So, I’ve decided that I want to get a Blackberry. I’m on a Verizon contract, and they indeed offer Blackberries, but I got no idea how any of this stuff works.
At the moment, I’m paying $85 a month for the plan that gives me unlimited messaging, unlimited data, the GPS and VZ entertainment stuff I never use, and whatever minimum number of minutes they’d let me get with that plan (including a 15% discount on account of the organization which employs me)
So anyhow, I’ve got no clue how exactly these plans work. I want to get a Crackberry with unlimited messaging, unlimited data, and the cheapest voice plan I can get away with. GPS isn’t really important, as I am getting a dedicated GPS device for my car (VZ Navigator is nice, but it’s too awkward to use while I’m actually driving, and I don’t see that getting any better now that I have a car with a stick shift)
So, lemme know what options I should be looking at, either staying with Verizon, or looking at other companies. Maybe with pros and cons. Bonus points if I can come out with a cheaper plan than what I’ve got (mind you, with Verizon I get a 15% discount, dunno what discounts I’d get with the other phone companies)
My BB Storm is my first smart phone. I think it’s great.
Re: GPS. I also have a separate GPS, but I also bought Garmin software for the Storm. One time price of $100 or so. I do not have to pay the VZ navigator fee.
It can be really nice to have GPS in your phone. I don’t travel but twice a year, but still it’s nice to be able to query the locale before leaving the hotel. My Storm/Garmin will give me all kinds of info about stores, food, museums, parks, things to do. It will find any airport and give flight information as well.
One thing about a ‘smart’ phone. You need to teach yourself how to use it. Or it’s just gonna be another cell phone. I’m exploring ebooks for it now.
What timing! I got a Blackberry yesterday. I went with the Storm. I’ve been with Verizon since they were PacTel or AirTouch - I think since 1992. The only reason I went with a Storm instead of an iPhone is that I really don’t want to give up Verizon. Anyway- I love my Crackberry. I got unlimited texting, e-mail and internet. I also got a $100 discount on the phone itself, with an additional $70 rebate. If you’ve been with Verizon for awhile, there are all kinds of great deals to be had.
If you have an online account, you can find out what discounts you are eligible for, and once you get to the store you can probably get an even better deal. It probably didn’t hurt me that there was a very crowded Mac store right across the street from my Verizon store.
I have a Blackberry 8330 (Curve) from Verizon. I’ve had it a bit over a year and it is by far the greatest phone I’ve ever had. My plan is 900 minutes plus unlimited data/e-mail. I don’t have texting included because I rarely use it and use e-mail or instant messaging like GoogleTalk. My plan is about $100 per month.
I’ve had my curve for about a month now and I love it. AT&T charges to use their GPS service, so I got the Google Maps app for the phone. It uses the phone’s GPS so all you really lose is voice. But you do get to see yourself moving along in satellite view.
I got the BlackBerry unlimited data plan with 200 texts, and with my voice plan, the cheapest one, I pay about 90 bucks per month.
I also have the Storm. I really like it, especially with the new OS. Unlike enipla I didn’t get the add-on GPS, but I do have the free Google Maps program that uses the phone’s GPS.
The data plan costs $29.99/month, so if you drop the VZ Navigator and VCast stuff, you probably won’t be paying much more.
Tallk with a rep from your carrier, there is SMS text messaging from VZ and there will be a BB messaging service from Rim, you need to find out if they are separate billing items or combined.
Almost exactly like me, except I text frequently. (Damn thick fingers!)
I really enjoyed watching an episode of House on it while waiting for the fish to bite.
It took a couple of calls to Sprint to get the Sprint Navigation and Browser to work, but I got a live person right away, and the problems were solved immediately.
I have a Blackberry Curve. I like the design, but for practicality, I wish I had my Palm Treo 700w back. Windows Mobile is a much better operating system, with more files, better design, and much better compatibility.
Ummm… Not unlike me. I did not get VZW GPS. The strom is a GPS and you don’t have to use VZW or pay a monthly fee to use it IF you get some software for it. I downloaded mine from GARMIN. Works great. Though you do have to have cell phone coverage for it to work.
Right, I meant I got the free Google Maps rather than the add-on Garmin program. Also, the OP is paying for VZNavigator, so he/she can drop that and VCast and probably keep close to the same monthly bill when he/she adds the data plan.
