[dazzaboy99]

Hi,

I am looking at purchasing a Blackberry curve 8520 for use with my ASDA PAYG sim. Is anyone else using this combination?

I would be mainly using voice, sms, mms, gmail and web browsing.

I have been reading that you don't get push gmail (need the gmail app) and you need to get opera mini for browsing.

Any advice?

[digitalsafari]

Won't work as ASDA Mobile don't have an option for BIS (Blackberry Internet Service).

More info here
BlackBerry on ASDA Mobile - 3G forum : your 3G community and resource.

[lovethechang]

Glad I read this thread as I considered buying a sim free Blackberry for use on the ASDA network, but I think I will reconsider.

[dazzaboy99]

I understand I won't get BIS functionality thus really use the BB 8520 fully, but I just want to check that I will get voice calls, SMS, MMS, email (via gmail app) and web (via opera mini).

I'm not a heavy user as such and can't really justify a monthly tariff.

I'm keen on a phone that has good battery life (according to BB site, 17 days standby/4.5hrs talk) and a full qwerty keyboard, so the 8520 looks like a good fit.

Just hoping there are others out there who can confirm that ASDA PAYG will give the functionality above.

Cheers.

[lovethechang]

Instead of buying a handset that won't be able to operate to its designed max, why not buy something like a Nokia E63/E71? At least you will be able to use all the features on this handset rather than only 50% of a blackberry.

Either that, or transfer to a network that has the option for Blackberry usage.

[dazzaboy99]

Thanks. Yes, looking at the E63 now. A little bit cheaper and bonus that it is symbian OS.

Also looking into O2 contracts to get BIS if I go down the Blackberry route but I am favouring the E63 with my current PAYG.

[lovethechang]

I am looking at the E63 on Virgin. I am thinking of buying the handset myself at £130 or thereabouts and then taking one of their rolling 30 day contracts @ £10 a month and getting an add on for unlimited internet for the push email. That way I will get 200 minutes unlimited texts and the handset I want without being tied to a contract, and I think it works out better in terms of what I get for my money compared to ASDA mobile.

[dazzaboy99]

With a bit of quick googling, I couldn't find the E63 cheaper than around £175 - where have you seen it for £130? And was it the black one?

I presume the Virgin deal you are meaning is the Liberty sim only and then a £5 unlimited web bundle? (Which would give 200mins, unlimited texts and web access). 30 day rolling contract.

Or for me personally,

If I went for O2's Simplicty £19/month with unlimited web bolt on I could get £7.50 off my broadband per month and get 600mins, 1200 texts and web access). 30 day rolling contract.

[lovethechang]

its £130 locked to virgin with £10 obligatory topup going against first months rent on contract followed by £10 month 200 mins unlimited texts and bolt on for data whatever the cost may be. And AFAIK it is the black one.

I'm with sky for BB, tv and BT for phone so going with O2 for sim only contract doesnt help me get any other bill reduced unfortunately.

[TonyM19]

There is an 18 month £18/month tariff on Virgin with unlimited web access (150mins/500texts) for the E63. Currently out of stock though and I'm not too sure what the unlimited web access actually gets you.

Anybody got this deal and could let me know if its worth having?

[lovethechang]

A little OT, but I would like to know where Virgins Customer Services are based? If they are off shore, then I will go elsewhere/pay extra and just keep using ASDA as their CS are in Scotland. (I won't use any services whose CS are based off shore for lacking of understanding)