[Jempast]

I am a Verizon customer. I am wanting to get a BlackBerry. I don't know that much about BlackBerrys. Here are my questions:

1) Do all of the BlackBerry's have Microsoft Excel?
2) How does the internet work and how much can a monthly bill run up to using a BlackBerry?
3) What is the best BlackBerry to get for around $150 (if there is one that cheap)?

If someone could answer these questions I would appreciate it.

[daphne]

Hi and welcome.

1. Blackberries do not come with Excel, but there are third party programs that enable you to view Excel documents.

2. Verizon has a fixed monthly rate for the BB data plan. You should check with your local Verizon store or their website for the rates. There is a cap on the data transfer, but an average BB user would not exceed that cap IMO.

3. Check Verizon's site for BB prices and rebates. Also there's a forum here where people sell BBs. There's also eBay, but that can be risky.

Hth.

Edit to add... this may help answer some of your questions.
Main Page - BlackBerryFAQ

[Dubdub]

As for Excel, there is a program called eOffice that sells for around $120 or so for the basic edition, $200 for the professional version. Look at Handango.com

Check out the FAQ before you buy a used BB. If you don't know what you are doing you can really get burned.

[akosnitzky]

As far as monthly bill, plan on paying $50 per month on top of whatever phone plan you choose.

[danbra]

Originally Posted by Jempast

I am a Verizon customer. I am wanting to get a BlackBerry. I don't know that much about BlackBerrys. Here are my questions:

1) Do all of the BlackBerry's have Microsoft Excel?
2) How does the internet work and how much can a monthly bill run up to using a BlackBerry?
3) What is the best BlackBerry to get for around $150 (if there is one that cheap)?

If someone could answer these questions I would appreciate it.

You may buy eOffice at a discounted price if contact our Customer Care Department at

[Ennjay]

Verizons plans start at $80 with 450 peak, unlimited in calling/nights/weekends. That also includes the unlimited data plan. You might also qualify for a corporate discount if your company has contracts with Verizon.

[gdpmumin]

Originally Posted by akosnitzky

As far as monthly bill, plan on paying $50 per month on top of whatever phone plan you choose.

It's actually $45/month for the unlimited data plan if you also have a voice plan. And Verizon will require you to have a data plan. No way around it. It will be added and charged to your bill automatically.

While I don't recommend it, they do have a $25/month plan that will limit you to 10MB of data usage. If you go over that limit, you'll need a new mortgage.

A new BlackBerry will cost you at least $199 with a 2 year agreement. That cost might be a little lower if they still sell some of the older models, but I don't think they do. You could always try to find a used unit here on the BBForums or on eBay. But be very careful.

As Ennjay said, they do have bundled plans now that kind of obscure the cost of the data plans. They did that recently (within the past few months) and had an advertising campaign that made it seem like they drastically overhauled their price plans. They didn't; they're exactly the same as before. Just combined features and started advertising the combined rates.

[akosnitzky]

$45 + $5 insurance = $ 50

[gdpmumin]

Originally Posted by akosnitzky

$45 + $5 insurance = $ 50

Ah, yes, you're exactly. While completely optional, insurance is a good thing to have. It has saved me a couple of times.

[daphne]

Based on some replies here, it seems to me that Verizon plans and rates vary by geographical area. Some of the options mentioned here aren't available where I live.

[TreyS]

I will add that you can already view any Excel spreadsheet, Powerpoint preso or Word doc with your Verizon 8703e or 8830 blackberry. No need for additional software. Now if you want to edit and manipulate those files, then you need the programs mentioned above.

You can even view pdfs too.

[gdpmumin]

Originally Posted by daphne

Based on some replies here, it seems to me that Verizon plans and rates vary by geographical area. Some of the options mentioned here aren't available where I live.

As far as I know, verizon's plans are not based on regions. What "options" are not available in your area?

[daphne]

You posted above:

It's actually $45/month for the unlimited data plan if you also have a voice plan.

and:

While I don't recommend it, they do have a $25/month plan that will limit you to 10MB of data usage.

I have never seen those plans available here on the Verizon wireless website when I put in my zip code, never heard them mentioned in the store or by customer service.

The plans are not separated out into voice and data, they are presented as a package deal. For example for monthly airtime minutes for voice and data together -- 450 minutes is $79.99, 900 minutes is $99.99, 1350 minutes is $109.99. They go upwards in minutes and cost from there. Text messaging is per message, or "Unlimited IN Messaging PLUS 500 additional messages $10.00/month" and upwards.

Looking at the regular cell phone rates, it would seem the Blackberry plans are $40 higher than a regular cell phone plan for what they call "America's Choice® Basic". The plans for the Q are presented just the same as the Blackberry plans.

[daphne]

Those rates don't include insurance, either.

[gdpmumin]

It doesn't really matter, though. I wouldn't recommend the 10MB plan anyway. So whether they're separated out or bundled together, in the end, it's all the same. Unless you want a Blackberry with ONLY the data plan, which is also an option.

[pfrgsn@columbus.rr.com]

Originally Posted by daphne

Hi and welcome.

1. Blackberries do not come with Excel, but there are third party programs that enable you to view Excel documents.

2. Verizon has a fixed monthly rate for the BB data plan. You should check with your local Verizon store or their website for the rates. There is a cap on the data transfer, but an average BB user would not exceed that cap IMO.

3. Check Verizon's site for BB prices and rebates. Also there's a forum here where people sell BBs. There's also eBay, but that can be risky.

Hth.

Edit to add... this may help answer some of your questions.
Main Page - BlackBerryFAQ

I just upgraded from my Motorola E815 to the Blackberry 8830 and it was $99. after a mail in rebate. I qualified for the phone upgrade and the new 2-year contract.