Please help re. "Blackberry"

[Geeves]

Ok...I get the basic idea what it is - software that helps 'the mobile' stay in touch

I have just become a bit more mobile and need to be able to occasionally check my Corporate work email on the move, which is run off a BlackBerry Enterprise server in London. And we use IBM Lotus Notes.

My IT department was unfortunately NOT very helpful in recommending an alternative to a Blackberry set (which I did not want, seeing that it does not do 3G etc), so I got a Sony Ericsson P1i on Vodacom Talk130 on recommendation of a colluegue that swears it is the best option after Blackberry for those who might need to access corporate email. Marvellous little phone, btw, of not particularly good looking imho.

Anways...my problem comes in with enabling email access & Vodacom BlackBerry packages:

- What is a Blackberry package - i.e. does it just enable the technology of constantly being in touch with email?
- What is the difference, practically, between the R69 and R199 "Blackberry email" packages listed on the Vodacom website, and howcome did Vodashop quote me R149 for a Blackberry package? (or is that bolt on?)?
- What do these amounts include/exclude (i.e. permanent connectivity, mailbox, download data etc)? I.e. what cost can I expect over and above whatever package I need/choose?
- Can these be bolted on to a standard talk package?
- Which one is best for occasional usage (i.e. being out of the office a day or two a week)?
- Collueque says the R69 option is for webmail only (i.e. cannot access Blackberry servier), whilst the other is for Blackberry Enterprise server only?
- Is it truly always 'on' or can one switch it on or off as you need and pay accordingly?

My apologies for asking all these questions re. things that is probably obvious to some, but I am a bit technologically challenged and neither Vodacom (helpline & Vodashop) or my colluegue has been able to give me satisfactory answers/explinations and I am really really worried and hesitant to sign a contract for something that will not work or that I do not need.

Help/insight/advice/anything would be MUCH appreciated!! Thank you in advance.

G

 

[EchoZA]

The 2 options I know of (as Vodacom "bolt-ons") are BIS (Internet based) and BES (Exchange based) I use the BES option.

 

[Have2HaveOps]

Hello Geeves,

The blackberry Bold is launching on various networks around the world right now, Rogers in Canada came online on thursday last week.

The Blackberry Bold has HSDPA, and is doing very well in the reviews I have read to date - you may want to check it out crackberry.com has quite a bit on it.

Other options that come to mind are the E71 and the HTC Touch Diamond/ Touch pro.

 

[Geeves]

P.S. Is this the best place for Blackberry questions?

If this is not the best place to ask Blackberry questions, can someone pls be so kind as to maybe advise where.

Thanks!

G

 

[KaasP]

Hi Geeves,
I think this is the right place to ask this question, hopefully forumites can collectively answer your questions.
Here is my 5c.
Blackberries rely on proprietary technology to offer so-called Push email.
This means you need a Blackberry package added to your contract.
Yes this is available as a bolt-on to standard Talk packages.
Traffic is routed over a different APN, the Blackberry APN that you get provisioned for when you sign up for one of these.
Traditionally this was only available on Blackberry handsets, but lately Blackberry bolt-ons can be added to all sorts of other devices.
I'm not sure what the difference is between all the Blackberry packages available.
It helps to speak to someone with a clue, I've found Smartcom pretty good at explaining this stuff.
Alternatively, you might try calling the data-help desk (155), rather than 111, better chance of getting someone knowledgeable.
Hope that helps,
K