I was so disenchanted with the "soft" feel of the keys on my original 8800 from a few weeks ago that I returned it under Cingular's 30-day return policy. The plan was to go back to my trusty 8700 until I could test out the 8300. After discussing the problem with a Cingular rep, he insisted that there may have been problems with the early releases of the phone, and that I try a replacement before giving up on the 8800 completely. He said I wasn't the only one who's complained about the keyboard. Well, I received the new phone today and surprisingly he was right. The keyboard on this new 8800 is world's better than the one I sent back. The keys have a noticeable "click" to them and seem to travel further when pressed. Even the spacebar has an improved feel to it. I let the other doctors in my practice compare it to their 8800's, and they're sending theirs back. It really is a big difference.

I don't believe this is a refurbished phone since it just launched a month ago. It came in a full package box with all the original accessories.

Just wanted to let everyone out there know in case you've been having similar problems. You may want to get a replacement before your 30-day policy expires.

I had a similar experience. I purchased the 8800 from cingular the day it was released for full price ($588 after taxes). i later found the 8800 on letstalk.com for $349. When the new phone came from letstalk, the keyboard was much more desirable.

I think it is strange since I wouldnt think RIM had already made improvements in 3 weeks...but who knows.

I was thinking the same thing. 3-4 weeks seems too short a time for RIM to change production right? Very strange. Regardless, I am much happier with this new 8800. It's funny how such a little thing can change your overall perception and liking of the device.

You and I both bought the 8800 from Letstalk for $349.00, from what I can gather we were lucky to catch that deal. I too like the keyboard on the 8800, but I did not have a previous 8800 to compare it too. Glad to hear this appears to be the better keyboard.

What is the hardware version of this "better keyboard" unit? Is there anything different than Blackberry 8800, Model:RBM41GW on the outside of the box? Made in Mexico?

Yes, we were lucky to catch that deal. They had it "back ordered" for two weeks, and I thought they were going to cancel it. But in the end, i received the phone with the advertised price.

my box says the same thing...

Mine says the same thing too ...

When the pearl came out the first models were made in Canada. Subsequent devices came from Mexico.

There were certainly some differences - I think screen quality being one of them... so this isn't without precedent.


Good to hear.

Mine says Made in Canada. I was having reseting problems, soft key pad (but there is a slight click) and squeeky sides. Do the ones from Mexico have any of these problems?

No issues so far...

Mine is the same RBM41GW from Mexico....however, I do have a problem with some of the keys not working with first press all the time. The "o" and "y" key sometimes need to be pressed harder than others. I hear the key click, but doesn't activate.

Mine says: Blackberry 8800, Model:RBM41GW on the outside of the box? Made in Mexico.

I bought it from Amazon. If unhappy, can I exchange it with Cingular or do I need to return it to Mexico?

Neither... it has to go back to Amazon...

I wish I had the original 8800 to see where it was made but I've sent it back to Cingular already. My new one is made in Mexico and is working flawlessly.