I'm new to the Blackberry - and have started with a T-Mobile 8700g.
I bumped it, and had to get a replacement - it would not come on - just a red light for a few secs. - probably could have been fixed with a reinitialization/reload of software.

In any event, I was able to get a new one - because it was within 14 days of purchase (it looked fine, i didn't mention the bump). I recently dropped mine again on cement, and put a few scratches in the plastic where pebbles gouged it. But it still works fine.

I was wondering, would I be able to use a different model, as a spare, say one from eBay, like a 72x0 series? My service uses edge ... will my 8700g work when edge is not available? Will I be able to use an edge-incapable Blackberry, as a spare and still get internet email, browsing, etc. wirelessly? I don't use Blackberry Enterprise.

I like the full keyboard, decent screen, etc. Which would you recommend as a (cheap) spare Blackberry? Should I consider the 6 and 7 series? I want to spend <= $100.00 - can I use unlocked, or only T-Mobile branded, etc.


many thanks,
sm

Yes, as long as it's another GSM/GPRS or EDGE BB. Be careful of eBay. Not saying don't buy one there but they advertise as "unlocked" when they are not. If the BB is not a TMobile BB it will need to be unlocked in order to work with your TMo sim card. Unlocking can run anywhere from $20-$100 depending on the BB. Most are in the $20-$30 range. Check out the cost of unlocking for the model before buying just in case it's not unlocked and you need to have it unlocked.

Plus you will need to ensure that the owner has closed their BIS account and released the IMEI and PIN. Otherwise you can't get on the network.

Also, if it was on BES, you need to make sure all corporate IT policies have been removed.

which bb would you recommend as a spare to an 8700g - would the 7290 be sort of the one-step-down?


thanks,
sm

Yes, and the 7290 are a dime a dozen now...

I'd recommend using an 8700 as a backup to an 8700 but that's me. The answer to the question really depends on your preferences and needs...

Having a Back-up BB is a great Idea! I use an 8700 currently but still have my 7230 around just in case

Your best bet is a like-model as your backup, but it doesn't have to be. I have a 7130c as the backup to my 8100.