[archer6]

Originally Posted by LunkHead

I don't think it was RIM.... I think it was Cingular's decision to drop the 7130...

Yes, I agree with you, in retrospect as I read my post a second time, I clearly suggested it was RIM, which was wrong. Here is how I knew: as the 7130c was the first of the 7130 series to be dropped. Furthermore the minute it dropped off the Cingular web site I asked my corp rep, store mgr, called in, and even checked with tech support and no one would confirm that it had indeed had been dropped. So, yes you bring up a very good point.

If that's how it's going to be (no more mid size BB) than I can accept that even though I disagree with the move. Change is inevitable, perhaps they just did not make their sales target with that model, etc.

In your opinion do you believe that it will be the end of that particular size and form factor?

Thanks

[ArgonNJ]

Originally Posted by evilcaptain

Not a suretype fan, I see.

No, but I am a fan of out with the old and in with the new. The 7100 series is a bit long in the tooth. I briefly owned a 7130 and the suretype was fine, it was the lack of a decent browser that I didn't like. The 8100 is much better for those who want that form factor.

[ArgonNJ]

Originally Posted by archer6

In your opinion do you believe that it will be the end of that particular size and form factor?

Thanks

Isn't the Pearl 8100 the replacement for the 7100 series?

[archer6]

Originally Posted by ArgonNJ

Isn't the Pearl 8100 the replacement for the 7100 series?

I haven't heard that officially, however I believe that's the general consensus.

I also have the Pearl, so I speak from experience, also noting that I'm simply stating my personal preference. I NEVER look at it from the standpoint that one model is the "best for everyone, or better than the rest".

They are all very nice and each have their pros and cons. That's why I currently own four, the 7130c, 8100, 8700c, 8800. I like having choices and I have different needs, one set of requirements for work, thus the 8800, and a few others depending on what I'm doing. I really like the pearl as a weekend phone, as it is so small and handy. However that said there is such a difference between that and the 7130.

The 7130 is for business use primarily as it has no camera, no media player just all business in a smaller form factor than the 8700 or 8800 models. Here for comparison is a size chart.

114 x 66 x 14.0mm - 8800
106 x 60 x 15.5mm - 8300
115 x 56 x 18.0mm - 7130
107 x 50 x 14.5mm - 8100

So when one looks carefully, you notice that their are indeed 3 different sizes. Small, Medium & Large if you will.

The 8800 being considered the replacement for the 8700 makes perfect sense. They are both of very similar size. The 8100 being considered the replacement for the 7130 makes no sense, as the size and form factor are completely different. If they were as similar as the 8700-8800 comparison, then I would NOT be registering this complaint.

After all the 8100 has a camera and media player and is clearly targeted at the consumer. So, I'm not saying that the 8100 is not a "good model" or inferior to the 7130. Quite the contrary, I find the 8100 a very nice model, which is the reason I purchased one. It's just that if they are laid side by side on a desk, it becomes very apparent how different they are in terms of keyboard size, overall size, etc.

Finally, I believe that while the 7130c is a great model, it's entirely possible that sales did not take off. The SureType input method is indeed quite different and the in-store experience of "trying it" for just a few minutes in combination with untrained and opinionated sales people is a negative one at best.

I believe the Pearl with SureType sold purely based on it's attractive styling, small size and the fact that is has a camera and media player which is exactly what the public wants. Furthermore I'm happy to see this model make a huge impact and pull people into the BlackBerry family. The sales increase is great for RIM.

Therefore as I see it before Cingular "pulled the 7130c" from it's sales channels it must have had a good reason. I just don't happen to see (nor am I aware) of the logic. It would be very interesting to know why they did what they did.

Cheers...

[dulcamara]

I will keep my 7130 until 3G comes out, but then I'll have to (unhappily) change formats. A camera is out of the question for me unless I want to go to jail.