[Patronus]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to the Blackberry world and was hoping that I could get some opinions.

I am looking to purchase a BB with a data only plan so I can use the email features, internet and probably some text messages and preferablly AIM and Y! Messenger. I want to keep my existing cell phone and that service.

Would getting the 7290 from either TMobile or Cingular be adequate for me? If so, would you guys recommend one carrier over the other?

Any other info that I need to know?

Thanks in advance,
Stephen

[Pizzle]

From a speed and capability standpoint, you're best bet is to go with the 87XX series.

As for carrier, choose the carrier that works where you need it to work. You'll get positive and negative comments about all carriers here, but the reality is, no phone is worth having service that doesn't work.

Welcome to the forums.

[Patronus]

Thanks very much for the reply and the welcome.

I am in Los Angeles, so I believe the T-Mobile and Cingular service would be equally good.

I was hoping the 72XX series would be adequate since I wasn't using the phone service and additional features like speaker phone etc. The $150 price difference is always nice.

So the 87XX series should be significantly faster for internet use assuming that the service can support it?

One additional question that I have is that the T-Mobile site lists AIM,Y!M etc as features of the BB whereas Cingular doesn't mention it at all. Is this just TMobile trying to hype up basic features or Cingular literally not offer IMing capabilities? If TMob does support it - is it free or a fee in addition to the BB data plan?

Thanks again for all of your help. I've googled until my fingers bleed and haven't found clear answers.

[Patronus]

Well, I went with the 8700g from Tmo.

I am currently a bit overwhelmed trying to figure everything out, but I am excited to get going!

[nickyharris]

Got my first BB three weeks ago 8700g. I thought I'd keep my cell phone and just use it for e-mail and web, diary etc. Have now ditched my cell and just using the BB for everything. Totally addicted, in Dublin Ireland and don't know anyone who has one to get help so will have to rely on you guys across the world.

[phungy]

Welcome!