Google apps like Gmail and most other apps don't work while using wi-fi connection

Question

Will Blackberry apps ever be developed to be configurable to use a wi-fi connection? I would assume there is great demand for such. There are very few places I go that do not have wi-fi and I have been able to save a tremendous amount of money by going without a data plan. I got an unlocked BB Curve 8900 ( at full price) and then bought T-Mobile's prepaid 1000 minutes.
I'm using traditional Internet addresses (like Gmail) that usually have a mobile rendering for email and information.  I am always seeing other apps that would be convenient to have; though they seldom work properly. They always open Browser instead of Hotspot Browser, the one you must use to go to the Internet via the same kind of access that laptops and notebooks use. 
If I let the phone go where it wants; I usually end up downloading and installing an app; which then won't work. To get what works, I Go To a specific Internet address like I would using the address bar in a full browser running on a computer.
Does anyone know how to configure these apps to use Hotspot Browser?I figured out how to get my Curve to default to Hotspot Browser; so it opens first when I click the "globe" icon in the BB menu; but this hasn't worked from various apps I've tried (Facebook, Google Maps, Google Talk, etc.).
Perhaps if I download a different browser? Like Bolt or Opera?
Also, I think I should be able to use Google Voice with my Curve; but I haven't been able to figure it out yet.
I don't have the use of the GPS capability - I'm thinking that is not possible - am I correct? The same with SMS?
Can anyone advise me about what others have been able to do and how?
Thanks!

Answer 1

Hi
You don't say which BB you have or which carrier you use or your geographical location.
What you are asking for is full BB functionality without paying for it. I can't see RIM doing that somehow. They rely on carriers distributing the product so would be shooting themselves in the foot.
I've no doubt you feel pretty good having saved "a tremendous amout of money" but I suspect it costs you to do so. Browsing by Wi-Fi doesnt eat into data allowance meaning you have the full data allowance available when you are out and about. Oh, and you can use Hotspots.
The BB service means you don't log-in to email accounts. Emails are pushed on to the BB and for up to 10 different email accounts.You can read 10 emails in the time it takes your browser just to load the log-in page.
You can also download apps that work and many of them are free.
You can download and use whatever browser you want, it still won't get you round the problem. No BB data plan means seriously limited functionality.
Voice dialling and GPS may not be supported by your device. SMS will be.
In terms of money, my friend was paying £20 payg to O2 on an ordinary mobile. We located a violet 8520 on Orange UK with 500mb data allowance for £9.85 per month. So who's saving money?
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