[michaelwh]

I am new to the Blackberry
I have an opportunity to get a 7290 or maaabye a 8700c.

My question is: I am on a suncom plan
I don't want to spend the extra money for the data plan right away--does the blackberry work without a data plan in terms a PDA and phone?
I definatly want to use it for e-mail eventually, and will get the additional service plan, but I want to be sure it will work fin without it for a bit.

Also, between 7290 and 8700 series--is 8700 that much better?
I can get a good used 7290 for FREE--I can get a used 8700c for about $100.

which would you suggest?

[penguin3107]

Yes, you can use a Blackberry as a phone and/or PDA without a data plan.

Between the two, go for the 8700 series. Yes, it's that much better than the 7200 series.

[rby1]

If you have an unlocked or Suncom branded unit, just pop in your SIM card and go and it will work fine.

$100 is too much for a used 8700C. Free 7290 is the way to go.