Hi all!!

After few years using the Nokia e61 a family member of mine is looking for a new phone. The BB 9700 & 9800 are good options - please help determine if that is true.

I spoke with the owner for the new phone and the main uses are:

- calls and text messages (I felt a strong need to write it ).
- Camera (After the disadvantage in the e61).
- BlueTooth.
- GPS receiver.
- Wifi.
- full keyboard (qwerty).
- Not a touch screen.
- Large screen.
- Receive emails directly to your ("push email" for gmail server only.)
- reading & editing Office documents.

There is a need for a navigation software that does not require a data connection (a full offline software, no data at all!) [a similar software to the Nokia maps/TomTom/iGO ect.]. A turn-by-turn software for the US & Western Europe. Is there a software like that?

With BB "push email" is not a problem, is that true? (There will be a data package of RIM only in the state of Israel)

How is the RIM OS? are there apps for the OS - where can I read more on the subject?

Thanks

The not a touch screen requirement would rule out the 9800, except you do not have to explicitly use the touch screen on it yet it still has a large screen which the 9780 doesn't.

Other than those too both devices fulfil the needs and it would become a case of personal preference.

Push email is flawless on BlackBerry and it is a breeze to set up now.

The BlackBerry OS is fantastic for messaging and reliability, and there are a large number of useful apps available. The only real lacking is 3D games on the platform such as those available on the iPhone etc. You can see what is available for apps at BlackBerry App World

My advice is pick the carrier first. Find the one that has the best coverage where you plan to use it. Then pick the phone.

For more info please read the FAQ and use our SEARCH feature. If you can't find what you are looking for then ask.

For navigation, given your requirement for no data connection, I would highly recommend a stand alone GPS device. They are much better for navigation then using a cell phone, and safer too. the only apps with turn-by-turn and voice commands that I know of are the carrier apps such as ATT Telenav and Verizon's VZnav. Both cast around $10 a month US. See the yellow sticky at the top of the GPS & Maps section for reviews of most of the known map apps. Nearly all require a BB data plan and data connection as maps are downloaded as needed, not stored on the device.

Anybody have thoughts on the Torch? What about going Refurb?

First of all Andy, it is considered bad forum manners to hijack another posters thread.

To answer your question, please check the 9800 section. Many of us have the 9800 and have posted thoughts and opinions in that section.

Also, you do know that it will not work with your present carrier, as listed in your profile? The 9800 is a GSM device and currently is available for AT&T only. An unlocked device will work on T-Mobile, but only on EDGE, not 3G.

Yes, I'm aware that it won't work on Verizon. Thanks for the info.