So there's only one convenience key? Right now, my 8700 is configured with the center key as the "Messages" key and the left key as the "Lock" key. What do you guys use to get to your messages quickly?

Not at all! It's actually another consideration in my mind -- I read threads saying the 8700 will get OS 4.2 "some day", but it seems to have been in beta forever. Do you see anything in 4.2 that you go "wow, if only 4.1/8700 had this.."? (maybe a better browser, etc.) Having only the Pearl I don't have the backhistory to make such a comaprison. :-/

You mentioned this before -- do you have some (non scientific is ok) numbers, like 3 days versus 5 days? I love the fact that this 8100 has *great* battery life compared to S60's, those things last like 2 days max. (even the tiny E50, I was charging it all the time).

You made me look. It's hard to tell because of the black/finish, but I think it's micro-scratched up as well. Honestly the finish on the 8100 is a complete negative to me, I like the look of the 8700 (blue T-Mobile) better. But then again, I went into a Cingular store and played with the 8800 and liked that special blue finish they put on it, much better than the 8100 fingermagnet.

FWIW, I rarely got more than 1 day on an 8700 and never more than 1 day on an 8707. The 8800 easily completes one day and so far, I've completed two days with the battery at 40%.

I have dial from home screen turned off and I push the "M" key.

So, I have the luck that there's a T-Mobile and Cingular store right next to each other (ok, across the intersection). I went into the T-Mo and typed a whole boatload on an 8700g, then went over to the Cingular store and typed a boatload on an 8800. I have no predisposition to any QWERTY device, having never used one for any length of time as a daily device.

In just my limited testing I found the exact same thing, the 8800 caused me to produce many, many more errors than the 8700. Mainly it was because I kept hitting two keys at once, or catching the side of the intended key and hitting the key next to it instead; somehow I also kept hitting the Enter/Return key a lot more as well when I was intending to hit the Backspace/Delete key. I do realize I'm a QWERTY noob and mistakes are meant to happen, but the 8700 keyboard blew away the 8800 hands down.

$0.02 USD.

EDIT: thinking about it, I think I looked at the keyboard a lot less on the 8700 as well; I didn't really pay attention to that aspect closely except I *know* I kept looking at the 8800, and I don't remember looking at the 8700 keys. Hmm.

anyone out there know of a thirdparty function for programming (customizing) hot keys? ie. "alt-this" or "ctl-that" to start programs or do functions in the 8800? I want to compose an SMS from the desktop or from the email folder.... then i hit "alt-s"

any suggestions on "programmable hot keys"?

thanks in advance!!

I returned my 8800 after using for almost two weeks. I found the keyboard to be difficult. The keyboard on the 8700 is a much better to work with (IMHO)

and 8800 i read,cant work for 3rd application

I have the 8700c and run Linux. I would love to be able to sync up to my Ubuntu box. I haven't found a good enough solution. Been checking out the openmoko project.

I love my BB, but I LOVE MY LINUX MORE!!! =^) ... I'm assuming the 8800 will not play nice with my Linux boxes... ???