Tmobile Dash or Tmobile Pearl

[maverick2604]

i've been in a whirlwind of emotions and information trying to decide whether to get the pearl or dash. Im not only thinking about the phone, but the plan that i'd have to buy with it...

im thinking of the dash b/c it has a larger screen, the full keyboard, and has an OS. The pearl is easier to use, but im not worried b/c i'd like to get to know the phone's ins and outs like a computer...

plus the pearl is everywhere. everyone has one. im not sure i like that.

but the Dash, i heard from Tmobile, can not access the internet -- even at WiFi hotspots -- without the $30 extra plan. that makes my entire plan too much. The tmobile rep said they changed the policy that allowed the dash to access the internet at WiFi points b/c they werent getting enough people to buy the extra plan....

does anyone have any input on these phones?

any suggestions?

 

[RedBeard]

The main reason I am sticking with the blackberry line for Tmobile is the blackberry unlimited plan.
It is only $20/month. You CAN use the pearl for laptop tethering (a BIG plus for me). Also try out the Opera Mini browser for the BB, it is amazing! (goto m.opera.com)

Plus push email is great. You can pick up a cheap bluetooth GPS and use BB/google maps. There is good support for OS 4x BB apps out there. The operating system is really rock solid. Extremely dependable and quick.

I really like the dash though! It feels nice but like you I didn't want to pay and extra $10 for the internet plan. That was the deciding factor for me and the main reason I can't switch to a non BB phone.

 

[maverick2604]

you know, those are some great comments for the pearl. My sis has one, and i do love the size and feel. i enjoy the quick response and i've heard alot of good stuff about the push email. but you highlighted some of the OS stuff that i've been wondering about.

im now leaning to the BB but i still want to verify that the Dash will NOT run WiFi in WiFi areas without their extra fee of $29.99 a month (post november policy change)

 

[RedBeard]

Just to clarify, you mean Tmobile hotspots right?
Because the dash will connect to normal wifi without an additional plan. So if you have access to WiFi at home/work/college campus then you are all set.

But if you want it to be "always connected" (ie Tmobile hotspots/edge) then you have to shell out for the extra service.

 

[maverick2604]

^ good clarification.

I just got the Pearl. I'm going to play around with it and configure everything...

i'll post my comments soon...

 

[zig3695]

heh, dont bother. ive had the pearl for 8 months, and everytime i think ive learned it all, i stumble upon a ton new software apps for it. im completely amazed at the amount of extras we have for the pearl now, its VERY damn near the capability of a wm5 smartphone!

 

[maverick2604]

That's good to hear!

I tried to download and install the Opera browser... to no avail. It says that I fail to connect everytime. I'm set up on the all exclusive BB plan with unlim. net, mail, message. I'm not sure what im doing wrong... i went to the Opera website on the blackberry to download it, and i went to the site on my PC and uploaded it. When it begins searching for connections it will tell me what it will connect to a weak signal... but that is all it tells me.

How did you configure it? I assumed it would find the GPRS or w/e.


Are there any other apps you recommend?

 

[RedBeard]

Okay, you need to change a setting to let apps get TCP/IP:

Options->Advanced Options->TCP->
Change the APN to: wap.voicestream.com

Also create an account at http://www.blackberryforums.com

 

[maverick2604]

awesome!

thank you, will do!