Blackberry Question

[DBKromz]

So I've had enough of my ic502 hybrid, and going to switch to Sprint completely. Having problems debating between the 8830 and the 8310 (pearl) blackberries. Has anyone got any feedback on these models? They cost the same, and the Pearl is newer with a camera phone and shared keyboard. I'm leaning towards the Pearl because it's smaller and has an hour more of talk time.
I'm not putting the data plan on it because getting my email isnt worth $40/month extra.
I've set up 3 users with the 8830 at work, and they seem to like them so far. But I dont think these guys have used the extra features these phones offer.

[LuvDog]

Do you mean the 8130 and the 8830? I'm not sure what the 8310 is.
If you're not planning on using it for email, then why are you looking to get a blackberry?

[DBKromz]

yea i meant the 8130, i was typiung too fast. i like the design of the phone as apposed to the flip phones. i have a BB 7100i for work now, and i like it better than the flips (track wheel, keypad, bigger display, etc).
I'm not really happy with my hybrid, and I want a new phone

[ssg]

Only complaint I've heard first hand about the Pearl is the keypad/ buttons are a little on the difficult/smaller side.

[DBKromz]

Yes I know the keypad is smaller than the 8830. It's like my work 7100i BlackBerry and I don't mind it.

[LuvDog]

Well... the 8830 is more geared towards email use.

I think the 8830 is more geared towards email use and business stuff... its more of a "blackberry"

The 8130 seems more to focus more on the cell phone and gadgets and also happens to incorporate blackberry functions.

So if you don't really need a hard core emailer, then I'd go with the 8130.

[DBKromz]

since I have the text/web plan on my hybrid ic502 phone, I'll install the gmail application for my email. $40/month for email isnt worth it to me, since I'm not running a business.

[Frankenstein]

I just switched from the Pearl to the Curve. IMO the pearl is actually easier to type on because the keys on the Curve are VERY small, but it's not a full qwerty like the Curve. That takes a little getting used to but once you get the hang of it, it's no problem at all.

The 8830 has slightly bigger keys than the Curve, but it's a LOT heavier and doesn't have a camera. Other than that they are pretty close, feature-wise.

With that said, the Pearl is my all-time favorite phone, bar none. However, I use a mobile SSH client a lot and needed the wider aspect ratio screen to accomodate that app. And the GPS of the Curve is pretty awesome too. They're bringing a GPS-enabled Pearl out in early 2008.

[DBKromz]

I'll take that pearl off your hands for you :

[DBKromz]

Originally Posted by Frankenstein

I just switched from the Pearl to the Curve. IMO the pearl is actually easier to type on because the keys on the Curve are VERY small, but it's not a full qwerty like the Curve. That takes a little getting used to but once you get the hang of it, it's no problem at all.

The 8830 has slightly bigger keys than the Curve, but it's a LOT heavier and doesn't have a camera. Other than that they are pretty close, feature-wise.

With that said, the Pearl is my all-time favorite phone, bar none. However, I use a mobile SSH client a lot and needed the wider aspect ratio screen to accomodate that app. And the GPS of the Curve is pretty awesome too. They're bringing a GPS-enabled Pearl out in early 2008.

by the way, THIS is exactly what I was looking for to help me make my decision. thanks dude!

[Frankenstein]

Originally Posted by DBConz

I'll take that pearl off your hands for you :

I get them through work, so the Pearl has already gone back into the equipment pool and been allocated to someone else. I miss it, but the Curve is pretty awesome too so I can't complain too much.

Originally Posted by DBConz

by the way, THIS is exactly what I was looking for to help me make my decision. thanks dude!

Glad to help.

[DBKromz]

that's too bad. with my 10% discount, i'll be able to get the pearl for $180. but it just sucks since i just bought my hybrid over the summer

[DBKromz]

just ordered the Pearl 8130 yesterday (thanks Frankenstein). Anyone know what the max microSD card that's compatible with these? I hear that 4GB is the limit until the blackberry OS 4.3 comes out.

[Frankenstein]

Originally Posted by DBConz

just ordered the Pearl 8130 yesterday (thanks Frankenstein). Anyone know what the max microSD card that's compatible with these? I hear that 4GB is the limit until the blackberry OS 4.3 comes out.

I think you're right, 4G is the max untill 4.3. If you haven't already, check out BlackBerryForums.com : Your Number One BlackBerry Community there's a lot of good info over there.

[LuvDog]

Speaking of microSD cards...I've got a 4 Gig micro SD brand new I'll sell ya. $45.

[DBKromz]

Originally Posted by LuvDog

Speaking of microSD cards...I've got a 4 Gig micro SD brand new I'll sell ya. $45.

SanDisk or Kingston?

[DBKromz]

Originally Posted by Frankenstein

I think you're right, 4G is the max untill 4.3. If you haven't already, check out BlackBerryForums.com : Your Number One BlackBerry Community there's a lot of good info over there.

that sucks. i wanted to get this microSD card, because I like the USB reader that it comes with. Some of the comments on here say that it wont read it, but other say it worked fine.
Any ideas when OS 4.3 comes out?

[Frankenstein]

Originally Posted by DBConz

that sucks. i wanted to get this microSD card, because I like the USB reader that it comes with. Some of the comments on here say that it wont read it, but other say it worked fine.
Any ideas when OS 4.3 comes out?

So far it seems like concrete info on 4.3 is as elusive as the 9000 series Blackberry.

[DBKromz]

so it sounds like this 4gb one is my best shot for now?

[Frankenstein]

Originally Posted by DBConz

so it sounds like this 4gb one is my best shot for now?

Sadly, yep. When I got my pearl, the 2G cards weren't even working in them yet. I love what they can do with an OS update. I still just have my 1G card and I haven't even come close to filling it, but I don't put music or other stuff on it, just pictures.

[DBKromz]

Originally Posted by Frankenstein

I think you're right, 4G is the max untill 4.3. If you haven't already, check out BlackBerryForums.com : Your Number One BlackBerry Community there's a lot of good info over there.

and i just looked around on there, and it looks like 4.3 is out for the Sprint 8130 Pearl. Here's the link.

[DBKromz]

Originally Posted by Frankenstein

Sadly, yep. When I got my pearl, the 2G cards weren't even working in them yet. I love what they can do with an OS update. I still just have my 1G card and I haven't even come close to filling it, but I don't put music or other stuff on it, just pictures.

well it's like a $20 difference from 2gb to 4gb, so I'd rather max it out. I'm thinking of keeping MP3's on there, which I could use on long bike rides when the spring comes.

[LuvDog]

Originally Posted by DBConz

SanDisk or Kingston?

Kingston

[DBKromz]

LuvDog, what's the model #, because I'm looking at them on newegg now. I have a feeling i'll install OS 4.3 and get a 6gb card though

[Frankenstein]

Originally Posted by DBConz

and i just looked around on there, and it looks like 4.3 is out for the Sprint 8130 Pearl. Here's the link.

Sweet! That means AT&T might have it out by Q2 2008.