[RhetoricalQuestion]

I'm just wondering if it's possible to purchase a BlackBerry Bold from AT&T without having to have a data plan, or if it's not a choice to not have a data plan.

Thanks in advance.

[fonejunkie]

It is possible, but why?

Also, all of AT&T's rebates on phones are tied to purchasing a data plan. No data plan = no rebate = more expensive phone. For example, the Bold is $399.99 w/ $100 rebate, but without the data plan you pay $399.99. Their 'premier site' price (corporate sponsored 'Foundation Account') is $399.99 w/ $200 rebate.

I know, if you do the math, the cost of a a $30 data plan eats up the rebate in the first 3-1/3 months (or 6-2/3 months for the premier deal) ... but again, why get a BlackBerry device without a data plan?

[rambo47]

Some stores will not sell hot new devices without a new activation or at least extending an existing contract. Once a device is no longer the new hotness, like the BB Bold, you should be able to find a store that will sell it to you at full retail, no questions asked.

[dc/dc]

Using a BlackBerry without a BlackBerry data plan is like buying a new Porsche 911 GT2 and then getting it serviced at Jiffy Lube instead of at the dealership. It's just plain stupid. If you can afford the car, you should be able to afford the service. Similarly, if you can afford the device, you should be able to afford the correct plan.

[david9962000]

Why have such a big device and not use it's potential, the Pearl is perfect for that.

[rambo47]

There are much better choices for a mobile than a BlackBerry if you don't intend to use it with a data plan.

Like dc/dc said, why buy a Porsche if you're going to run it on 4 poly-spare tires instead of Pirellis?

[westonfoot]

Yes, it is possible to buy a blackberry or any other phone from ATT without the data plan. Contrary to these posts it is not ridiculous to buy a Blackberry without a data plan. The blackberry has a lot of functionality and applications that can run without a data plan. My favorite being the GPS application that lets me download maps from Google and use it as a navigation tool without being tethered to a network. The data plan like texting plans are ways for wireless companies to make a lot of money for minimal bit rate. The number of bits required to send a text vs sending voice over a network is minimal yet the cost is about 200X. Data plan rebate return is not cost effective. Changing the oil in a car is not rocket science, you don't need to pay more for the same high school dropout at a dealership to unscrew the same bolt to drain the oil. Like the previous analogies, you don't have to blindly follow the crowd, and wear the brand label at the expense of your pocket book.

[leec81]

why would you want a blackberry, if you don't want to use the data plan? Just get one of those free phones, if all you need if txt and phone calls.

[takeshi]

Ignore the inevitable "But why?" posts.

The answer is yes. Just be aware that a data plan is required in the fine print of certain offers/rebates. Also be aware of what the limitations are. If you're fine with all that then go for it.

The naysayers just can't see past their own needs/wants, as always. Their same argument could be used for those that choose to go with BIS instead of BES. You're not fully using the BB to its potential without BES yet many of the same people run with just BIS for some reason.

[penguin3107]

(Ugh... Not this sh*t again.)

[rambo47]

This about sum it up?

[CMartel2]

Originally Posted by leec81

why would you want a blackberry, if you don't want to use the data plan? Just get one of those free phones, if all you need if txt and phone calls.

Here's someone who clearly uses their phone for playing as opposed to getting work done. There are cheaper toys out there, you know.

But for the rest of us, I happen to use epocrates as a clinical reference at least a dozen times per day. When you need to know the dosing of a drug, review a rare drug's intereactions, or consider the mechansisms of drugs at work, you need epocrates up and running to be efficient.

These moronic companies like Verizon that limit you to data only plans are forcing those of us who don't really want data plans onto old PDAs. It's obnoxious, it's greedy, it's short-sighted, and it's tiring.

Other frequently used features? Well, there's the unit conversions, the GPS, the calcultor and countless other features.