Data Required for a Pre2?

[RambleMan]

With the Pre2 having wifi, I'm wondering if a data subscription is required for the phone to function.

I'm aware that one of the first things the Pre2 does when being configured is insist on you creating a Palm/HP profile and connecting to Palm/HP to do that, but would that work without data?

I've lived this long without data and see it as a luxury/novelty to have the internet in my pocket and would intend to sync data with my Mac using the Missing Sync application. I don't use Gmail or any of the other utilities that the Pre2 actively syncs with.

Thanks for any insight.

[Full Mountain]

The Pre2 will function without data, the question would be if the carrier would allow you to activate it without a data plan.

Given that you are in range of a wireless connection most of the time, you could still use the gmail and other cloud syncing functions, given that your ok with the delay while your away from WiFi and it would seem that you are.

The only issue that I can see is that some apps might not function while away from a wireless connection, (they are essentially web sites in an application format)

[RambleMan]

Thanks for the reply that the Pre2 will work without data.

I've never completely understood the concept of the provider 'allowing me to activate' a phone. My intentions would be to pop my SIM into an unlocked Pre2. I've swapped phones multiple times with this method - my mobile providers have never been involved in what hardware I use, so I'm not sure why they would be now.

[jaStrom]

The problem is that the Pre 2 might not have a way to manually turn off the mobile data connection to the network. So even if you don't have a data plan, your phone might still use data for apps and things without you knowing. If you don't have such a plan but still use data, the carriers will charge you quite a bit for each mb. I would go to a BestBuy or somewhere where you can try it out, go into the options, and see if you can turn mobile data off.

[Full Mountain]

The problem is that the Pre 2 might not have a way to manually turn off the mobile data connection to the network. So even if you don't have a data plan, your phone might still use data for apps and things without you knowing. If you don't have such a plan but still use data, the carriers will charge you quite a bit for each mb. I would go to a BestBuy or somewhere where you can try it out, go into the options, and see if you can turn mobile data off.

unless they removed it from WebOS 2.0 the ability should be on there (under preferences in the Phone app)

[Full Mountain]

Thanks for the reply that the Pre2 will work without data.

I've never completely understood the concept of the provider 'allowing me to activate' a phone. My intentions would be to pop my SIM into an unlocked Pre2. I've swapped phones multiple times with this method - my mobile providers have never been involved in what hardware I use, so I'm not sure why they would be now.

given the sim swap no the carrier doesn't have a say in that, the issue came with CDMA phones that required carrier activation

[Luke]

The problem is that the Pre 2 might not have a way to manually turn off the mobile data connection to the network. So even if you don't have a data plan, your phone might still use data for apps and things without you knowing. If you don't have such a plan but still use data, the carriers will charge you quite a bit for each mb. I would go to a BestBuy or somewhere where you can try it out, go into the options, and see if you can turn mobile data off.

almost every smartphone has that option so the pre 2 most likely has it to, but I've never actually checked so that's definitely something he should look into before purchasing

[jaStrom]

almost every smartphone has that option so the pre 2 most likely has it to, but I've never actually checked so that's definitely something he should look into before purchasing

Yup. Luke and Full Mountain are right. It's says you can turn data off right here (http://www.palm.com/us/support/handbooks/pre/pre2/Palm_Pre2_UG_WR_en.pdf) at the bottom of page 82 and continuing on to 83. You should be alright to get an unlocked Pre 2 off contract and avoid using mobile data. Of course you can still use wi-fi.

Funny story: I did the same thing as you when I got my first Android device without a contract. While I was activating the device Telus told me that turning off data was impossible on Android and that I had to get a data plan. While I was on the phone with them I found the option, turned off data, and told them what I had done. They pretended to be surprised... Just goes to show you that the best way to be sure is to RTFM. :)

[JPenguin]

You will probably have to use the Bypass Activation Tool from Palm to get around the initial activation stuff (http://developer.palm.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2051&Itemid=410). After bypassing activation you should be able to log onto a WiFi connection and then you will need to create a new Palm Profile so you can access the App Catalog as well as use the Palm backup solution, etc. I think you need a patch to be able to perform the initial activation after logging onto your WiFi, probably best to check the PreCentral forums for info on that. I think you will also need to use the webOS doctor for all OS updates which usually means waiting a few days after the OTA updates roll out.

I should be possible for you to get the phone working without a data connection but it will be a bit more work.

[ToniCipriani]

You will probably have to use the Bypass Activation Tool from Palm to get around the initial activation stuff (http://developer.palm.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2051&Itemid=410). After bypassing activation you should be able to log onto a WiFi connection and then you will need to create a new Palm Profile so you can access the App Catalog as well as use the Palm backup solution, etc. I think you need a patch to be able to perform the initial activation after logging onto your WiFi, probably best to check the PreCentral forums for info on that. I think you will also need to use the webOS doctor for all OS updates which usually means waiting a few days after the OTA updates roll out.

I should be possible for you to get the phone working without a data connection but it will be a bit more work.

In 2.1 you don't need that. Just at the activation screen, hit *#DEVMODE# and Dial key, you'll enter development mode. Enable Wi-Fi, then rerun the Gesture Tutorial to go back to activation.