All the kinks are out of the 7130e and I'm concerned the 8703e will need a couple of "cycles" to get them all out.

any thoughts?
7130e works great

I'm sure it will take at least one software update like the 7130 to get a smooth operating unit. I will be switching as soon as the 8703 is available in the stores.

I just can't deal with suretype anymore!!!!!!!!!!!

I am NOT a suretype fan so yes I would. That's the most important diff IMO.

I am very happy with my 7130 but I want the keyboard and bigger screen. So yes I would/will switch.

I'm with you there...I too want the larger screen, but I must admit I like the SureType and will miss it. What worries me is the smaller keys on the qwerty board.

Exactly. That's why I want to kick the tires when its available in stores before I lay out the bucks.

Not only that, but the outlay of 500 bucks for an "updated" bb really stinks! I love the vzw network but why it takes them 100 years or more to produce an 8700 for their network is absolutley disgraceful! I have had the 7130e for 5 months & I don't have problem with suretype & in my opinion, the 7100 series are better phones but once I get the 8703e in my hand, I'll probably just dig myself a hole & spring for one.

I don't know how many of you have used the 8700c. I have and still do. The form factor is obviously better in the 7130. But all the talk of the keys on the 8703 being too close I think you will find to be quite fine. If you are coming from an older BB that you have used for years sure it will seem like a major difference. I have big fingers. I understand and can type pretty fast with suretype. I am even faster on my 8700c. To sum it up- I think you will find the keyboard just fine. remember when you first looked at your first BB devices keyboard and said man is that small.

Nope. I'll wait for a 8100 device.

I will switch for the keyboard and screen like the rest. Although I have gotten used to SureType, my big thing is having more "convenience" keys to jump to different applications. In addition, I like the idea of other dedicated keys for mute, speaker phone, etc. as well.

I was previously on a Treo, and having a full keyboard is a good thing, especially when getting windy in a message.

I personally mispell a heck of a lot more with suretype.
For this reason, I'll make the switch.

I'm reluctant b/c the 7130e works so well!

I played with an 8700 (GSM) at a T-Mobile store trying to get a feel for the smaller keys. The keys are not only smaller, but they seem closer together than on my 7130e. Of course, playing with a device for two or three minutes is quite different from actually using that device.

Assuming the 8703e will have the same keyboard size and spacing as the GSM version, I am still undecided. I would love to go back to a full QWERTY keyboard, but the key-size/spacing concerns me. (What I would really like is a Blackberry 7700 form-factor with all the improvements that are in the 8703e. I really loved the size and keyboard on the 7700.)

Has anyone here gone from a 7100 series to an 8700? If so, how do the keyboards compare after using for a few weeks?

The real question is, will you pay the $$$ Verizon is going to want for it from an existing 7130e customer?

I've gone from the 7520 to the 7100i to the 7130e...and I'm ready to go back to the full QWERTY keyboard. I think it has a lot to do with the way I use my phone and how it's changed since I became a Blackberry user. Currently, I use my BB for mostly email, IM and SMS, which means having a QWERTY board would be optimal, even though I've become quite proficient at using the SureType.

I know Blackberry is trying to appeal more to a different audience with the Pearl, but there are features on that phone I just don't need, like the camera, for instance. I am, however, interested to see how the new navigation 'ball' will help change other BB's in the future, even those with QWERTY keyboards, making the device slimmer.

If I wanted it bad enough, I would. The real question, for me, is "am I going to like the smaller, cramped keyboard?"

That's why I'm waiting for it to be released in their stores. Waiting a few additional days is worth it so I can try it for myself.

Yes.

Battery Life

Battery Life

Battery Life

What enhancements does the 8703 have over the 7130 from a technology perspective. It seems like the major difference between the two BBs is the form factor. However, do any major differences exist with some of the following:

- 8703's SDRAM vs the 7130e SRAM
- Tethered modem upload speed (my 7130e is ~28.8 kps on 1xRTT)
- Wireless (phone) strength

I would throw the 7130e in the toilet..