I have an 8820 which is no longer able to sync using USB. It appears that the connection is loose. Fortunately I am still able to charge the phone. I am currently working on getting backup to work via Bluetooth on Windows 7 but it's not going so well.

The USB connector broke on my last phone. I don't think that I'm abusing them since each have lasted a few years, but it is frustrating to have to upgrade my Blackberry for such a simple problem. Has anyone tried repairing this connector themselves? Is there an affordable repair option?

Thank you!

Unfortunately the 88xx series is quite old and obsolete. I would suggest updating to a newer device in the near future.

One thing I've always wondered about is if just trying to re-solder the connector may work for many people. It seems more likely that there's a crack in the solder than the metal connections inside the USB breaking. But it hasn't happened to me yet so I don't know where it fails.

That was the issue I had with my car stereo and a motherboard before. Cracks in the solder. Totally invisible but melting the solder again fixed them.

I'm going to give that a shot...but I'm not willing to try it out and potentially be 100% out of a phone. I ordered a 9700 today. After I get that phone I'll try fixing the 8820. Who knows...if I fix it I might just send the 9700 back...but I'm guessing that I'll fall in love with the new device. If only I was in a 3G area I could use the 9700 for my home internet since I'm on horribly slow 1.5MB/s Verison DSL (fastest available on my street)

Will I be able to use the 8820 with WiFi without the sim card? I've been using FreeMote to control my Ubuntu box and MythTV and it would be nice to have a dedicated blackberry to act as a wireless keyboard/mouse for my HTPC.

Pull your SIM out now and try wifi. It should work. Although you may have to use an alternative browser like Opera.