I did it - I tossed my 7100g in the trash (well, not literally.. tossed it on ebay actually)... and got a 8700c.

I love it. Great sound... I can finally have callers hear me and not complain.

The screen is amazing too.

My question now is - given that BBs are supposedly "business use" in nature, and it seems BB shys away from anything entertainment oriented such as mp3 players, or built in cameras.... why is it that they have such ..hmm...how should I put this... "consumer" type ringtones?

I want a few basic ringtones that sound normal - just normal ringers...
I dont want to have any funky music play when it rings, or some alien sounding phazer noise... but it seems the bundled ringtones are just that - "consumerish".

Why doesnt BB include more professional/business oriented tones?
I have searched this forum for ringtone sources, and found many...the problem is they are all those musicial tones... I dont want Eminem's newest MP3 as my tone. Does anyone know of a source for normal tones?

Secondly, I ordered a screen guard from www.theinvisibleshield.com after reading how great they are in other threads here. I'd also like a metal case for the unit, but it seems like no one makes one yet... does anyone know of any in production at this point? I contacted InnoPocket, and they are not sure when they will have one available.

For those thinking of an 8700C... go for it... its one great unit!

First place I would look is in the Ringtones, Themes and Wallpapers forum. Lots of information there...

Using the Blackberry Browser on your 8700c go to mobile.blackberry.com. Not much there but what is there is free. The site has ringtones, wallpapers, themes...etc.

I started using a 8700c a couple of days ago and have found it far superior to the 7280. Like you, I just ordered a screen cover through theinvisibleshield.com. The material they use is also being marketed by auto dealers as rock protection for headlights and hoods at a cost of about $500. Lexus dealers in my area swear by it.

Holy crap - i had no idea they were this popular. I thought it was all hype. FYI, i have a screencover for my 8700 and love it. Its ridiculously clear. Just make sure you guys got the latest one - I just received an email from invisible shield yesterday, alerting me that they have redigned their 8700 cover to fit better. They sent mine out yesterday free of charge!

They do, it called Vibrate

Ok, maybe it is just me, I have never used a ringtone on a phone or BB in over 5 years. Not just in business, but in public I think it is just plain rude to hear phones ring. And the 'consumer' tones you talk about that just scream, "look at me, I'm an idiot" I just don't get at all...

vibrate is not an option for me due to where I carry my BB - its in a coat pocket where I really cant feel it vibrate that easily... not to mention when I toss it in my console in the auto...