how much better is the 8700 over the 7290

[rfciv]

I currently have a 7290, it is a little slow at times but otherwise is solid. I am considering an upgrade to the 8700c. The speakerphone is the part that appeals to me most, how is it? It the device a lot faster? I mostly do e-mail not much web surfing at all.
Thanks in advance
Ralph

[NJBlackBerry]

Twice the memory. A much faster CPU. A much better screen. EDGE over GPRS. I think the 8700 is much better than the 7290. Just my .02 :-)

[noeffectx]

its so much better, makes me want to upgrade to 8800.

[damianp67]

I just upgraded from a 7250 on Verizon to a 8700c. All I can say is wow.
7250 was slow, rebooted on almost a daily basis and was just not reliable for me.(I was on unit number 2 in less than 18 months.
I love my 8700c so far with Cingular....

[lmlloyd]

My girlfriend has a 7290, and I have an 8700g. I think it really depends on what is important to you. For example, the 8700 is a lot faster in all regards, but the keyboard is really cramped compared to the 7290. The screen on the 8700 is higher resolution, and has better color than the 7290, but isn't as readable in direct sunlight. The 8700 is a hair smaller and lighter, but it isn't quite as durable as the 7290. The ringer on the 8700, however, is in every way better than the 7290. I would not say the 8700 is 100% better in every way, so it really depends on which aspects of the device are important to you.

Obviously, for my needs the 8700 is the right fit and I would never go back to a 7290, but my girlfriend much prefers her 7290 to my 8700.

[takeshi]

My girlfriend has a 7290, and I have an 8700g. I think it really depends on what is important to you. For example, the 8700 is a lot faster in all regards, but the keyboard is really cramped compared to the 7290. The screen on the 8700 is higher resolution, and has better color than the 7290, but isn't as readable in direct sunlight.
Definitely true. They keyboard on the 8700 is more cramped and it just depends on the individual as to whether or not he/she can adapt. It took me a little while when switching from my 7290 to my 8700c. However, I'm now as fast as I was on the 7290. The 7290's keyboard is roomier but I wouldn't even say that I prefer the 7290's keyboard these days.

The 8700 is a hair smaller and lighter, but it isn't quite as durable as the 7290.
I'd take this with a grain of salt. The body does scratch and mar much more easily on the 8700. However, I've dropped my 8700c numerous times on concrete and it works perfectly.

[dcpuser]

I did come across one annoyance where a couple of the 8700(g) models would not go back to EDGE network if it moved from one to another. Like going from EDGE, to edge, back to EDGE. It seems to be stuck and a reset of a device is needed. I bought about 50 of the 8700g from T-Mobile (for my company) and so far a dozen of them have had this problem. No issues with the 7290s we had before it though with moving from network to network. Other then that, the handheld is better in every way (except of course the more compact keyboard someone else had mentioned).

[justin.culp]

8700...no contest.

[Senamar]

I loved the extended life battery in my 7290 which still are not available for the 8700. I am watching the threads here for someone to find them and keep crossing my fingers.

Durability is about the same. My 8700 has been dropped numerous times but has yet to burst open tossing battery cover, battery and device in different directions. My 7290 was much more sensitive to that, but both devices worked reliably with all of their scratches.

I love the screen and speed of my 8700. In direct sunlight as someone mentioned it is tough to see, just hit the back light button again to get full brightness.

Oh yeah, better themes & ring tones? :)

Chuck

[akfirecop]

Sanmar:
Whatchutalkin'boutwillis?!?!

I have an extended life battery for my 8700c...

Now, before you all start asking where I got it, or where YOU can get it, I dont know. I bought the unit used from a member of the forums about 5 months go, and it was included in the deal.

[BBRaffey]

Try here for the extended battery: Loading online store (http://www.smartphonedepot.com)

[Aroc]

you can check your email so fast on the 8700 it will make your head spin.

-exact quote from one of my executives (who had the 7920 and 7230 prior).

The new CPU in the 8700 is pretty fast (50Mhz vs. 312 MHZ ???).