Well let me start off by saying I have had just about every pda/phone on every platform from either Cingular/ATT or Verizon/Sprint.

The 8300 is the best BB yet. I am a business user that travels from Philly, PA to NYC almost daily.

The bad stuff first-
-dust behind the screen. Once again they did not make a perfect seal to keep dust out.
-no video with the camera
-they pulled a Treo when they stated features that the phone does not have. Noise cancellation with the mic? Not so. It picks up almost as much back ground noise as the 8700. Very disappointed.
-no case in box
-trackball. I hate the little pearl ball. I think it’s a bad design over all. At least on the 8300 you can reach it easily unlike on the 8800 which is a pain to use due to the size of the phone. I am afraid on this thing breaking or getting clogged up. It’s also a pain to use after you lifted something heavy or are in a hurry. You have to then gently drag your finger over…not to hard…not to soft. Surprised they didn’t make the phone pink. BRING BACK THE TRACKWHEEL!!!
-it’s a shame that the Treo actually has a better task and calendar function then the BB.


The good stuff

-design. It fits in either hand and can be typed rather fast one handed.
-size. It’s the perfect size for any application
-phone. Over all great call volume. Very clear for a GSM line which is prone to skips and static unlike CDMA.
-Build quality-I am so happy to see RIM is bringing back quality in their products. I was embarrassed to promote BB with the past few releases from RIM.
-Camera. It’s pretty nice I thought. I read a lot of complaints but it seems above average for a phone camera for me?
-keyboard is perfect. It’s easy to use one handed and has fantastic feedback. Best yet I think. I saw some comparisons to the treo keyboard. Not even close.
-nice new software features like making folders and moving apps around.


Other thoughts.

-No lag at all. If it has lag return it something is wrong.
-Memory. Fits all of my contacts (around 1000) and google maps with plenty of room for more.
-no freezing or resetting.
-I have some dust under the screen that can only be seen with screen off in sun light. But its there and it bugs me.
-highly recommend this phone. It’s the best I have ever had…by far.
-no GPS but if you have tried the 8800 like I have you will quickly learn having a dedicated GPS is the way to go. Would still be nice to have the option.
-far from perfect but hands down the best on the market. I am very proud of RIM and am so happy they are changing the quality of material and design. RIM is back baby!

Cool review. Glad your enjoying it. I can't put the thing down.

missed -

Bluetooth problem with headset/video
Problem with volume key being difficult to use
Some faceplates working loose a-la 8800 side rails

imho, before pronouncing this phone the best ever - use it 3 weeks.