[bbcurious]

I think it is safe to say everyone knows that the new 7100t has IM on it. The questions was whether a MDS and BES was needed to run the IM

No you don't need MDS or BES.[/quote]

[bfrye]

I will require upgraded carrier BWC thought right?

[Skive]

I seem to remember somebody posted on here that the 7100t's IM stuff was custom-made for tmo and went via their wap gateway.

[bfrye]

Hopefully it won't be too hard to dig apart then.

[ruddyseal]

Welp, I'm new to the whole Blackberry experience, and so far, it's definitely a nice change of pace!

Here's a question for anyone that's used both the Sidekick 2 and the 7100t thus far:

How does the reception quality compare?

My house is on the fringe of tower coverage, so my signal will roll anywhere between 2 bars and no coverage whatsoever. This, of course, leads to a VERY clunky data experience. I previously owned a t68i (terrible reception), so I know that the 7100t is a bit better.

Anywho, just thought I'd save myself a bit of trouble, and see if anyone already went through the hassle of purchasing, returning, and purchasing again. If the Sidekick 2 fairs better in the reception department, I'll have to (sadly) deal with a less customizable experience.

[patrickh]

Originally Posted by Eric5273

The sidekick works through Danger's proxy server, which rearranges html pages to a narrow format to fit the 160 pixel width of the screen. So there is no left-to-right scrolling required and pictures are shrunk to fit the screen. Very similar to what the Reqwireless Webviewer does on the blackberry, except you do not need a MDS or BES service with the sidekick. So they are probably somewhat similar, except for the cost.

You don't need MDS on BES for good html browsing anymore.. BIBS (basically MDS) is now enabled for everyone on T-mobile..

P

[KG]

Originally Posted by ruddyseal

Welp, I'm new to the whole Blackberry experience, and so far, it's definitely a nice change of pace!

Here's a question for anyone that's used both the Sidekick 2 and the 7100t thus far:

How does the reception quality compare?

My house is on the fringe of tower coverage, so my signal will roll anywhere between 2 bars and no coverage whatsoever. This, of course, leads to a VERY clunky data experience. I previously owned a t68i (terrible reception), so I know that the 7100t is a bit better.

Anywho, just thought I'd save myself a bit of trouble, and see if anyone already went through the hassle of purchasing, returning, and purchasing again. If the Sidekick 2 fairs better in the reception department, I'll have to (sadly) deal with a less customizable experience.

the 7100 will have better recetption

[Pallas]

I looked at live demos of both carefully yesterday, and the 7100t won out for me. The SK2's screen-swivel felt flimsy to me as it jumps over the sides of the thing. The older SK looked bad with the bulging screen but felt more like a quality piece. Also, the extra size doesn't look like much, but put each one in your hip pocket and walk a block...the SK2 feels disproportionately annoying. Reception on both was excellent, with just as clear SQ as my old (and really great) phone, a Siemens S40. I've never IM'ed, so I didn't test IM clients, and I've never used the web on my phone. (Honestly, I bet I'll have not used the web/e-mail services enough after the first month to justify spending the $20 a month for them.) In the end, the size difference, the quality-feel difference, and the ability (with extra software) to sync with my Mac sold me on the BB.

The main thing about the BB that annoyed (and annoys) me is that it asks for umpteen confirmations for every action. Otherwise, after 11 hours of ownership I'm reasonably happy.

[blackbelt]

The II key differences with the BB & the Sidekick II is in IM and E-mail. BB is the King of E-mail and the Sidekick is the King of IM.

The BB works much better as a phone, voice and reception wise. I have friends with the SK2 and I always have trouble hearing them as they move the phone.

With the Sidekick II your call log is limited, as with the BB it's unlimited. Same difference with the text messaging. If you get a lot of phone calls or text messages you will notice the diference very quickly while deciding which msgs or numbers to delete. alt + O gives you your entire call log since u purchased the phone on the 7100t

The 7100 is the lightest in it's class at 4.2 oz, it can fit in the smaller pocket of the jeans.

Not to mention the other numerous benefits with a blackberry device that are noted all over this forum. What they do have in common is near cult followings and loyal users. It's not a surprise that Steve Woz is on the board of advisors for the SK2.

[blackbelt]

On the pricing the SK2 comes out cheaper than the BB.

on the add ons to the voice plans
The BB is $19.99 and doesn't include text msgs
the SK is $19.99 and includes unlimited text msgs.

Another thing, that has been a big issue in the forum is port access e.g. to SSH, that the SKII has no problems with, SSH work really well.

Over all I think the BB wins.

[imwillzillla]

I've had both sk2 and a bb7100g (still use both of them) and the Sidekick at this point is pretty much for fun now. Like my Razr, if I want to go out and look somewhat fashionable, then I take the later 2, but when it's every day buisness reminders and such BB seems to be better in that aspect. And now that I have IM on the bb the Sk2s advantages have pretty much went out the window. I STILL love my sidekick though, but it's not better than the bb 7100 at least in my opinion.