What is the point of having a BB unlocked. How can it be used in any other country, if a contract is always required in order to get service?

you unlock for a couple of reasons.
1. you don't want to use the Carrier for which the device is locked for. For instance, I have an 8700c but I have T-Mobile. I had to have it unlocked so I could use my T-Mobile SIM in it.
2. When traveling to other countries, you can by SIMs for spefic number of minutes much cheaper than what International Roaming costs so it saves money when traveling to have it unlocked, by a Short term use SIM in the country you are in and use that.

Oh, I think this has been asked and asked. Try doing a little search if you want more info.

I undertand I can buy a sims card, and be able to talk on the phone. However, what about the $40 a month charged for the data? Will I be able to get my emails using a sims card?

would just like to point out that your Point 2 will not work, as the SIM is PAYG.

Not Carriers local to the UK are able to provide a PAYG SIM with an APN attached, whether BES or Internet Service. Reason : They cannot bill back.
Just thought I would point that out.

Unlocking a blackberry saves the need to replaced devices when tendering for contract. You just port over the number and unlock the blackberry. Essentially cost saving.

simon

Sorry, Short term sims would be for Voice only. No BB data when you go that route.

Another opportunity - when I travel to SE Asia, I use a local SIM card that has BB service on it (a corporate account). That way I do not pay roaming charges on the data. I have a cheap unlocked phone that I use with my "normal" SIM card for incoming voice.

It works...

Great point. This is a good example of why having an unlocked phone is a must for the international traveler. I use a slightly different arrangement than NJBlackBerry, but the result is the same: inexpensive international usage.

If you're happy with your carrier and international use of your BlackBerry isn't necessary, then you're fine with a locked device. Basically, if you have to ask, you probably don't need it.

I was told some body can combine couple of sim cards together into a larger ram sim. Is it correct? If this rout works, I do not need to switch sims and open the case all the time

I've never heard that.

Somebody posted a link to a ebay posting of a "dual sim". Nobody I know personally has ever tried it so who knows how that works.

I would be weary of the battery

wary ;)

Maybe he's tired of the regular battery and wants the extended!!

where can I purchace a sims card for my new blackberry. and Is the card specific to the cell phone provider?

Contact your carrier; the SIM card is specific to the carrier.

I went to a place that unlocks every phone but a Blackberry. Any suggestions? I am in the Pacific Northwest.

You could use the search feature and type "unlock blackberry", but...

What BlackBerry model and which carrier?

GSMPhoneSource can unlock some
Superunlock.com can unlock some

A few others....