[Howard S.]

I'm currently using an BB 8310 (AT&T) and have been for the past few years. I really love it, but there's always the itch to upgrade to a new phone. Can anyone tell me what it is on the 9700 that would be so much better than the 8310 that I'd never regret upgrading?

From the little I've seen the 9700, it appears a tad smaller than the 8310. Is that a problem typing or screen size?

Thanks for your input!

Howard

[lovescakemix]

whats better...everything.
if you need any further convincing then you dont need to upgrade lol
9700 is smaller in a good way

[mic_crispy]

Higher Resolution Screen (sharper / easier to read pictures)
WiFi
3G (voice + data at the same time)
a-GPS (assisted GPS, MUCH faster lock on times)
3.2 MP camera with Auto Focus.
Faster proc (phone doesnt lag at all, better video playback)
More Ram / Onboard memory
Micro USB (new universal standard)
Great battery life
Better speakers
Trackpad (no more defective trackballs)
Bettery life.
Native OS 5.0 (HTML emails, better web browser, Threaded SMS, better media player / viewer)

AND they are HALF off right now through AT&T (the Bold is 99.99 after rebate)..

if you like blackberry's, id do it.

[splnkr]

Ah! Something I can comment on with authority! I've owned two Blackberry units, an 8310 and a 9700. I absolutely fell in love with my 8310. Never had any major issues with it in terms of function. I did start having some weird call issues in its last month of service whereby I could hear a caller but they could hear me. Battery pulls solved the issue but it came back one time. I also started having issues with the track ball, which in hindsight I have decided I don't like.

When I "saw" the 9700, I wanted one. I was just about due for an upgrade, but it still cost me $50 after rebates. To me, the 9700 'feels' like a more substantial device. You can compare the dimension specs--they are very close. I have housed my 9700 in an Otter Box Commuter, and now shun any type of leather slip case. It fits perfectly in my shirt pocket. (NOTE: if you get one, BUY A SCREEN PROTECTOR and have it in hand as you open the box). Replacing the 9700 glass cover is not as cheap as on the 8310.

When I finally got to hold a 9700 I was sold. Done deal. Advantages? Better camera. Way better. I found myself using the camera on my 8310 a LOT, especially on mountain biking trips. The quality of the 9700 images are superior. And it is auto-focus. I also like the wi-fi, which I didn't think I'd really need. Now I find myself streaming music from Pandora or Slacker while just hanging around the house. And at hot spots when I am crashing, it is much faster than my native EDGE. Oh, and it is 3G. Was the 8310? I don't recall. Don't think it was.

The keyboard of the 9700 I didn't like at first. The keys are not as "raised" as on the 8310. It was a few days before I got the feel of it. Up until I typed that last few sentences, I have forgotten about the issue.

The touchpad that replaced the track ball on the 8310 is a big improvement and a leap forward, IMO. The screen on the 9700 is eye candy. Also, I have noticed much longer battery life on my 9700, even with GPS enabled. I can do mapping routines with this phone that would not be possible with a single charge on my 8310.

Like Mr. Cakemix says, what's better? EVERYTHING!

[elan19]

I owned an 8320 and replaced it with the 9700 6 weeks ago. Overall I have no regrets but my 9700 typing speed is about 25 WPM vs the 30 WPM I used to do with the 8320. There's also a few other minor things I preferred with the 8320 such as better screen brightness control, better placement of the the right convenience key, and a louder phone speaker. But having more memory, a faster processor, and higher resolution screen sure more than makes up for the relatively minor quibbles.

If you're interested in a lot of detail, I wrote a very long review on Amazon which had a lot of comparisons between the 9700 and 8320:

Amazon.com: J. Golton's review of BlackBerry Bold 9700 Phone (T-Mobile)

[Howard S.]

Thanks very much for all of the replies. Sounds like everyone is really loving their 9700's. It's good to hear it from the people that are actually using them and have used previous model BB's before.

[eLogikal]

I had an 8300 which got me hooked on 'Berrys. I used that for about 9 months and then got the Curve 8900 (amazing btw). My buddy had a 9700 and no big differences from 8900 but the trackpad and the speed of 5.0 made me buy a 9700 @ full retail. Still worth it my $450 (I got a $250 return on my 8900 on Craigslist) Overall satisfied other than the fact that 3G sucks in Tampa, FL but I only use my phone a lot when I'm @ home hence Wi-Fi!

[Mako5]

Totally loving my 9700. I really liked the 8310 when I first got it. The GPS was very cool and it was compact and easy to type on and use. The 9700 is a huge step up in terms of
1) Build quality
2) 3G lets me do calls and IM/Web at the same time
3) Fast!
4) Higher resolution screen
5) Better keyboard. Like others, this was the biggest adjustment from 8310 but once I realized that the keys are shaped differently and mold to left and right hands vs. the 8310 flat keys, my typing improved significantly
6) Better camera, higher resolution and MUCH faster.
7) Wifi

[dankarlinski]

Wirelessly posted (White and Nerdy)

Agree with everyone else. Think of all the strong points of the 8300 series, and make them about 3 times better. And you pretty much got the 9700. I've owned every GSM berry series since the pearl, and the 9700 far out weighs any other berry. I like it over my iphone when I had it. Its really just an amazing phone... Thanks RIM

[snowmangoh]

Voice and data at the same time is HUGE for me!

[ragorman]

Going to have to agree with the supporters on this one. Had the 8310 w/ATT, and it was really good to me- but it was just that it was missing 'something'. When they released the 9700 and I went to check it out, the price was pretty unbeatable- Free... if I bought $100 worth of accessories and re-upped the contract. Needed a new car charger anyway since the connector is different, seidio case, decent Skullcandy headphones and a BT headset. they threw in the headphones for free as well. so It was $108 out the door with no paperwork for rebates or anything.

Faster, better picture quality, wi-fi, etc... it's all been said above.

[KDaWG6924]

I recently went from a 8310 to 9700 and am not regretting it in ANY way....

I love my 9700...

The keyboard does take a lil adjustment, but it works great...
Voice / Data at the same time, AMAZING!
(Kinda funny how people who cant have it, say, "Oh that isnt needed, why would you ever need that?")

If you can, I would HIGHLY recomand upgrading to the 9700... It is a great upgrade!

[kastefam]

I made the switch last week...awesome! It did take some time getting used to the keyboard but the spell check option helps there. The only thing I miss about the 8310 is the theme I used but I have found one or two that seem to work for me. Great upgrade!

[Fivepart]

Letstalk.com is offering a free 9700 even if your upgrading. I bought mine through them and it was an easy transaction.