[njguy]

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

[whsbuss]

Originally Posted by njguy

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.

[rohardi]

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

[Stinsonddog]

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

[whoscalling]

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

[Nickster248]

Originally Posted by whoscalling

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.

[whsbuss]

Originally Posted by Nickster248

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.

[W8RZ]

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.

[whoscalling]

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.

[thechief16]

Nope. I'll wait for a 8100 device.

[dgw2]

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.

[njguy]

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!

[AL904]

Originally Posted by Nickster248

What worries me is the smaller keys on the qwerty board.

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?

[gentryma1]

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

[ThatGuy]

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.

[AL904]

Originally Posted by gentryma1

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

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

[whsbuss]

Originally Posted by AL904

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.

[marcfogel]

Yes.

Battery Life

Battery Life

Battery Life

[perpeden]

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

[jungleland]

I would throw the 7130e in the toilet..