[Sparkomatic]

Originally Posted by nike30

I just came from a Cingular CORPORATE store (Cedar Hill, Texas), and they have them - each store seems to have rec'd 3-5 on yesterday. I was turned away from purchasing because I refused to open a Cingular mobile account - they wouldn't sell it to me outright for $499.

I know that's exactly what I'm going to run into when I go to my stores in So Cal next week. I hate that stuff! Looks like I'm gonna have to call around and find a store that will sell it to me outright again.

I wish I had ntegrt's rep!

[Sophist]

Originally Posted by Sparkomatic

I know that's exactly what I'm going to run into when I go to my stores in So Cal next week. I hate that stuff! Looks like I'm gonna have to call around and find a store that will sell it to me outright again.

I wish I had ntegrt's rep!

I've called about two dozen stores in the L.A. area (from LAX to Downtown to WLA and the SFV) -- none have them in and apparently won't be in until next week. I can't speak for OC, however.

You'd think I'd just wait until Tuesday instead of trying to chase this thing down today....

[backbeat]

Originally Posted by Sparkomatic

Does it have the at&t splash screen on startup or a cingular one?

I'm curious about that too. Is AT&T functionally involved yet or just creating the new corp image?

[nike30]

The answer is CING. AT&T isn't branded on this phone.

[Sparkomatic]

Originally Posted by nike30

The answer is CING. AT&T isn't branded on this phone.

Thanks nike30. I saw on a website that the beta WM6 software is doing a at&t splash sceen on boot up now instead of the cingular one. It's interesting that they didn't release the 8800 as an at&t branded device with all the promo stuff they're doing.

[Sparkomatic]

Originally Posted by Sophist

I've called about two dozen stores in the L.A. area (from LAX to Downtown to WLA and the SFV) -- none have them in and apparently won't be in until next week. I can't speak for OC, however.

You'd think I'd just wait until Tuesday instead of trying to chase this thing down today....

I know, must walk away from the laptop and enjoy the snow and beautiful weather! I just need to wait until I get back to try and track this puppy down!

When I get back, if I find a place in OC, I'll let you know.

[bsdmixmasters]

Why am I telling the local Cingular Corporate store the release date of their own device? "Ya, we don't know when we're getting them....probably early March"

[jyamani]

Guys I just got mine!!!!!!!!!

[BBad]

anyone in nyc seen or heard anything??

[bsdmixmasters]

How about SF bay area??

[nike30]

After being turned away today, I've resigned to waiting until T-Mo's release.

Have fun with your new toys, folks!

[backbeat]

Originally Posted by nike30

The answer is CING. AT&T isn't branded on this phone.

Thanks. Guess that will occur on a future production lot.

[jyamani]

Guys, just got mine from the Cingular store in Houston TX (Medical Center)

Paid $329 for an upgrade. No Rebate.

[Sophist]

Originally Posted by Sparkomatic

I know, must walk away from the laptop and enjoy the snow and beautiful weather! I just need to wait until I get back to try and track this puppy down!

When I get back, if I find a place in OC, I'll let you know.

Agreed! It's in the mid 80s today and there are better things to do.

I'll post here if I find anything available, however.

[jyamani]

By the way, I just looked at my own pictures, and they're really GOOD.

Took them with my Pearl

[untjoker]

Originally Posted by ntegrt

Sorry, I only have a few minutes. Will post more later. Here are a couple more teasers. I know these pics stink. I will post better ones later on today.

And contrary to popular believe it has the OEM Blackberry Leather holster in every box.....

[untjoker]

FYI they also fixed my ONLY gripe with the Pearl. The trackball is VERY much more stiff/has more feedback. This alone means I'm keeping one of these for myself.....

[jyamani]

My 2 cents on the 8800 after playing with it for 10 minutes.

1 - The trackball indeed is much more efficient and feels more intact, unlike Pearl's trackball.

2 - The keys are a bit too close together, however, this does not pose a problem at all (even for my - lets say - chubby fingers).

3 - The body looks a lot more sleeker and more professional than the 8700 that I currently have. It also seems more durable

4 - OS is F A S T. If you have had experienced some lag in Pearl and or 8700, you'll soon forget it. This 8800 is very smooth, fast, and clean.

[Sparkomatic]

Originally Posted by jyamani

My 2 cents on the 8800 after playing with it for 10 minutes.

1 - The trackball indeed is much more efficient and feels more intact, unlike Pearl's trackball.

2 - The keys are a bit too close together, however, this does not pose a problem at all (even for my - lets say - chubby fingers).

3 - The body looks a lot more sleeker and more professional than the 8700 that I currently have. It also seems more durable

4 - OS is F A S T. If you have had experienced some lag in Pearl and or 8700, you'll soon forget it. This 8800 is very smooth, fast, and clean.

Any problems with loading other apps? Like Yahoo To Go gamma, BBWeather, Google apps, etc?

[ntegrt]

Answers to some questions:
Keyboard tactile feel is a bit different. There is a slight curved edge on each key that helps somewhat. Feel is different from 8700 for sure. I like the feel of the keys and the actual feel of the unit. Good fit.
Also, there are a few NEW tones and ringers, a real cutting edge move for RIM, Funny the little things that really get one excited.
It is, as others have stated the Cingular splash screen.
Beautiful device. Love it.
Folding blade charger.
Now to start piddlin wth it.