Hey guys,

I have an 8703e..is it me, or is it just not as solid at the GSM version.
It feels so fragile compared to the the other models.
and...my screen is all scratched up already.

Anyone else notice this? Has anyone tried to replace the screen or the case to make it feel more sturdy?

thanks

I've always liked the 8703e the most of all the 8700 varieties. It feels more solid to me.

It's you.

I love my 8703e... I've had it for almost six month, and almost no scratches.
I work at a dealership in the service dept, and I am in and out of cars all day long. It's holding up really good for me.

You need to get a screen protector first thing on any current BB unless you're the type that isn't bothered by scratches/scuffs.

+1 for the screen protector. I bought that and a case for my 8703e and it keeps the whole thing protected pretty good.

Where did you get your screen protector?
Thanks

I got my screen protector from ShieldZone.com I like their customer service, and the product is great.

The first thing I did was put a screen saver on mine and put it in the BB leather holster. I hate scratches and/or scuffs on my electronics. This is my first BlackBerry, having moved from Palm and PPC, and I'm very impressed with the build quality of my 8703e.

The 8703e feels a lot sturdier than my 8700c did. I still pick up my fiance's 8700c and reminisce of the good days of creating mp3 ringtones. :sob: That beast taught me so much.

I'm still looking for a REALLY tight rubber skin for my 8703e. I'm not big on using the holster, because I tend to do more damage bumping into walls/counters. Putting it in my pocket keeps it safe....for now.

On another note, you know which handheld felt indestructible? The RIM950. I could play baseball with that thing and still send messages.

Thanks! I will give them a try!

Good recommendation. Mine will get one as soon as it arrives. Thanks for the lead!

By chance, does anyone have a picture of this shield? Just curious of what it looks like as far as shape and clearness.

Wirelessly posted (7130e: Mozilla/2.0 (compatible; MSIE 3.02; Windows CE; PPC; 240x320) BlackBerry8703e/4.1.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/104)

I can take a picture of my BlackBerry with the shield on it later today when I am home from work. I will do that if no one beats me to it.

As far as shape, it covers the entire screen with a cutout for the earpiece holes.

Does it cover up or hide scratches that are already there? Hide

Wirelessly posted (7130e: Mozilla/2.0 (compatible; MSIE 3.02; Windows CE; PPC; 240x320) BlackBerry8703e/4.1.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/104)

It hides the faint ones. I had one pretty bad scratch and it looks better now but I can still tell where it is against lighter backgrounds on the screen.

I agree with the masses here. Every 8703e has been more sturdy than every 8700c I have had. I have had at least 4 of each.

Wirelessly posted (7130e: BlackBerry8703e/4.1.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

I've never held a 8700c but I can't imagine it being sturdier than the 8703e.

Just pickup the 8703e and its solid as one can expect I am too going to get some screen protectors for it though no scratches yet. I did see an aluminum case at eAccess that tweaked my interest.

I had the 8700c and I can see how one might find the 8703e as 'less sturdy'. It's really just the small curves on the back and bottom of the 8703e. I can't explain it well, but my fiance (who has an 8700c still) held the 8703e and said it felt "lighter" in weight, and the curves- though not very noticeable- did kind of make her feel like the 8700c was more of a brick.

I know it's hard to explain, and my points probably don't make sense, but I can see where he's coming from. Trust me, a few drops down the line (like I've experienced) will surely make you see that there isn't a difference in that 'solid as a rock' feeling you had with the 8700c. Although, these devices are not nearly 'tankish' as the 72xx series. Those things could've made decent baseballs or small riot control projectiles.

I agree. My old 7250's were SOLID. Much better/stronger plastic than they use on the 87xx's.

I just got the 8703e and I fell it is much better than the older 7xxx series. I love the feel of it and its so much faster than when they first came out. As long as you don't drop the phone down the side of a concret wall the screen should see minimal scratches if any. Screen protector would help the situation though.