Alternative to Blackberry

Posted by Ed (139 days ago)

Considering buying a mobile device. We are on Exchange Server for emails.

I travel constantly so will be using this primarily outside of HK.

I believe Blackberry automatically pulls emails when you connect it - I prefer to have an option to download mails as opposed to an auto function so Blackberry wont work for me.

Any other options?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by axptguy38 (139 days ago)

"I believe Blackberry automatically pulls emails when you connect it - I prefer to have an option to download mails as opposed to an auto function so Blackberry wont work for me."

If I recall correctly it is quite simple to set the BB email client not to do this. There is even a preset profile called "Phone Only" which I believe disables data services. Otherwise set email sync to "never" and use "reconcile now".

Also:
- In the default config, large emails are only partially downloaded until you select "more". So each email is only 1-2 k and makes a very small dent in your plan.
- Attachments are only downloaded if you select them.

As for options:
- Samsung Blackjack.
- Motorola Q
- SonyEricsson "Lingonberry"
- Various Nokia devices
- Various Windows Mobile devices
- Treo

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Ed (139 days ago)

Thanks

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by axptguy38 (139 days ago)

I never actually disabled email sync myself. So you don't do anything on my say so, I did a quick google:
http://ashleyarmitt.blogspot.com/2007/08/fear-of-blackberry.html

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Ed (138 days ago)

A friend of one of our secretaries showed her how to do this as well so apparently its not that difficult

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by DaHKGKid (138 days ago)

Roaming costs will kill you on BB if you dont have a strong roaming plan plain and simple. Try purchasing a the new Curve with Wi-Fi as you can hit Wi-Fi in your hotel or at office outside HK to get Email using non GPRS network. Again do this and focus on roaming plan but be specific on regions you heavily use. This is what I have done. Good Luck!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by axptguy38 (138 days ago)

"Roaming costs will kill you on BB if you dont have a strong roaming plan plain and simple. "

Depends on the amount of email. Text email consists of very small amounts of data (around 1-2k each). Surfing and attachments are the killers.

"Try purchasing a the new Curve with Wi-Fi as you can hit Wi-Fi in your hotel or at office outside HK to get Email using non GPRS network."

Very good idea. WiFi is your friend.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by DaHKGKid (138 days ago)

Yes this was my point on roaming as attachements eat away at your data allowance. I have honestly heard mixed comments on when the attachements are charged to your roaming.

Some say Smartone Vodafone do it only when you open the attachement while some say Three charges you on the whole attachment as soon as you are roaming and download your mail even though you dont open the attachment.

With my bills reaching crazy levels even with my roaming plan (and with junk mail to compound the issue) I went right out and bought a Curve with WiFi 8320 and parked my new 8800. Cheers Ed good luck.

For once, BB has nailed down a device that solves my issues completely as a business tool. Right now you can get a free BB Curve as above with an 18month contract from THREE.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by axptguy38 (138 days ago)

"Yes this was my point on roaming as attachements eat away at your data allowance. I have honestly heard mixed comments on when the attachements are charged to your roaming."

That's nuts. Does three charge you even if you don't download it?!?

By default attachments are set not to download so as long as you don't start it manually you're fine. This is not an operator thing. It's a Blackberry mail client thing.

Agreed with the Curve being the king of Blackberries (and by consequence of SmartPhones).

(I am based in Hong Kong)