[phil2]

i currently am looking into getting a bb, question is which one is best out of the
curve 8900
storm 2
bold 9700
storm 9500
? i do fancy the curve 8900 most,also some questions
1.when you go on facebook whats it like? layout different?
2.how fast is the internet
3.is the bb mainly for business, is any of them marked more for a general phone user like me lol.
4.whats the best feature of the blackberry
5.how does the apps work for it, is it like itunes u just download them?
6. how much are they or are they free etc?
thanks

[aiharkness]

Wirelessly posted (8820)

Advise changing your thinking process here...



Start with the carrier. Which one provide the best coverage where you live, work and travel.



Make a list of what smart phone functions and features you must have, and what would be good to have.



Look at the devices available from your chosen carrier, pick the one tha best meets your needs.



All blackberrys do the essential blackberry functions. The different models have different combinations of features like camera, gps, wifi, etc.



You'll also need a blackberry-specific data plan if you want to get the full functionality of the device.



Finally, blackberrys are different. Read blackberryfaq.com. Browse the forum and pay attention to the questions from newbies. The blackberry isn't necessarily a business-only device, but it is purpose built for users with a different set of priorities when it comes to their mobile device.

[phil2]

i dont know which provides best signal here not t mobile anyway.
i want all the normal apps, facebook etc r they free?
so if im on train etc i can just go on internet.

[fonejunkie]

The apps you listed (and many more) are free... but generally speaking, they require a BB data plan to use and/or take full advantage of, as has already been stated by aiharkness.

[phil2]

how much is that then?

[fonejunkie]

It varies by provider, but the average cost in the US is around $30/month. It's basically the same/equivalent of the data plans for PDA devices, but it is specific to BlackBerry devices (it is a "separate but equal" data plan).

[phil2]

you pay 30 a month just to use a application like itunes 2 download these off ! thats awffull when the phone is 30 a month :S . how else can i get them, free :S im not paying a extra 30 a month for apps :S

[9bberry]

you are paying 30 a month for internet and data not just the apps

[fonejunkie]

Originally Posted by phil2

you pay 30 a month just to use a application like itunes 2 download these off ! thats awffull when the phone is 30 a month :S . how else can i get them, free :S im not paying a extra 30 a month for apps :S

Sorry that I wasn't clear. The BB data plan includes internet access, email access, BB messenger, facebook, etc. The $30 data plan includes everything but text messages and voice.

[penguin3107]

Originally Posted by phil2

you pay 30 a month just to use a application like itunes 2 download these off ! thats awffull when the phone is 30 a month :S . how else can i get them, free :S im not paying a extra 30 a month for apps :S

With phone, BlackBerry Data and a texting plan of some sort... you're probably looking in the $65-$75 per month range.
Sounds like that might be out of your budget, so a BlackBerry device is probably not a good choice for you.

[aiharkness]

Wirelessly posted (8820)

Blackberry is not for everyone. That's why I wrote start with what you _need_. What are your must haves?

If the blackberry provides your must haves, it is worth it. If you get it for sex appeal or whatever, you are going to be disapponted.

I hear the Droid is the fashion rage right now.

[rick chi-town]

So phil, do you have any real need for immediate email availability? Or are u primarily a social networker? As has been mentioned, you would probably be better suited with a droid or one of those motorola clicks, or cliqs or however they misspell it. It has facebook, twitter AND myspace, you should be good.

[phil2]

ii dont get this at all, so in the uk, contracts are say £30 a month and you get unlimited texts and email internet and say 300 mins, so for facebook and any other apps, how would i get them , u have to get the blackberry app for another 30 a month?

[aiharkness]

Wirelessly posted (8820)

I don't know the vairious packages available from other providers, mich less what is available in the UK, but the general answers to your questions are posted about.

Voice (which included SMS and MMS) and data are either priced separate or included in a package, and either capped with montly allowance or unlimited.

To get the full data capabilities of the blackberry, you will need data service that is specific for blackberry, and not a generic data plan.

The facebook app, I believe, is a RIM (read blackberry) app for facebook. It uses data. You will need the blackberry data plan to use it. Your data fees will depend on how it is priced in the plan you choose.

[phil2]

i dont wan t voice, mainly facebook

[aiharkness]

Wirelessly posted (8820)

You need to talk to the service providers in your location. In my experience the data price is dependent on a qualifying voice plan.

[phil2]

what do you need the data plan for? not facebook then

[aiharkness]

Wirelessly posted (8820)

Yes, if want to use the facebook application, you need a data plan. When you have the data plan activated, you will be able to download the application. There is no charge for the facebook application. But you will pay for data use according to the terms of your data service agreement. That is, assuming the facebook app is available on your service agreement and not somehow blocked by the service provider. You follow?

You need to talk to a service provider and lay out for the representative what you want to do. Let them present your options and pricing.