[NickRWin]

Trying to decide between 8700c and 7130c. Putting SureType vs. QWERTY difference aside, I'm most concerned about screen size and screen real estate. Seems that the ribbon takes up a lot of space, so extra 20 pixels of vertical is good for 7130c. But, extra 80 pixels of width on the 8700c might be a huge difference for RepliGo, for example--one can view the entire width of a page at a legible zoom-level. I like the form factor of the 7130c (more like a phone) and with this purchase, I am consolidating from phone+7730 to single device.

Thoughts/suggestions? Other considerations/criteria? Thanks.

[NJBlackBerry]

Three comments: Keyboard, keyboard and keyboard.

I never liked the Suretype keyboard, and I think the 8700 is a great BlackBerry.

Just my .02...

[paradisephoto]

I love carrying a blackberry, but hate the traditional shape. I am a 7130e user, have used traditional formfactor crackberries from Verizon, Cingular, and Nextel before. With minimal practice, I adjusted to suretype, and can't see myself switching back.

[Sparkomatic]

I switched from an 8700 to a 7130 and am getting used to the 7130 now. I must admit that I do like the compact size but miss the screen size of the 8700, my Zen theme and my shortcuts. I'm really missing my keyboard shortcuts the most. I'm hoping Verizon gets the 8700 soon but I won't be terribly dissappointed if they don't. I mean, I love my BB!

[radimus]

As someone with a phone and a 7780, we're in the same boat. I'm tossing this question around myself, but have the luxary of soon getting a coworkers 7100g to use for a while so I can evaluate SureType.

The thing that concerns me is typing speed. With the 7780, it's not a problem. Nor will it be on a 8700, but on a 7100 I'm not sure. My experience with the T9 texting system on my phone has not been encouraging. I guess if you're someone who types long emails, browses web-based forums a lot, and deals with a lot of acronyms and terminology that is not common vernacular I could see SureType being a pain. I guess I'll find out for certain sooner or later.

Maybe you could pick up a used 7100 off eBay and take it for a spin?

[roofus]

Some other things to consider: the 8700 has much better battery life, two mappable buttons (as opposed to one), and the screen is somewhat better in outdoor light. But, it really comes down to this question: "do you use voice or text the most?"

[jungleland]

I have a 7130, love it. But it's just keeping me occupied until verizon releases the 8700 series..

[dsconnell]

I've had both the 7100t and the 8700g. In my opinion they both have their strengths and weaknesses. I actually like the suretype keyboard better. I can type faster and the keys are a little bigger. Conversly, the 8700g's keys are smaller and there are more of them. I find myself searching for the letters more and my thumb (one thumb typer) has to move a greater distance because of the layout of the keyboard. But, when it comes to the screen OMG, that is where it's at. To me, because of the screen, there is no question that the 8700g is far superior. The brightness, colors and width, to me, make it a no brainer. It's all about preference.