[SteveMondragon]

I just upgraded from my 8830 to the 9630 Tour. The main reason why I wanted to upgrade was more of a personal reason. My 8830, while it was working just fine with the 4.5 OS, I just wanted something more 'now' that would be similar to my Bold that my work gave me to use (AT&T sucks in my area, and I get zero reception where I live). Again, it was just a personal preference.

However, there are significant advantages I've noticed already over the 8830. It's a little faster to use, and the screen resolution (while not as big a the Bold) is just as clear & crisp as the Bold phone. The 3.2 mp camera is also pretty good, and so is the AF and display. I like the 'lock' button at the top of the phone, so I don't need to go through the menu to lock the phone's keyboard each time. Sounds/music sounds clearer on the 9630 than on the 8830, and video plays back at full screen and is also very crisp & clear.

Some things that I don't like compared to the 8830 is that it's painfully slow when powering on, and the front & back is a fingerprint & smudge magnet. The phone is using a microUSB port, so I had to go out and buy new microUSB chargers and adapters for this phone. Also GPS doesn't work as well as on the 8830, so it does suck a little when using Google maps to pinpoint your location in real-time.


IMO, if you have the funds & means to upgrade the phone, I would since I'm happy with mine. But if it's going to cost an arm & a leg or just be more of a hassle to get one now instead of later, then I would just wait as the 8830 is still a great phone to use (just IMO a little dated now).

Originally Posted by MERK350Z

better dropping 600 then being locked into any contract.

Not better than paying $199 for the phone and a 2 year contract, and then paying a $200 ETF if you decide to get out early.

[FF2]

I've got an 8830 and am not quite due for the ne2 discount so am, so far, waiting. I've played with the Tour and typed on it. I'm not sure I like the tighter spacing or smaller keys or whatever you might call the difference between the Tour and the 8830.

I've never seen a Bold, is that keyboard more along the size of the 8830? Anybody use the 8830, Bold? I'm fairly curious why Rim went with the downsized keyboard although I guess some folks like the smaller sized device overall.

[michael12005]

I have had my 8830 from the day it came out over 2 years ago and my Tour since last Sunday and to me the keyboard letters and numbers are FAR EASIER TO READ on the new Tour than on the 8830.

[miakica]

Well, I was told at work, that I would have to leave the phone in the car, before I walk in (I knew that there was a reason none of us had a camera phone)....So, I have to wait for a no camera Tour.

As far as someone saying sign a 3 year contract, and then break it.......Telus is charging $20 per remaining month, and a 13% tax on top of it, so $230 for a phone on a 3 year contract + $360 (and a GST/PST on both)....You do the math

Thanks for the replies, now I have a better idea about a Tour

[kjjb0204]

IMO, paying full retail is never a good option. Full retail in the US is $489, and vzw prorates the etf based on how many months into the contract you are, so doing the 199 with 2 yr contract will never be as expensive as paying full retail.