7100i press release from RIM
 

looks like the 17th will be the day then..

Here's the product page.

Interesting. From the FCC pictures the device appeared to be much larger than the original 71xx series. Not so:

Here's the comparison specs:
7100r:
Size 4.7 x 2.3 x 0.8 inches / 11.9 x 5.8 x 1.9 cm (LxWxD)
Weight 4.2 oz / 120 g

7100i:
Size 4.7” x 2.3” x 0.9” / 11.9 cm x 5.9 cm x 2.3 cm (LxWxD) (not including antenna)
Weight 4.2 oz / 120 g

So, same weight and 0.1 inch (0.4cm) thicker than earlier models. Nice! Can't wait until this is available in Canada.

I love the fact that they moved the Direct connect key to the side of the unit. Still hate the keyboard. But may have to test drive one of these units

Dawg, agreed. It was the main reason I didn't go with one of the 75xx models. Most common complaints I've heard from co-workers is the location of the PTT button and the thickness of the device. Looks like this model addresses both issues.

thinking about buying one for my wife.. trade in my old 7510 and her 830..if i can get use to that keyboard i just might switch..not sure

i dont mind the size of the unit I have big hands and have gotten used to the location of the PTT button. I notice it says it does sms too

Told you guys the release date was the 17th. Did you not believe me :)

Why do the Nextel models still sport the antennas? Does it have to do with either the Nextel or iDen network? I guess the simple answer is "for better reception - duh". But with other carriers not needing them (7520, 7100x), I'm just wondering why Nextel does. Dawg? Anyone?

Not for better reception. The iDen network has to have an external antenna, can't work with an internal one. That's the way motorola designed it.

The 7520 has an antenna. The iDEN network requires it.

That is really interesting. I wonder what will happen in the merge, if the iDen functionality will be moved out eventually. Thanks for the info!

Actually the iden is going to be greatly enhanced not done away with. Thats the reason sprint bought them. I have friends in several law enforcement and fire departments that have showed me letters from sprint and nextel wanting to buy their frequencies. and setting them up on new ones. Sprint/nextel already owns the 2.5 ghz

i might switch..once i get it in my hand who knows..just the keyboard thing is really bothering me

Yeah, suretype is a POS. Especially coming from a full qwerty keyboard.

because i really want to get rid of my 860 and just use one phone.. and i hate talking into a big calculator..lol would rather have something smaller but like the freedom of talking and typing at the same time..thats the real reason i have 2 devices

You know I have heard that comment alot about talking into a calculator. But I dont find it burdensome at all. But I am a big guy (6'2" 320) so sometimes the little phones seem danity to me.

I had a 7510 and now have a 7520 and I've never had a problem with it either. You just get used to it after a while. No big deal. The only thing I don't like is that you can't keep it in your pocket and have easy access to it because of its size. Belt clip is almost required.

i agree with you dawg... im about 6'3 290 and having small phones just make me look like a gargantuan which is why i love my 7520 ... although the fact that i can receive sms unlike the 7520 is really making me lean towards the 7100i.

lets just hope sprint dosent drop the ball like they did the i930 and have them on backorder the same day they get rls.

come oct17 ima be on the nextel website all day so that as soon as its out i can order mine.