Would normal data for browsing work on 8320 as it does 8300? Any info about that? I don't know if RIM is gonna block that considering its add wifi.


Any guesses?

I am planning to buy a BB. For now I wanna stick with normal data plan which doesn't provide any sync functions - but you can check ur emails through wap site and stuff.


Eventually, I'll convert to it and give up my unlimited data glitch. (nothing ul in canada). So, just don't wanna give it up

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8700/4.2.1 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/100)

Once the 8320 is released I am pretty sure you can still use the normal cellular service for data. If this wasn't the case you would always have to be around a wireless access point in order to have data access. WiFi will just be an additional feature to what the current 8300 device has.

You should see no changes with what works now versus what will work with the 8320. The Wi-Fi Browser may not work, but I'm not really sure. It does make a connection back to RIM's network when you login to it (see link below).

BlackBerry | Now Connected

Sorry I think I didn't make it clear
You know how the current version, the 8300, can work on normal edge data (not bb data) just for browsing. Not for push email

My question is when the new bb comes out, 8320, would it still work the same way that one can use normal data to browse and check emails thru wap, but in this case you can also use it around wifi? Just wondering if you guys think they'll block normal data connection thru tcp like present in 8300 to browse

I'm sure that will still work. Many apps require that connection to work.

yes i can confirm the normal data still works on the wifi curve. now if anyone knows how to get the IM service to work on wifi. . . .

...its not out, not sure if anyone can pitch in.

Yes its not out, but i've tried it

any possible release dates or an idea?

no clue on the release date

release date sept 24. i just want to know when th ehotspot@home promo ends. any clue guys?

IM on a wifi device would be nice.. well an IM app, not ebuddy.com haha.

to answer the initial question, the only thing wifi does is let you browse the internet without using your data quota. it doesn't allow you to use bbmessenger, IM apps, or even get your email in a special way. for all that you still need data.

That's a little disappointing, although it does make sense.

Sorry but I beg to differ.
From the public KB direct from RIM.

BlackBerry Search Results

So its possible. Heck its been possible since the 7720.

Jagga and dbt, you both right.

That means, you need active SIM card to use WiFi. That SIM card will come from your wireless provider and definitely should have blackberry data plan on it.

This is how it works on 8820 and I doubt it will work differently on 8320: if you have valid SIM card with blackberry data plan you can use every blackberry feature over WiFi: email, PIN, BBMessenger, browsing.

Remove SIM card- no go. I thought what would happen if invalid (not activated or cancelled) SIM card is inserted- well, no go.

WiFi browser could be an exception and might work without SIM card, but even if it does- having just browser on blackberry is rather limiting.

For all purposes, no SIM card with blackberry data plan- no WiFi for you.

Guys this may seem like a dumb question, but if you do know the answer please share it with me. I've always been wondering if the phone has wifi, but you didn't sign up for wifi service. Will you still be able to pick up wifi signal let's say on campus or something kinda like a laptop?

Thanks

Yes. But it really depends on how said wi-fi is enabled. If they require various SSL certificates, post-connection VPN authentication, propietary software encryption, etc., then there's a chance it won't be supported on the device (especially without configuring settings such as VPN).

Excellent this is exactly how I thought it would work. I wasn't quite specific but many THANKS for clearing this up in earnest.

May I request a HUGE lot of WiFi Screenshots (from Options. The BB Browser, heck even from the connection screen - from scanning to wep/wpa input to full connection) PLEASE?! You can email them to me if thats ok, again please?

Also is there an option to manually SWITCH which connection to use if BOTH are available - ie WiFi & EDGE can you choose WiFi over EDGE & vice-versa?

Thanks again.

Scan for available Wi-Fi networks
BlackBerry Search Results

Use the Wi-Fi Diagnostics tool
BlackBerry Search Results

Wi-Fi Diagnostics tool - advanced mode

To use the Wi-Fi Diagnostics tool in advanced mode, complete the following steps:

1. Click Options.
2. Click Wi-Fi Connections.
3. From the Wi-Fi Connections menu, click Wi-Fi Diagnostics.
4. From the Wi-Fi Diagnostics menu, click Options.
5. In the Display Mode field, click Basic.
6. From the Display Mode menu, click Advanced.
7. From the Options menu, click Save to display an advanced Wi-Fi Diagnostics report.


hope this helps further.

Here's a few more that I've found.
Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) and generic access network (GAN)
BlackBerry Search Results

[b]What is the effect on BlackBerry 8820 battery life when associated to a home Wi-Fi network compared to an enterprise Wi-Fi network[b]

Using WMM Power Save

Wi-Fi Alliance estimates that WMM Power Save can provide from 15% to 40% improvement in battery life depending on the application characteristics. WMM Power Save will activate automatically when the BlackBerry 8820 smartphone is communicating with a WMM Power Save access point.

The battery life of the BlackBerry 8820 smartphone improves while associated to an enterprise's Wi-Fi network deployed with WMM Power Save access points compared to connecting to a home Wi-Fi network or hotspot that does not support WMM Power Save.

^ Related to the 8820 but still relevant I'm sure.

8820 owners we NEED a REVIEW! Please!

Wow that's some useful info right there. Thank you, Jibi and Jagga for clarifying how wifi works