[Charles63]

Hello all,

I'm new to the forum, and have searched for an answer to my query, but may have missed it, so my apologies for asking an already asked question.

I'm ready to purchase a BB device - either the 8700g or 8800 (T-Mobile). Money isn't a problem; I can afford either. My question, however, is which one? It will be for personal use, not business related. I don't anticipate heavy email use other than communicating with the wife or my children occasionally. Style isn't an issue either. I will evaluate both in-store when the 8800 is available here. Advice??

Thanks again,
Charles

[ezrunner]

Both are solid devices I use the 8700g and have played with the 8800 as cost isn't an issue for you try both and see how you like each.

[Dubdub]

Play with them both. I also have an 8700 and stayed with it after trying out an 8800. I just didn't like the feel of the keyboard.

[Dawgfan]

Tough choice. I have an 8800 and keep wondering if I should have gotten the 8700. I would second taking the time to really type a good bit on the devices to see which one you like even if you have to ask someone for demo units. Also work through all the apps so you can get a feel for the click wheel vs the ball.

I love my 8800 and have resolved my squeaky sides issue but part of me likes the 8700 a lot too. The 8800 is crazy stylish but I get the feeling it could not take the abuse that the 8700 could. Thing is many of us (including me) said the same thing about the 8700 when it came out and how it couldn't take the abuse of the 72** models. I/we were proven wrong as the 8700 is a very sturdy device.

Honestly, you cannot really go wrong with either.

[Phast]

I have both the 8100 and the 8700 and much prefer the trackball over the thumbwheel. I would opt for the 8800, besides, the firmware is updated and there are some new features the 8700 doesn't have (I think one at least is the mini SD memory) - I would wait for 8800, which I will get as soon as TMO makes them available in a few weeks.

[Naked Wife]

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

Have you considered the Pearl? I only ask because you said you wouldn't be a heavy email user and the Pearl's from factor is a plus unless you have massive hands.

[david_uk]

Originally Posted by Naked Wife

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

Have you considered the Pearl? I only ask because you said you wouldn't be a heavy email user and the Pearl's from factor is a plus unless you have massive hands.

Yes, have a close look at the Pearl before deciding.

I went from 8700 (loyal brick) to 8800 (ghastly keypad) to 8100 (so neat, so complete).

And SureType works fine for most. The problems are all in the mind.

[takeshi]

Originally Posted by Charles63

Advice??

What are your priorities? What are your needs/wants? It's impossible to make any sort of recommendation without knowing these. I personally prefer the 8800 but that could be totally meaningless to you if the features that I find important don't matter to you.

In a nutshell, if you want GPS, media support, voice activated dialing, and/or microSD storage then the 8800 is a pretty clear cut choice. If those features don't matter much to you and you believe that the 8800's build quality is questionable like some do then the 8700 is probably a better choice. I don't see how anyone can meaningfully determine that there are real build quality issues with the 8800. People also seem to forget that there were tons of "build quality" concerns voices with the release of the 8700 which were very similar to what we're seeing voice about the 8800. If you look you'll find complaints about the 8700's battery door and the keyboard to this day. Heck, the entire lower half of my 8700 creaks...

Most people seem to be able to adapt to the 8800's keyboard but you might want to give it a spin for yourself. Some people can't or won't adapt.