BB Curve or the Dash?

[Ellen]

Hi guys and gals,

I need advice on which one of these phones to get. Now that T-Mobile is lowering the price of their total Internet, I think this would be a good time for me to make the jump to a smart phone. I use my phone mostly for calls, and I do a lot of emailing on it.
I would consider waiting for the BB Pearl2 if that one is the better choice......If anyone who currently owns either the Dash or the Pearl 8100 could give me your likes and dislikes of them I would appreciate it. Thanks. :)

PS: The Rep. in the TMobile store confirmed for me that the Curve along with the three new colored Pearls will be released on Sep. 24. :cool:

[BobL]

I like the Pearl and the stability of a BB. WM phones are notoriously unstable. The fact that the Pearl is not that much bigger than most other phones and doesn't look like an old BB. My only gripe is the media player and lack of subscription music support, but only a few phones are compatable (some Palms and the Blackjack).

I am waiting for the UMA Curve. If I knew when the UMA Pearl (Pearl 2) was going to be dropped, I'd get that one over the Curve.

[robbinsgj]

I on the other hand love my Dash. There are so many hacks, mods and apps for Windows Mobile. Everyone that has a blackberry at work would much rather have a dash. Much more versatile in my view. But with the 15 day return policy, buy one and if you don't like it, get the other.

[Ellen]

Thanks BobL, and robbinsgi. :) Keep the opinions coming. :Missy:

[mobilecontrol]

I agree with the stability factor of the BlackBerry OS. I've had mutiple WM devices and got rid of each one, especially because they would freeze or lockup so often just from messaging and e-mailing. BlackBerry all the way in my opinion...

[kinjutsu11]

I agree with the stability factor of the BlackBerry OS. I've had mutiple WM devices and got rid of each one, especially because they would freeze or lockup so often just from messaging and e-mailing. BlackBerry all the way in my opinion...
^I agree.
I think for emails and stability, BB is the best way to go.
If you're looking for flexibility, editing MSOffice docs rather than just viewing, hacks, mods, tons of apps, then the Dash is for you.

Depends on what you want your device for.
I've gone through :
BB- 7290,7100,7105,8700,8100(Black/White/Red),8800; and
WM - SDA,MDA,Cingular 3125(unlocked),Dash,Wing, HTC Vox (S610).
I still have my Blackberry Pearl (White), and no more WM phones.

[greenblood]

WM5 sucks, it's notoriously unstable
MDA bt crash like no tomorrow
X51v died
HX2495 has some error, needs to reset couple times a day
WM2003 is better, hopefully WM6 is better too

[secrecyguy]

Before I heard that they going to lower the price of the Total Internet, I was going to get the Blackberry 8300 Curve when it comes out on Sept. 24th.

Most likely I will still do it since the 8300 have Wi Fi and that means it will have access to HotSpots.

So far, I haven't heard anything about if they going to lower the price on the Blackberry plan.

I say wait until the Blackberry 8300 Curve and see what kinds of plans are available.

[Ellen]

^I agree.
I think for emails and stability, BB is the best way to go.
If you're looking for flexibility, editing MSOffice docs rather than just viewing, hacks, mods, tons of apps, then the Dash is for you.

Depends on what you want your device for.
I've gone through :
BB- 7290,7100,7105,8700,8100(Black/White/Red),8800; and
WM - SDA,MDA,Cingular 3125(unlocked),Dash,Wing, HTC Vox (S610).
I still have my Blackberry Pearl (White), and no more WM phones.

Since this will be my first smart phone, I'm interested in something that will be easy to use and doesn't require a lot of hacks to get it to work properly.
Is there a lot of S/W that I will have load into the BB once I get it home, or is it pretty much ready to use out of the box?
If I do have to load any S/W into it, is it complicated, or an easy thing to do?....Thanks.

PS: WOW Kin, you sure had a lot of smart phones!! I thought I was bad with my regular phone collection, but it looks like you got me beat. ;)

[kinjutsu11]

Since this will be my first smart phone, I'm interested in something that will be easy to use and doesn't require a lot of hacks to get it to work properly.
Is there a lot of S/W that I will have load into the BB once I get it home, or is it pretty much ready to use out of the box?
If I do have to load any S/W into it, is it complicated, or an easy thing to do?....Thanks.

PS: WOW Kin, you sure had a lot of smart phones!! I thought I was bad with my regular phone collection, but it looks like you got me beat. ;)

Well, i didn't even talk about the regular phones i've gone through. I'm on of those people that have to have the newest gadget, or else! Haha, I've have been slowing it down recently though.

[homobile]

i love my dash,but the pearl 2 does seem nice.i don't really know if i like the suretype keypads though.as far as being ready out of the box and ease of use,the dash is ready and simple.it's just you have more options to personalize the phone with wm6 and much more software.you don't have to use them,but they make using much more fun.

[kinjutsu11]

i love my dash,but the pearl 2 does seem nice.i don't really know if i like the suretype keypads though.

There's always the Curve!!...

[Ellen]

i love my dash,but the pearl 2 does seem nice.i don't really know if i like the suretype keypads though.as far as being ready out of the box and ease of use,the dash is ready and simple.it's just you have more options to personalize the phone with wm6 and much more software.you don't have to use them,but they make using much more fun.

Is loading the software into the Dash complicated or relatively easy? I'm afraid of messing up whatever phone I get if I tried something like this. :o
I have been reading a lot of nice reviews on the Dash, and it seems like WM6 users tend to be the most satisfied with it. And TMobile told me that the Dash comes with WM6 out of the box.

[homobile]

Is loading the software into the Dash complicated or relatively easy? I'm afraid of messing up whatever phone I get if I tried something like this. :o
I have been reading a lot of nice reviews on the Dash, and it seems like WM6 users tend to be the most satisfied with it. And TMobile told me that the Dash comes with WM6 out of the box.


originally wm6 was available as an upgrade,but all the new ones should have it out of the box.as far as ease of software downloading,it's a breeze.i am nowhere near a computer whiz and i've never had any problems doing it.alot of the apps and games you can find are actually free too.good luck with your decision:)
also if you are worried about messing up your phone,just back everything up on your computer using active sync before you download anything.then you shouldn't run into any problems.

[Ellen]

originally wm6 was available as an upgrade,but all the new ones should have it out of the box.as far as ease of software downloading,it's a breeze.i am nowhere near a computer whiz and i've never had any problems doing it.alot of the apps and games you can find are actually free too.good luck with your decision:)
also if you are worried about messing up your phone,just back everything up on your computer using active sync before you download anything.then you shouldn't run into any problems.

Thanks for the speedy reply homobile. I'm new to this, so I wouldn't know how to back things up. Guess I have a lot to learn before I purchase a smart phone.

[homobile]

Thanks for the speedy reply homobile. I'm new to this, so I wouldn't know how to back things up. Guess I have a lot to learn before I purchase a smart phone.
really easy,you'll get an active sync cd with your phone,and it will go through it step by step

[Ellen]

really easy,you'll get an active sync cd with your phone,and it will go through it step by step

I'm glad to hear that they include this. How is the reception on your Dash when you are in a poor signal area? One of the BB pearl reviews that I saw today, said that windows smart phones are not as good at picking up a signal, like the BB are.

[homobile]

I'm glad to hear that they include this. How is the reception on your Dash when you are in a poor signal area? One of the BB pearl reviews that I saw today, said that windows smart phones are not as good at picking up a signal, like the BB are.


i've never really had a problem with my dash and signal.the only places i've had problems were also places i've had them with any other phone i've had.actually i get better reception with my dash than any phone i've had in the past few years.(and that's alot of phones)

[Galvatron]

8320 if you can wait but i have an 8800 even in OCT when the 8820 hits ill garba one. the 8100's n th 8320's aregeard towerds consumers the 8800 is geard towds business an gov people hence no cameras

[Ellen]

8320 if you can wait but i have an 8800 even in OCT when the 8820 hits ill garba one. the 8100's n th 8320's aregeard towerds consumers the 8800 is geard towds business an gov people hence no cameras
Ive narrowed my decision down to either the BB Curve, or the blue BB Pearl 8100. I'll check both of these handsets out at the store on the 24th to see which one I like best.

[Galvatron]

well if you likea full qwerty keyboard instead of sure type go with the 8320 plus you have the wifi benifit other than than you have the size now if yo do go with the 8100 i recomend going to the blackberry forums an grab the lastes GSM based OS forthe 8100 i can walk you throught th upgrade if you want
an if you wnat to use blackberry instant messenger my PIN is in my SIG

[GaryF]

The latest OS for the 8100 is the TMO .107 version....

[GaryF]

Ive narrowed my decision down to either the BB Curve, or the blue BB Pearl 8100. I'll check both of these handsets out at the store on the 24th to see which one I like best.

Contrary to popular belief when it comes to this ....
Its all about the size :rolleyes:

Oh yeah - and are you willing to adjust to suretype ;)!

I love my pearl :o

[Galvatron]

dud i go for full quwerty caus sure type was too slow for me i had a 7100t as my first bb i had my 8700 caus i wanted EDGE and couod not stan GPRS an now i have my 8800 might grab the 8320 mut im waiting for the 8820

[chokaay]

A Realistic BlackBerry Plan Cost Analysis (T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint, Verizon)

In my (and another family member's) interest in purchasing a BlackBerry device (specifically the Curve and/or Pearl), I did a cost comparison on "roughly" equal plans from the top 4 major carriers and thought I'd post it on T-Mobile Signal for the benefit of other people as well:


CRITERIA:
Needed AT LEAST >600-700 Anytime Minute Nationwide Individual Voice Plan* (the more the safer), 200-300 Text Messages (the more the safer), and Unlimited BlackBerry Email & Data (EDGE is fine... I'm still using GPRS with my RAZR).


CHOICES:

1) MY T-MOBILE "GRANDFATHERED" PROMOTIONAL PLAN: 1000 Anytime Minutes ($39.99/mo) + Unlimited N&W + 300 TEXT Messages ($2.99/mo) + Blackberry Internet & E-Mail Add-On ($19.99/mo) = $62.97/mo + tax.

2) T-MOBILE GET MORE 1000 PLUS: 1000 Anytime Minutes ($49.99/mo) + Unlimited N&W + 400 TEXT/MMS Messages ($4.99/mo) + Blackberry Internet & E-Mail Add-On ($19.99/mo) = $74.97/mo + tax.

3) T-MOBILE MYFAVES 600: 600 Anytime Minutes ($49.99/mo) + Unlimited Calling to 5 People (NO N&W) + 400 TEXT/MMS Messages ($4.99) + Blackberry Internet & E-Mail Add-On ($19.99/mo) = $74.97/mo + tax.

4) AT&T NATION 900 MINUTES (or AT&T NATION 900 UNITY**): 900 Anytime Minutes ($59.99/mo) + Unlimited N&W + Unlimited M2M (AT&T customers only) + Rollover + 200 Starter Messaging Add-On ($4.99/mo, $0.10/msg over 200) + BlackBerry Personal Data-Only Plan ($34.99/mo) = $99.97/mo + additional $0.10/msg over 200*** + tax.

5) SPRINT POWER PACK 900**** (no Curve or Pearl): 900 Anytime Minutes ($59.99/mo) + Unlimited 7pm N&W + Unlimited M2M (Sprint customers only) + 300 Text Messaging Add-On ($5.00/mo) + BlackBerry Unlimited Email and Web ($49.99/mo) = $114.98/mo + tax.

6) VERIZON BLACKBERRY AMERICA'S CHOICE EMAIL & MESSAGING 900 (no Curve or Pearl): 900 Anytime Minutes ($119.99/mo) + Unlimited N&W + Unlimited M2M (Verizon customers only) + Unlimited BlackBerry Email & Data + Unlimited Messaging***** (didn't see any lower option for BB) = $119.99/mo + tax.


ANNUAL COSTS (plan only):

1 YEAR COST******
1) $62.97 x 12 = $755.64 + tax********.
2/3) $74.97 x 12 = $899.64 + tax********.
4) $99.97 x 12 = $1,199.64*** + tax********.
5) $114.98 x 12 = $1,379.76 + tax********.
6) $119.99 x 12 = $1,439.88 + tax********.

2 YEAR COST
1) $62.97 x 24 = $1,511.28 + tax********.
2/3) $74.97 x 24 = $1,799.28 + tax********.
4) $99.97 x 24 = $2,399.28*** + tax********.
5) $114.98 x 24 = $2,759.52 + tax********.
6) $119.99 x 24 = $2,879.76 + tax********.


RESULTS (plan only):

1 YEAR COST SAVINGS*******:
1) $0.00.
2/3) $144.00 + tax difference********.
4) $444.00*** + tax difference********. <=== SURPRISED ME A LOT! :eek:
5) $624.12 + tax difference********. <=== SURPRISED ME EVEN MORE! :eek::eek:
6) $684.24 + tax difference********. <=== SURPRISED ME EVEN MORE! :eek::eek:

2 YEAR COST SAVINGS*******:
1) $0.00.
2/3) $288.00 + tax difference********.
4) $888.00*** + tax difference********. <=== SURPRISED ME A LOT! :eek:
5) $1,248.24 + tax difference********. <=== SURPRISED ME EVEN MORE! :eek::eek:
6) $1,368.48 + tax difference********. <=== SURPRISED ME EVEN MORE! :eek::eek:


NOTES:

*Before committing to a single carrier, please make sure you get coverage/signal in ALL THE PLACES YOU NEED IT! Even though price IS an important factor... being able to use your phone WHEN AND WHERE YOU NEED IT IS MORE IMPORTANT! (What's the use of a phone if you can't use it when you need it? Now, using your phone in places you want it is slightly different, and should be treated and considered as such.)

**AT&T Unity gives you UNLIMITED AT&T Landline calling... unfortunately I don't know anyone that uses AT&T Landlines, so that won't make that much of a difference to me.

***For the purposes of this analysis, let's assume the customer NEVER goes over 200 messages so he/she doesn't have to pay any OVERAGES for this cost comparison. If he/she DID, then this option would cost MORE due to overages.

****Unsure if Sprint allows the BlackBerry Add-On to be added to SERO plans, but I've heard it couldn't. I could be wrong though.... :confused:

*****Couldn't find any lower Verizon messaging plan for BlackBerries on their website to bring the cost down.

******Some carriers do NOT have a 1-Year Contract anymore (like AT&T), thus their 1-Year price is for reference only and NOT representative of what you would pay in a 1-Year Contract. T-Mobile DOES have 1-Year Contracts still, but the handset/device you get with a new activation will cost $50 more than with a 2-Year Contract.

*******Based on MY T-Mobile "grandfathered" plan! Everyone else should calculate their OWN cost savings based on their OWN current plan.

********When I say "tax", I mean all the taxes, fees, and miscellaneous charges that cellular carriers put on the bill. These charges differ by state, county, and even city. In my experience, taxes and fees add up to roughly 12%-24% of your total wireless bill, but could be more or less than that based on your billing location. Therefore, the actual COST (and COST SAVINGS) that you are being billed for (and are getting) will be EVEN GREATER (but the actual amount will differ by location).


EDIT: I'll post this in its own thread (http://www.t-mobilesignal.com/forum/f8/realistic-blackberry-plan-cost-analysis-t-1308.html) as well, since this actually seems to be another topic on its own...

[Ellen]

Contrary to popular belief when it comes to this ....
Its all about the size :rolleyes:

Oh yeah - and are you willing to adjust to suretype ;)!

I love my pearl :o
I'll have no problems making the adjustment. If I can text on my moto's, I can get used to anything. ;)

[semaj]

go with the blackberry curve on the 24th

oo and chookay att should have a one year plan over the phone. By law oral contracts are valid only for a year and nothing more so a 2 year agreement would either be null and void or dropped down to 1 year. maybe a lawyer can chime in. very nice post though, i really appreciate it.

[Ellen]

Update: I just returned from my local T-Mobile store.....without the Pearl. :(
I had a really nice Rep. who powered up the Blue Pearl for me so that I could test it out before buying it, and after playing with the Pearl for 20 minutes decided that it wasn't going to work for me. The blue color was ok, but darker than it appears in the pictures. I found the key pad to be a little to spongy, and hard to text on because of my long nails.....After testing out the suretype for myself, found that it is definitely more difficult to work with as compared to my Motorola V3xx. I also found the EDGE Web browser to be a little slow, but I think it's because I got used to the 3G speed of the V3xx. All things considered, the size of the Pearl was very nice, and it did offer great call quality during the one call that I made.
I think for now I will request the unlock code for my 3G RAZR V3xx from at&t, and just use that when TMobiles own 3G service is up and running.
Thanks for all of your helpful replies in this thread. :)

[kinjutsu11]

Update: I just returned from my local T-Mobile store.....without the Pearl. :(
I had a really nice Rep. who powered up the Blue Pearl for me so that I could test it out before buying it, and after playing with the Pearl for 20 minutes decided that it wasn't going to work for me. The blue color was ok, but darker than it appears in the pictures. I found the key pad to be a little to spongy, and hard to text on because of my long nails.....After testing out the suretype for myself, found that it is definitely more difficult to work with as compared to my Motorola V3xx. I also found the EDGE Web browser to be a little slow, but I think it's because I got used to the 3G speed of the V3xx. All things considered, the size of the Pearl was very nice, and it did offer great call quality during the one call that I made.
I think for now I will request the unlock code for my 3G RAZR V3xx from at&t, and just use that when TMobiles own 3G service is up and running.
Thanks for all of your helpful replies in this thread. :)

Aahhh!! And i thought you were gonna get it! Well, SureType is something to get used to that's for sure. I saw the 3 Pearls today and I'm not too impressed with the colors, so I'm definitely waiting for a Curve. One thing though, Princess, that V3xx you have will work on T-Mobile once unlocked, but can't access T-Mobile's 3G when its up due to the V3xx not having the 1700 Mhz band, which T-Mobz is using for 3G.

So, thinking about the Curve now?

[Ellen]

Aahhh!! And i thought you were gonna get it! Well, SureType is something to get used to that's for sure. I saw the 3 Pearls today and I'm not too impressed with the colors, so I'm definitely waiting for a Curve. One thing though, Princess, that V3xx you have will work on T-Mobile once unlocked, but can't access T-Mobile's 3G when its up due to the V3xx not having the 1700 Mhz band, which T-Mobz is using for 3G.

So, thinking about the Curve now?
My beloved V3xx won't be able to use T-Mobiles 3G....:( Maybe the Curve. I'll be there when it arrives that's for sure. Maybe TMobile will come out with their own 3G RAZR similar to the V3xx that I can get.
Why is it that, the color of these phones always seem to look better on paper than they do in the stores?

[kinjutsu11]

Why is it that, the color of these phones always seem to look better on paper than they do in the stores?

Haha, to get you in the stores! That way they can find something to sell ya! lol

[Galvatron]

Photoshop lol btw moto suxors the 2w1700 mhz bang is individual to tmos hsdpa network wich is 3.5g att's hsdpa3.0g band is 850mhz.

[kinjutsu11]

Photoshop lol btw moto suxors the 2w1700 mhz bang is individual to tmos hsdpa network wich is 3.5g att's hsdpa3.0g band is 850mhz.

I thought i showed you the evolutionary track? HSDPA is 3G, no matter who provides it or on what frequency they use. The frequency will have to do with distance and penetration of buildings and such, but as far as speeds go, HSDPA is HSDPA. And T-Mobile's imminent 3G launch is UMTS, then HSDPA will be out, unless T-Mobile waits to launch 3G nationwide for HSDPA, but the UMTS network must be laid out first, and HSDPA can be deployed over it, like EDGE is to GPRS.

[Ellen]

Haha, to get you in the stores! That way they can find something to sell ya! lol

LMAO, this is so true. Before I left the store, I ended up purchasing a leather case for my V3xx. :D

[kinjutsu11]

LMAO, this is so true. Before I left the store, I ended up purchasing a leather case for my V3xx. :D

You see?!:alol2: GOTCHA!! :alol2:

[Paperboy]

I've had the dash for about 5months, its nice but mine is really sluggish and i experience crashes alot, so i'm picking up the curve on the 24th

[Matt]

Did you do the WM6 upgrade, Paperboy?

Helped a lot.

[Paperboy]

Did you do the WM6 upgrade, Paperboy?

Helped a lot.

yes, i did the WM6 upgrade, but i didn't notice any difference

[will4cani]

From my experience I think the BBs are much more stable for any form of messaging.

I currently have an HTC TyTN (what is currently the Cingular/AT&T 8525) and the biggest problem I have is that the email will occasionally lock up and stop pulling in new emails due to some connection error dealing with either signal or other reason. "Connection could not be established" or something similar. In order to get it working again I have to click 'ok'. If I don't I wont receive emails until I do.

Like others have mentioned, if you're looking for something that will be more multimedia friendly and have more MS Office interactivity then the Dash is probably the way to go.
Otherwise I'd recommend the Blackberry.

The Curve will undoubtedly be a nice phone and has the added bonus of being HotSpot@Home compatible. So for me, I'm upgrading on the 24th and going back to Blackberry.

[darkjedi]

Princess,

I just picked up an blackberry from that "other" carrier you know I recently signed up for. Wow, its an excellent device, nay a superior device than even the Pearl. I'm in love, I thought long and hard about keeping a 3g phone but the battery life that those phones are subject too made me look closer at the curve. After just four hours of use, I won't look back.

I've already got 12 themes on it, ringtones, email is incoming its just a breeze!

[ladysimpson]

My beloved V3xx won't be able to use T-Mobiles 3G....:( Maybe the Curve. I'll be there when it arrives that's for sure. Maybe TMobile will come out with their own 3G RAZR similar to the V3xx that I can get.
Why is it that, the color of these phones always seem to look better on paper than they do in the stores?
I think you should try tmobile dash.....my first smartphone and I love it.
still learning all the hacks and stuff but love it

[Paperboy]

The 24th needs to hurry up and get here, cant wait any longer :cig:

[Ellen]

Princess,

I just picked up an blackberry from that "other" carrier you know I recently signed up for. Wow, its an excellent device, nay a superior device than even the Pearl. I'm in love, I thought long and hard about keeping a 3g phone but the battery life that those phones are subject too made me look closer at the curve. After just four hours of use, I won't look back.

I've already got 12 themes on it, ringtones, email is incoming its just a breeze!

DJ,
I'm glad to hear that you are happy with your new Curve. :) As for the battery life on the 3G phones, I think that all depends on what phone it is, as well as the phones ability to keep the signal fluctuations at a minimal. My Motorola V3xx 3G capable handset has shown me awesome battery life so far. I last charged it 4 days ago, and yet I still have 2 bars remaining on the battery icon. The at&t branded V3xx seems to do really well with being able to connect to and hold the stronger of the two networks between EDGE and 3G, which could explain why my battery life is so good......

Even though I'm happy with my 3G service, I might still be better off having a smart phone on T-Mobile due to the price. With at&t, I'm paying an average of $55/month for their $29.99 plan that only includes 200min/month, and unlimited mobile web (not real web browsing). With one of T-Mobiles smart phone plans, I could get 300min/month, unlimited weekends, and real web browsing for the same price as my at&t plan.

[Ellen]

I think you should try tmobile dash.....my first smartphone and I love it.
still learning all the hacks and stuff but love it

Thanks for the reply ladysimpson. The Dash is something I am still considering at this point, especially after some of the good reviews that I saw for it on You Tube this morning.