can use the device comparison tool on the Blackberry site.

Just wondering if Opera Mini works on the 8703e / Verizon. I don't see that model listed on the opera website.

I'm on Verizon. Was going to see what is going on ebay in terms of compatable BB's...

one thing to keep in mind from ebay BB's....if they were ever on a corporate server....and if the former owner didn't have the server admin sent a "blank IT policy" (which frees up all features of BB) to that BB....certain features may be locked down....up to and including the whole blackberry....and may be password protected as well.

When I got mine off eBay, it was password protected, but once I failed the password check 10 times it wiped it and it seeme dlike new. Is this always the case or was I just lucky?

Edit:
also mini-opera even loads security images! I used it to log into my Creditcard website tonight! (even my Axim X51v cant use that site!)

Ashton: your blackberry may have only been password protected and no other features disabled....those do happen...not all companies disable BB features.....but you may find you cannot disable the password protection...side affect of IT policy in affect....keep in mind if that policy updates in the future and disables a feature....that will happen on your BB....

I still suggest getting ahold of original owner to have a blank IT policy sent to the BB....just to play things safe.

Opera Mini should work with the 8703e.

Opera Mini works fine on the 8703e with U.S. Cellular.

I'll check with the seller to see if that is the case. Thanks for the info!

Dont know if this is a taboo subject or not, but I saw the internet visuals on the iphone and its amazing. Any feelings on that? The one thing that I dont like is that I cant put software on it it seems...

Check the Handheld Forum section of the forum....lots of threads on the iPhone there

Yup, just installed it tonight on my Verizon 8703e. And wow, it indeed is waaaay better than the Blackberrry browser ... way better. I'm glad I installed it for sure.

I've read that the sidekick from TMobile provides a 'real' web browsing experience, akin to your desktop. I'm not sure what technology this employs, but with the BB, it's either their homegrown browser which I hear mixed reviews of, or Opera Mini which I've test driven on Opera's site, and it still waters down the internet a bit. I have yet to see the internet displayed on a sidekick, but I'm told the format is the same, what you see now, would be what is displayed on their screen. Viewpoints on this/experience?

Thanks for keeping this thread alive...

Let me ask you this... did you buy the BB (or are you look at the BB) because of the internet, or because it's a proven standard and uses CIA-grade enchription?

I have no proof, but I'm wiling to stake money on the sidekick not having anywhere NEAR the security of the BB. IIRC, it's also about 2x the size (might be wrong though). It's mroe a "fun" phone while the BB is more a "buisiness" phone. I'd be suprised to see any spreadsheet, wordprocessor, or encription programs for a sidekick (unless it's running something liek PALM OS)

If you want a "fun" phone, then sure, get the sidekick and you'll have games and be popular with the school-age crowd.

If you want a Buisiness phone, get the BB.

If you want a TRUE internet phone, save your money, wait 6-12months, and get an iPhone (2nd gen should have worked out the initial bugs and if it's even half as good as jobs billed it, then it's a communications miracle!