Why data service? - Treo Forums

dotcommom · 10-06-2005, 02:24 PM

I currently have a Treo 270 with T-Mobile and am looking at upgrading to the 650 with Cingular since my 270 bit the dust. All of the plans that I have found REQUIRE that you get voice AND DATA service to qualify for the phone rebates.
Currently I do not use data on my 270 and see no need for it, if I ever need to get on the Internet with my 270 I just used dial-up access (which was VERY RARE). I think that I can not justify the cost of data service and that I only need voice, can anyone tell me why I might need data?

Does any know of offers without the data service that is a good deal for new service with the 650?

lulugirl896 · 10-06-2005, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dotcommom

...can anyone tell me why I might need data?

-Web access
-Email
-Wireless update of apps (weather, news, blogs, etc)
-Stock prices
-Verichat (AOL, MSN, Yahoo Instant Messenger)
Just to name a few. A friend of mine initially got his 600 without data because he thought he'd save some money. After about a week he caved and got the data plan. There were just too many instances were he'd see a great app and then not be able to run it. Without the data plan, the Treo is just a PDA to me.

xxpinballxx · 10-06-2005, 02:37 PM

Data service I feel is a must with the treo 650....
there are just too many uses for it that need data service.....

dotcommom · 10-06-2005, 02:48 PM

Here is more on my needs for the 650. I just like having my phone and Palm all in one. I do not SMS, Text Message or surf the net on my 270. I do not use e-mail on it either since I get over 200 messages a day...I use my laptop at home where I am most of the time. I do not know anyone who uses SMS or Text Messages and frankly I do not what to be available 24/7 to others that are not my immediate family.

Now do you still think it is a must? If so, please convince me that I need to have it enough to justify an extra $40+ a month. Thanks.

dotcommom · 10-06-2005, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xxpinballxx

Data service I feel is a must with the treo 650....
there are just too many uses for it that need data service.....

Please enlighten me! Details...I need details!! Thanks.

dotcommom · 10-06-2005, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lulugirl896

-Web access
Without the data plan, the Treo is just a PDA to me.

That is really what I have now and that is what I feel I really need. I am home on my laptop most of the time and have no need to stocks, blogs even there.

What apps use this that are useful to someone like me who uses theire laptop at home for all computing needs.

xxpinballxx · 10-06-2005, 03:03 PM

for someone like you it might be okay to go without the Data plan if you can get a phone without having to sign up for it...
most carriers try or must have a data plan included with it.....
not sure why they care cause they are able to make more if they don't sell it and you
access the web paying a penny a bit or whatever they charge.....

I drive alot and use it for downloading maps getting directions checking emails from home computer instant messaging on occassion....
Getting flight info and weather reports....

Thats just to name a few of the important reasons for the data plan.....
as far as where to get one I think if you are buying unlocked without a plan then you might just want to go and browse online auctions or other online sites.....

dotcommom · 10-06-2005, 03:42 PM

Is it possible to use the 650 data service on my laptop? If so, how? I think then I would be interested in having it.

xxpinballxx · 10-06-2005, 04:20 PM

you can use the 650 as a modem a few different ways PDANet is one of the easiest ways.....

You can use it through cable or BT cable being easier.....then you would need the data plan however......

Is that a big enough plus?

cplater · 10-07-2005, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dotcommom

I currently have a Treo 270 with T-Mobile and am looking at upgrading to the 650 with Cingular since my 270 bit the dust. All of the plans that I have found REQUIRE that you get voice AND DATA service to qualify for the phone rebates.
Currently I do not use data on my 270 and see no need for it, if I ever need to get on the Internet with my 270 I just used dial-up access (which was VERY RARE). I think that I can not justify the cost of data service and that I only need voice, can anyone tell me why I might need data?

Does any know of offers without the data service that is a good deal for new service with the 650?

One word: email. I have ChatterEmail on my (Cingular) Treo 650, and I think I use it more than I use the phone.

In addition to that, I have high hopes that I'll be able to use the phone as a wireless modem for those times that I don't have WiFi access.