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"Slim design; next generation should be better" on by smithjp3
Pros: Slim, trackball nice; better phone
Cons: Media playing needs improvement
Summary: I upgraded this after my 8700 died. I really liked the slim design and expected the keys and the trackball to bug me but it was an easy transition. After a day or so I prefer the trackball to the click wheel. Dont expect too much different in the phone from the 8700; it's basically the same phone. Call quality is a little better.
GPS is nice but pretty slow. Media player is very poor. If anyone is expecting these to take on the iPhone (assuming that works as well as an iPod) then you better wait for the 2nd or 3rd generation of these. It's pretty fickle with frame rates and other features so it isnt that easy to share video on a couple of devices. -
"Best phone ive had yet!" on by Speciialj
Pros: ease of use, layout, convienence, capabilities, gps
Cons: size, lack of camera, width
Summary: I had a pearl for awhile when it came out and didn't like the keyboard or the small screen size. Since then ive had every smartphone I could find trying to find the "perfect" phone. After the 650, blackjack, dash, 8525, ming (a1200) etc...I decided that to try a blackberry again and it was a fantastic decision. The GPS works flawlessly, phone is clear and simple. Bluetooth works for synching and headset. Overall this phone works very well. The only drawbacks I can think of are the large size and the lack of a camera. The size is offset a little by the thinness and how light it is, but still a little wide. Camera isn't a deal breaker, but I would expect one in a $400 phone. I understand workplace security issues though. Overall, very pleased! Now if RIM could just combine a GPS into the T-Mobile release of the 8300 then I would be set!
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"Maybe I should have gone with Verizon." on by Neila777
Pros: Good resolution on a bright screen. Internet access. Intuitive controls on most functions.
Cons: No camera. Crappy GPS. Sound of phone calls could be better.
Summary: I was about to drop T-Mobile. The biggest issue was that I've been wanting a phone that offers GPS w/ street by street directions, etc. Verizon has territory covered, quite well I might add. The new Voyager offered by Verizon is amazing, hands down. Long story short, I got talked outta dropping T-Mobile by the third rep I spoke to (the previous two did not even try). The rep said that this 8800 had built in GPS (99% or T-Mobile products do not have GPS option). I decided to give it a shot, mainly b/c I had a Blackberry Curve with my previous job and I loved that phone, and missed it when I left that company.
The GPS on the 8800 is weak, and confusing. It takes too long for the device to figure out where you're at, the maps are hard to handle, and the directions to locations suck.
The phone isn't terrible, but I bought it for the GPS and now I am experiencing a bit of buyer's remorse. I am considering returning it.
And to top it all off - the device has no camera. The Blackberry Curve offers a great camera. -
"AWESOME DEVICE" on by canpostie
Pros: gps is great, great color screen, easy to use
Cons: No Camera, but not a huge deal
Summary: this is my second Blackberry, I owned a blackberry Pearl, i thought it was great,(although a pain in the butt to type emails) until I upgraded to the 8830. The 8830 is much superior. The only thing I don't like is the fact that it has no camera, but Its not a big deal, having said that, the Pearl did have a great camera for a phone, but I can live without it, i have a good olympus camera. I find the Blackberry 8830, the most useful device i have ever owned. First of all, the reception is great, have not lost any calls, emails are instantaneous, browser is impressive, and quite fast. The color screen is awesome, some people have complained about the keys being too small. I don't have a problem, and I have fairly large hands, I can even use my thumbs without hitting the wrong key. I could go on and on, but i think you get the picture, I like everything about it. Hope this helps.
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