[Preroll]

So it appears everyone has discussed what I learned already at CES (Bridging vs. Tethering, etc.). It was my initial impression that the PB was going to utilize the BB's cell service for internet usage but it appears the first models will require a mobile hot spot for that - just bridging for email, contacts, BBM, etc will tap off the phone itself. Apparently, Sprint will have a 4G model down the road. In any event, I snapped off a few shots of the booth for the hell of it. Hopefully the remaining issues will be ironed out soon as the release date according to the rep in the photo is still holding at Q2.

[Jagga]

First off Sprints' 4G model is just using a module add-on to enable this; bulky or not that's what Lazaridis was quoted in a crackberry interview if I'm not mistaken.

Second the devices at CES may NOT have the ability to use BT as Modem during that connection; saving a picture as wallpaper was also disabled (video on youtube).

So I'm HOPING this finding you have is incorrect if so then its DROPPED its value by 50% for me. I'm in a city where just about everyone & all business' secure their wlan networks so internet is at work/home only for me; again if this is true.

[Preroll]

Originally Posted by Jagga

First off Sprints' 4G model is just using a module add-on to enable this; bulky or not that's what Lazaridis was quoted in a crackberry interview if I'm not mistaken.

Second the devices at CES may NOT have the ability to use BT as Modem during that connection; saving a picture as wallpaper was also disabled (video on youtube).

So I'm HOPING this finding you have is incorrect if so then its DROPPED its value by 50% for me. I'm in a city where just about everyone & all business' secure their wlan networks so internet is at work/home only for me; again if this is true.

Well I asked the same question to that rep in the photo a few times to confirm what I heard and also re-asked the same question to another rep outside the demo area and they both confirmed the same thing. At present, the first units will require a mobile wi-fi hotspot to gain internet access. All PIM features of the BB are bridged but there is no online access with the PB via the phone. So, it was either wait for the Sprint 4G version, get a Mi-Fi device, or find a hot spot. I would assume that BB will incorporate a personal hotspot into future phones just like the iPhone for Verizon is going to have (I think up to five devices at a time). It's all a wait and see process as usual.

[Jagga]

Dang!! That is going to hurt sales - at least for potential consumers and this is a multi channel release.

[Preroll]

Originally Posted by Jagga

Dang!! That is going to hurt sales - at least for potential consumers and this is a multi channel release.

Yeah...I wasn't too happy hearing that too. Frankly I was surprised as I thought it worked via the phone. Hopefully they'll make some adjustments before the initial release but who knows for sure.