[aboyd]

My company is up for cell phone contract re-negotiations and we are looking to change our standard BBerry device. We have been using the 8700 series for a while now but need to pick a new standard. We have over 100 devices and we would swap over time to the new handheld. My question is, which would be a better choice, in your opinion, the 8800 series or the Curve? WiFi is really not a need for us, however several of us would like it, but it's not a decision factor really. Biggest thing is ease of support. My group has to support all the devices and I am looking for some opinions from people who have actually used these models.

Thanks

[Whoooooo-Kid]

Curve All Day

[lgreenberg]

I've had both for about a month and let me tell you I still can't decide.

Obviously if you think you'll use the camera then the Curve is the way to go.

If you'll be okay with a camera I think I prefer the 88xx. It's sturdier, has the bigger keypad and just looks better, IMO.

[Dubdub]

Support most likely would be the same as they are among the latest BB devices. Probably on par with the 8700. the difference between the 8800/8300 and the 8700 is the trackball replacing the trackwheel.

[RadHaz75]

some people have expressed discontent with the nonspacing of the keys on the 8800. its user preference. some like the space between the keys on the curve, others like the squished ones on the 8800. other than that if you dont need the camera its really which you like the look and feel of.

[NJBlackBerry]

Impossible call - totally personal preference. I didn't like the 8800 keyboard - from the first day I got it - and much prefer the 8230. YMMV!

[silentbrown]

I've tried the 8800 and 8310, and I like the Curve a lot more and have stayed with it.

I think it came down to having the camera.



Erik-

[cparekh]

My company went with the 8820 over the curve because of the camera issue-specifically, the 8820 does not have a camera. We don't have any problems ourselves with cameras, but we have lots of government and legal clients who do not allow camera phones in the building. Those who use camera phones have to check them at the door and are without phones (or email) for the day.

[killster]

Personally i choose the curve.. cant say much as to differences other then the keyboard, ease of use.

[michael12005]

8830 as it works all just about all over the world!

[Dinan3]

88xx all the way!!

[tgeekb]

8800 would be the more business-centric device.

[dunkley]

Keyboard is more difficult to type on (for me) the 8800.

I like the 8320 because on the smaller form factor and better keyboard.

The only thing I like on the 8800 is the fact that the micro sd card slot is hot swappable.

[hdawg]

Originally Posted by NJBlackBerry

Impossible call - totally personal preference. I didn't like the 8800 keyboard - from the first day I got it - and much prefer the 8230. YMMV!

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[takeshi]

It's going to be a little easier to support the 88xx series because your users won't end up filling the device memory with photos and then complaining that they're losing all their data as the BB attempts to free up space.

Of course, you could disable the camera on the Curve via IT policy but then why get the Curve in the first place (unless there's a strong preference for its keyboard)? I don't really see much business need for a crappy cell camera but I don't know anything about your company.

For personal use, I'd choose the Curve. From an IT standpoint, the less stuff you give your users the less likely you are to have problems.

Originally Posted by tgeekb

8800 would be the more business-centric device.

If your business requirements include "no camera". Otherwise it doesn't matter.

As mentioned above, consider company sites where/if cameras are not allowed, client sites, etc...

[ndub33]

I have had both, and more or less agree with the other posters in terms of pointing out feature and keyboard differences. One thing I haven't seen mentioned is that the 8800 is somewhat wider than the Curve, which makes "one hand" use a little more challenging.

Having said that, I don't think you can make a bad choice here-both are outstanding devices.