I’ve had my eye on the BlackBerry Bold for the longest time, but my move to T-Mobile from AT&T restricted me from attaining that device. I wanted the faster processor, the prettier GUI, the onboardGPS, and the better screen. The only thing was that I was stuck with T-Mobile. I had left AT&T’s snappy 3G network because their plans were just too gotdang (yes, Hank Hill’s expletive has made its way into my permanent lexicon) expensive. I was paying out the wazoo for a 3G connection that, while a true pleasure to use, was barely utilized. Not to mention rollover minutes that went to waste when I paid a fee to cancel my contract.

Enter the BlackBerry Curve 8900, codenamed Javelin. To me, it basically seems like a souped up BlackBerry Curve 8320. The form factor looks practically identical. I wouldn’t have to adjust to the wider keyboard of the Bold. Though the Bold looks more luxurious with the faux-leather backing, chrome band and a likeness (or as Sarah Palin might put it, an alikeness) to iPhone’s design, I am sticking with my “function over form” mentality.

The Curve 8900 lacks a 3G connection, which doesn’t bother me one bit. Its processor is slower than the Bold’s, but even on my 8320, I barely see any lag or slowdown in daily usage. Perhaps when I’m listening to music or something like that, but it’s rare that I do anything in which the slower processor annoys me. With more RAM, I have a feeling that things would be even snappier than it already feels.Also, I’ve always wanted GPS on my phone. I would barely use it, but when it comes up that I would, it usually pays off to have GPS. Sure, I’d only be navigating within the five boroughs of New York (well, more like three…I’d barely ever go to the Bronx or Staten Island). But having local points of interest would be great. Having GPS to me is of great value.Coming from the Curve 8320, I’m going to be enjoying a faster processor, more RAM, GPS, and a sharper screen. The keyboard remains the same. What could be better? It almost seems like a perfect fit for me. And with the discovery of AstraSync, I can save money on a more expensive BlackBerry Enterprise connection.

What the bill is going to look like:
T-Mobile BlackBerry Internet Mail access with 400 Messages – $25
ActiveBerry – $5
Microsoft Exchange account – free when my school migrates my account
Monthly total: $30

AT&T’s BlackBerry Internet Mail plan is $35 (data-only, no voice). And let’s not forget about the SMS package…$5 for 200 messages is the closest equivalent on AT&T. That’s a $10 difference right there. And I’d be saving by sticking with my T-Mobile by simply being a part of my family’s family plan.

I could get rid of the $18 monthly charge from The Message Center ($10 for the Exchange account, $8 for the BlackBerry Enterprise Server). The only reason I ever went with them was because I needed BES in conjunction with Exchange. Now that I can sync my BlackBerry with my calendar and contacts in Exchange without BES using AstraSync, I’m gonna be saving a good chunk of money: $28 a month, or $336 a year. That’s like ten to fifteen hefty meals, the cost of a 50mm f/1.8 lens for my dSLR plus accessory kit, or visit and a half to a prostitute.