What to choose: BB Bold or Curve 8900?

[mrobert]

Hi guys,

I am planning to get another BB device.
Which one to choose, the Bold or the 8900 Curve?

Here is the Curve:
Orange Romania - asistenta : BlackBerry Curve 8900 (http://www.orange.ro/support/phones/blackberry-8900-ro.html)

Thanks!

[tao980]

I would go for the Bold. Its keypad is larger and more convenient to use, especially if you have to write many emails on the go. And, as a bonus for its size, you have 3G and HSDPA connectivity.

[takeshi]

It's exactly the same as any other BB model comparison:

Compare the device features. Check out both in person. Decide for yourself based on the features you need/want. Be sure to consider subjective preferences such as keyboard, size, etc.

We can't make meaningful recommendations if you don't at least post your needs/wants. You'll just get replies from fanboys of one model or the other.

[rpjohs]

Do you or do you not need 3G?

[mrobert]

Thanks for the feedback guys.
I have noticed that is missing 3G, but that's something I don't need.
It has EDGE which is 100% coverage here, and it's more then enough. I rarely surf the web from a phone, and even than, EDGE (~220kbps) should do fine.

However, I like the larger display of the 8900 (480x360 instead of 480x320).

2 stupid questions for fanboys (I don't see this in the specs):
- does it have a camera?
- does it have that sexy leather back the Bold has?

[DBConz]

I was leaning towards a bold, till i read the specs on the 8900 curve. the curve has 2x the flash memory, lighter, longer battery life, anda 3.2mp camera. i dont like the curve keypads, but i might deal if the 8900 comes with those specs for CDMA networks.

[rpjohs]

Thanks for the feedback guys.
I have noticed that is missing 3G, but that's something I don't need.
It has EDGE which is 100% coverage here, and it's more then enough. I rarely surf the web from a phone, and even than, EDGE (~220kbps) should do fine.

However, I like the larger display of the 8900 (480x360 instead of 480x320).

2 stupid questions for fanboys (I don't see this in the specs):
- does it have a camera?
- does it have that sexy leather back the Bold has?

Yes, it has a camera.

No, it has a metal back, like the Storm.

If 3G isnt a factor, then go with the new Curve. Smaller, sleeker, bigger screen (I think the resolution is better on it as well).

[Nassz]

If 3G is important to you then go with the bold, and if Wi-fi is important then go with the curve

[jeffharris]

I've had both. I love the 8900 far better. But, I will keep the Bold for when I am in Japan.

Best 8900 features:

3.2 megapixel camera - no more "blurryworld" memories. Produces an excellent picture

Flash memory - I have at least 100MB free all the time on the 8900 - it leaks from 115MB to about 100MB. On the Bold, I would memory leak from 35MB free to zero sometimes. And this comparison is essentially with the same apps and messages installed.

Screen is more fun to look at!

The downside: I mistype maybe 20 more individual letters a day than the Bold, over many mails and messages, due to the smaller kepyboard on the 8900. It's not a deal kiler, as long as there's spellcheck.

The speed of 3g on the Bold, is not THAT drastically faster than EDGE, and, the hit in 3g battery life for me is for sure not worth it.

[mrobert]

Thanks Jeff,

Having a good camera and a larger display are more important than 3G.
I have Windows Mobile (with BB Connect) and I keep 3G off, since it's draining the battery a lot quicker.