My first RIM device was an 850, which operated on the Motient (formerly the ARDIS) network. I was going through AA batteries like crazy (the 850 has a two watt transmitter).

I traded the 850 for a RIM 950, which operated on Cingular's Mobitex network (formerly the Bell South Wireless Device - BSWD network). The transmitter was only one watt, and my battery consumption improved DRASTICALLY.

Then I progressed to a 7230 (T-Mobile), and now my trusty 7250 (Verizon), which I am attached to at the hip. I love it too much!

BUT, I would love to see RIM re-introduce a modernized 850/950 series device, with an improved display (color?) and feature set. Anybody who has used these devices would probably agree that the QWERTY keyboard was easier to type on, because of the somewhat wider span. The size of the device was handy, too. And rugged? Never had a problem, although I've read of others having drop/breakage experiences with theirs.

Like the previous poster (Figment) I like the idea of having a separate device for data. It's good for redundant backup communications, should the primary device or network fail (assuming you have two devices on two different networks).

Anyway, I'm all for reintroducing the 850/950 series. RIM????