[Jim1970]

Hello,

Posting to learn as I am considering buying the new blackberry when it comes out. In sum, I need a device that is a phone, a calendar, and a device that will allow me to run special programs for my field (psychology). So, I have questions before I commit.

1. I don't use outlook or microsoft email -- I used mozilla thunderbird. Will the new blackberry sync with this?

2. do blackberry's work through an existing network or do they run on their own network?

3. right now I have a pc, but my next laptop will be a mac. Will the new blackberry work on both systems?

4. I've compared the bb to the treo system (the treo running windows, not palm). Are there any notable differences, or is this simply a matter of taste?

Thanks in advance,

Jim

[takeshi]

1. Email doesn't sync on the BB. BIS retrieves mail from your mail server and pushes it to your BB so you mail client doesn't really matter. However, I don't think Thunderbird is supported for syncing other items (calendar, contacts, tasks, notes).

2. Both. They use your carrier's wireless network and must also have access to RIM's network.

3. I'd recommend searching the forums for Mac support. There is Mac support but there are also caveats (no ability to upgrade OS, etc).

[JLS2721]

Are certain carriers better than others?

[Dubdub]

Originally Posted by JLS2721

Are certain carriers better than others?

The best carrier is the one that has the coverage when and where you need it - where you live, work, travel and play.

Since your profile says Verizon, i assume that you are in the US. Verizon and ATT probably have the best coverage, followed by Sprint and TMO. TMO probably has the cheapest plans. But remember,the cheapest is not always the best. They all do BB very well and all offer BB data plans, BIS and BES access.

[Jim1970]

Hello,

takeshi, thank you for sharing your wisdom. I am learning and I appreciate places like this and people like you for helping.

I do not use microsoft products any more than I have to. I do not use outlook for my calendar or contacts.

Are there PIM programs that will work with a bb?

Thanks again,

Jim