Expert: DebiN - 10/16/2009

Question
I have been instructed by my employer to get a Blackberry phone with a data plan.
I would prefer to purchase the phone and not be tied to a contract.
Based on the following information, what is your recommendation for the model of Blackberry, carrier and plan.
Use is primarily company email, send and receive
Location: Cleveland Ohio -- eastern suburbs, I do travel to our offices in Toledo, OH and Pittsburgh, PA
Thank you

Answer
I don't think I would worry too much about being tied to a contract. It will cost you way too much without one. It's only $175.00 (minus $5.00 a month for each month you have been on contract) to cancel early. In Cleveland, I would suggest Verizon or AT&T (same with Toledo and Pittsburgh). It will cost you the same for either company and I would suggest getting the BlackBerry Curve. It's very low cost right now and the plans are the same with either carrier. You will need the Enterprise Data Plan (not the personal one) if you are going to be getting corporate email on the device. The lowest number of minutes is 450 for $39.99. The data plan is $44.99. The Curve should cost around $50.00. If other people you contact have Verizon, go with them. If AT&T, go with them. Either should be fine for you. I hope this helps. Thanks. DebiN