I got my first BB (Flip 8220) a week ago and really like it. I have no data plan for now but it suits my needs.

There are couple issues with the phone though:
1. the hinge is a little loose when closed (has some give)
2. battery life sucks (30hrs after full charge with very minimal use)

I am still within 2 week buyer's remorse period and can go back to get a different Flip or maybe get a different BB. 8320 curve would only be $50 more. What do you all think? is it better than the flip and if so is it $50 better?

like i said I like the flip but if curve was that much better I wouldnt mind spending the extra $50.

Thank you in advance for your input.

Hi Smkye,

It depends on your taste. The Curve 8320 is physically bigger than the Flip 8220, but you get a full qwerty keyboard.

I went from a Pearl 8100 to a Curve 8320 and really like the 8320.

Bottom line: You can't go wrong with either one. Happy shopping.

The Curve 8900 is the best BlackBerry ever produced. That is all.

LOL
I knew someone was going to come back with that answer. 8900 is out of the question for now.

This is a matter of opinion. I like the curve, others like the flip. It's really up to you. You're the only one that can decide which device is best for you.

For us diehard BB users who have had it chained to our hips for nearly a decade...

The Pearl flip isn't a "real" BB - all kidding aside, I prefer a full QWERTY, but that's just a preference. I had a Suretype 7130e once, and I was OK with it. Once I got the 8703...I don't know why I ever had a 7130...

Ive had both the 8320 and the 8220, and it's really apples and oranges. 8320 does have Qwerty, if that is your preference, and a larger display. Is it $50.00 better than an 8220? Not in my opinion, but some folks have strong preferences in their keyboard type, display size, and overall handset size.

Bottom line: No differences in all the basic functions, and they are both great devices.

Better yet, if you want to flaunt your BB addiction, get a 8320. If you want to hide your addiction, get a 8220 - no one other than you will know...=D

Thanks for replying.

The only reason I looked into BB was because it was time to upgrade my old phone. I never really texted (is that a word?) on my old phone, maybe everyonce in a blue moon. I dont plan on spending money on the data plan just yet. Eventually I may need those features but not at this juncture.

I was looking for differences in battery life or system (wrinkles) issues.

Any input on the 2 issues I mentioned in the original post? Battery life seems to be pretty poor and that "give" in the hinge ticks me off. is that normal?

vliou
its not even funny. I am already addicted and thats even without the data plan (wifi only).

Battery issue: if it's a brand new phone, I would give it a few more charge/discharge cycles before the battery is more "fully conditioned." But keep in mind that battery is dependent on a lot of things like general useage, screen brightness, signal/reception, etc. As a new user you might be playing around with the phone more just because it's novel.

As for the give in the hinge: that could possibly be a manufacturing issue. I know with a lot of the Pearls, people complained that the door to the battery compartment was a bit loose.

I will try to see if they have any others in stock that do not have that give. I know its common but if I found one without it would be great.

I do play with the phone a lot trying to learn it. what settings should I use to optimize it or are there any applications on there that I should get rid of?

Make sure you don't have a lot of unncessary programs running. Press ALT+ESCAPE key to see what's running. By default programs like Browser, Call Log, Messages, and a few others cannot be closed down.

To help save battery you can try lowering your screen brightness, turn on auto dim backlight.

That's true. If the 8220 had the internal specs as the 8900, I'd have chosen it.

Reasons why the 8220 sucks:
No GPS
No QWERTY
No headset jack
Only 128 MB Memory

I had both phones. I'd take the 8220 every time over the 8320. it was much snappier and had twice as much memory as the 8320. both have the wifi you need and UMA dialing, and you will need a puck to get gps, so it really comes down to two things IMO:

1. if you want a newer OS and more memory-go for the flip
2. if you want a full qwerty-go for the 8320.

both are great devices. good luck.

edit:
the 8220 has a 3.5mm headset jack same as every other newer model

Someone needs to update the BlackBerry site, then...


I just love using the voice nav on my big 8900 display.

thanks Terita. not that I dont appreciate everybody's inbut, that was the kind of feedback I was looking for. I guess I will stick with the flip.

yes, the flip does have the jack.