I've had this Cingular 7290 for about 2 years now and am kind of bored with it. I pay 135+$ a month for the things I need (600 minutes, 2500 txt, unlimited data) and was wondering if there may be a cheaper alternative like a windows phone. At first I was intrigued by the 8700 but then I heard it isn't all that. A friend of mine has one of the Windows phones from verizon and its really nice, but a lot different than the blackberry. IMHO the windows mobile os is a lot nicer looking and from what I can tell is more convenient than what i've used on the 7290. My contract is up soon and I'm wondering first if i should stay with cingular and second what are alternative phones to the 8700. Im looking for a phone that has faster internet (faster than the 8700), handles email just as well as the 7290, good voice phone loudness and clarity (loud unlike the horribly low sound that comes out of the 7290 lol) preferably speakerphone, camera and the ability to handle videos and mp3's and that stuff (not a neccessity but would be cool to have) and thats about it. And also everything else comparible to the bb. Any suggestions? Thanks a lot!

Wirelessly posted (Cingular 7130c: BlackBerry7130/4.1.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102)

If your used to the stability of a blackberry bothind else will fit your needs. WM5 is nice, but lacking in the usability department.

I work with a guy who has the Cingular version of the MDA (don't know what cingular calls it) and it crashes all the time with application errors.

Do you really need 2500 txt? I mean you have a blackberry!

What's the breakdown on your bill?

Well there is the tmobile mda that runs WM5. I wouldn't recommend it (because I am so attached to the blackberries) but if your looking at all of the features that you named I would give it a try. There is a video on CNET - Technology product reviews, price comparisons, tech video, and more that explains a lot about the device (as well as any other device). I would go to cnet.com and watch some of the review and ask as many people you know for their opinions and read a lot of reviews on the internet. Hope this helps,

Kevin

Oh yeah and definitely a qwerty style keypad.

Thanks guys for the immediate responses. How are the HP Ipaq's ?

And in response to stonent, I do text a lot not close to 2500 but around 1000, and I think cingular only has a 1000 and 2500 txt messaging plan.

/NATP600RUMMUNW $49.99
BB UNL ADD ON $44.99
TEXT MESSAGING 2500 $19.99

Is the price break down but with taxes and everything my bill comes to 135$ +/- every month..

Hey also has anyone ever tryed the Cingular 8125 Pocket PC? I actually like the look of it on Cingular's website.

I haven't really heard anything about them. I think they are pretty comparible to the tmobile mda.

Kevin

You have a PM

Wirelessly posted (Cingular 7130c: BlackBerry7130/4.1.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102)

The MDA and the 8125 are exactly the same other than some visual didfrences. They are made by HTC. Its real name is the HTC wizard.

Yeah I like the look of them a lot and from what I hear they are just as good as the 8700 if not better. I knwo this is a BB forum and I loved my 7290 but it's just getting boring for me now and for the price i pay monthly it's not worth it anymore. Any other insights I'd appreciate guys. Thanks a million.

I would say I do agree with the price complaint (135 is ridiculous, I pay around 60). I think the price would be similar if you get another device. I would just say do a lot of research.

Kevin

Wirelessly posted (Cingular 7130c: BlackBerry7130/4.1.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102)

Are you on a BES? If not you can save 15 a month and switch to the BIS only plan. The PDA unlimited plan is 39.99 the bbrybisunl plan is 29.99.

Actually as far as an e-mail device is concerned, no other device is "just as good" as any blackberry. Sure, wm5 offers mp3's and camera phones, video this, music that...but all those extras make the OS unstable. Maybe try out the new BB 8100? But if you want a good solid data device, i would stick with a BB

^ word, but the MDA or HTC wizard also has wi-fi. I would love if my BB had wi-fi, but that isn't a reason to give a BB up. You put it in the exact honest truth. Good job.

Well.....let me slow everyones roll just a little bit. I know that we are all PRO Blackberry on this forum. However, why was this forum created? It was created with the intentions of providing a place for people with blackberry's to come together and learn and share problems and resolutions.

Everyone always states the blackberry is stable, rock solid. Really? How many times have I seen a thread stating that email service is down. Or, "Anyone having service issues?". I have seen tons of these issues. As far as the OS goes, what about the issues the 7130e has with application errors. Or the fact that some peoples blackberrys will connect to the APN and others, have issues (That sometimes are resolved magically).

I think the whole..."Blackberrys are more stable than other devices" line is a bunch of horse sh*t. Pardon my language. This forum has new threads created every day in which people are posting problems with their blackberry.

Blackberrys can overall turn more emails in and out faster than other devices, but what about someone who doesnt need that fact? Someone, maybe like me? Who in fact, has a Cingular 8125. For me, the device has been better suited to my needs than my 8700 ever was.

Dont get me wrong, I will probably get the new blackberry, but just becauase I have an addiction to new phones. You can bet though, that it wont be my primary device.

Please people. Please, lose the mentality that the Blackberry is the best device out right now. It is a closed minded thought. We all know the Blackberry has it's issues as well, otherwise, there would be no need for BBF or ....the Gecko.


Best regards,
The Gecko

We all know the BB has its share of problems, but what phone doesn't? I mean the kicks have their keyboards falling off (haha), the HTC and MDA have issues with the sensitive touch screen when they drop it, the treos have crashing and rebooting problems. As far as all of that I think the BB *is* the most solid machine.

In terms of durability, yes. The blackberry can withstand falls and such. I have had my 8125 for about 6+mos and have had no issues. So, I dont really buy in to the whole "most solid machine" theory.

Funny because I have owned a MDA and after 2 weeks of use my screen stalled up and nothing I did helped and I took it back and they told me to try a BB.I have now used my BB for about 2 months and haven't had any major problems with it.

Thats just what I am saying. I am by no means calling you wrong or saying that PDAs dont have their fair share of issues as well. What I have a problem with is the fact, that everyone seems to think the blackberry is faultless. That...Blackberrys are the device to have if you dont want any problems. Thats not true. For you maybe, yes. Your blackberry has served you well, as did mine. You had problems with your MDA, I haven't had a lick of problems with my 8125. So...therefore, my 8125 is better than the blackberry in my opinion. I no longer have the need for the email as much and the 8125 has more features that I DO NEED.

I just wish everyone would get away from the "blackberrys are the only device" mentality. Although, I am preaching to blackberryforum members.


The Gecko

Oh no by all means my BB hasn't been perfect and every phone has its problems. I totally understand where you are coming from, a few people on this forum are preaching that it is perfect and nothing is wrong with it. I know there are a good share of problems with all phones regardless if it is an MDA or HTC or BB or treo or a kick. I am just saying if you need all of those camera and mp3 features as well as a business phone then go for that, I have no need for a camera or mp3. I as well am buying the 8100 not because of the camera of mp3 but because of video playback.

Agreed. And a valid point. I am glad that you, like me, can keep your mind open to other sides of the arguement. So many people I meet or see, have their minds made up and there is no convincing them otherwise.


Best of luck and thanks for the debate,
The Gecko