Looking at getting a Blackberry for my TMobile line. Need advice.

[bobbob1016]

I'm looking at getting a Blackberry for TMobile. I know there aren't any HSPA Blackberries yet, but I found 2 that claim HSDPA.
One is a Bold 9700, that says "2G Network GSM 850/900/1800/1900
3G Network HSDPA 850/1900/2100"
The other is a GSM Storm 9500, that says "Quad-band" and "HSDPA"
Although from the frequencies, I think the Bold is the only one that'd work with TMobile US 3G and HSDPA. Would I be correct in guessing that the Bold works with TMobile US's HSDPA from the frequencies, and the Storm won't? I'm new to Blackberry stuff, and would appreciate advice. Thanks in advance.

(I was going to post links to the phones, but I can't until I have 10 posts.)


Edit: Also, it has to be off-contract. Can't upgrade my contract at the moment. These two phones are located at a store near me. $300 US for the Bold, $200 US for the Storm.

[NetworkGuy]

The Storm is a CDMA phone (Verizon) and will not work on the T-Mobile GSM Network. Go with the 9700. If you get the phone from T_Mobile, you will be able to get 3G speeds, but be careful since TMobile does not work on the same 3G frequencies as AT&T. Getting a AT&T unlocked phone will only allow you to use it at 2G speeds.

[NorrisCell]

You can run a Storm on TMO no problem, you'll just be limited to edge speeds like you would with an ATT model. The 9700 is always a solid choice though. I'm a big fan of the original Storm though, and have one on my second TMO line

[NorrisCell]

Also, the 9700 you list does not have the frequency you need for 3G with TMO, which is 1700 MHz

[bobbob1016]

Damn, I thought 2100 was HSDPA TMobile as well as 1700 being HSUPA. Guess I could've googled wrong. I'm looking at J&R in NYC. Easy to find on google still can't post a link. I currently have an AT&T iPhone on TMobile, and want something Blackberry that I can get TMobile 3G, hopefully HSPA or HSDPA at least.

[NetworkGuy]

Originally Posted by NorrisCell

You can run a Storm on TMO no problem, you'll just be limited to edge speeds like you would with an ATT model. The 9700 is always a solid choice though. I'm a big fan of the original Storm though, and have one on my second TMO line

I wasn't aware that the Storm was a dual radio unit. My apologies. AS NorrisCell states, you need to be careful with T-Mobile since they run their 3g frequencies at different Mhz than most GSM carriers.

[bobbob1016]

I got the Bold. it says TMobil right on it, so it should work with TMobile's HSDPA. Next question, best practices with charging, plug in while it's off and wait for 100%, or can I plug it in, and use it, while it's charging?

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com
Edit: Not yet posted from my Crackberry.

[NetworkGuy]

I personally wait until it receives a good full charge before using it the first time. Then after that, keep the battery charged as much as possible and don't let it completely drain as the newer Lithium-Ion batteries like to be charged. there is no memory effects with these batteries like in the older Ni-MH and Ni-Cad batteries.