[archer6]

Originally Posted by greggebhardt

I am looking forward to getting used to the trackball and I do understand how nice it will be to have 4 way navigaton but I sure got used to my trackwheel!

Adjusting to the trackball is something I embrace. My one remaining concern is the keyshape & ease of use of the keyboard.

A good qwerty keyboard is the key to truly enjoying the device for one of it's signature features - email.

I for one will be relieved if RIM has placed a suitable priority on this & incorporated a high quality keyboard on this model.

[greggebhardt]

If the keyboard works as well as my 8700c I would be very happy. If it is better, I will be more happy. The shape of the keys on the 8800 is quite interesting. Looking forward to using the 8800 soon.

I am hoping the 8800 will fit into one of my RIM leather cases until they come out with the leather case for the 8800. The plastic clip holster it will come with is not for me.

[johnfromphilly]

Originally Posted by greggebhardt

If the keyboard works as well as my 8700c I would be very happy. If it is better, I will be more happy. The shape of the keys on the 8800 is quite interesting. Looking forward to using the 8800 soon.

I am hoping the 8800 will fit into one of my RIM leather cases until they come out with the leather case for the 8800. The plastic clip holster it will come with is not for me.

Greg, from what I have read here and elsewhere, there will be no holster included at all. I believe that was the case with the pearl also. I recently watched an unboxing of the 8800 and there was no holster.

[Amahk]

Originally Posted by greggebhardt

I am hoping the 8800 will fit into one of my RIM leather cases until they come out with the leather case for the 8800. The plastic clip holster it will come with is not for me.

Is it for sure coming out with the plastic clip holster in the box. I was kinda hoping they'd give the leather one. If not I'll just order one from the blackberry site today since they're all up on the site already and it'll be here in time for next wednesday. I'll email my Cingular store rep to clarify if it comes with the plasitic holster for sure also.

[archer6]

Originally Posted by greggebhardt

I am looking forward to getting used to the trackball and I do understand how nice it will be to have 4 way navigaton but I sure got used to my trackwheel!

Adjusting to the trackball is something I embrace. My one remaining concern is the keyshape & ease of use of the keyboard.

A good qwerty keyboard is the key to truly enjoying the device for one of it's signature features - email.

I for one will be relieved if RIM has placed a suitable priority on this & incorporated a high quality keyboard on this model.

It's a deal breaker (for me) if it is less than excellent. After all I know they are capable of it, as the keybaord on my 7130c is superb.

Cheers

[Amahk]

Originally Posted by johnfromphilly

Greg, from what I have read here and elsewhere, there will be no holster included at all. I believe that was the case with the pearl also. I recently watched an unboxing of the 8800 and there was no holster.

Hmmm their website comparison says differently
businessdotcingular.com/businesscenter/popup/blackberry-comparison-popup.jsp
What kind of holster did the 7130c come with?

Replace the 1st doth with a . hehe

[backbeat]

Originally Posted by greggebhardt

If the keyboard works as well as my 8700c I would be very happy. If it is better, I will be more happy. The shape of the keys on the 8800 is quite interesting. Looking forward to using the 8800 soon.

Because the device is a bit narrower than the 8700, the keys still have to accommodate the real estate allowed. Let's all hope both the key design and the key spacing provide a better than Treo experience. It would be nice if full email users, versus texters, find appeal in this new kid on the block.

[nike30]

The 8800 will come with a holster according to Cingular inner-company press release from 2/12/07.

http://www.blackberryforums.com/gene...ed-2-12-a.html

[johnfromphilly]

I watched this video and was following this thread, sorry if I provided misinformation:

http://www.blackberryforums.com/gene...ing-video.html

Plastic holster is an accident waiting to happen anyway. ( Let my rationalization begin...)

[johnfromphilly]

Here is the link to RIM's spec sheet, it mentions accessories included and does not mention holster:

BlackBerry - BlackBerry 8800

Accessories Included
USB cable
Wall Charger

[nike30]

Being that RIM's doesn't - yet Cingular's release does - maybe Cingular is adding the holster on their end.

We obviously have two conflicting reports - in 7 days we'll know the truth.

[johnfromphilly]

Originally Posted by nike30

in 7 days we'll know the truth.

Smartest thing either of us has said.

[guinda35]

I started focusing on my use of the trackwheel on my 8700c after starting this thread. I noticed there's a dull pain on the inside of my right-hand thumb, and that a callous is forming there. Everytime I click the trackwheel I get a slight burning sensation. Reminds me of grammar school after I learned to use a pencil.

My thumb is ready for a change.

[nsimpson]

Originally Posted by backbeat

I echo your concern about no tactile feedback. If unable to 'click' to select within a menu, it's less than perfect. May be able to adjust and accept it as it is since the trackwheel is certainly less than perfect also.

Since I use a trackball-based mouse at my main computer, (which I wouldn't trade for any other mouse), I can also appreciate the maintenence concern. Between skin oil accumulation, dust, etc which makes for a nasty combination, this is a spec/design issue that RIM should be able to address with a better material for the trackball itself. Many plastics can be brought to a high/semi-high polish, but be resistant to allowing fingerprints (oils). Let's hope this is within RIM's plans.

Blackberries are used by the deaf and not the blind. You should be looking at the screen when you use it. With the trackwheel you still have to look at the screen to navigate through the menues. The 8100 and 8800 have a setting so you can make a clicking sound when scrolling though so if you want to be a hotshot without looking down you can.

It bugged me for 1 day then i realized that it was a really smart system and very useful. Im completely pro trackball

[archer6]

Just read one of the advantages of the 8800 trackball, it's removable.

Then one can use it to play miniature bowling......

[backbeat]

Originally Posted by nsimpson

Blackberries are used by the deaf and not the blind. You should be looking at the screen when you use it. With the trackwheel you still have to look at the screen to navigate through the menues. The 8100 and 8800 have a setting so you can make a clicking sound when scrolling though so if you want to be a hotshot without looking down you can.

Since you're quoting me, I'm looking for the relationship between our 2 posts and I don't see it.

My point wasn't about using the device without looking at it. My point was about having feedback from the trackball [as in scrolling, then depressing it, then the subsequent rebound] when selecting a menu item which wouldn't exactly be much of an engineering challenge.

[nsimpson]

Originally Posted by backbeat

Since you're quoting me, I'm looking for the relationship between our 2 posts and I don't see it.

My point wasn't about using the device without looking at it. My point was about having feedback from the trackball [as in scrolling, then depressing it, then the subsequent rebound] when selecting a menu item which wouldn't exactly be much of an engineering challenge.

You were agreeing with this:

Originally Posted by greggebhardt

What I do not like about the trackball was it did not have any tactile feedback. No clicking, you could feel to let you know that you have moved the cursor. You HAVE to look at the screen to seen what you are doing.

As I stated its just something one has to try for a bit to get used to it. They have added aids like "clicking" sounds to make it more of an experiance.

Just use it, you will begin to love it. People dont like change but the truth is that this change is for the better.

[greggebhardt]

Originally Posted by johnfromphilly

Greg, from what I have read here and elsewhere, there will be no holster included at all. I believe that was the case with the pearl also. I recently watched an unboxing of the 8800 and there was no holster.

sorry but I have heard different from several people who are pretty high up in Cingular. The Pearl, being a consumer model, did not have any type of holster but the 8800 is a business model is does have the plastic thing.

It does not matter to me as I have ordered two of the OEM leather holsters from RIM which will be here on Monday. The 2gb miniSD is waiting now.

[greggebhardt]

Originally Posted by nsimpson

You were agreeing with this:



As I stated its just something one has to try for a bit to get used to it. They have added aids like "clicking" sounds to make it more of an experiance.

I used the ball when I had the Pearl. It was growing on me but the SureType keyboard drove me nuts. I have no time for a learning curve as 50-60 emails a day in the field was just too much to muddle thru with SureType. I went back to my 8700 quickly.

I am sure me and the ball will get along fine in a few days, just let me have my QWERTY!

[backbeat]

Originally Posted by nsimpson

As I stated its just something one has to try for a bit to get used to it. They have added aids like "clicking" sounds to make it more of an experiance.

We shall see, but now I'm starting to get an engineering-itch. May just have to get one just to make some improvements to in my spare time (and just in time for the production of the 9xxx).