Another Blackberry Newbie.

[demonocracy]

Hi all,

I am currently looking for a new phone and would love to purchase a Blackberry, however I have no idea where to begin and the prospect of attempting to sort out data plans etc. and finding the right model for me is intimidating in the extreme so I hope that some of you may be able to help out a newbie in this process as I've been reading a few of the threads and was really impressed by the knowledge of most of you here!

In terms of phone usage I don't require a huge amount per month. On my current extremely basic prepaid phone with Telstra I use about $30/month and most of that is on texts (I would definitely love to avoid Telstra if possible, the expenses are ridiculous).

The biggest features I require are:

* Email access - my primary email account is with Gmail,
* basic Internet access (I have a Livejournal blog that I update/answer comments on regularly),
* ability to use AOL Instant Messenger (looking back at posts I believe installing Jivetalk (beejive.com) will do the trick?)

Basically what I would like to know is the best model for my purposes (currently I think the Blackberry Curve 8300 may suit best?) - a camera is fine but not necessary and I definitely don't need GPS. I'd also like to know which plan from the big telcos would be the best value - I should also add that I am currently with Optus for home phone/internet and am under the impression that I get some sort of discount on plan pricing if I bundle it.

Finally, I am dismayed by the prices of new Blackberrys here in Australia compared with how much they retail for in the US and am considering purchasing a refurbished/unlocked model, but as someone who is fairly leery of purchasing expensive items online due to being burned in the past, what are my best options in this respect? Are there any resellers in Sydney that I would be able to purchase a 2nd hand model for much less than the new RRP or is an eBay powerseller my best bet? And once purchased, do I simply sign up for a prepaid plan and that covers my internet access too?

I know these are a lot of questions but I've been trying to read up as much as I can and it's quite confusing for someone who's not had more than an extremely cheap prepaid for many years, haha. If you could offer any help or starter points at all, that would be absolutely wonderful and I would be very grateful.

cheers,
Evie

[Gregmyers]

Hi Evie and welcome to the forum,
Ok lets start off with handset choice. The 83xx (Curve) series is a good choice. It's a nice midsize unit that is great for typing on ( full qwerty keyboard), has a camera and is very lightweight. The other choices would be either the 81xx (Pearl) series which is a smaller, more traditional phone size device (again with a camera but suretype (2 characters per key) keyboard. Or the 88xx series which is the full-size professional BlackBerry. The price difference in between the 8300 and 8310 (with GPS) is negligible but if you are looking at purchasing from Ebay or similar and you want to keep your costs down then look out for the 8300.
Next, features. Gmail works great with BlackBerry. Updating your blog might be a bit of a time consuming task but posting comments/answers is easy done. Lastly, JiveTalk works well.
Now to the important bit, carrier and plan. If you are already using Optus home and internet service and they can come up with a package price for a plan then go for it. If you want email and internet service then I would suggest that you don't go the pre-paid route. You are probably best off with a small phone plan ($20 or $22 per month) then an unlimited BlackBerry bolt-on plan. Link: Optus - Personal - BlackBerry
Lastly an Ebay power seller would be the way to go (But I totally understand you trepidation with large internet purchases). This store (Link: Buy Blackberry Devices,Accessories,Software,Training - Blackberrystore.com.au - Computer Ezy ) has a bargain basement section and they are Aus based so give them a go.
If you have any other questions or would like me to clarify these answers just post back.
Hope this helps,
Kindest Regards,
Greg Myers

[demonocracy]

Thank you so much for helping me out, Greg, I really appreciate it. With regards to your advice to choose a small phone plan, does that cover data costs in terms of accessing the internet, or is that for phone only and I would need to add something extra for data usage?

Also, I was checking out the bargain basement offers on Blackberrystore.com.au website and I'm curious to know whether the 7100g (apparently replaced by the Pearl) or the 7290 would cater to what I'm after.

Cheers,
Evie

[Gregmyers]

To get the most out of your new device, you really need either a BES (BlackBerry Enterprise Server)or BIS (BlackBerry Internet Service) plan. A BIS plan would be the way to go for a single user. Check the link I posted to Optus for pricing.
The 7100g is a Suretype device (same as the Pearl). For more info check this link: BlackBerry - BlackBerry 7100g Wireless Handheld Device | With Speakerphone, SMS, Bluetooth & MP3 Ring Tones .It is a little dated but will do all that you require.
KR
Greg Myers

[Tfer]

Welcome Evie.... if you happen to look at the same Computer Ezy site, under Blackberry models, you will notice the following "interesting" buys:
1. 8100 Black for $499.... has suretype like the 7100
2. 8700 RF (refurbished) for $395 has a qwerty keyboard like the 8300

My 2 cents.... good luck and keep us posted

[guptanavneet_2006]

Thanks boss nice information about the devices .