Onyx Bold 9700 vs. Tour
 

I want to upgrade from my old TMO Curve 8230. My employer provides service on both TMO and Verizon (though there are some additional charges on VZW). I am debating between the new Onyx and the Tour.

The Tour has the advantage of using the VZW 3G network, which seems much broader in the US than TMO's new 3G network, while still affording service overseas.

The Oxyx has the advantage of WiFi and the touchpad (and exclusive coverage at the ski resort that I frequent).

What other factors am I missing and should be considering?

Not that your life will be measurably different either way, but the Tour is a 1 year+ old device and the Onyx is 'state of the art'. If you want to compare the Tour compare it to the 8900. It's the same device with 3G. The Onyx is just better in every way. Again, not that you will be a happier person with a better blackberry, ;-)

The Tour was just released in July of this year, it's not a 1 year+ old device.

shermshermy - Your decision should be made on what device 1) has coverage where you need it, and 2) has the features you want.

If you don't have coverage, the newest, shiniest device in the world will only be good for 'paperweight' mode.

It may have just been released on CDMA but it was on GSM 1 year+ ago. Same technology it appears but a better keyboard.

Anyway, the 9700 must be coming to VZN b/c it is coming to Bell soon too.

ummm... no!

The Tour, from VERIZON was released in July of this year. Oh, and so was the one from Sprint.

wrong.

What's different about it exactly other than the 3G?

Different from what? What are you saying is the GSM equivalent? Give me a model #

Sorry Dawg. Tour looks like a CDMA version an 8900 w/ 3G. Call me crazy.

You're crazy. It is not the 8900. It is a completely different device. Running a completely different OS, using a completely different technology.

Looks the same to me! Except for the wifi/3G difference and slightly different keyboard.


YouTube - Blackberry Tour Vs Curve 8900

and an 8300 looks like an 8530 but they're totally different.

spend some time here to look at the differences

BlackBerry - Compare BlackBerry Smartphones and PDAs at BlackBerry.com

Two totally different devices / architectures / etc.

BlackBerry - BlackBerry | Wireless Handheld Devices, Software & Services from Research In Motion (RIM)

Very similar chief.

Again, 3G v. wifi and GSM vs. CDMA.

Same speed, resolution, very similar size, memory, physical layout of side buttons, battery times reported similar, etc.

c'mon! It's a slightly newer 8900 dude! That's the compare, not the brand new unreleased Onyx/Bold 2!

Again, I think the OP's life would be just as good with an old Curve but you are comparing different generations of blackberries here!

ya know ... you're exactly right ...

Different processor speed
3g versus no 3g support
wifi versus no wifi support
physical dimensions
internal memory versus none
different OS family

I don't know why I ever doubted you, dude.

They are exactly the same dude, except the 9700 is far more advanced. Right? Identical.

Wow.

Easy Mr. Grumps. I'm not comparing the 9700! I comparing the Curve 8900 to the Tour!

Quit while you are behind.

Here, my contribution:

http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/strol..._bruni_sub.jpg

its like a family get together ...

Kids! Seriously???

heh... sheesh

No it's not. How can you even _compare_ this to a family get together? I'm sure there is a chart around here somewhere to show the differences. :razz:

I agree they aren't identical of course but the Tour really seems like a Curve with 3G but without wifi. That's the main difference.

So going by your original statement, you still agree the Tour is over a year old?

I was mocking (albiet in a friendly manner) hdawg in my last post. Hence the reason I quoted him.

My mistake JS. :smile:

To get this thread back on track...

OP, you should follow this advice posted above :BlackBerryForums.com : Your Number One BlackBerry Community - View Single Post - Onyx Bold 9700 vs. Tour

So then going by your comments in post #10, you're admitting you're crazy? :razz:

Without a doubt! lol.

Crazy enough to contemplate spending $300+ on a fun new Onyx when my newly track-balled 8900 works just fine!

If you want to compare the curve 8900 to the tour then you can easily compare the tour to the Onyx. Curve is an entry level device and the Tour and Bold are RIM's flagship.

These terms are hilarious. 'entry level'! 'flagship'! You've been so brainwashed by marketing you don't even know it!

I think the Curve was $249 and the Bold was $299. Quite the gap for such different products eh?

it has nothing to do with brainwashing / marketing; it has to do with reality.

Carriers set prices ... not RIM. RIM markets devices as more entry level / etc and flagship / etc.

Listen, to yourself Dawg- you sound like a drone man!

Again, you're right. How could I have been mistaken??

Find something better to discuss, your attempts to start an argument are feeble at best.

Not trying to argue- trying to help see more clearly. Take a step back from your monitor for 5 seconds and see how ridiculously influenced you are by the marketing. The difference between what you consider your two polarized products is less than a tank of gas! Put it in perspective.

again you're confusing device costs from the CARRIER to how RIM classifies their product.

Trust me, I evaluate a product by its features / functionality to decide what is right for me.

I knew there was a reason I never left the BES Admin corner.

Peace bro (y)

So what are you saying, I should not have gotten the bold? :'(

Quick question for the pros- why does RIM not squeeze a more powerful camera in this model? While the 3.2MB is probably the #1 reason why I ditched my Bold for the 8900, it seems as though the tech is readily there for 5+ MB based on some similar Nokia devices.

Any thoughts?

My initial thought would be to keep the cost down for the consumer.

I honestly think it has a similar type of relationship as to why Intel / AMD release processors at X GHz when they have capability of X + 20% GHz readily available.

They don't want to miss out on the incremental revenue of the 3.2MP line ... then in another 18 months we'll see 5MP / etc.

That, plus the fact that when designed I'm sure 3.2MP was probably the best price / performance they could get to fit the desired pricing model.