[nikolaos]

Hello everyone,

so basically I have had my 8800 for 5 months, loved it.. ATT/cingular .. even took it to greece for one month, worked great...

Well last night, the phone broke after a big hammer fell on it.... yes I know...

Well at least I am going to have the extra battery I always wanted.. So I call ATT and they want $520 for a new one.. or I can switch to the curve, etc.... for like $450...

My question to you is... if I buy a used 8800, can I get screwed not being able to use my sim card from ATT? I have read about unlocked phones etc.. but I am not sure what these are... I saw a few 8800 on ebay going for $300+ I might get one of those... Does it have to be a cingular BB for easier transition to restore my cell service? Thanks a lot..

[jeremyckitching]

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry 8700g: BlackBerry8700/4.2.1 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/100)

If you do buy a used one you will want to be sure it is unlocked (if it is not an AT&T device. Being unlocked means you can use it on any GSM carrier's network.

Also, check on BlackBerryFAQ.com for information on buying a used BlackBerry off of eBay. Even if you don't buy it from eBay, it still has good information about what questions/information to ask for.

[greggebhardt]

There are reputable ebay dealers that will sell the 8800 for about $350 new and sealed in the box. ATT wants full retail. Also if you can hold on the ATT 8820 will be out in another week or two or three, well it is coming soon!

[nikolaos]

I called ATT rep and she told me that a unlocked phone will not work with internet with cingular.. just the other features will be accesible.. Is this true or complete BS? Is there any service I will not have by using an unlocked phone? Thanks a lot for your time.. I do not want to get an iphone..

[nikolaos]

What is so special about the 8820? Thanks again.

[pxlbrd]

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8830/4.2.2 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

8820 has WiFi

[nikolaos]

Even though not a 3G device, my hands are tied.. I have to wait for the 8820... unless I can get a 8800 for dirt cheap...

THanks again for all the help,

Nikos

I guess I am going to find out how it is to live a few weeks without my BB... and need to get a new alarm clock as well :(

[nikolaos]

ok, last question I promise!

I found a verizon 8830 ... If I bought that and unlocked it, it would work great with my cingular 8800 with all the features?



How do you unlock a phone that has no service?

[lrdiaz]

It will work great if you switch to VZW(CDMA-GSM 900/1800), not with AT&T(GSM Quad-Band)

[wiscaudi]

As Irdiaz said above, a Veriozon 8830 will not work on the AT&T network... even if it is unlocked.

AT&T (Cingular) / T Mobile = GSM network
Verizon / Sprint = CDMA network

Your unlocked, replacement phone must be GSM (not CDMA) to work on AT&T network.