Lots of discussion around the new 8700c and using it for TMO, versus waiting for the TMO version. I wanted to see if we could get a straight-forward list here of the differences or pros/cons of using the cingular one on TMO.

Here's a start - please correct me if I'm wrong on anything.

0. Availability.
Obviously the Cing is available now and the TMO version is not. Rumors suggest TMO version will be available late March, but we don't know for sure.

1. Color.
Obviously the Cing one is black/grey, while the TMO is rumored to be dark blue (according to UK version pics?). This is a personal preference on which one you prefer.

2. "Underlying" color.
Users have reported that the grey on the Cing version is just a paint job and that scratches reveal black plastic underneath, making the scratches much more obvious. Does anyone know if the TMO is dark blue plastic through and through? If not, it would still seem that if scratches revealed black underneath, they would be less obvious. Something to think about.

3. Branding is on back side of glass.
Cing or TMO branding can't be removed easily. If you buy a Cing and use it on TMO and that bugs you, the only option is to replace the case or the screen. These replacements are not currently available, and I'm not sure how easy the switch is.

4. Speed / network.
It's my understanding that there are no differences here. Yes? No?

5. Data costs.
It appears that TMO has better (cheaper) unlimited data plan options.

6. Themes.
Each will have it's own theme, but I'm guessing either can be loaded with a little effort. Is this true? (Of course the TMO theme won't be available until the handset is released).

What else? What did I get wrong?

4 and 5 are pretty irrelevant if you're comparing the devices. They're the same except for branding and any cosmetic exterior differences. Data costs have nothing to do with the device itself (i.e. it's not any more expensive, except possibly in purchase price, to use an 8700c with T-Mobile than it is to use a T-Mobile-branded 8700). Speed is the same in theory. In reality, speed will differ but speed will differ from market to market even with the same carrier.

The "electronic branding" cannot be changed either. Loading another carrier's firmware does not change the splash screens, etc.

Thanks for the info. Good stuff. I forgot about the firmware splash screens and such. Good to know...

Don't forget about the additional cost to Unlock the Cingular BB if you are going to use it on TMO network. I think, as far as functionality and use, there is no difference. The differences are going to be cosmetic. I have seen a US T-Mobile 8700 and it was black by the way. It was a pre-production version, I believe so I don't know if that is what the final ones will look like but it was nice looking. It is also not as square as the 8700c. I'm supposed to be getting one in a couple of weeks before it goes to the street, I'll be sure to report what it looks like.

Ahh - you are killing me. I can't wait to see pics!!! I've decided to wait for the TMO version and the wait is killing me.

To me everything but the carriers coverage areas is not important. I only use Cingular because they have the best coverage for the majority of SC. The price is a consideration but not if the coverage isn't there.

I have unlocked my 8700c (costs nothing if you paid full price for the device, wait 30 days and then request the unlock code for your IMEI number, which takes 7-10 business days in theory) and I now use it with my TMO SIM as well as when traveling internationally.

- I have scratched up up and the black does show through
- I feel the TMO EDGE in DC is slightly faster than Cingular EDGE (maybe because they have not released many devices that take advantage of the network yet)
- I use many different Themes (current favorite is MacBerry, which emulates OS X on the BB), so the Cingular name is a minimal bother on the front of the device (the screen says T-Mobile when connected to the network)

I have used a BlackBerry since 1999 (yes, the very first RIM handhelds, not even deemed BlackBerries), and I can say this is hands down, the best BB I have used.