I just got a new 8700c and noticed right away that the keyboard is loose. I can slide the keyboard just slightly in any direction and all the keys move together as if the only thing holding the keyboard down is the fact that it's in the phone chassis. In other words, it feels like a "floating" keyboard.

This is the first BB I've owned so I don't know if this is normal or if I should send this one back to Cingular for a replacement?

My 8700 does not do this at all.

Mine does this too. Its not a big deal to me but am puzzled that lgreenberg's does not have any wiggle. My keyboard wiggles more on the left side then the right. The keys barely move on the right side, but on the left side, slight wiggle with the dial button moving as well.

I'm more concerned with small dust that has started to accumulate behind my screen..

Don't know what to tell you. I just tried to move the keys and they don't budge. My keys aren't raised much so I think that's why they don't move.

I also don't have any dust, yet (knocking on wood.)

lgreenberg - no need to explain, looks like you got a good one! I don't view this key movement as a big deal. I type like crazy on it still, not sure that the slight movement hinders my typing in any way.

The dust is annoying though. I had just taken off the original screen cover (the crappy plastic one that comes with the unit) and was about to apply a new invisible shield when i noticed that dust below the screen. But it was too late, I had already wet the invisible shield! Oh well, I'm just praying that the dust accumulation doesn't continue.

I guess I'll just deal with it since the keyboard is functioning ok. It's just annoying to me. No dust yet for me either and I'm getting ready to put a screen protector on but wanted to make sure I wasn't going to have to return it because of this keyboard issue.

Thanks for the responses.

Wirelessly posted (8700c: BlackBerry8700/4.1.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102)

In the 20 or so units that we've gotten here, I've set them all up (mostly VPs who can't be bothered by such a menial task, that and I know they're working when it leaves my office) NONE of them have had dust or wiggling keyboards. I would honestly call cingular and complain, they should be able to get you a replacement to just swap your SIM card into. You'll have to activate it again as there's a different pin. I would insist it. Someone on the forums has a post where they're getting theirs with dust replaced, so it is possible they'll do it. I think these are of great quality and it should be replaced if not. So far the only issues with mine have been self-inflicted scratches, dents, and I noticed a crack on the corner where I dropped it the other day. You're paying well over 300 for these, I wouldn't "deal with it"

my keyboard is rock solid so far... and no dust...

but I can see how dust woudl get in there...on the side of mine, below the USB and hotkey, where the black side trim meets the front case - there is a large gap..where light shines out even. lots of dust getting in there...and I assume making its way up the sreen. :( oh well... Ill use it for 11 months then request a warranty exchange

I'm on the same logic - i figure give them time to fix the issues and hopefully get an updated model in a couple months.

The wriggling is relatively faint. Less than half a millimeter of wriggle. To do so, put the BlackBerry on a flat surface, put your finger on the D key (the one with the tiny bump), and then lightly rub around this key. The keyboard may wriggle a tiny bit. This is normal.

I don't notice this during normal use, and this type of barely perceptible microwriggle has existed on all BlackBerries dating way back to the 950's.

Your unit might have worse than normal wriggle, and if it truly interferes with typing ability, then borrow another same-model BlackBerry to test. If it works much better, then yes, there's a defect. But a tiny bit of wriggle is normal.

Alright you guys talked me into it! I went down to the local Cingular store and exchanged my 8700 with a new one. This one's keyboard is tight, no wiggle at all. It'll probably loosen up over time but at least I can start out on the right foot.

Thanks!

my concern isnt with the keyboard... its the button under the scroll wheel... seems very "cheap and light" when pressed... may be just me though...

I can't see any discernable wriggle on mine at all, nor the other one I've got here to setup.

Who knew there was a bump on the "D"

I have dropped my 5 times now, and it still doesn't wiggle and I don't have any dust issues either.

I have dropped my 8700 at least half a dozen times on to hard surfaces including outdoor sidewalks. My case is a little scuffed but everything works fine. My keyboard is tighter than a 18 year old virgin, no wiggle room whatsoever.

I assume the 5 has a little nipple on it so that you can center your finger on the numeric keypad to allow for blind/tactile dialing.

The first 8700c I bought had keyboard buttons that had plenty of "action" to them. You could really tell when they were depressed as to when they were not. I do not recall if this device had the "wiggle" problem, but it did get plently of dust under the screen. I returned the device for a new one and it's keyboard is tight. There is no action (or barely any) at all on the keys. But, I find typing on it to be MUCH more difficult than the first one. I end up hitting many keys twice because there is no tactile feel. But, I have yet to notice any dust (the first device had dust in it after 18 days). Part of me wishes that I didn't return my first 8700 as I liked typing on it so much more. It's a trade-off, I guess: solid key action and dust or no dust and slower typing. Lesson: be careful what you wish for.

My keyboard is rock solid. But I have dust, not had the unit a month yet. I'm thinking of taking it apart, clearing out the dust and squirting some silicone gel around the joints before putting it back together again.

I'd describe my unit the same.

I do find typing on it difficult as well.

I received my new 8700c on 1.4.06 and it has the floating keyboard. Lot's of play on this one. If the KB is connected to a flat ribbon cable, this is got to cause a problem in the future..

...Huh? What do you mean "flat ribbon cable"?