New 7130e...better build quality?!?
 

I had my 7130e replaced by Sprint yesterday for a warranty issue. The replacement (new) seems to be of a better build quality. The handset does not "creak", the keypad and trackwheel are very tight (not wobbly like my previous one), and the plastic seems to be more of a matte finish rather than shiny black.

Hardware number seems to be the same, but I wonder if RIM is building a better 7130 now?

I just recently got a new 7130e (alltel). The only other model alltel carries is the 7250. I went with the 7130e, even though I was worried because a friend's feels "flimsy" like you are describing. I was surprisingly pleased by how much sturdier my new 7130e feels.

Wirelessly posted (NakedBerry: BlackBerry7250/4.1.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/104)

That's good news. The cheap feeling of the 7130 is probably the main reason I returned mine. Now if they'd put a slightly bigger battery to give it some stamina and the added weight would also make it feel less like a hollow toy phone. Getting rid of the creaks alone is a big step in the right direction.

I got into the menu and noticed it is "Hardware Version 2." Now if only I knew whether my old one was Ver. 1 or not!

I'd say the more solid construction seems to make the phone feel heavier, or at the very least, less "hollow" as you described.

As for the battery, I always have enough to make it 1-2 days so I am fine with the battery life. I have to charge this phone as often as I have had to charge any other, yet it does so much more.

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry7130e/4.1.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/106)

Where can I find the "Hardware Version" information for my device?

#HELP* to find hardware version....

Good to know. Thanks.

I bought the extended battery and battery cover, and it does just as you suggested...it feels a little heavier, and hence more 'skookum', and of course the extra battery life is nice.

I have had mine from Alltel for a couple of months, and I was surprised at the reports of flimsy build. Mine felt solid, and has taken a couple of pretty good shots with no damage.

I just got my 3rd replacement from VZW (I'm pretty tough on the BB) and I can say that this 3rd one does feel sturdier (no creaking noises) , and the trackwheel is much tighter.

All I know is that I dropped mine in the dog bowl and still works like a champ. Couldn't be happier with the e.