I am considering the purchase of a BB and have had the opportunity to play around with a couple of them. I am concerned that I may not adapt to SureType and am wondering if it can be turned off. I am currently using a V from LG with Verizon which has a regular keyboard.

Also, does anyone have experience using a BB from T-Mobile in Southern California? I am interested in which models may have the best reception. I have looked at the Pearl however the buttons are very small for my over 40 eyes.

Thanks in advance

I don't think you can disable suretype, but why not get a blackberry with a full keyboard?

You can turn SureType off, and have it just be a "normal-ish" double-tap keys.

Which model would be the best for someone with vision problems?

I got over 50 eyes and find the 8700 series and keyboard good. I tried the Pearl and did not like the keyboard. Also TMO reception was horrible at my house and office

Wirelessly posted (8700g: BlackBerry8700/4.1.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/100)

t.bell, for what it's worth, I addapted quickly to suretype, but there seems to be strong feelings against it by some. Perhaps you should play with it before you buy. Regarding font size on display, one can adjust this. Again, play around with it on a demo or a friends BB and see if it works for you. Hope that helps.

I'm 46 and use an 8700. Like any keyboard, a SureType™ keypad takes some acclimitization time. Once your fingers learn the keypad, you don't look at it much. Eyesight is more of an issue for the screen you look at.

The real issue is: go try BOTH and see what YOU think. You're the one who has to live with the device day in and day out.

I prefer a larger keypad because I have large hands and fingers. But I also happen to like the 8100 SureType™...just not enough to use it as my daily ride.

YMMV.

Luck.

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry7100i/4.1.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/103)

I've had a 7520 and a 7100i. Both on nextel. You get use to the suretype keys very fast. I prefer the 7100i more so because of the screen clarity. I think every model has good and bad points. Just have to go by what's comfortable for you.