Verizon at Work but Cingular at Home - HELP PLEASE
 

I must preface this thread by saying, I know very little about the various networks so, please excuse any "duh" comments...they are unintentional :-)

My family uses Cingular but my employer uses Verizon. I know that Cingular uses the SIM for their GSM network and that Verizon can potentially use the RUIM for their CDMA network. I understand that the RUIM slot can accept a SIM card making it potentially cross compatible. The goal here is to purchase an unlocked phone that I can use on the Verizon network but which retains the ability for me to fall back to Cingular (my employer pays for Verizon access but, I don't want to carry two phones and I don't get to choose the handset)

I see that the Pearl 8130 could potentially be the phone that I am looking for but, I'm not clear on the specifics. My current Verizon phone does not have a RUIM (it's a 7130e) but, I'm assuming I can get one for the same account (for work). I guess there is also the 8830 and the 8330 due out Q1/Q2 2008? The comparison of the networks at the bb site is a little confusing to me.

As you can see, I really don't know enough about how all this works and I could really use some advice. Any help would be greatly appreciated (just remember...I'm not an expert so, keep it simple :-))

Thanks!

The simple answer is... you can't do it.

There are currently no Blackberry devices that can function on Verizon and Cingular/AT&T, and likely won't ever be any time soon.

The Verizon 8830 has a SIM slot and is GSM capable, but only for GSM frequencies outside of the US.

Thank you for the quick reply. I guess I'm just going to have to choose between the services. Any thoughts there? I see you use Cingular/AT&T.

Choose whichever service provider offers the best wireless coverage in your geographical area.
If they both offer the same quality service, then choose the one who provides service that best fits your budget.
If both are within your budget, then choose whichever provider offers the device you feel most comfortable with.

Honestly, this isn't a decision that anyone can make for you. You'll have to do your own due diligence, and choose the best provider/device for you.