I hate to even ask, but I have been going back and forth driving my self crazy. Should I get the 8700 (cingular) or the 7100i (nextel)? I currently have sprint and could switch to the Nextel with ease, but the coverage isn't is good here in St Louis. If I get the cingular, I would have to carry around another phone, can't get rid of sprint... it's a work/family phone, so calling others is cheap!

I like the style of the 8700 with the full keyboard, but I like the Idea of carrying the 7100i and nothing else!

Mothly cost woould be exactly the same!

Can someone give me some advice that would sway me one way or the other?

Thanks for all the help,
-Chris

Hi Chris,

I am in the EXACT place that you are. No joke. Ha. I too am with Sprint, and was trying to figure out what it was worth to me.

I will tell you that I hopped back and forth between getting a 7100 series or a 8700c, and went to cingular, they have a 7100g that is similar to the one nextel has, I tried to type out "Hi, My Name is Vikkie" on their phone pad, I didn't even to get to the "a" and gave up, I don't like how they have the qwerty keyboard broken up. Picked up the 8700c and tapped it out in less than a few seconds. Unless you don't mind getting over the learning curve, this was the biggest point that made me choose the 8700c

I am planning on keeping my sprint phone for my calls and text messaging, and using my Cingular 8700c just with the data plan to do the internet jazz and to use as my PDA, I figure if I decide I want to use it as a phone, I will just go add it on :D

I like how slim the 7100s' are but they come with a price. I cannot use their keyboard for nothing. The 8700c has won my heart

I stopped by the Cingular store on my way in to work, and played with the 8700c, I agree, it's a ton better. Then I talked with my boss at work who has the 7100i, he hates it. He reads e-mail, and then reply's from his laptop! I think I'm going to do the same thing, and if I want to add phone service I can.

Thanks again!!!! Have a Great Day!