[TheCwmbob]

Okay so I don't even a Blackberry yet, but looking to get one to replace my stolen phone. I'm a complete novice with them. I was going to go down the second had route, being a student I don't want to fork out 200+ on a handset.

So my main question is what problems may I incur regarding going online and using the BBM service? I live in the UK and currently with Orange and have Internet usage as part of my plan. But I've read that I may have a problem with using the service as I didn't buy the handset as part of a contract? But these are old threads from around 2007.

So I would be massively grateful for someone just to clarify this for me, and explain any process I may need to go through. I know there is a search option and I've looked, but found nothing definitive.

Thank you in advance .

[akosnitzky]

Hi and welcome.

You will need to have a Blackberry Data Plan to use BBM.

See this link. What do I need a Data Plan for? - BlackBerryFAQ

[SteveO86]

You might not need to fork out 200 bucks either, the Curve/Pearl series are the low-end BlackBerry devices, they will not be as expensive as the Storm/Bold series, but also lack some of the higher power, that might not be needed for a new user.

Plus the Curve has dedicated media keys, more targeting consumers.

[TheCwmbob]

Originally Posted by akosnitzky

Hi and welcome.

You will need to have a Blackberry Data Plan to use BBM.

Okay thanks. So would it be possible to contact my service provider to maybe change my generic data plan to a blackberry data plan?

[TheCwmbob]

Originally Posted by SteveO86

You might not need to fork out 200 bucks either, the Curve/Pearl series are the low-end BlackBerry devices, they will not be as expensive as the Storm/Bold series, but also lack some of the higher power, that might not be needed for a new user.

Plus the Curve has dedicated media keys, more targeting consumers.

Yeah I was thinking of maybe one of the 8100 series. I like the simplicity of them.

[akosnitzky]

If you dont get the Blackberry Plan, then that phone will basically give you voice and minimal text and be a mere paper weight. I would not consider a Blackberry otherwise.

[akosnitzky]

The 8100 is a bit obsolete. There will be people paying for the same plan as you but getting many more features because the phone. At this time, I would look at the 9xxx models

[TheCwmbob]

okay so theres nothing my service provider could do to change the plan?

[akosnitzky]

Yes you can. Good luck. The other comments were based on the current quality of the phone but you can get a plan

[TheCwmbob]

Oh I know its not the greatest of the Blackberrys. So if I bought a used handset my provider would be able to change my plan to accustom the blackberry's features?

[akosnitzky]

Originally Posted by TheCwmbob

Oh I know its not the greatest of the Blackberrys. So if I bought a used handset my provider would be able to change my plan to accustom the blackberry's features?

Correct. Keep us posted with your success

[TheCwmbob]

Okay thank you. I will speak to my provider in the morning and see what they say. Thank you for your help, and hopefully I'll return with good news and a blackberry on the way!

[SteveO86]

Also as Akosnitzky mentioned the 91xx series is going to be replacing the 81xx in coming weeks. (If not already)

So purchasing an 81xx should cost near to nothing.

[Kamau]

HEY! No dissing the Curve (low end). I resemble that remark.
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