Ok I'm contemplating going to the v.4.2.1.73 update - is it recommended? I mean how often does Cingular update their software anyway?

I haven't seen much of a difference running O2's 4.2.1.73 really...

There's very little difference. If you aren't experiencing any problems, I wouldn't "upgrade". If it ain't broke...

Gotcha! I was thinking the same thing - everything is good with the 8800 so I'll just patiently wait for Cingular updates as they come. . . .

I've never had any problems with upgrading but there's always a risk that something can go wrong. I'd also suggest waiting for a better upgrade than 4.2.1.72->4.2.1.73.

Where did you even find this.....?

The blackberry cingular OS site only has 72.

will v 4.2 run on model 7100?

Im afraid not my friend

I already upgraded my 8800 cingular to 4.2.1.73. So far works fine. I've heard some of my friends having problem of lost email in < 4.2.1.72. i forgot the link but it can easily found with google's help.

It's O2's OS for the 8800. I don't have the URL handy.

Any news on what the latest software/firmware (available from Cingular) is and what "improvements", if any, in includes?

Thanks in advance.

--Mav

ok, these people really need to stop asking "SHOULD I UPGRADE"....An upgrade is released for a reason. Think about what that reason may be. Do you think RIM is just releasing upgrades for fun? Of course not. Obviously they have a reason for the upgrade. It ain't rocket science

This is true but who is to say that this one won't have bugs also? An upgrade might fix a problem that no one ever noticed and then there is a bug that you notice. So I agree if it isn't broke don't fix it. On the other hand don't wait for Cingular to upgrade, they take forever. I waited for almost a year before I upgraded the OS on the 8700, figured there would have fixed all the problems and put in more features.

Guys & Gals,
These OS's are the same regardless of which carrier releases them. There is NO difference other than cumulative bug fixes (but keep in mind every new version can have it's own new bugs.) The only reason the carriers don't release every version that comes out is that then they have to keep all their personnel up to date on every software version. They do test them and validate them but there is nothing different in a "Cingular" version vs. a "TMobile" version.

Fortunatly for us we have BBF where members load the new OS's and post their results with pros and cons of each new OS. This gives us all a chance to decide whether or not we want to load the new OS. Remember when RIM took out the autobacklight-off feature from the Pearl and many people stuck with the buggy .42 version of the Pearl OS just to keep that feature. Cingular and Rogers didn't go to RIM and say, "take out the autobacklight feature for our software." RIM decided it was best to remove it for whatever reason.

The OS's are developed by RIM and each carrier releases them when they decide to change all their support documents, and personnel training.

I can understand when someone says, "I'm not upgrading because I don't want to lose the autobacklight-off feature" or "mine is working fine, I'm not messing with it." However, and this may offend some, those who are waiting to upgrade just because the OS is not released by their carrier are doing so in ignorance. Your carrier's support center will say they don't support the software which is true but if you're getting this OS info from here you already have more info than calling any carrier's support center. Them saying that you're voiding your warranty is a bunch of crap. Besides, you can always reload the latest version from your carrier if you ever want to anyway.

So, go ahead....Upgrade to other carrier's OS with confidence. They are all RIM OS's made for your specific BB. You are not doing anything "bad" or "hacking" your phone. I've been doing this for 2 1/2 years and never had a problem with "other carrier's OS's OS's" due to them being from another carrier.

/rant

~John

My apologies, but that was not actually my question. My question, albeit more thoroughly stated, is two-fold: (a) is there an available upgrade from Cingular and, if so, what is its version number (so that I can determine whether it is more recent than the current version on my BB); and (b) if so, do you know what "improvements" are made (or, can you direct me to the release notes)?

This is noteably different than asking whether I should or should not upgrade. I'm perfectly capable of making that determination myself based upon the answer to the foregoing question.

Inasmuch as this is obviously a time-sensitive question (i.e. the answer will be different today than it was a month ago and than it will be in 6 months), I do not think it unreasonable to ask it.

Thanks.

P.S. Thanks, John Clark. I do appreciate and understand your point, but I would simply prefer to have Cingular handle it for me, rather than attending to it myself. That's really a personal choice with admittedly little merit, but so be it; and that is why I am only interested in Cingular-released updates/upgrades. I do, however, very much appreciate your insight. Thanks.

but these upgrades aren't always "fixes" such as Cingular's black Pearl 4.2.0.72 and Cingular's red Pearl 4.2.0.73 versions. It could just be something as simple as added a different theme (went from Cingular theme to AT&T theme).

Negative....They are not releasing new packages simply for a theme update...

then help me understand what the change was. they were both from Cingular (and the red did not even include the DST patch), not like one was from them and the other was from another carrier that upgraded from say .64 or something, then I could see "bug fixes". I haven't seen a change log anywhere for it, and being it was only a very very small numeric change and the theme was changed it kind of goes to assume - but I know, don't assume