[atom631]

i need a blackberry for work. i was told to "get whatever i need" and money isnt an option.

i dont know which one of these will be better for me. i understand that the curve is more of a consumer grade BB, but does that mean it lacks in the business features or does it add the additional consumer features, making it more robust?

some background: my company just moved me into IT and am now responsible for monitoring a portion of our carrier-class network (yikes!). i used to be on the construction end.

here are some of the features i definetly need:

remote desktop (i know its an addon program)
tethering modem
fastest network connectivity (verizon or at&t?)
ability to read word, excel, visio
ability to access my VPN
email
internet


some features that i would like but not a necessity

GPS
Camera
text messaging

[jsconyers]

Both devices would suit your needs, However the 8820 does not have a camera.

First I would check the network coverage in your area and go to the stores to try out the devices. Get a feel for which one you like best. You would need to get a blackberry data plan. Most of the features listed both devices can do. You would need some 3rd party applications to complete some. Check out eoffice for opening Word,excel, PDF, etc. Try Rove for your VPN needs.

Rove - Products - Mobile Admin

eOfficexxx8482;, DynoPlex Inc.


And welcome to the forums

[JSanders]

ALL the newer BBs have the same basic hardware, with some variance in having a camera, GPS, or WiFi.

8310 - Camera and GPS
8820 - No Camera, WiFi

WiFi, if you are around a wireless signal would be the fastest connection.
The Verizon EVDO network will be the fastest otherwise, although for the carrier, I would recommend choosing which carrier has the best signal where you live, work and play. For instance if VZW has the "fastest" connection, but it is spotty coverage at your home, then who cares.

All can text message with the proper carrier provisioning.

Good luck, and welcome to the BB Forums.

[atom631]

Im on Long Island, NY and most of my reponsibilities lie on Long Island.

I am only a nextel user so I dont know which is faster on LI.... At&T or Verizon..but I do know that verizon only has the 8703e phone (or the 8830, but i dont need international connectivity).


I dont need WIFI b/c when I am working in NOCs (network operations centers) I dont have any internet connectivity at all...so thats where the tethering modem comes into play. Any place that I would need WIFI, I will have my laptop handy.

so maybe the curve is the best bet, but its the AT&T network.


any Long Islanders that can add some input on this?

[danbra]

HI,
jsconeyrs thank for a reference to our product. eOffice has also Remote Desktop option: browse PC folders and files , open and copy them to BB, etc.

[JSanders]

The 8830 is nice, don't worry about the international world phone crap, that is basically marketing hype. Some of the carriers charge extra for a tethering package. I know AT&T does, TMobile does not. I don't recall in VZW.

Which phone feels best in your hands? I think the 83xx is easier for to type on than my 88xx. Have you actually gone by a retailer and held each to get a feel? I would say to do that.

[atom631]

im headed there now and will be leaving one of them today with a blackberry. i was just trying to get the most information i could so i dont need to rely on the salesmens pitch!!

[JSanders]

yep, you are wise to so. I think you will do well with either, according to the coverage they offer on LI, probably both are similar.

Me... I love gadety stuff like GPS... hence my preference for the 8310.

I would prefer ATT. I have friends here that like VZW. It's a toss-up as to which. If you will be tethering much, ask specifically what the tethering plan is, that could make the difference.

[atom631]

ive decided on AT&T and the Curve 8310. I am actually completely cancelling my nextel account and porting my number over and my company is picking up the ETF charge... pretty cool.

I am going with the unlimited data plan, 900 minutes, GPS, TM, and a few other add-ons. I am heading to AT&T in about an hour or so to get this done.

thank for all the help.

[bukzin]

Atom631 et al,


What is 'TM'?

[Strontium]

Originally Posted by bukzin

Atom631 et al,


What is 'TM'?

I'm guessing Text Messaging. But, yeah, I'm guessing.

[danbra]

Hi,
eOffice also allows remote desktop access, spell checking.
and I would recommend you 8310 or 8320.

[plchan]

Actually, I am having the same question about 8310 vs 8820. I like wifi and GPS. However, I am not sure how useful the wifi is going to be on a BB with TMO service. It seems I cannot use the TMO UMA with ATT 8820 wifi anyway.

GPS is a must to me. It is why I want to get a newer phone. Having a phone camera is cool. I sort of miss the phone camera since 8700G does not have this feature.

Additionally, I am also considering the ATT Tilt. Basically, it has all I want - camera, GPS, wifi, and windows mobile 6 prof.