some quick questions

[blueotwo]

im a blackberry newbi and am seriously considering buying the blackberry 8520

just a couple of questions to clarify a few things. i apologise if they are dumb

1) using the wifi wont cost me any extra will it?

2) adding my email so i recieve my emails to my blackberry. this wont cost me extra will it?

3) i want to download the msn app. now sending a message with msn will count as a txt message correct? so this will just be deducted from my monthly text allowence yes?

thanks for you help in advance

[mostlydo]

wifi is a free service. Adding email onto the device will cost 29.99 a month. why that is. the email that comes derictly to your blackberry has to go through the bis server, that server is tied in with the data cost paid to your service provider. if you attempt to set up email while using wifi it will tell you its not able to. and msn yes will go against your texting bundle allowance.

[diegonei]

Orange UK I take it? My girlfriend got a 8900 with unlimited internet for £24,47/month on a 18 months contract, I advise you calling them and see what offers you get.

As mostlydo said, all data over WiFi is free.

But I disagree on the MSN question, that is a data service, so it wouldn't have anything to do with your SMS limits.

[blueotwo]

yes im orange UK

and i dont want a new contract i already got a decent deal on my sim. keeping that

im also confused regarding msn. ive read someplaces that the msn message count as txt others say data service. which one is it?
also what is data service?

sorry for being a total noob

[diegonei]

As much of a noob as 90% of us before we had a Blackberry. :P

Data service/plan is the internet connecting the carrier provides to your phone/berry. For Blackberry devices, it's BIS (Blackberry Internet Service) and it includes browsing, instant messaging, push email, a secure connection (128bits if I remember right) and the PIN features (BBM and PIN-to-PIN messaging).

Most apps need a data service to work, such as MSN and other instant messengers. Some other apps just go along with that they find (either WiFi or data plans) and access the internet.

You say you don't want a contract. I still say you call them and ask about adding BIS to your account. We never know! But you could live on WiFi I suppose, depending on your needs.

[blueotwo]

so i could just run my msn and other apps off my wifi if needs be?

as i got wifi at home, and the whole of my university has wifi everywhere. so i guess im covered really. obviously if i find i need more connection than just the wifi ill give them a call and see what i can get

ok awesome guys. thanks very much for the help

[blueotwo]

one last question.

the gps. that doesnt need a connection does it. works just like any gps i assume?

also how do you know if an app needs a internet connection? does it say when you download it?

[diegonei]

Uh, nope you got it wrong. MSN/Yahoo/AOL do need a data plan. They won't work over WiFi. There are apps that do. I think Jabbler (or something ) is able to log to all those and works over WiFi.

There is a thread here on the forums that lists apps that run (or don't) on WiFi. There is also an Aerize app that forces other apps to run over WiFi. As you got hotspots almost everywhere, you really should consider checking those.

The 8520 does not have GPS functions. I'd now say "but you can use either Google Maps or Blackberry Maps" but as I understand it, they also need a data plan to work.

last question? I doubt it. I see people with thousands of posts asking questions. And really, would be a shame not to hear about another new 8520 owner... :P

[blueotwo]

ok thanks very much for all the help deigonei. you been real helpful

the more you tell me the more i think i need to call BIS. how much does it cost to get it connected so i can use all thefunctions which need internet service?

also does the blackberry messenger also require internet connection to work? or can that run off wifi too?

[diegonei]

We're here to help.

BBM puzzles me. It is supposed to run using RIM's servers. But I did turn my carrier network connection off and managed to have it going over WiFi. Don't ask me if it will work for you. It shouldn't over WiFi.

I think it's £10 for unlimited BIS, but calling Orange is the best step.