I just shockingly found out that my agreement with Sprint ends in June. Since the CDMA 8800 version sounds like it won't be out for a while, I am considering hopping the fence. This will be my first Blackberry.

Here are my questions:

1) Is the 8800 a good Blackberry to start into?
2) Is Cingular better overall than Sprint?

I don't have anything against the 8703, but I am a pocket person and would prefer a device that is a little less bulky than the 8703. I hate the SureType, so that rules out the Pearl.

On the other hand, holding the "I will switch!" threat above my current carrier will probably translate into a unbeatable deal on the 8703e.

ha. I like the 8800 but I am going to wait for an 8300 flavor so I can replace all my phones.

The 8800 would be a good phone to start with yea. It's a nice BB.
Cingular is LARGER than sprint, but it really depends on your coverage area and where you go with the phone.

I love it and recommend the 8800 all the way. BB wise, it's a great unit and you'll find it a handy email tool. I put my two cents on comparing it with other BB's here:
http://www.blackberryforums.com/gene...rd-photos.html

Open for discussion of course.

I have Cingular and prefer them. Rollover minutes are the best. I have a 1500 min per month package and enjoy having an extra cushion of minutes to fall back on. I don't even use my office phone any longer, I just foward it. I only keep it because it and my cell are company expensed

Your coverage area will be a key factor though. I don't hardly ever drop a call but it does happen on occassion. My wife has Sprint and has been with them forever. She's fine. 900 minutes for like $50 or something like that....

I live well within Omaha, NE so the coverage is good. I would prefer a Blackberry since I live off of e-mail and I hated the Treo I had for a day .

definitely try them if you live off email. I have no problem with the 8800, but if my priority was email, I would look at the 8700 too. I keep my 7290 primarily for email at work. I use my 8800 primarily as my phone and everything else. I wouldn't carry two but my work won't push email to my SIMM Card.

I use a 7290 (provided)for work and 8800 for personal. If I had my druthers I would have 2 8800s, one on BES for work and one on BIS for me. Just take the time to type on both to ensure that whatever you choose will suit your needs well. Don't feel bad going into the store and asking for a working demo model to type on as much as you want. They are selling you a $200 to $350 phone and you deserve to know exactly what works for you.

I echo the love for the 8800. That being said, if you need a camera - wait. I think this will be a definate upgrade IMO on the next version.

WiFi is also not an option as another consideration.

I don't think I'll make the move until there's a 9300 or so. I'm just tickled to death with my Pearl.

My gf's brother is a Blake in the atl..but I don't think he has a Pearl..

Choose the carrier that best suits your needs. Make sure the coverage is ideal for your needs. Changing carriers based on a phone is incredibly short-sided. The coolest phone in the world does no good if it doesn't work where you need it to.

I totally agree with that statement and other statements that were similar. Please just go for coverage think of it this way a beautiful Ferrari would look great but if there is no gas stations where you live - whats the point right?

And my sister is married, so I think there would be a problem there too.

There sure would be.

Why is it bad for e-mail? Is it because the keys are too close together?

If I were to go with the 8700, I would be better off calling retentions with Sprint and getting a better deal.

Well worth it. I love mine.

no, absolutely not.....although some would argue. I put together a nice thread showing the keys aren't an issue and in fact the alignment is as good as the other models.

I however think the ergonomics in the shape of the 8700 and my old 7290 are better for those doing a lot of email. Key wise, the main difference I find is that on the 8800 I tend to slide my thumbs when typing vs the others where I tend to lift my thumbs.

Read my thread here and provide your thoughts:
http://www.blackberryforums.com/gene...rd-photos.html

Now thats the best advice Ive seen yet!!!

I love the 8700 and I really really like the 8800 sheck them both out and see which you like best you have a trial period