I have had a 7100r for the past year, and the screen is completely unreadable in direct sunlight. Because of that, I find it unusable as a cellphone. Works fine as an email device, but I have to carry a seperate phone because it is just not possible to read the information on the screen if you are making or taking a call outdoors during the day.

Any comments on how easy it is to view the data on the 8700 screen in direct sunlight? Is it as easy to read as a cellphone?

zero problems reading it in sunlight.

Better than a cellphone and much better than the 7100 models. Screen works great inside and out thanks to the auto backlight.

Yup, relax. 8700 is amazing. No matter what the conditions, you can read the screen perfectly.

Completely agree with you. I have a 7100t and it is completely worthless outdoors. The 8700 seems to be the solution!!

Anybody have problems with the 8700 holster. Mine will not put the device to sleep. I can see the magnet and I am putting it in "face in". Also, I have been using RIM devices since '99 from teh 850/950 to the 957 to the 7280 to the 7290 to the 8700... so I know I have all of the profile, screen/keyboard, security settings correct.