Travel Technology - New Blackberry Tour

So, as the best phone announced or released the week of 6/15, I think it deserves some discussion! Has anybody used it? Comparisons to the Bold? Looks like it trades CDMA for WiFi, has a 3mp video camera instead of a 2mp, and is ever so slightly smaller and lighter. Slightly larger / higher resolution screen. Slightly better battery life.

Uh, the Tour is very much a CDMA phone. How else would it be offered by Verizon and Sprint?

It's the CDMA equivalent of the Bold.

Uh, the Tour is very much a CDMA phone. How else would it be offered by Verizon and Sprint?

It's the CDMA equivalent of the Bold.

But it is not in fact based on the same specifications or the exact CDMA capable equivalent Bold. I was hoping to hear from someone who has actually gotten their paws on one.

It hasn't been released for sale yet. It should be in stores mid July I think.

So I'm totally clueless on such matters. Need a new blackberry, I've had my 8700 for 3+ years and it's an outdated brick.

But I'd hate to go buy the Bold and find that there was a newer, better device about to come out and I should've waited just a little longer.

Is there are new blackberry on the Horizon (must be GSM!) or should I just buy the Bold?

So, as the best phone announced or released the week of 6/15, I think it deserves some discussion! Has anybody used it? Comparisons to the Bold? Looks like it trades CDMA for WiFi, has a 3mp video camera instead of a 2mp, and is ever so slightly smaller and lighter. Slightly larger / higher resolution screen. Slightly better battery life.

It does not "trade CDMA for WiFi". It is a CDMA and GSM/EDGE phone. It looks like it also includes WiFi. It is about the same profile, etc as the Bold, call it an updated Bold with the internals more like the Storm. Looks like a very nice phone. I just got a BB Curve in January since I didnt want to wait for this to come out (it has been in the rumor mill for ages). I would probably be very interested if that werent the case. Happy with the Curve for now, I will probably skip this generation of BB.

So I'm totally clueless on such matters. Need a new blackberry, I've had my 8700 for 3+ years and it's an outdated brick.

But I'd hate to go buy the Bold and find that there was a newer, better device about to come out and I should've waited just a little longer.

Is there are new blackberry on the Horizon (must be GSM!) or should I just buy the Bold?

The next GSM Blackberry due out is the Onyx. I think it'll be out by the end of summer or early fall. Crackberry.com is a great site the latest info and rumors concerning Blackberry.

It does not "trade CDMA for WiFi". It is a CDMA and GSM/EDGE phone. It looks like it also includes WiFi. It is about the same profile, etc as the Bold, call it an updated Bold with the internals more like the Storm. Looks like a very nice phone. I just got a BB Curve in January since I didnt want to wait for this to come out (it has been in the rumor mill for ages). I would probably be very interested if that werent the case. Happy with the Curve for now, I will probably skip this generation of BB.

Both RIM and Verizon have said that the Tour will not have Wifi. Supposedly, all BB after the Tour will have the feature. I too just got a Curve a few months ago and love it. I most likely won't upgrade until early 2010 assuming the latest and greatest BB is worth upgrading to.

So I'm totally clueless on such matters. Need a new blackberry, I've had my 8700 for 3+ years and it's an outdated brick.

But I'd hate to go buy the Bold and find that there was a newer, better device about to come out and I should've waited just a little longer.

Is there are new blackberry on the Horizon (must be GSM!) or should I just buy the Bold?

You don't mention your carrier. Verizon has the Storm, which is GSM and CDMA, and will work worldwide. The Storm 2 is coming. If you are comfortable with Verizon, then wait for that.

http://forums.crackberry.com/f144/ has the current list of coming bberries.

Both RIM and Verizon have said that the Tour will not have Wifi. Supposedly, all BB after the Tour will have the feature. I too just got a Curve a few months ago and love it. I most likely won't upgrade until early 2010 assuming the latest and greatest BB is worth upgrading to.

Another reason for me not to upgrade in that case.

Wirelessly posted (Blackberry8700c: BlackBerry9000/5.0.0.100 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/120)

I'm greatly looking forward to the Tour to replace my Storm. I love my Bold (for the uk) and am dying for the same featureset (minus wifi, plus cdma) for my Verizon acct.

im looking forward to trying it.

I will probably be waiting in line for the TOUR, really tired of the lack of features on my 8830. And after trying other carriers I am back to Verizon as a lifer, as much TOURing as i do, there really is no other network if you visit rural areas.

Verizon always waits until last to get the good devices, so I am pumped that they stepped up to the plate with this one.

I can't stand the touch screen, need a real old fashioned keyboard

The Tour looks a lot like my TMobile Curve 8900....except my new Curve has Wi-Fi and GPS.

The Tour looks a lot like my TMobile Curve 8900....except my new Curve has Wi-Fi and GPS.

Its unfor that VZW wont do wifi, but I do enjoy the world capabilities and the call quality over other carriers in my area. Yes, Ive tried them all.

Wirelessly posted (Blackberry8700c: BlackBerry8110/4.5.0.69 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/123)

This will have GPS

You don't mention your carrier. Verizon has the Storm, which is GSM and CDMA, and will work worldwide. The Storm 2 is coming. If you are comfortable with Verizon, then wait for that.

http://forums.crackberry.com/f144/ has the current list of coming bberries.

Just a word of warning about Crackberry.com -- many of their posters make some of the TS/S forum posters look like angels.

Been a lurker there for awhile, but I don't dare post something there.

From Blackberry.com

http://na.blackberry.com/eng/devices/blackberrytour/tour_features.jsp

Access internal GPS and BlackBerry® Maps on your new BlackBerry Tour 9630 smartphone when you need help finding your way. BlackBerry Maps is designed to make it easy to locate nearby businesses, restaurants, theatres and more.

Featuring built-in GPS that works with other location-based software, you’ll always know where you stand and where you need to be with turn-by-turn directions to help you get there quickly.

OK, can we get some agreement on the specs for this BB Tour... the Verizon site says it will indeed be a worldphone, so along with CDMA bands, it will have quad GSM. But will it have wifi capability?


Edited to add: http://www.businessweek.com/the_thread/techbeat/archives/2009/06/blackberry_tour.html

This article firmly states that it will not have Wifi.

July 12 is the availability date for the Tour on Verizon and likely Sprint in the US as well. I'll fortunately be passing through MIA en-route to Bogota, so my timing is perfect to pop by the Verizon store on the way to the airport. Excited to finally dump the Storm. After too many hassles with buggy OS versions, it's headed to eBay UK!

July 12 is the availability date for the Tour on Verizon and likely Sprint in the US as well.
Seriously? Any knowledge on AT&T?

Seriously? Any knowledge on AT&T?

I don't think this will be released on AT&T since it's a CDMA w/GSM, like the Storm.

I think a similar Blackberry that will be launched on AT&T will be the Blackberry Onyx but no release date yet:

http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/24/blackberry-onyx-reviewed-way-before-rim-intended-it-to-be/

I am curious as to if VZ has noted if the GPS will be "unlocked" to third party map programs (outside of BB Maps and VZ Navigator).

The 8830 has blocked third-party applications (such as Google Maps) from accessing the GPS and I think the Storm does as well.

Will have to make a trip to the store when it is released and play with it in person to see; if anyone gets one, can you test it out?

I expect like the Storm, it will be enabled. Google Maps works perfectly on the Storm w/ full GPS and aGPS capability.

I expect like the Storm, it will be enabled. Google Maps works perfectly on the Storm w/ full GPS and aGPS capability.

Oh wow, I stand corrected in regards to the Storm, then. Thanks for the updated info. I remember trying it, but getting more frustrated with the screen instead, so I probably didn't give it enough time.

The only thing that makes me consider this is that it's a contemporary Blackberry that (apparently) will be available without a camera.

The only thing that makes me consider this is that it's a contemporary Blackberry that (apparently) will be available without a camera.

It will have a camera.

A fairly extensive review of the Verizon BB Tour published on July 2:

http://www.phonemag.com/verizon-blackberry-tour-review-079413.php

It will have a camera.

A fairly extensive review of the Verizon BB Tour published on July 2:

http://www.phonemag.com/verizon-blackberry-tour-review-079413.php

Actually, it will come with and without the camera. The Verizon Wireless page already has both models for pre-order.

Same price for both per VZW's website.

Verizon and Sprint have both confirmed July 12 release date in the media now. I will be the guy waiting outside

It looks like wirefly will let you extend your 2 yr contract for a $199 price. Not sure what VZW will do, I'll be calling my rep this week.

Another review:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2348930,00.asp

It comes with and without the camera for lawyers and some government officials that are not allowed to carry any sort of camera into courtrooms etc. I assume 75%+ will be sold with camera. (I have nothing to base that on)

Here (http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2009/07/07/blackberry-tour-review-part-2/#more-29564) is a decent review of The Tour from a pretty good source.

I think I'm going to go to a VZW store on Sunday and see if I want to get rid of my Storm for this.

A contact with Verizon told me that Pre-orders of the Tour may start shipping as early as Tomorrow. Take that for what it's worth, (a rumor)

A contact with Verizon told me that Pre-orders of the Tour may start shipping as early as Tomorrow. Take that for what it's worth, (a rumor)

Possibly for corporate customers.

Wirelessly posted (Blackberry8700c: BlackBerry9000/4.6.0.282 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/120)

I'm going to be in line at store opening Sunday AM :)

Possibly for corporate customers.
I called today on that today, corporate has to wait as well. Things may change over the next few days. I have held for me on Sunday by my local rep.

Going to get mine tomm. Anyone else? Didnt get a chance to run down to the store to use it. My rep called me Fri saying they were in. Ill give you all a report tomm.

So why go and buy the BB Tour when close to the same time frame VZN will have the HTC Ozone, a BB-like device with has wifi?

Why would one select a Tour over the Ozone?

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On my way to pick up a Tour. I choose this over the ozone mainly due to the operating system. Windows Mobile is not acceptable for me.

So why go and buy the BB Tour when close to the same time frame VZN will have the HTC Ozone, a BB-like device with has wifi?

Why would one select a Tour over the Ozone?

For me, the ability to use it worldwide and the BB messenger, which allows me to message to other BB's sorta for free.

But as many have pointed out in another thread, there is great utility to having wifi built into a cell phone, especially when using it overseas.

So again, why should I pay more for the Tour when the Ozone gives me that wifi capability?

The following was posted by Dubai Stu on the other thread about wifi in a cell phone:

"There is a link to an article over at dslreports.com about how Sprint is going to require all new smart phones (after the Tour) to have WiFi. This includes the Tour II do out early next year.

I find wifi very important. As smart phones get more media rich, we will start butting our head up against the 5 gig threshold. If you move your home and office internet usage to wifi, this will greatly reduce the burden.

Wifi also provides good backup coverage where you have poor cell coverage. Contrary to Verizon's advertising, there are many places that don't have good coverage around the U.S.

Wifi reduces your international data roaming bills (and possibly your voice roaming as well). In addition to this, international roaming is not perfect. Earlier this year, my wife couldn't get roaming coverage working for seven days with TMobile. What would have been a disaster became only a minor incident because she had wifi in the hotel room (courtesy of a Linksys portable router) and at the client site.

Besides Sprint and Verizon's bias against wifi, they have clearly had problems getting wifi into CDMA/GSM combination phones. With respect to the Storm, the Tour (compare it to the wifi enabled Curve 8900 and the Bold), and several other phones. If you travel internationally and want a global roaming plan, there are only a handful of non-Blackberry options. [But go look at the Apple forum at ATT's company run forum forum.wireless.att.com) where there is discussion of a little known corporate ("FAN") nearly worldwide unlimited iPhone plan]

I'm going to look at The Tour, but I still feel kind of burned when I got the 8703e. I felt it was simply a dump of old technology, quickly replaced by better options from other carriers (Curve, Bold).

The Tour, to me is like the 8703e....the last of some old BB technology. The trackball (yet-to-be released models, such as the Onyx, show a trackpad), lack of Wi-Fi (which isn't a very big deal to me, but still), and the OS, which pre-installed is 4.7.1 (v5.0.XX is right around the corner).

I know technology changes by the day...heck, hour. But with the Storm 2 having Wi-Fi and other better BlackBerries around the corner, I'm a little skeptical.

I'm going to look at The Tour, but I still feel kind of burned when I got the 8703e. I felt it was simply a dump of old technology, quickly replaced by better options from other carriers (Curve, Bold).

The Tour, to me is like the 8703e....the last of some old BB technology. The trackball (yet-to-be released models, such as the Onyx, show a trackpad), lack of Wi-Fi (which isn't a very big deal to me, but still), and the OS, which pre-installed is 4.7.1 (v5.0.XX is right around the corner).

I know technology changes by the day...heck, hour. But with the Storm 2 having Wi-Fi and other better BlackBerries around the corner, I'm a little skeptical.

I hear ya. Still going to get the Tour and check it out. If Im not happy, Ill get the Storm II, but dont know if I will use the wi fi, so may wait for the Tour 2. Ill post in a few hrs. Im gonna head and get it now.

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Really happy with my tour so far. Its much snappier than the Storm and the keyboard is just as nice as the Bold albeit a hair narrower. All in all, very pleased to replace my uk bold and us/rest of world Storm with one device, swapping my Vodafone sim in when I'm home in the UK.

So again, why should I pay more for the Tour when the Ozone gives me that wifi capability?

For connectivity into a BES infrastructure. That is worth a LOT to me. ;)

I hear ya. Still going to get the Tour and check it out. If Im not happy, Ill get the Storm II, but dont know if I will use the wi fi, so may wait for the Tour 2. Ill post in a few hrs. Im gonna head and get it now.

Please let us know what you think about The Tour.

Please let us know what you think about The Tour.

Its awesome. Back to typing again at record speeds. I got it for free, so im not gonna complain much about alot. The screen is brighter than the storm. It does come with a smaller micro card, 2 instead of 8 that came w the storm. For all of u that want the wifi, do get the ozone tomm, it also has sim card in it for world use. Ill write again tonight, i have to run out.

I got it for free, so im not gonna complain much about alot.

Looking forward to hearing more. How did you get it for free though? Even with New Every Two, I think most people are having to pay something. Am I missing a VZW promotion?

Looking forward to hearing more. How did you get it for free though? Even with New Every Two, I think most people are having to pay something. Am I missing a VZW promotion?

VZW usually takes care of me, I do alot of business with the and refer them alot of people.

Ok, I love being able to do some things with one hand. The start up on the Tour is still long as is the Storm (soft reset). The new features it has is called "My Verizon" You can view your balance, pay your bill, see used mins, add family friend, see ur plan, etc.

The screen obv is smaller, but I dont mind it. When I play movies on my Storm, it goes to a smaller box anyways, not the full screen, so playing movies is almost Identical.

The micro usb charger is on the right side, which I like better being right handed. It however now wont allow me to use a cradle I have for the Storm, but I get a good discount on accessories.

Im going to call VZW now to unlock my phone, hope they do it as my previous phone. I cant think of too many other things. Ask away or Ill post as I notice things.

Im going to call VZW now to unlock my phone, hope they do it as my previous phone. I cant think of too many other things. Ask away or Ill post as I notice things.

I'll probably be upgrading from the World 8830.

VZ still has to unlock the phone so third-party SIM cards can be used? I know on the World 8830, I had to call to get a SIM card, but I was under the impression they unlocked it for you at that point. With the Tour having a SIM card included, I would think it would be unlocked already.

VZ still has to unlock the phone so third-party SIM cards can be used? I know on the World 8830, I had to call to get a SIM card, but I was under the impression they unlocked it for you at that point. With the Tour having a SIM card included, I would think it would be unlocked already.
Some of the VZW phones come locked to their partner Vodafone.
You can easily test it if you have another SIM card.

I'll probably be upgrading from the World 8830.

VZ still has to unlock the phone so third-party SIM cards can be used? I know on the World 8830, I had to call to get a SIM card, but I was under the impression they unlocked it for you at that point. With the Tour having a SIM card included, I would think it would be unlocked already.

Yes VZW has quite a few phones now that come with sim cards. I got it unlocked. I had my 8830, storm and now the tour unlocked.

Another thing this BB has compared to others, is VZ Navigator Global. They said it would be the first one to get it. All global phone will have it soon, if not already. You all with global phones, ie Storm, may want to check if you need/want it. It's double the price per month, but can be prorated as you travel abroad.

I got my Tour (Sprint) earlier on Tuesday. Loving' it so far. It's a good upgrade to the 8830 I had. The display is a dream. It's a little smaller overall, a tad lighter, and it is fast! Great little unit.

after 24 hours with the tour I am very very happy, it's light, fast and has all the features that my 8830 was missing. I really like the camera although i noticed that the video camera really struggles in dim light situations (obviously it is a phone after all) the keyboard is just a little smaller so it will take just a little bit of getting used to. I am really happy to be able to send and recieve picture messages for the first time in years as well and I used it to stream the i heart radio application this morning and the connection was flawless.

Feels like i have the functionality of the old school blackberry with a few of the fun iphoneish toys thrown in. I think that RIM may have reached a little too far with the storm imho and they seem to have struck a balance with the tour.

Will update if anything changes

OK, was in the Verizon store ready to upgrade to a world capable phone... was still uncertain whether to get the Tour or the HTC Ozone with its wifi. The salesman really hadn't sold many Ozones but he did state that all future Verizon BBs would have wifi.

Question about activating the "global card" as he put it... he stated that doing so would also activate the global data plan at about $60/month rather than the $29/month domestic data plan. Do you world travelers turn the global feature on and off as you travel assuming a few 7-10 day trips a year?

At the end of the store session, it was "paralysis by analysis" and I am still wearing my 6 year old Motorola E815. I really can see where wifi can be a boon, especially overseas. And the other surprise was that the BBs do not support the VZN Backup Assistant program that stores your contacts somewhere other than your phone for backup.

Question about activating the "global card" as he put it... he stated that doing so would also activate the global data plan at about $60/month rather than the $29/month domestic data plan. Do you world travelers turn the global feature on and off as you travel assuming a few 7-10 day trips a year?

Yes, I do. Which reminds me, I need to turn it off; I've been back from Europe for 4 days now.

And the other surprise was that the BBs do not support the VZN Backup Assistant program that stores your contacts somewhere other than your phone for backup. That's because they are expecting you to be using them with a corporate system where everything is simply always in sync. No need to back it up on the device since it is already somewhere else.

Question about activating the "global card" as he put it... he stated that doing so would also activate the global data plan at about $60/month rather than the $29/month domestic data plan. Do you world travelers turn the global feature on and off as you travel assuming a few 7-10 day trips a year?

The answer to your question is 'yes.'

But this is the most annoying part of Verizon Wireless. You call up their regular support folks and there are very few who know what they are doing with global support, it's VERY frustrating.

When you want to switch over, contact their global support team directly (it's a 908 area code number). Most times, it'll ring over to VZW's main support line. Ask them to talk to Global Support.

Even the Global Support with them can be maddening. Sometimes, I can get an automatic kill date on the worldwide service, sometimes I have to call back when I return. That said, they're MUCH more competent with the global stuff than regular support.

I do the same, call in whenever I need the global data portion. Also note, if you have a BB, you can message them no matter where they/you are over the data side. As long as they have a BB as well.

Wirelessly posted (Blackberry8700c: BlackBerry9630/4.7.1.40 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

+1 for the Global team. They're usually very competent in scheduling my switch to whatever day I choose.

I have my Tour and rather enjoy it. There were a couple buttons that were starting to go on my old 8830 and I like that the new one doesn't have that problem yet.

I am rather annoyed that the headphone jack is larger to accommodate the stereo headphones. So my old wired hands-free no longer works and getting a replacement when I inevitably lose the one they gave me will be a pain. Also, either the jack on the phone or the headphones they gave me is busted. It only works if I hold it slightly out. I'll be taking it back first thing tomorrow to get that dealt with.

Anyone using a MAC to sync with the Tour?
PocketMAC isnt working for me.

Anyone using a MAC to sync with the Tour?
PocketMAC isnt working for me.
Works fine for me. On the Mac and windows side.

The new BB Tour is awesome in most aspects...better keyboard, faster processor (at least twice as fast) incredible screen, WAY more memory, more intuitive interface, better camera

The one downside that absolutely drives me crazy is their placement of the USB charging port. They put it on the right side directly where your hand goes. it makes it virtually impossible to use it with it plugged in. This is a major annoyance, but given the other pluses, I will keep it.

The new BB Tour is awesome in most aspects...better keyboard, faster processor (at least twice as fast) incredible screen, WAY more memory, more intuitive interface, better camera

Agreed. I even tested some videos I converted for use on my iPhone 3G on the Tour, and they look absolutely wonderful.

And yes, the micro USB port location was a bit of a boner move. But I'm living with it nicely for all else it does so well.

The new BB Tour is awesome in most aspects...better keyboard, faster processor (at least twice as fast) incredible screen, WAY more memory, more intuitive interface, better camera

The one downside that absolutely drives me crazy is their placement of the USB charging port. They put it on the right side directly where your hand goes. it makes it virtually impossible to use it with it plugged in. This is a major annoyance, but given the other pluses, I will keep it.

Hah! Designed for a lefty. Now I gotta get me one :)

I'm using a Storm, but the Verizon Global Support point is still valid.

I chose to call in to downgrade my global plan upon my return from a trip rather than schedule it ahead of time. I flew SYD-ICN-LAX-PHX. All flights took place on July 11. I used data in SYD that morning. I used data in ICN that evening. When I got to LAX, I called and downgraded while in the airport waiting for my connection to PHX.

I got my bill and was charged the $0.02/1KB for the usage in ICN. I called and had a fun time fighting this. Basically, because I downgraded on the 11th, all usage on the 11th was charged to the standard domestic data plan. The SYD usage on the occurred on the 10th PHX time but the ICN usage occurred at 02:00am on 11th in PHX.

Took a lot of insistence - the standard support line only offered to cover half the $35 data usage,. I got global support to cover it all. They said I should have waited a day to downgrade and that is what I will do going forward. I shot back that they bill usage in fairly granular 1KB and 1 minute increments, why must my rate plan usage be in 24 hour home area increments? They didn't have any answer for that one except to repeat themselves.

The salesman really hadn't sold many Ozones but he did state that all future Verizon BBs would have wifi.

This is patently false and unproven. Verizon purposely defeats the wifi in the blackberry's. The Curve has the potential (obviously AT&T has it), but its been defeated in the Verizon version. If "future Verizon BBs would have wifi" then they would have put it in existing BBs.

Note to add that I would never believe any Verizon salesman on their future plans. Every Verizon salesman thinks they have secret insider information. If you want insider info (or close to it), check out boygeniusreport.com online.

This is patently false and unproven. Verizon purposely defeats the wifi in the blackberry's. The Curve has the potential (obviously AT&T has it), but its been defeated in the Verizon version. If "future Verizon BBs would have wifi" then they would have put it in existing BBs.

Note to add that I would never believe any Verizon salesman on their future plans. Every Verizon salesman thinks they have secret insider information. If you want insider info (or close to it), check out boygeniusreport.com online.


How would you like your crow cooked?

Back in May we scooped the fact that all BlackBerry devices released by Verizon after the Tour would include Wi-Fi — the Storm 2, the Aries, etc.

Source (Boy Genius Report) (http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2009/07/10/sprint-says-me-too-will-include-wi-fi-on-all-future-major-devices/)

And to add - the story WiFi on Verizon phones, namely Blackberry devices, was picked up by Wired.com, Engadget Mobile, CNet and countless tech / mobile blogs. They've also confirmed that Sprint will be doing this as well and it will also apparently apply to all flavors of smartphones on the carriers.

Hah! Designed for a lefty. Now I gotta get me one :)

Well not really. :)
The problem is not so much that it is on the left side, but that it is so low that you can't grab the BB. Because using the BB is is generally a 2 handed thumbing thing, it would be a problem if it was that low on either side.

Not sure how it ever made it past the product manager not to mention the beta testers . I noticed the issue within 5 seconds of picking it up when I first plugged it in.

But yes you should get one! The other upgrades really outweigh this annoyance. Notwithstanding the USB charge port location, this is by far my most favorite BB...and I have been on BB's continuously since the very early days.

OK, I have had the Tour about three weeks (Verizon) and it is my first BB after having lived with simple Motorola flip phones. I know that many of you will think that I am off the mark, but here goes:

My first sad discovery was that the Tour (and I guess all BBs) give you a single audio alert for a text message, voicemail, missed call etc. It will not continue to repeat the audio alert every few minutes until you acknowledge the "event". What is so smart about a smartphone that requires you to look at it every so often to catch your text messages or VMs, otherwise you will miss the message?

The phone number pad on the keyboard is way too small and clumsy to use for those possibly frequent situations where you have to actually dial a number that is not in the contact list. (I am a physician and frequently dial numbers not in my directory.)

And the need to press the "alt" key to insert numbers into a text message is also a clumsy process.

I am probably going to return it.

I'm really irritated at myself for not researching the Bulletin Boards enough, to realize that the VZ Tour has consistent Bluetooth audio problems. Consensus is its a RIM issue, that is going to take an OS upgrade.

Parties on the other end of a Bluetooth connection hear your voice weakly, and as if you were distant. No amount of tweaking can bring it to an acceptable level (I spend hours on Crackberry and other sites looking for fixes). No matter what kind of BT devices you use. Results are the same in my testing (a Jabra headset, a Mercedes, and a Mini).

Everything else about the phone after four days is fine, but if RIM/VZ has not pushed out an OS upgrade in the next three weeks, it's going back.

Supposedly there's a Tour update very soon. The forums are chattering about it already.

Wirelessly posted (Blackberry8700c: BlackBerry9630/4.7.1.40 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

A 5.0 beta for the Tour came available yesterday. Haven't loaded it yet though.

Wirelessly posted (Blackberry8700c: BlackBerry9630/4.7.1.40 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

A 5.0 beta for the Tour came available yesterday. Haven't loaded it yet though.

How do you access it?

How do you access it?

There was a link on crackberry, but dont know if its still active.

There was a link on crackberry, but dont know if its still active.

Thanks. I did a bunch of research last night through a number of forums (crackberry, howard, blackberryos, etc.) and it does not appear the 5.0.0.xxx release addresses the issue. The beta release is apparently quite unstable, per users. OS 5's major benefit at this time appears to be threaded SMS.

RIM/BlackBerry has an open priority fix ticket going for the Bluetooth problem. This escalation notice was only published on August 18:

http://www.blackberry.com/btsc/search.do?cmd=displayKC&docType=kc&externalId=KB19349&sliceId=1&docTypeID=DT_SUPPORTISSUE_1_1&dialogID=152980756&stateId=0%200%20148543383

Overview
The audio quality of a Bluetooth enabled device may be diminished while paired with a BlackBerry Tour smartphone. Audio quality issues may include:


Muffled audio/sound when paired with a Bluetooth headset
Voice Activated Dialing incorrectly determining user input
Outbound audio volume through a Bluetooth car kit is distorted or lower than expected


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Resolution
This is a previously reported issue that has been escalated internally to our development team. No resolution time frame is currently available.

The new BB operating system (beta) has caused many problems for those who downloaded it. There are many posts on www.crackberry.com detailing their attempts to revert to the older OS.

Most of the bugs are pretty minor things. Take the crackberry crowd with a grain of salt - they're mostly teenagers who flip out of Blackberry Messenger doesn't work. Reading those threads, it's pretty minor what they complain about, if you're a normal user.