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.

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!!?!?!?

$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...

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...eless&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

Patience
 

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

"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!!! ;)