Purchasing the Q without a data plan...

[two_wheeler_healer]

I've searched the forums, but haven't been able to find exactly what I'm looking for. So here goes...

I am upgrading my phone in the next couple of weeks. I am heavily reliant on my PDA (Ipaq 3115), as I use it as an MP3 player, contact lists, tasks, and calendar functions. I also use the HP ImageZone photograph viewer, but NEVER use the Wi-Fi or internet connection type stuff.

I am a typical cell-phone user. I currently use my cell phone as my home phone, and sound quality is very important to me. I rarely exceed 500 billable minutes per month. I use about 50-100 text messages, and the occasional picture message as well.

I would ultimately love to merge these two devices, saving a pocket full of electronics! The Moto Q seems to be just the device, a PDA merged with an outstanding phone. Is it worth buying for these two functions and not having a data plan, knowing I wouldn't use it? I like to have the capability to upgrade to that in the future, as it became necessary.

I am in love with the form factor of the Q - the size, screen, lack of antenna, etc. Should I do it? Do Pix messages count as data (In other words, if I don't get a data plan/block data, would my phone be able to receive/send pix messages?)? Do text messages count? I just want a cool looking phone, with the potential to do anything, although I won't be using data options immediately, that can harmoniously blend PDA and cell phone usage without costing me an arm and a leg? Is this the phone?

Thanks for your feedback in advance!

[moto_ftth]

I'm pretty much in the same boat as you are (except I have Dell Axim for a PDA).

From all I've read here it seems like some sort of a data plan is in order for the Q. I'm considering the 10MB $24 plan right now. The prohibitive cost (to me) of the VZWs data plans is forcing me to look at other options too (like the Cingular 2125) but I keep coming back to the Q because of the superior design of the phone and the quality/coverage of the service.

Though decision...

[pattont]

I bought a Q off ebay, when i called *611 to activate, they asked me if i wanted the data plan I said NOOOO.... they said thats cool, what they did was activate and de-activate the data plan so that my phone would be able to activate. It showd a 50 dollar charge on my bill, but then took it off right after that. I then put a nation-wide data block on my phone that way it could not connect, because it will try to connect on you until you have the latest firmware. I have checked #data several times since then, and have had no problem..

[torgo]

I bought mine with the 10MB plan, then a week after I got the phone, I called and removed the plan from my phone. Also, I was a litlle pissed to see that text messaging isn't covered under a Data plan. That's just ridiculous. I love this phone though.

[two_wheeler_healer]

What do you mean by text messaging not included in a data plan? Are you saying that without a data plan text messaging and pix messaging are unavailable? If that is the case, I'll just have to buy a regular phone and keep my PDA in the other pocket. What's a phone these days without the capability of text messaging?!

To those with the data plans, do you really find it worth the extra money?

[loders]

I think it is well worth the extra money to use my yahoo mail and gmail wherever and whenever without having to boot up my laptop and to watch my slingbox wherever and whenever. It's convenient especially when you're in Boston and want to watch the A's game. I email and text a lot and emailing from my Q is a lot easier especially if it is just text. The Q is capable of a lot of things and to limit its use seems weird in my opinion...just like buying an SUV with an off road package and driving it only on the street. Unfortunately, most cell companies like Verizon like to itemize charges...voice, text, data. $40 may be a lot of money to some people but you have to ask yourself if you can live without the convenience or even need it. For me, I utilize almost all the Q has to offer and I'd rather have the convenience.

[remelad]

I like my Q but am thinking about selling it due to the $44/month unlimited data plan. That is just rediculas considering the Wireless Web 2.0 is only $5/month for a regular phone.

I love all the features..calendar, contacts, task sync with outlook but I don't think I need the dataplan.

[torgo]

No, I mean that even if you have a data plan, they charge you for text messages. The last time I looked, those messages are data. Unfortunately, my friends like to text, even though I think that it's ridiculous.

[inf3st]

text messages don't use data. although sending pictures does use data and cost that extra .25 as well

[two_wheeler_healer]

How much extra data charge are we talking for sending or receiving a picture? Assume the .015/KB charge for somebody who pays as they go with data. How big is the file?