I finally got around to visiting a Cingular store that actually had a Blackberry 8800 in stock. Normall I expect to be so entranced by a new Blackberry that I buy it on the spot. I went into the Cingular store with every expectation of wanting to buy the 8800. After taking it out of the box, holding it in my hand, and playing with the keyboard, I left it at the store. There were three reasons why it didn’t do it for me:
1. It was about the same size as the 8700 that I carry for work. The only really noticeable difference was that the 8800 was much thinner than the 8700.
2. Now that I am fully re-adjusted to the SureType, I didn’t like the angle of the keys on the 8800. I saw no reason to trade up in terms of device side in order to get a full QWERTY keyboard.
3. If I am going to carry a device that large, it had better have WiFi and a camera. Otherwise, you’re just carrying a big PDA. The best thing about the Pearl is that it doesn’t look like you’re talking on a computer when you take a call.
If you switched from the Pearl to the Blackberry 8800 and want to educate me on why it’s a good idea, leave me a comment.
I was in the exact same situation and had the same experience with the same results. Really thought the 8800 was going to wow me… i’m totally happy with the pearl for my needs and see no reason to upgrade.
Glad to know that I am not the only one — thanks for the comment.
Unrelated to the 8800 — Anyone else getting java errors on their Pearl when typing a name to place a call? After the error, I’m dropped into my call log (which has been cleared post-error).
OMG Charles! I saw the 8800 a month or so ago and thought it would not come out forever. I bought the Pearl and almost had buyer’s remorse today. I finally realized the 8800 was available today and nearly cried in my cubicle. The 8800 is small, sexy, full qwerty and really everything I would want in a phone.
I did realize though the 8800 = corporate which I am not a fan of. It does not have the camera which I like, come in the white color and makes me have to be on Cingular. I felt better after knowing that. Plus you have a Pearl which makes me feel closer to you=)
See you for dinner tonight.
OMG Charles! I saw the 8800 a month or so ago and thought it would not come out forever. I bought the Pearl and almost had buyer’s remorse today. I finally realized the 8800 was available today and nearly cried in my cubicle. The 8800 is small, sexy, full qwerty and really everything I would want in a phone. I did realize though the 8800 = corporate which I am not a fan of. It does not have the camera which I like, come in the white color and makes me have to be on Cingular. I felt better after knowing that. Plus you have a Pearl which makes me feel closer to you=) See you for dinner tonight.