I've recently come to the conclusion that I would greatly benefit from having a BB for work. I am currently with Verizon, and am trying to decide between the 8703 and 8830. Aside from obviously using it as a phone, I really only have two needs: 1) I need to be able to use the internet to do my flight planning, checking weather, filing flight plans, checking and scheduling my flights over the internet, etc, and 2) I need email since I also run the entire flight department, yet am on the road half the time. I don't foresee any international trips in the near future, so the GSM feature of the 8830 doesn't mean much to me at this time. The multimedia function also would never get touched, as I like to keep things as simple as possible since I am for the most part technologically challenged.

I read on these forums how the majority of those who changed from the 8703 to the 8830 are glad they did. However, I just don't know if I could get used to the key spacing (or lack thereof) on the 8830. On the other hand, not ever having used either, I would think that the trackball on the 8830 would be more natural than the trackwheel, true? Is there a difference in internet speed between the two?

Thanks

after 2 years of having a 7250, i upgraded to 8830. i'm not sure if i will keep it. there are a couple issues that drive me nuts with it:
1) unexplained memory drainage
2) a signal meter bar that drops in and out all the time
3) blue backlit keyboard that is tough to see

my 7250 was a tank, it had a much stronger radio and received signal in areas the 8830 will not

i just may go back to it or switch to at&t and try out the new curve

you might be better off just going back to the 7250. I think the curve might give you the same issues. There's a trend going on with the last couple BB's, the Pearl, and now the 8800, are having memory drain issues.

Either will handle 1 & 2 for you. It's mostly a matter of personal preference and determining whether or not the reported issues are serious/common enough. If your needs are as stated above, the 8703e would be the safer option. The trackball may seem more intuitive but IMO the BB OS is better designed for the trackwheel as it has relied on the trackwheel for ages. On my 8800 the only advantage I've found with the trackball is using the browser in Desktop View...