Is it just me or does the BlackBerry 88whatever kind of seem like the BlackBerry you get when the BlackBerry you really want isn’t available to you?
We just ran a very scientific poll where we asked RIMarkable readers which of the trackball bearing BlackBerrys they like and, with the exception of one person, the very few that said BlackBerry 88xx qualified their response with because it is what is available to them right now.
The BlackBerry Curve and the BlackBerry Pearl ran away with it. Could this be why RIM is coming out with additional hardware configurations of the same devices? Usually we just see a GSM model followed by a CDMA model and then RIM moves on to the next model all together. Look, however, at all the different variations of RIM’s latest BlackBerrys.
Coming from an 8700, I love my 8830. I would love to have WiFi and a camera, but I can live without them. The EV-DO makes up for the lack of WiFi. I love the thinner form factor, trackball and GPS.
I am a VZW customer and got the 8830 because I couldn’t deal with my Moto Q anymore. I’n very happy, but I still look at my friends’ Curves with envy and would drop my 8830 for one in a heartbeat if VZW began selling them.
Robb,
I think that what you are picking up on is that the 8800 is really just an OK device and when it comes to work, which the 8880 is designed for, isn’t that radically different than the 8700 models that, in my opinion, set a new bar for BlackBerry design.
If this happens NOTHING would keep me with RIM…
“Research in Motion Ltd (RIM.TO) (RIMM.O) moved higher on Thursday on renewed market speculation that Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O) could be interested in buying the BlackBerry maker.”
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070830/tc_nm/rimm_microsoft_shares_dc
The 88XX is nice but the keyboard is too cramped. I do not need many of the features of the Curve but like the keyboard better.
That said, if someone were to give me one…..I would gladly accept it.
8800 is to big… curve is perfect size.
Greg-
I am right there with you. I had to go with Verizon because my husband gets a good deal with them (and ATT reception where I live stinks) BUT I wish like heck they had the Curve or Pearl. I keep going to http://www.wirelessbyeaccess.com , the store I bought my 8830 at and looking at their inventory. I have a question- why doesn’t RIM put cameras on more of their devices? I would totally love this phone if it had a camera and for the life of me I can’t figure out why they don’t put them on more devices…someone help me out if you can please.
Thank you!
Dawn
I specifically bought the 8830 because of the feature set. I love having gps with google maps and berry 411 applications. Full keyboard is a must imo if you use the device often.
Yes the pearl has the nice form factor, but how are you using the device? If you want a slick looking thin phone, and data as a secondary, then I am sure the pearl is fine. For true corporate workers, I cant see them using a small keyboard without going nuts.
Another thing that comes to mind is the phone and security. I know some government agencies and private companies that ban cameras inside the buildings. So if you had the pearl or curve, you would have the leave the phone outside.
I think the 83xx form factor is far superior to the 88xx, especially the keyboard. I think the 88xx is a consolation prize, similar to the 81xx. I think that all BlackBerries should be full QWERTY and the Pearl should be put to pasture.