[BryanHarig]

^^ are you using telmap in the USA? When I look at their page the only options to purchase the software list the price in pounds... While the US is listed as covered the web store doesnt fill me with confidence.

I dont mind BBmaps too much but I am looking for other alternatives to use with the 8800 once it is available.

[backbeat]

Originally Posted by BBAdmin

Other than that it's just another full QWERTY BlackBerry aside from the odd UI tweak.

Since the 8800 is narrower than the 8700, could you expand on its keyboard regarding feedback, shape and feel? Looking forward to seeing much more about this new model in the next few weeks.

Thanks.

[BBAdmin]

As you've seen in all the images the keys are right next to each other with no spaces, but are more bubbled or rounded than the flat 8700 keys, so I find typing just as easy and accurate.

[takeshi]

Originally Posted by Beler

Thats about all i can remember for now... will post more soon.

...and what have you been able to do (and not able to do) via WiFi??

[backbeat]

Originally Posted by BBAdmin

As you've seen in all the images the keys are right next to each other with no spaces, but are more bubbled or rounded than the flat 8700 keys, so I find typing just as easy and accurate.

Cool! Fair to say that the 8800 has more Treo-like keys, but are more responsive or accurate comparatively?

[BBAdmin]

The deadful Treo has keys of a similar dimension in that they are oval, but when depressed on an 8800 you get that trusty BlackBerry 'click' that your average 8700 would be used to. On a Treo the key would probably drop off just before the device crashed!!!!

[backbeat]

Originally Posted by BBAdmin

The deadful Treo has keys of a similar dimension in that they are oval, but when depressed on an 8800 you get that trusty BlackBerry 'click' that your average 8700 would be used to. On a Treo the key would probably drop off just before the device crashed!!!!

Thanks! That's exactly was I presumed from examining the leaked photos. As long as the key-spacing isn't so tight as to make typing accurately a real challenge. The 8700 addressed this with the small chamfer on the interior edge, giving confirmation of the thumb's position on the key. So, as long as RIM has included their tradition of feedback at the keyboard, the 8800 could be real winner.

[BBAdmin]

There is one thing I don't like, but it may just be that I'm not used to it yet. Obviously this is a wider device than the Pearl, and like the Pearl your thumb needs to reach to the middle of the device to operate the trackball. I have found I'm stretching a bit, whereas life was easier on my 8700. I'm sure it's just an adaption thing rather than a constant problem and soon I probably won't notice it anymore.

[netPOSER]

So if the final version does have WiFi would it be able to get "push email" over a local Wi-Fi network?

Our lawfirm is in a hi-rise and interior offices and conference rooms get little or no reception.

It would be a definite sale for RIM/Cingular if the 8800's could switch from OTA to WiFi on the fly if the OTA signal was dropped.

[BryanHarig]

^^ this has been discussed in this very thread. While there is no definate answer it seems unlikely the device will be allowed to sync over a wifi network. When the device syncs over the carrier's network its data is traveling over a secure network, RIM has no such assurance if they allow the device to sync over any old wifi network.

Wifi will most likely be usable for VOIP calls and possibly web browsing/ media streaming. I doubt very much it will allow email sync.

[Stinsonddog]

Push email works like this - write your email on a post note, stick it to the BB, then PUSH the BB to the receiver accross the table. Kinda like the football game with the paper triangles.

[Perfect Storm]

Originally Posted by BryanHarig

^^ this has been discussed in this very thread. While there is no definate answer it seems unlikely the device will be allowed to sync over a wifi network. When the device syncs over the carrier's network its data is traveling over a secure network, RIM has no such assurance if they allow the device to sync over any old wifi network.

Wifi will most likely be usable for VOIP calls and possibly web browsing/ media streaming. I doubt very much it will allow email sync.

If done with GAN/UMA theoretically email could be pushed securely over a wifi network.

[BBAdmin]

But seeing as there is no Wi Fi on the 8800 this is all irrelevent!!!!

[BryanHarig]

no wifi on the cingular 8800 perhapse...

Hands On: BlackBerry 8800! | The Boy Genius Report

[Aroc]

Originally Posted by BryanHarig

When the device syncs over the carrier's network its data is traveling over a secure network, RIM has no such assurance if they allow the device to sync over any old wifi network.

This poster has no concept of how messages are encrypted and transmitted to and from the BB. Take his words with a huge grain of salt (think 100 metric tons).

[BryanHarig]

Originally Posted by Aroc

This poster has no concept of how messages are encrypted and transmitted to and from the BB. Take his words with a huge grain of salt (think 100 metric tons).

ouch.

Please educate me on the subject then.

[patrickh]

BB never assumes that the wireless transport is secure.. Encryption is end-to-end, from your BB all the way to the BES/mailServer. So wifi, wireless, internet in between doesn't matter. There are tons of free white papers on the net about BB security.