OS: 8830 4.5.0.281/4.5.0.169 (Multilanguage)(ESN Devices)
 

This will load on ANY carrier's 8830 by following the instructions below.
This is only for the 8830 model (ESN based model)
From US Cellular

BlackBerry Handheld Software v4.5.0.281 (Multilanguage)

Package Version: 4.5.0.281
Consisting of:

Software Name: BlackBerry Handheld Software v4.5.0.281 (Multilanguage)
File Name: 8830uAMEA_PBr4.5.0_rel281_PL3.4.0.51_A4.5.0.169_U. S._Cellular_.exe
Download Size: 82.598 MB
Language: English
Published Date: 09/02/2009

Download @ US Cellular: U.S. Cellular

Instructions for installing on ANY carrier's 8830:

1. Download the above OS file to the PC then install it to the PC by running (double clicking) the file you downloaded.
2. Go to c:\program files\common files\research in motion\apploader and delete the file named "vendor.xml."
3. Plug in BB and double click on "Loader.exe." It's located in the same place as the above vendor.xml file.

The process takes about 45 minutes to an hour depending on how much data you have to backup and restore during the process. Once it's done loading the new OS it will reboot (it may do this twice during the entire process.) You will see a white screen with an hourglass for up to 20 minutes at a time while the DM says "waiting for initialization."
If, for some reason, you end up with a white screen with small icons and the number 507, simply connect to the PC again and run Loader.exe again and it should load the OS to the device.

Previous OS here:
http://www.blackberryforums.com/gene...n-devices.html

How to determine if you have an ESN or MEID based device.
From the main menu, select Options, then select Status.
ESN devices - On the Status screen you will see ESN on the display
MEID devices xxx8211; On the Status screen you will see MEID on the display.
NOTE xxx8211; You cannot install ESN-based software on a MEID device, nor can you install MEID-based software on an ESN device. They are NOT interchangeable.

Wow! No comments on this yet! Anyone going to upgrade and report back?

I'll Bite
 

I'll go ahead and update and report back shortly.

I installed it the day it came out and haven't had any problems. I don't notice anything different though (but I haven't really looked).

Patrick

Seems to be just fine
 

I upgraded and have been running through the same tests I have always performed after an upgrade. Everything I had before came back just fine, i've been running apps and closing them, leaving some open and checking for memory leaks. I haven't noticed any significant memory issues at all - I use the Aerize Optimizer and rely on its memory stats to make this determination.

Other than that, I haven't noticed anything different at all. I am unable to test GPS (BlackBerry Maps) since I am located in a building that prevents me from getting clear access to satellites. I expect this to work just fine once I get outside to my car and mess with it again. I'll put up another post regarding the GPS ONLY in the event that it does not work properly for some reason.

Thanks rdrum. I am most interested in the memory aspect. I'm running .138 and have apps that will cause a reboot after running 3-4 times. It is really becoming tiresome and I was hoping a new release would finally correct the issue.

Been running it since the release day, and haven't had any problems whatsoever.
I think that memory management improved with this OS...

Wirelessly posted

Has anyone noticed the "chirp" issue that seemed to appear with previous releases?

Memory
 

I've been running this release for a few days now and have not noticed any memory leaks. Of course, they're probably there - it's hard to imagine an OS that doesn't have leaks - but I have not come across them.

I have started and closed apps, installed and delted apps, etc., and outside of having the phone restart after an install/uninstall, I have not had to perform a reset.

According to Aerize Optimizer, my memory stats have been fairly static.

So far, this seems to be a pretty stable release.

No Chirping
 

I haven't had any chirping at all. In fact, I have never had this issue with any of the OS updates like other users have experienced.

Upgraded last week and haven't noticed any issues.

Battery life stinks..... but that was the case before the upgrade.

With this update, It seems that the BES option has disappeared from the advanced options screen. Is this the case for everyone?

What do you mean the BES option? Do you mean the Enterprise Activation Option?

I installed the upgrade on Saturday. Memory leaks seem to be at a minimum (or stated another way, this version thus far seems to have best memory management). Also, I did have the chirp issue, and after several calls with the upgrade it's not there.

Just updated to the latest version for my 8830 and wow gotta say nice job Rimm. The last update I did was about a year ago so not sure what version I was on before.

I spoke to soon. I still have the chirp (for what its worth it seems less obtrusive?!). However I still think the memory management is fantastic. I still have several megabytes left after several days of regular usage for me without rebooting.

Must. resist. evil.temptation....

NAH, do it.
If you are like me and running a couple updates behind the change is great, resolution much much better overall display improved speed etc all improved. Email options/function has a few improvements as well
The ringers and alert tones do sound different though, first time I heard it ring I thought it was not my phone.

If you upgrade the os will you need to unlock your phone again? Newbie question I know sorry if it's been covered

No, once a device is unlocked it is ALWAYS unlocked.