[thecapitalizt]

Okay, so i'm thinking of switching from a Sidekick II to a new 8700g, and selling the SKII to the sis for $100. The sidekick has held its own over the years, and was ahead of its time when it came out. However, in recent years others have surpassed it, and even the SKIII with its Bluetooth support isn't going to be enough. Plus T-Mobile has a nasty habit of locking everyone out of the really cool features like MMS and app installation. Oh, and Blackberries can act as a data modem (hooray for BootCamp).

For the people who have an 8700g: mind detailing the AIM experience with the built-in client? IM is really key for me as all my clients contact me w/ it.

Everyone else: hows Ramble?

Pics would be greatly appreciated.

[stileshingles]

I have a 8700g and I've had difficulty with the built in AIM client. Sometimes the BlackBerry would say that I'm signed on but other users couldn't see me online. Sometime I would send a message to a friend and they would get it and response but I would never recieve the response. I ended up uninstalling the built-in IM client (it's actually an add-in that T-Mobile provides for free, you can install and uninstal it at will).

I also tried Ramble and was not particularly pleased with it. I had similar problems with users not being able to tell that I was online. I also kept getting weird messages in my BlackBerry inbox. (I think these weird messages are part of the how Ramble transmits IM's because they all contained the messages that were being IM'd to me) I haven't given up on Ramble yet. I might need to do some research and make sure I have to set-up properly.

There are also a bunch of other IM programs that you can buy for the 8700g that I have not yet tried. You might want to check out this thread: http://blackberryforums.com/showthread.php?t=2973

[mymitsu3kgt]

The worst part of the built in AIM client is that it is run through SMS messages instead of the GPRS/EDGE service that you're already paying for. My first month's bill was a surprise when I had thirty dollars worth of SMS charges. The advantage of programs like Ramble IM is that it runs over the data service that you're paying for without any extra charges as long as you have the unlimited data plan. I haven't had any problems with extra messages in my inbox when using Ramble IM. Try Ramble IM first, it's free.

[thecapitalizt]

wait, the T-Mobile client on the 8700g works through SMS and not GPRS??? you sure this is the 8700g you're talking about???

[apple85]

What are the settings for ramble i posted and no one replied i can't log in i get the string error?

[dcfella]

I've had an SK2 since it first came out and the color SK before that. I was pretty worried that the AIM experience wouldn't be adaquete on the 8700g. I've been using Ramble for a week, and so far it's been good. Not as good as the SK2's AIM, which i think is great, but it works fine. Should be good enough for most.

[mymitsu3kgt]

Originally Posted by thecapitalizt

wait, the T-Mobile client on the 8700g works through SMS and not GPRS??? you sure this is the 8700g you're talking about???

The T-Mobile client definately runs through SMS messages. Believe me, I got the bill.

[mymitsu3kgt]

Originally Posted by apple85

What are the settings for ramble i posted and no one replied i can't log in i get the string error?

All questions for Ramble IM are answered in their FAQ section on their web site where you downloaded it from. The biggest setting to change on the phone is to change the Options/Advanced/TCP/APN to wap.voicestream.com . I think that was the only problem I had. Everything is answered on their FAQ page.

[Dizco]

Just use the ramble aol app .. I been using ramble for 3yrs on evry BB I've owned .. Wks perfectly on the 8700g also .. Aint no gaps in the convo , perfect & it doesn't go against ur bill [unlimited data $29 tmobile] ..

[mymitsu3kgt]

It also doesn't charge extra if you have T-Mobile Unlimited BIS data plan - $19.99.

[DuckWingDuck]

I don't use the BB much to chat and in my mind, if my primary purpose is to chat then I would steer away from the BB.

[apple85]

yeah i checked their web site, the problem was i was unfamiliar with TCP setting stuff... this is my first GSM BB before my 7130e just got on ramble. thankfully another bb user helped me!

[mymitsu3kgt]

Originally Posted by DuckWingDuck

I don't use the BB much to chat and in my mind, if my primary purpose is to chat then I would steer away from the BB.

If you do not use your Blackberry to chat, then you do not need to participate in this thread.

[thecapitalizt]

I just tried throwing ramble on my dads 8700c, never got past 'logging in', could be corporate-ness. Also heard that it doesn't do notifications if the app isn't in the foreground.

There's no way i'm going to use the T-Mobile client if its SMS-based. I've heard of Verichat, but i'm a bit dissuaded by fees. Any alternatives?

[djeddiebear]

IM+ is great. I personally us GoogleTalk to talk through AIM and it's been great. I love the notification and shortcut key (G).

[thecapitalizt]

that actually seems like a cool hack with the GoogleTalk, mind detailing how you went about doing that?

[chnky18]

Originally Posted by thecapitalizt

that actually seems like a cool hack with the GoogleTalk, mind detailing how you went about doing that?

http://www.blackberryforums.com/show...145#post201145
Thats the thread that tells how to install and use google talk with AIM

[DuckWingDuck]

Originally Posted by mymitsu3kgt

If you do not use your Blackberry to chat, then you do not need to participate in this thread.

Er.. the original question was wondering if the -g is a worthwhile chatting device. In my mind, there are better devices for chatting and if chatting in the main purpose one is looking for in a mobile device, then maybe the Blackberry is not the most ideal one. But you're right, I don't need to participate in this thread since my primary needs from my BB is emails and phone calls.

[mymitsu3kgt]

Originally Posted by DuckWingDuck

I don't use the BB much to chat and in my mind, if my primary purpose is to chat then I would steer away from the BB.

Reading your advice in a "friendly advice" frame of mind, your comment does sound like a more constructive post. There are so many people in this forum that are blackberry elitists and only want blackberries to be: organizers, phones, and email devices. When someone suggests that a blackberry should perform a different function, they look down their nose at you. With such an advanced devise and an expansive forum, there's no reason blackberries can't spread their roots into new applications.

[thecapitalizt]

been fooling around with Jabber transports, iChat is now complaining that i've had too many login attempts and that I need to wait awhile before trying again. Sweet. This is my cue to goto bed...

EDIT hooray! it works!