Travel Technology - BlackBerry 8700c working great

I have had the new 8700c for 30 days now, and I wanted to share my experiences. I was previously a 7100t user on T-Mobile.

First, I will say that the EDGE (Enhanced Data-rate for GSM Evolution) makes a huge difference. I now find myself regularly reading websites from my 8700, including FlyerTalk, Wall Street Journal, etc. Before, it was too slow for me to deal with, and I wouldn't use it as such.

The device itself fixes a whole slew of problems that the 7100 series had, due to the enhanced CPU power. Also, all the radio problems on the 7100 seem to be gone, and my phone has never rebooted in the middle of a call like before.

Overall, I would highly recommend this as a core business tool for the frequent traveler. The ease of typing, quick download of emails, and ability to get web based information make it essential on the go. Thanks to the higher speed internet, I am finding that I am simply using it much more often than my old 7100 while standing in customer service lines, waiting for taxis, etc.

I believe that in a given one-way travel, including one flight segment, rental car, and hotel, I am easily recovering 1.5 hours worth of time.

In the past, I have warned my friends against the 7100 series, and the 8700 certainly fixes all those problems.

Best wishes,

albatross

Are you using yours on Cingular or T-mobile?

I am using in on Cingular, as a new customer. I have read on blackberry specific websites that people have successfully used it on t-mobile.

The topic that I didn't mention in my post is that I have finally had it with t-mobile's poor coverage in the areas that I spend my time at.

I could be wrong, but I do not believe that t-mobile supports EDGE yet.

Are you using yours on Cingular or T-mobile?

I am using in on Cingular, as a new customer. I have read on blackberry specific websites that people have successfully used it on t-mobile.

The topic that I didn't mention in my post is that I have finally had it with t-mobile's poor coverage in the areas that I spend my time at.

I could be wrong, but I do not believe that t-mobile supports EDGE yet.

Yes, I know quite a few people that use it on T-mobile ;)

And T-mobile does have EDGE support, they turned it on in August.

Yes, I know quite a few people that use it on T-mobile ;)

And T-mobile does have EDGE support, they turned it on in August.So the q, w, e, r and t keys quit on my 7730 (probably dropped it one too many times) so I am looking at the 8700. I'd have no problem switching to Cingular to get it since T-Mobile ain't selling them, especially since it looks like i can get in for like $350 with a contract. The stumbling block is my T-mobile contract thru November. SO, is there a cheap, reputable place I can pick up an 8700 then slip in my t-mobile SIM?

Shrek: your t-mobile experiences with EDGE have been good!!?!?!?

So the q, w, e, r and t keys quit on my 7730 (probably dropped it one too many times) so I am looking at the 8700. I'd have no problem switching to Cingular to get it since T-Mobile ain't selling them, especially since it looks like i can get in for like $350 with a contract. The stumbling block is my T-mobile contract thru November. SO, is there a cheap, reputable place I can pick up an 8700 then slip in my t-mobile SIM?

Shrek: your t-mobile experiences with EDGE have been good!!?!?!?

$575 unlocked:

http://www.gsmphonesource.com/ungsmceph.html

I haven't really seen them any cheaper than this. Using it on T-mobile is as easy as inserting the sim and changing the PIN on T-mobiles website. Using it with EDGE is awesome, the whole device is so much faster, and web browsing is actually very pleasant.

$575 unlocked:

http://www.gsmphonesource.com/ungsmceph.html

I haven't really seen them any cheaper than this. Using it on T-mobile is as easy as inserting the sim and changing the PIN on T-mobiles website. Using it with EDGE is awesome, the whole device is so much faster, and web browsing is actually very pleasant.Thanks, Scotty. At that price I'll have to consider paying to break my tmob contract and going with Cingy...

Thanks, Scotty. At that price I'll have to consider paying to break my tmob contract and going with Cingy...

Once you run the numbers it probably doesn't make much difference; ETF with T-mobile is $150, plus Cingular will charge sales tax and an activation fee ($36) PLUS their monthly Blackberry plan is more expensive, an unlimited Blackberry add-on with Cingular is a whopping $44.95 compared to just $19.95 with T-mobile.

A simpler option might be to just get the old one fixed and wait till T-mobile carries the 8700, which is expected to be in a month or so...

FYI: http://www.blackberryrepairshop.com/Parts77xx.html

They will also repair them for you, but I'd be happy to help out as well.

Ok Kokopuffs, I really shouldn't do this since you have been so mean to me... but...

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000C1DOU0/qid=1137680803/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1_etk-phones/104-2260494-3211937?v=glance&s=wireless&n=301187

FREE after rebate through Amazon, free shipping and no tax. Can't beat that.

Ok Kokopuffs, I really shouldn't do this since you have been so mean to me... but...

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000C1DOU0/qid=1137680803/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1_etk-phones/104-2260494-3211937?v=glance&s=wireless&n=301187

FREE after rebate through Amazon, free shipping and no tax. Can't beat that.Aw, Shrek, I will ALWAYS be your Donkey!

THANKS!!! I think you just made a Cingular customer out of me!!!

Nextel doesn't have them yet. :(

I might have to change jobs. :D

Aw, Shrek, I will ALWAYS be your Donkey!

THANKS!!! I think you just made a Cingular customer out of me!!!

If TMO will be getting it soon, I suggest you wait and be patient.

Keep in mind Cingular units are all locked, so if you ever need to use another SIM card (different account), you're out of luck. And TMO service is considerably cheaper, especially for power users......IMHO.

I have a Treo 600 and debating btw the 8700 or the SE w810i (which is also coming out soon). I know it's like comparing apples to oranges.

If TMO will be getting it soon, I suggest you wait and be patient.

Keep in mind Cingular units are all locked, so if you ever need to use another SIM card (different account), you're out of luck. And TMO service is considerably cheaper, especially for power users......IMHO.

I have a Treo 600 and debating btw the 8700 or the SE w810i (which is also coming out soon). I know it's like comparing apples to oranges.

$45 unlocks the 8700c. And yes; T-mobile will be carrying it, probably some time in March, but purchase price will be >$399. For some other neat devices check out www.t-mobile.com/bethefirst

If TMO will be getting it soon, I suggest you wait and be patient.

Keep in mind Cingular units are all locked, so if you ever need to use another SIM card (different account), you're out of luck. And TMO service is considerably cheaper, especially for power users......IMHO.

I have a Treo 600 and debating btw the 8700 or the SE w810i (which is also coming out soon). I know it's like comparing apples to oranges."But daddy, I want it NOW!"
-- Veruca Salt


After looking at the Cingular price structure I am holding out for tmob since it basically gets me 'free' wifi given the cingy bberry RMC. $44/mo, indeed! Am trying to ebay a device for <$350. But I am telling you, my thumbs are ITCHING....have you every tried to communicate without the letters q, w, e, r and t before?

I is no asy!!! ;)

"But daddy, I want it NOW!"
-- Veruca Salt
So i got one: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5858028402

Question once i get it is: CAN i just put the pin in at tmob.com or do i have to have it unlocked somehow and if so, how?

So i got one: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5858028402

Question once i get it is: CAN i just put the pin in at tmob.com or do i have to have it unlocked somehow and if so, how?

Yes and yes.

http://www.gsmphonesource.com/reunforatcib.html

$45 to get it unlocked.

Once it is unlocked you login to your t-mobile account and change the current pin to the new one. That is all there is to it.

Yes and yes.

http://www.gsmphonesource.com/reunforatcib.html

$45 to get it unlocked.

Once it is unlocked you login to your t-mobile account and change the current pin to the new one. That is all there is to it.
The screen at tmob.com looks like this:

Change Handheld
Change the handheld currently used with your BlackBerry e-mail service.
Handheld PIN:
ESN/IMEI:

I guess if I just enter the handheld's IMEI it is going to come back as locked rather than tmob taking over the locked device?

I know that tmob DID unlock my 7730 just by my asking, but then I DID buy it from them direct...

The screen at tmob.com looks like this:

Change Handheld
Change the handheld currently used with your BlackBerry e-mail service.
Handheld PIN:
ESN/IMEI:

I guess if I just enter the handheld's IMEI it is going to come back as locked rather than tmob taking over the locked device?

I know that tmob DID unlock my 7730 just by my asking, but then I DID buy it from them direct...

No; T-mobile can't determine whether or not the handheld is locked, you'll find that out as soon as you put the sim in it. Before you change the handheld in t-mobiles website you'll need to find a cingular sim card (hint: go to a cingular store and ask for a prepaid sim, usuall around $10), put that in, unlock it, and then put the t-mobile sim in and change the settings on the website.

You can check whether the 8700 is locked buy either putting in a "foreign" (ie non cingular) sim, or by going to the options menu, selecting "sim card" and holding the ALT key while typing MEPD.

anyone more worried today that BB might have to shutdown the service.

anyone know anything about their "workaround"

anyone more worried today that BB might have to shutdown the service.

anyone know anything about their "workaround"

The workaround is already built into most handhelds running recent versions of OS4.

But I seriously still doubt they will be shutdown. NTP knows RIM has a workaround and it really isn't in their best interests for RIM to enable that. With the network running on the workaround NTB has absolutely nothing to claim.

It is a weird world where an invalid patent is granted, a party is declared guilty, and then the patents are declare invalid... The USPTO really screwed up and is costing the taxpayer millions.

without QUESTION The impact on the economy would be BILLIONS is either lost revenue, or lost REVENUE or lost productivity or people simply going CRAZY!

Do you know anything about the nature of the workaround scottc?

without QUESTION The impact on the economy would be BILLIONS is either lost revenue, or lost REVENUE or lost productivity or people simply going CRAZY!

Do you know anything about the nature of the workaround scottc?

Yes I do, but sadly I can't reveal anything about it (yet).

There is some information here: http://rimblackberryntp.blogspot.com/

But keep in mind that a decent amount of what is posted there is incorrect.

I am very, very, very pleased to announce that my 8700c is up and running very nicely on tmobile!!!

THANK YOU (again) SCOTT for all the advice and help.

In the end it was just like buttah! ^ ^

I am very, very, very pleased to announce that my 8700c is up and running very nicely on tmobile!!!

THANK YOU (again) SCOTT for all the advice and help.

In the end it was just like buttah! ^ ^

No need to shout...i think scott and all of us can hear you :td:

No need to shout...i think scott and all of us can hear you :td:

I couldn't. :p

I couldn't. :pUnfortunately, since I am illiterate and cannot read, this joke is lost on me.

I am very, very, very pleased to announce that my 8700c is up and running very nicely on tmobile!!!

THANK YOU (again) SCOTT for all the advice and help.

In the end it was just like buttah! ^ ^

Any time Koko!

Ok Kokopuffs, I really shouldn't do this since you have been so mean to me... but...

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000C1DOU0/qid=1137680803/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1_etk-phones/104-2260494-3211937?v=glance&s=wireless&n=301187

FREE after rebate through Amazon, free shipping and no tax. Can't beat that.

Sweeeet.

PLUS their monthly Blackberry plan is more expensive, an unlimited Blackberry add-on with Cingular is a whopping $44.95 compared to just $19.95 with T-mobile.Wow. :eek: If I sign up for a family plan is that per Blackberry or will one $45/mo charge cover me and mrs. gleff?

Sweeeet.

Wow. :eek: If I sign up for a family plan is that per Blackberry or will one $45/mo charge cover me and mrs. gleff?

That is PER device. PLUS the voice service... All adds up real fast...

Wow, I am happy I stumbled on this thread....some questions about the 8700 and Cingular...

1) does the Cingular Blackberry package include the web access for the Blackberry? If I am not using the device for mail, but just pda functions, an organizer and a web browser/phone, can I select the web plan instead? (it's cheaper)

2) if I have an existing cingular account and want to add-a-line with the 8700, can I order new service through the amazon link, take delivery of the 8700, then within my cingular 30 day free-look, cancel the new account and keep the blackberry to add to my existing account? Or will amazon either demand the 8700 back or balance bill me for its full value?

Edit: I just reviewed the T+C of the Amazon offer...they state the $150 rebate requires 180 days of continuous service, so I guess the worse case here is the phone costs $150, which is better than Cingular's online price of $300...still a great deal!

What are the differences between 7100 and 8700? I have nextel and one of the things I hate is the antenna on the nextel blackberries.

Does anybody know when 8700 will be offered for nextel?

Wow, I am happy I stumbled on this thread....some questions about the 8700 and Cingular...

1) does the Cingular Blackberry package include the web access for the Blackberry? If I am not using the device for mail, but just pda functions, an organizer and a web browser/phone, can I select the web plan instead? (it's cheaper)



Nope, web access also requires the Blackberry service. Blackberry devices are provisoned remotely, without being provisioned (when you activate their service) you won't even see a browser...

What are the differences between 7100 and 8700? I have nextel and one of the things I hate is the antenna on the nextel blackberries.

Does anybody know when 8700 will be offered for nextel?

Faster, better display, more memory, more multimedia functions, newer OS and a keyboard instead of SureType.

Sadly because of the way the Nextel network operates you will always see an antenna on Nextel Blackberries. I'd expect an iDen Blackberry sometime Q1 of 2007... Verizon is probably next with their device, and as usual Nextel will be last...

Faster, better display, more memory, more multimedia functions, newer OS and a keyboard instead of SureType.

Sadly because of the way the Nextel network operates you will always see an antenna on Nextel Blackberries. I'd expect an iDen Blackberry sometime Q1 of 2007... Verizon is probably next with their device, and as usual Nextel will be last...You aint just whistlin' Dixie! This EDGE thing is the greatest thing since, well, since the Blackberry! I can surf the web (including Flyertalk) in HTML format rather than cellphone format and while it is not quite the ballyhooed T-1 speed, it certainly loads as fast as dial-up.

Frankly afer just a couple of days with it I am thinking about canceling my Tmob wifi service since I can now do everything on my 8700 that I used to need a wified laptop for...

Anyone figure out how to make the screen quit going completely black after a few minutes? It is driving me crazy. Other than that, I LOVE IT. Thanks for your help!