ADVICE NEEDED: Smart/PDA Phones

[Night Owl]

OK, tech freaks, I've been contemplating the switch from a regular mobile phone to a BlackBerry, or similar device. I've been with T-mobile since they were Aerial back in '97 and have no complaints, so I'm going to stay with them. I just read a review in PC World about smartphones and they gave the Dash an OK review, but they didn't go into detail about the BlackBerry 8700g or the MDA. Not even considering the O.C.-esque Sidekick.

For close to the same price I'm paying now, I can get a national plan with nationwide calling (finally will be able to return my Left Coast friends' calls without breaking the bank) and internet access.

I understand the BlackBerry can be integrated into email accounts. Would I be able to hook it up to my AT&T-Yahoo account?

What are some of the limitations of these devices? I don't care about the ability to access porn or watch TV on the damned thing. I just want to be able to check email, keep up with eBay auctions and check flytecomm whilst spotting.

With a 2-year contract extension, I can score the 8700g for $249.

Thoughts? Warnings? Praise? Donations?

[Sonny]

Originally Posted by Night Owl

OK, tech freaks, I've been contemplating the switch from a regular mobile phone to a BlackBerry, or similar device. I've been with T-mobile since they were Aerial back in '97 and have no complaints, so I'm going to stay with them. I just read a review in PC World about smartphones and they gave the Dash an OK review, but they didn't go into detail about the BlackBerry 8700g or the MDA. Not even considering the O.C.-esque Sidekick.

For close to the same price I'm paying now, I can get a national plan with nationwide calling (finally will be able to return my Left Coast friends' calls without breaking the bank) and internet access.

I understand the BlackBerry can be integrated into email accounts. Would I be able to hook it up to my AT&T-Yahoo account?

What are some of the limitations of these devices? I don't care about the ability to access porn or watch TV on the damned thing. I just want to be able to check email, keep up with eBay auctions and check flytecomm whilst spotting.

With a 2-year contract extension, I can score the 8700g for $249.

Thoughts? Warnings? Praise? Donations?

WOW! I thought I was the last guy who's been with T-Mo since the Aerial days.

My brother-in-law uses the MDA and he really likes it. I know he has to purchase the internet plan and then he able to check his web email. I'll ask him to be sure about this.

[Silvernic]

I have a "Q" which I believe is the same as the Dash (in a different body) and I love it. It doesn't quite have to capabilities of some of the bigger ones, but I don't feel like a dork with a brick to my ear!

[babybluetx23]

I have a treo 650 running palm my husband has a treo 700 running windows. BOTH WILL integrate with Email. they both have software that will do that. Most of the PDAs out there have software built in to be able to send and recieve email. Yahoo email, if you HAVE a pop3 account with yahoo, Yes, if it is the free account you will have to access it via the web over your PDA.
Personally i love BOTH the Palm 650 and 700. Ours is with verizon wireless since my husband works for verizon.

[coreymcl]

Blackberry's are great devices however since you do not need it for a corportate job then I would sussest the DASH.

The blacberry require a special data plan which are more expensive than say data plan for the DASH. The DASH can receive the email you mentioned no problem. Just set it u to check the account every 15 minutes or so. This option will cost you less for the equipment and the ongoing service fee's. I can go on and on with this so if this explanation is not enough or you have other questions please let me know. You can even PM me and I will provide my cell number and we can discuss this subject over the phone.

I hope this helps!

[mobilezen]

Originally Posted by Silvernic

I have a "Q" which I believe is the same as the Dash (in a different body) and I love it. It doesn't quite have to capabilities of some of the bigger ones, but I don't feel like a dork with a brick to my ear!

The Q and the Dash are completely different. The Dash has wi-fi, the Q does not. The camera on the Q is better than the Dash...the Q is for Verizon only (for now) and no GSM models are planned for a bit.

To Matt: How soon were you needing a device and how important is data speed for you? T-Mobile is starting to roll out their 3G network starting next month which means faster data speeds. Blackberries are nice to have. I had the MDA for awhile and the only thing I didn't like was the size and bluetooth audio quality. The rest was great. best of luck in your search.

[JamesB]

what ever device you get make sure it is a 3G device. This way you wont have to buy another one in 6 months.

All wireless carriers are slowly implementing 3G into the networks which will give faster speeds for web stuff. Some networks are futher along than others, but a 3G device will perform a lot faster on the 2G network than a 2G phone on the 2G network (or 2.5G network)

James

[mobilezen]

T-Mobile won't have 3G ready until June/July...I read that they're starting in March though so we'll see how that pans out.

[Mike G]

Originally Posted by Silvernic

I have a "Q" which I believe is the same as the Dash (in a different body) and I love it. It doesn't quite have to capabilities of some of the bigger ones, but I don't feel like a dork with a brick to my ear!

Actually the Dash is a rebranded HTC Excaliber .. Sprint also carries the Q now .. got mine sitting here in front of me.

[David Whatley]

I have T-Mobile also and LOVe it. Tell em more about this dash thing. I looks cool. I'm old school adn call out and take calls :)

[rwwright]

just bought the blackberry pearl. i like the size and can use the buttons. doesnt have 3G. wanted the blackjack but just couldnt use the keyboard.

[Night Owl]

Thanks for all the input, especially about waiting for 3G. I'm hoping the 8800 series BlackBerry will grace T-mobile soon, as I like the thumbpad, as opposed to the current method.

Corey, you're correct in that I don't currently need the full capability of the BlackBerry, but I'm anticipating a transfer to an office gig (no, I'm not going corporate...I'd rather choke) where I foresee the ability to handle a ton of contacts using various communication methods (email, fax, text, voice, etc) while I'm out in the field. I read that the DASH had issues with PDF files and there is currently no editing capability for MS Office programs. We'll see. I won't be making the purchase immediately, so I can afford to wait and see what March brings.

Thanks again, all. And keep the input coming!

[huttophoto]

CompUSA currently has two really good deals:
1) Samsung BlackJack for $99.99 w/2 year through Cingular
2) Motorola Q for $99.99 w/2year through Verison

I picked up the BlackJack since I already had a Cingular family plan.

Several of our executives at work have been using Treo models for the past 2 years and seem to be pleased. They like the touch screen/stylus.

[Night Owl]

Originally Posted by Sonny

WOW! I thought I was the last guy who's been with T-Mo since the Aerial days.

He may have been blowing smoke up my tailpipe, but the surprisingly-helpful CS guy I spoke to offered to give me an extra $50 off a BlackBerry 8700g (basically taking care of the mail-in rebate instantly), lowering the price to $249, "because you've been a loyal customer since 1997." Meh....whatever. Its not out of loyalty. They just haven't ticked me off enough to overcome my laziness to switch. Seriously, though, T-mobile has given me no reason to switch carriers.

[mobilezen]

If it weren't for unlimited text messages, I probably would've switched to Cingular err At&t by now. I went to a Cingular store and I was told "Oh 3000 text messages..that's almost like unlimited." and I said "yeah, like the 5300 I did last month" haha. Coverage is about the same but Cingular's marketing people seem to be doing a better job getting contracts for new handsets and what not. We'll see what the new at&t has to offer...otherwise T-Mobile all the way. :)