[redss55]

I have a Blackberry Curve 8520 which I want to use as a PDA and play with only connected to wifi (don't going to pay for phone/data plan through AT&T).

What's the best way to install apps? When I browse to Blackberry App World and find an app, I click on "open in App World" then it says

the item you selected cannot be displayed. Do you wish to save thie item?

If I say yes, it saves it to a file on ...memory/home/user then says completed and thats all.

If I say no, it says unsupport media type: application/x-bb-appworld

2nd Question: When I try to install the GMAIL app, I click on "integrate now" then click "launch email setup" it says

cannot create account: your blackberry internet service account is suspended or deactivated. please contact your wireless service provider at 800-331-0500

[stevetaz]

You need a BlackBerry Data Plan to use App World and many other applications, email, BlackBerry Messenger,etc.

Check the FAQS for What Do I Need A Data Plan For

[SteveO86]

You need a BlackBerry Data plan.

That will activate you on BIS, and that will allow you to use App World.

Solves both your problems.

[stevetaz]

Take a look at this....How to use BlackBerry on Generic Data Plan - BlackBerryFAQ

[Motorcycle Mama]

1. Not sure that you will be able to do much at all with a device that is not activated at all (ie no phone and no data service).

2. AT&T will require a BlackBerry Data Plan for any BlackBerry activated on your account after Sept. 2009.

3. You can't use any BlackBerry Applications (App World, BlackBerry Browser, Facebook, Twitter, BlackBerry Messenger) or any of the Google apps (GMail, Google Maps, etc) without a BlackBerry Data Plan.

4. Most apps are designed to be installed OTA (over the air) either through BlackBerry App World or via the BlackBerry Browser. Without a BlackBerry Data Plan, you will not be able to use either of those. You will need to search for applications that offer a desktop installation option. Search hard because those are few and far between. Most application developers are no longer offering a desktop installation option. There are some though who do.