[JKLiu]

I am a new BlackBerry user and just got a BB 7100t thru T-Mobile a month ago. Love the unit, except the keys are spaced a bit too close, and have remaining issues with porting my Palm data to the BB. But the key spacing is an issue that has me considering switching to 7100g just for its better design.

But I have a few questions:

1) Can I use a 7100g on T-Mobile's network?
2) Scanning thru the online reviews and examining the screen shots carefully, there seems to be non-trivial software differences between the t and the g model. Specifically one review stated that the IM function available on the t model is not available on the g model. Is this true?
3) Is there a difference between the t model's software and g's?
4) Can I just install the t-mobile SIM card in the g model and have it work?

Are there any users out there who have hands on expereicne with these two models? Is my plan to switch worth it for the different key layout?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

JKLiu

[jbairdjr]

You could use the 7100g if it is unlocked.
I think the majority of the software is identical. The main benefit between the two is the form factor. The keys on the 7100g are much easier to type on.
You could swap SIM cards into the 7100g if the 7100g is unlocked.
Boingo wireless sells unlocked 7100g's.

[JKLiu]

JB:
Thanks for the info. I notice you are a 7100g user.
Specifically, does your unit have an IM (instant messaging) option? My 7100 t has that as an option on the main page.
Upon further research, it seems that T-Mobile has made this available with their unit (7100t).
I wonder if a 7100g running in T-Mobile environment will have it available too.
JKL

[jbairdjr]

I do not have an IM client standard. I saw rumors of one coming from RIM later this year, but nothing more on that. I know some have installed the OS from other carriers on the 7100g, but I would worry that something might be different.
It would be interesting to see if TMobile would "push" the IM client to the handheld.

[JKLiu]

The 7100t with T-Mobile service has an IM option - providing IM services with Yahoo, AOL or ICQ. It is powered by OZ.
Thanks for the info.