Want to get a Blackberry so I can use it as a modem for my laptop for Internet access when in rural areas. Would appreciated opinions on:

Verizon Blackberry 8130

and

Verizon Blackberry 8830

If you have owned both, please let me know which one you prefer and why.

Thanks so much for your help!

Wirelessly posted (Its All About the U!)

I dont tether but the 8330 is a stronger phone

According to Verizon's website, only the 8130 and 8830 are capable of dial up networking. Will have to check the 8330.

You can tether with the 8330 for sure. Just be sure that you add the Tethering package to you plan.

The 8330 does tethering. It also has more memory than the 8130 or 8830. The 8830 also lacks a camera and internal GPS.

I used an 8130 until I got my Storm. The Storm has EVDO Rev A. The 8130 and 8830 only have EVDO Rev 0.

For your purposes, you definitely should get a phone with Rev A. I think the new Tour has Rev A, but I don't think the 8330 does.

By the specs, Rev A is 50% faster downloads and 1000% (yes, 10 TIMES) faster for uploads compared to Rev 0. In practice, I definitely get faster throughput using my Storm as a modem compared to my 8130.