On my 8700c. BIS.
Via Blackberry Desktop Manager 4.3.
Old OS: 4.2x
New OS: 4.5beta

Had to remove some recently installed apps (Opera Mini and TVGuide) as they were hanging on the Desktop Manager install screen.

The last time I upgraded an OS I think I had some theme problems when the new OS was trying to boot up...so almost had a bricked device - this time I changed the theme to the AT&T default before proceeding.

Hope to add some comments on the beta and how installed apps are working.

(On the hourglass now, gulp)

*moved to Beta you Than me*

Well it's not bricked, progress. Sat on hourglass for approximately 30 minutes, at least during device install.

However, like an idiot I backed up the device first, BUT didn't choose the backup option when installing the new OS. So of course it boots up into a clean version of the OS with none of my addresses, etc. Moment of panic, before I realize I can restore all of that from the backup/restore option on Desktop Manager.

So far what's obvious:

Since use bbmessenger quite a bit, I like the new status window at the top, showing msgs/vmail icons.

Built-in spell checker for email.
Where is the browser? Maybe I missed this during research, the cingular brower is there and works, but I use the non-branded one.
Clicked on Google Maps and screen froze! Funny thing is the auto-lock showed up a few minutes later - keyboard still frozen.

Battery pull, and make sure you have Docs to go installed. Make sure you push the service books from the ATT website...And you will get your browser back...

Still no original browser.

After a day, no more annoying hourglass or waiting 10 seconds for a list of options to show up when you press the alt key, etc. Just as fast as older OS.

This 4.5 is nothing to write home about, even the html in email (just easier on the eyes).

The highlights: a few better stylized smileys in the bb messenger (reaching here), folders to sort out all those icons (i swear that wasn't on 4.2?) on the main page. Spell checking before sending email.

The lowlights: i use memopad alot - where is the edit feature while browsing a memo? You have to go back one screen. Too much separation space on the address list.

What they should have worked on: improve the calendar and task list this is the biggest deficiency in blackberry!


all in all ho-hum...