andaloosa | # 1 | 2010-03-23, 19:35 | Report

I searched and did not find any relevant posts, so if I missed it, my apologies.

I'm currently a happy N810 owner and am interested in possibly purchasing a N900. Before I do though, I need to know:

Is a data plan required if you use it on AT&T or another USA carrier? I don't want to have to pay for a data plan if the thing has WiFi already.

Also, while I'm at it...

How's the built in Calendar and other PIM software? I have GPE Calendar on my N810 and can't seem to get it to sync with my Google Calendar (using Erminig). I'm using the calendar to keep track of my newborn's first year (something I did with my Palm with my 1st daughter), so having a backup would be essential.

Thanks!

maxximuscool | # 2 | 2010-03-23, 19:39 | Report

You don't need data plan if you do not plan to use the 3G internet. Wifi Internet is fine but not in all area. So it is up to you.

andaloosa | # 3 | 2010-03-23, 19:46 | Report

WiFi is what I use now with my n810, so I'm okay with that. I like the idea of having an 'all in one' unit.

The reason I ask about the data plan is I called AT&T (my current carrier) to find out just how I'd go about starting to use an unlocked phone with them (which she highly recommended against - of course), she said a data plan would be required.

wmarone | # 4 | 2010-03-23, 19:49 | Report

Data plans are not required for unlocked phones. The N900 only works with their EDGE service, and so long as you don't walk in with the N900 you can tack on their cheaper "unlimited" MediaNet plan (I'm paying $15/mo) and they won't know or care.

When I got my N900, I just swapped the SIM. Worked exactly as I expected. Better, even, as it had the APN data already.

andaloosa | # 5 | 2010-03-23, 20:02 | Report

So, were you with AT&T already?

Is that how you get the n900 to work as a phone - by switching the SIM card?

Are you saying that I shouldn't involve AT&T at all with this? I can believe it since the two customer service reps I talked to today (one national & one local - the local one getting rude when I said something about an unlocked phone) were no help.

Sorry, I'm totally new to the whole unlocked phone thing.

wmarone | # 6 | 2010-03-23, 20:16 | Report

Yes.

That's all.

Correct.

No problem. I wish more people pushed for unlocked devices, it'd weaken carrier's hold on device capabilities and vendors.

andaloosa | # 7 | 2010-03-23, 20:16 | Report

Ok. I made one more call to AT&T (different local location) and the customer service guy there told me all I'd need to do is take my SIM card from my Blackberry and put it in the N900.

Does this jive with everyone?

Also, any comments on the calender and syncing it - or backing it up?

andaloosa | # 8 | 2010-03-23, 20:20 | Report

Thanks a bunch!
Now to convince the hubby he needs one too (so I can get mine!) He's the geek, I'm just the gadget freak.

andaloosa | # 9 | 2010-03-23, 20:27 | Report

One more quick question (that I think I know the answer to, but want to confirm):

If I put the SIM card from my current phone into the n900, do I keep my current number? I'm thinking I do.

zaksloan | # 10 | 2010-03-24, 01:09 | Report

Yes you do.