China and RIM (blackberry)

[Ginglay]

So, I'm off to china next month, and being an incredible fan of RIM technology I would like to know if anyone has knowledge on how to have this type of communication device operate in China.

Email, and phone...

Is there another portable email/phone device option?

So far I have found that you can buy a phone (total cost, approx: $250 for phone, $10 per month subscription, $2.50 per minute toll)... This cost is acceptable but would prefer a portable email device instead.

Ideas anyone?

 

[xarir]

Hong Kong uses the CDMA / 1X network. I'm not sure about mainland China though. CDMA is Bell compatible so a RIM will work. If you sign up with the Bell DNA plan (Digital North America) I think you can get your Hong Kong minutes included in the package. Check with a Bell dealer first though.

Regardless of network (Bell's CDMA vs Roger's GPRS) a RIM will work so long as it's getting an IP connection. RIM is the best solution overall for email access. Regular phones can do this as well via mobile browsers, but they are not designed like the RIM to be an email solution. With Rogers you can also check out the Treo which is a Palm Pilot solution that also has a keyboard built in.

If you're over in China for an extended period, it will likely be cheaper to buy a phone there and get onto a local Chinese plan.

 

[RogerRabbit]

RIM job

So Ginglay, what did you end up using/ finding in China for mobile email?

The Treo600 is now on bell 1x:

www.bell.ca/shop/application/commer...nk(productDetail)&wlcs_catalog_item_sku=61649

For rim and treo recent updates:

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/Co...pageid=970599109774&col=Columnist971715454851

 

[Wong@Laundryman]

This is off topic, but while you are at it check out the Chinese patented EVD (Enhanced Video Disc) technology. China claims it to be "better" then the DVD in all aspects.

 

[xarir]

Back on topic - my Bell rep tells me the phone part of the RIM will work in Hong Kong but the email / data portion won't. I guess the reciprocal agreements they have in place with Hong Kong Tel or whatever it's called over there don't extend to the data side of things.

 

[The Bandit]

What's funny is I know people that are having problems with their email here, let alone over there...

 

[RogerRabbit]

Back on topic - my Bell rep tells me the phone part of the RIM will work in Hong Kong but the email / data portion won't. I guess the reciprocal agreements they have in place with Hong Kong Tel or whatever it's called over there don't extend to the data side of things.

Thanks xarir!

One would think RIMing would be huge in ASIA.

Does the rogers GSM version of RIM work in China, Japan, India, etc.?