First off, I love the Curve. I've done comparative analysis at a lot of phones, and for my needs, the Curve comes out on top every time. I looked at the Q, the Dash, the Blackjack, the JAQ4, etc... Even compared to the iPhone. I prefer a real keyboard.

I'm lucky enough to have a grandfathered Fido Unlimited Data plan. I can't remove this and use the Fido Blackberry plan because I will lose my Unlimited. (Yes, the carriers in Canada are really lame in this respect)

So, users out there who use the Blackberry without BES or BIS:

How is it ?

Do you replace the web browser ? It is not bloated to have two browsers ?

What do you use to check your email ? Can you still check a POP / IMAP account ?

Can you use the BB as a modem through Dial Up Networking somehow ?

What do you use as an RSS Feed Reader ? (with offline support)

What else is complicated / annoying about a BB without BES / BIS ?

I really really love the Curve and want to keep it, I hope someone can inspire me to take the plunge.

Thanks !

Wirelessly posted (8700g: BlackBerry8800/4.2.1 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102)

There is a very detailed FAQ listed here:
http://www.blackberryfaq.com/index.php/Main_Page
Look for "How to use a generic data plan for BlackBerry" or cloase to that.
Ypu won't have full internet or push email, but it is usuable.