Greetings!

I came across this forum and see that there are a lot of helpful people here. Thanks in advance for your invaluable feedback.

I am considering the 8830 offered through my carrier (Verizon) for $149, with a 2-yr contract. I am told that I can add the data service to our Family Plan for an additional $29.99/mo. Additionally, since I travel to Canada 2-3 times per year and I am there for 3 weeks each time, I understand that if I pay $69.99 I can use the data service as if I were here in the U.S. I was told that I can switch back and forth b/w service plans ($29.99 - $69.99) as often as I like at no charge).

Please confirm the above, as I want to ensure that I am not misinformed. Also, it seemed that some posts on this forum that suggest the phone is wi-fi capable and others that suggest it is not. One last point (for information purposes) is that I use Outlook, but an SMTP-based client (i.e. not exchange server-based).

Kind Regards,

Don

The 8830 is NOT wifi enabled. The 8820 is.

Compare and contrast the 8800 series Berries here.

Wirelessly posted (My blond BlackBerry)

You can switch between the data plans as often as you like, but the charges for both plans wil be pro-rated each time you change - which will make your invoice a royal pain.

You may also want to look to see if Verizon offers a discounted rate plan for Canada roaming. Sprint has one for $2.99/mo which reduces the per min rate for calls in Canada from $0.59/min to $0.02/min.

What is your normal data usage?

Verizon has plans that include voice roaming in Canada (Nationwide plus Canada). With these plans, no extra charges for voice calls in Canada, and any calling between Canada and the U.S. Pretty much the best deal available in the U.S. for frequent roamers in Canada.

The GlobalEmail add-on for BB will cover you for data roaming. $64.99/month with a voice plan.

SMS roaming is "free", i.e. text messages sent to/from Canada count as domestic.

i have the sprint BBeverything unlimited when i go to canada (which is a lot) i get charged for EVDO $0.02kb txt message was free as well of course bb messenger. my emails still came through just fine.