Blackberry Bold 9900 or...?

**sjefferson21** · 05-23-2012, 04:08 PM

Originally Posted by JiveGirl14

While I'd recommend getting the 9900 (or the Torch if one likes large screens) I completely disagree with your comment about the battery life issue being "VERY" good or simply not being the case anymore. Maybe this is the situation for you - if so you should state that this is your situation and your experience as you're not speaking for me. Anyone purchasing the phone needs to bear this in mind - there's been no universal announcement from RIM that the battery issues with the 9900 have been fixed. I don't even know that RIM have even acknowledged even having a battery issue.

My battery lasts about a day - just - and that is with me being on the latest OS and charging it at least once a day, starting up fully charged from overnight and certainly not having loads of apps running in the background. I've had it since last September. Quite frankly the Bold 9900 is great and I like it but the battery life sucks. I thought (hoped) it had improved with the latest 7.1 OS update but it hasn't -at least that is not my experience.

To the Online Poster - get the phone if you want it - but please try it out yourself for a couple of weeks with your usage pattern and see how the battery works for you.

Who knows, it may be better and you may not have issues. If you do, be prepared to have a spare battery with you or a charger.

Edit: I have to say that apart from the battery life issue I've had no other issues with my 9900 - no bricking, no battery pulls etc. My 9700 and all my previous BBs used to last 2-3 days in terms of battery life so I've still not got used to the short life span of the 9900 battery.

i love how the battery ONLY lasting an entire day is an "issue". When the battery was an "issue" it was dying in a matter of hours. Just because it does not last as long as older blackberries does not mean its an issue. People want the processor, responsiveness, touchscreen, and other features of the 9900, but want the battery of an older bold. Other smartphones dont always give you even a day of battery. So yes... the battery "issue" is no longer a problem... only certain people have complaints about battery.

Sent from my sexy 9900 using Tapatalk

**sjefferson21** · 05-23-2012, 04:11 PM

to sum it up... compared to a 9700, of course the 9900 battery is going to disappoint. But, as far as performance, the 9900 takes the cake. You cant have your cake and eat it too. It has a better processor and is slimmer than other blackberries. What do some people expect?!!

Sent from my sexy 9900 using Tapatalk

**bimmerdriver** · 05-23-2012, 05:37 PM

Originally Posted by StephDOGG

to sum it up... compared to a 9700, of course the 9900 battery is going to disappoint. But, as far as performance, the 9900 takes the cake. You cant have your cake and eat it too. It has a better processor and is slimmer than other blackberries. What do some people expect?!!

I agree, other than the fact that the 9700 is called bold and (from a distance) it looks sort of like the 9900 which is also called bold, there are no similiaries. Sure, the battery on the 9700 lasts for days, but it has a miniscule keyboard, a miniscule screen, insufficient CPU or memory, no touch and a basically useless browser. (Not so much a criticism of the 9700, but it was an old phone so what would you expect?) I'm very happy to have moved from the 9700 to the 9900. The 9900 is better in every way than the 9700 except for battery life, but again, what would you expect?

**416to604** · 05-23-2012, 05:44 PM

have had my 9900 since january and in my experience:

> battery life is satisfactory. it all depends on how you use your phone. as well, OS7.1 has improved my battery significantly
> haven't had to replace my phone at all
> resetting was more of an issue on my 9700, but a quickpull once a week keeps my phone relatively clean and hang up free

**GeneralTech** · 05-23-2012, 08:21 PM

Do you want a keyboard? Thats thing about the first bb10 phone is its going to be a all touch device and the new platform will instantly make blackberry 7 software obsolete upon release. I dont know about you but that drives me up the wall whenever blackberry does that. Also take into account that the resale value of your phone is far less than what you will buy it for, if you buy it new. if i were you i may opt for going on your kijiji or craigslist or whatever and trade someone with a 9900 with reciepts and or remaining and warranty of course and cash for your iphone 4 (yes someone will give you a 9900 plus cash for your iphone 4)

I like 9900's but i wouldn't pay the price they are asking for em at the cell stores i'd grab one if its cheap. But thats me.

**spencerdl** · 05-23-2012, 09:17 PM

Originally Posted by GeneralTech

Do you want a keyboard? Thats thing about the first bb10 phone is its going to be a all touch device and the new platform will instantly make blackberry 7 software obsolete upon release. I dont know about you but that drives me up the wall whenever blackberry does that. Also take into account that the resale value of your phone is far less than what you will buy it for, if you buy it new. if i were you i may opt for going on your kijiji or craigslist or whatever and trade someone with a 9900 with reciepts and or remaining and warranty of course and cash for your iphone 4 (yes someone will give you a 9900 plus cash for your iphone 4)

I like 9900's but i wouldn't pay the price they are asking for em at the cell stores i'd grab one if its cheap. But thats me.

.....and I feel exactly the same way towards the iphone, only difference is, its the same iOS...no change and the "new" style renders the previous one "obsolete" .....hummm

I would never pay the price they are asking for a iphone

**windblackberry** · 05-23-2012, 11:24 PM

Go for it!!! Ive had my 9900 for 8 months now with no major problems. Battery should last you a day on moderate usage.

Sent from my BlackBerry 9900 using Tapatalk

**jivegirl14** · 05-23-2012, 11:29 PM

Originally Posted by StephDOGG

i love how the battery ONLY lasting an entire day is an "issue". When the battery was an "issue" it was dying in a matter of hours. Just because it does not last as long as older blackberries does not mean its an issue. People want the processor, responsiveness, touchscreen, and other features of the 9900, but want the battery of an older bold. Other smartphones dont always give you even a day of battery. So yes... the battery "issue" is no longer a problem... only certain people have complaints about battery.

Sent from my sexy 9900 using Tapatalk

I don't care about other smart phones. I care about the phone that I have. And frankly it's not for you to tell me what's an issue on my phone m'kay? It's an issue for me end of story, regardless of whether it's an issue for you. I've already said that the fact that it's not an issue for you doesn't mean it's not an issue for others. You seem intent on insisting your view is the only view that counts. And unless you've tested every 9900 in existence I am not sure how you can even say the battery issues of the 9900 are no longer a problem.

The battery does have to last 2 days in order not to suck (but that would not be a bad idea) but they should be fit for purpose and for the record without being charged during the day (as well) it barely even makes a full day. Which is why I carry a portable charger for my phone... I shouldn't need to. And I am not the only one for whom the battery of the 9900 is an issue (whatever you may say). So, when I am asked about whether or not someone should get the phone I always say it's a great phone but caveat the battery issue because that's the reality for me.

**sjefferson21** · 05-24-2012, 12:21 AM

Originally Posted by JiveGirl14

I don't care about other smart phones. I care about the phone that I have. And frankly it's not for you to tell me what's an issue on my phone m'kay? It's an issue for me end of story, regardless of whether it's an issue for you. I've already said that the fact that it's not an issue for you doesn't mean it's not an issue for others. You seem intent on insisting your view is the only view that counts. And unless you've tested every 9900 in existence I am not sure how you can even say the battery issues of the 9900 are no longer a problem.

The battery does have to last 2 days in order not to suck (but that would not be a bad idea) but they should be fit for purpose and for the record without being charged during the day (as well) it barely even makes a full day. Which is why I carry a portable charger for my phone... I shouldn't need to. And I am not the only one for whom the battery of the 9900 is an issue (whatever you may say). So, when I am asked about whether or not someone should get the phone I always say it's a great phone but caveat the battery issue because that's the reality for me.

wow... looks like i struck a nerve. What im saying is that the "issue" of the phone dying in a matter of hours is gone. for you to jump in and say "i still have an issue with the battery" is misleading the OP because that is YOUR issue. The OP was not asking if people are unhappy with the battery life... because there is someone who has a problem with the battery life of EVERY phone. The OP was asking if THE battery issue was still a problem... which it is not. So, take a chill pill and charge your phone.

Sent from my sexy 9900 using Tapatalk

**sjefferson21** · 05-24-2012, 12:34 AM

Originally Posted by spencerdl

I would suggest getting the 99xx, I have the 9930, and I have had ZERO (0) problems. I've been in and out of these forums for awhile, and a lot of problems with Blackberry devices are from user error, not saying that Blackberry devices don't have problems just like ALL smartphones, but its not as common as it may seem on these forums. The BB10 phones are due for release in Q4 (I think), and IMO, it will be at least three months after that before its totally on board for consumer consumption.

Like Kevin said: "Blackberries are for smart people"

So to the OP, go for the 99xx... don't let peoples complaining and griping deter you. Because, if they really had such an issue with the phone, they would change devices. Soooo grab up that BB and post in here to let us know how you like it.

**JUSTQUAN2** · 05-24-2012, 01:45 AM

I myself am coming back to the 99xx series. My 9930 was a horrible experience due to me getting a faulty device. I had no service and when I did I avg about 4hrs hard use. So I left and got me a E4GT, battery life sucked on hard and moderate use. I have the galaxy note now and same old battery issue of course. I've come to the conclusion that I text more, fb, some twitter and chosen tech blogs daily. So I can do that from a 9900. I am going to keep my E4GT and Note cause they are kick a** devices. But daily use will be good ol bb. Like many have said, I can just buy me a couple spare batteries and make it through the day(s). They are thin so it won't feel like your carrying much around.

Btw since someone mentioned old school battery life, nothing beat my 8330! I literally got 29hrs out of that thing. Ahhhh, the good old days *sitting in my rocking chair drinking lemonade*

**sjefferson21** · 05-24-2012, 02:34 AM

Originally Posted by JUSTQUAN2

Btw since someone mentioned old school battery life, nothing beat my 8330! I literally got 29hrs out of that thing. Ahhhh, the good old days *sitting in my rocking chair drinking lemonade*

LMAO!!!! nice!

Sent from my sexy 9900 using Tapatalk

**HafeezAkmal** · 05-24-2012, 05:27 AM

If you ask me, personally I think it's based on your personal preferences. The more important thing right now is, it's a great news to hear that you're coming back to the CB nation

.

I've also heard those speculations too before I got myself the Bold 9900, but guess what, I'm loving every single minute of it right now. Battery life does matter, but what I usually do when the device is idle is I just plug in the charger whether I'm at home or in the car, when I think it's necessary for me to charge it. Once you've got the device, upgrade it immediately to 7.1, alright?

If you're a big fan of the big screen + you don't want to miss the great keyboard, Torch 9810 is kinda nice.

**jivegirl14** · 05-24-2012, 08:36 AM

Originally Posted by StephDOGG

wow... looks like i struck a nerve. What im saying is that the "issue" of the phone dying in a matter of hours is gone. for you to jump in and say "i still have an issue with the battery" is misleading the OP because that is YOUR issue. The OP was not asking if people are unhappy with the battery life... because there is someone who has a problem with the battery life of EVERY phone. The OP was asking if THE battery issue was still a problem... which it is not. So, take a chill pill and charge your phone.

Sent from my sexy 9900 using Tapatalk

LOL! Whatever.

You can protest all you like but it doesn't change the fact that the 9900 while a great phone still has underwhelming battery life that should be taken into account if one is thinking of buying the phone. Yep, that's right, the issue hasn't gone away, sorry to disappoint you and it isn't just my phone. If anyone is misleading anyone else, it's you. But that's OK.

I will let you get back to misinterpreting posts (you do that quite well) and being an apologist for the phone/battery issues/whatever you want to call it since it means so much to you. Meanwhile, time for me to stick you on ignore.

To the original OP for what it's worth - as I said earlier the battery life has been and is still an issue for some phones, may not be an issue for yours, take everything into consideration but most importantly than what anyone says here test it for yourself over the grace period if you buy the phone.

**guerllamo7** · 05-24-2012, 08:49 AM

OP,
Since you are with ATT you can chose between the Bold 9900 and the Torch 9810.
I own both so I will try to give you a fair assesment. I also had an iPhone and although it has some nice features I am much more capable with my BlackBerry so your switch makes perfect sense to me.

I made a little video comparing the three top three OS7 devices but I would say I favor the Bold and Torch over the full screen by a mile. I've helped several people get OS7 BlackBerry phones and the only one that does not love it is the full screen 9860. After helping her with it I could see why. In my opinion BlackBerry rules the world of physical keyboards but the full touch device does not provide you the touch screen experience of your iPhone. They basically made a full screen that runs from menus like a Bold does. I love BB but they have not cracked the code on that full screen stuff just yet.

Hope this helps.

BTW, don't worry about the rumors. If you get a Bold or Torch and it melts in the sun (as some would like you to believe) or some other crazy thing you can always take it back. I know I've dropped mine twice and it is running great. It has a solid, one piece metal frame that makes it rugged and the keyboard is simply the best. Its a BlackBerry.

**bbzak** · 05-24-2012, 09:26 AM

RIM!!
Stick a 3000mah battery to the 9900.
Let's kick some a** outta those lame touchy mushy phones!

**sjefferson21** · 05-24-2012, 09:43 AM

Originally Posted by JiveGirl14

LOL! Whatever.

You can protest all you like but it doesn't change the fact that the 9900 while a great phone still has underwhelming battery life that should be taken into account if one is thinking of buying the phone. Yep, that's right, the issue hasn't gone away, sorry to disappoint you and it isn't just my phone. If anyone is misleading anyone else, it's you. But that's OK.

I will let you get back to misinterpreting posts (you do that quite well) and being an apologist for the phone/battery issues/whatever you want to call it since it means so much to you. Meanwhile, time for me to stick you on ignore.

To the original OP for what it's worth - as I said earlier the battery life has been and is still an issue for some phones, may not be an issue for yours, take everything into consideration but most importantly than what anyone says here test it for yourself over the grace period if you buy the phone.

I just think that you are unable to grasp the concept of more features/better performance = depleted battery life. you want it to perform like a 9900, but have the battery of the 9700. You want it have the performance of a S class mercedes, but have the fuel economy of a hyundai.

Sent from my sexy 9900 using Tapatalk

**TLD1** · 05-24-2012, 10:10 AM

Originally Posted by StephDOGG

Like Kevin said: "Blackberries are for smart people".

I have a little issue with that statement...and I'm not slamming Kevin at all for making it.

I've been back and forth between BB & the iPhone ad nauseum ever since the Gen-1 iPhone and when I jumped from the iPhone back to the BlackBerry it was because I missed the hard keyboard and the simple functionality of the thing...especially when I was in a job that required me to handle lots of emails & had a fiance that liked to text a lot. But, then I'd get frustrated with the BB's smaller screen, lack of adequate browser & limited multimedia functions..and I'd jump back to the iPhone, and the cycle would be repeated.

I used to hear BlackBerry fans scream at how arrogant Apple and iPhone fanboys were, especially back when there was a bit of exclusivity in owning an iPhone...unlike today when everybody and their freakin' dog has one. I used to consider the BB crowd a more mature, and much more humble bunch...but that's clearly not the story now. Now, I read more posts than ever basically preaching how iPhones are owned by stupid people that have no business with a smartphone and have much lower position on the food chain than the obviously smarter people who use BlackBerrys.

I have been fighting my desire to jump back to BlackBerry, especially the 9900 which is a great phone...but with some real limitations. When I read threads about "face dialing" because of the faulty proximity sensor...the keypad putting periods randomly in sentances...plus the issues many have had with the trackpad and general QC problems...I wonder how "smart" is the choice. My iPhone...although I detest typing on glass, does everything except BBM that a BlackBerry can do...or within reason. It has a great proximity sensor...types accurately & is reliable enough with emails and messages where I never miss anything. In fact, I think it's pretty "smart" that I save time that I might be being frustrated with my BlackBerry 9900 doing other things, like being productive at life.

All that said...I still might jump back to the 9900 simply because I have a warm place in my heart for all things BlackBerry, and always will...but not because I think it makes me "smart" or smarter than any iPhone user. I consider myself as smart as most and smarter than some, but I don't buy a phone to reflect that.

To the OP...change is good. If you can get by with the limitations of the screen size, font size, lack of full applications & the general quirkiness of the BB...you might find you like it better than your iPhone.

**spencerdl** · 05-24-2012, 10:42 AM

This battery issue is not an issue at all. I've had some kind of cellphone since the BIG Motorola grey brick (two phone calls, battery depleted), and it is true that battery techonolgy has not kept up with phone technology, but its really not that bad as some posters would have you to believe. Blackberry devices were ahead of their time and always had long lasting batteries until now, because consumers wanted more out of their Blackberry devices no matter the cost, the battery was the obvious looser. With the capabilities of the newer phones....I'm glad I get a days worth of "juice". If you like any phone and it gives you the option to change batteries, I suggest carrying an extra battery. This "simple solution" has been used for years by many and its effective.

**bbzak** · 05-24-2012, 07:13 PM

Originally Posted by StephDOGG

I just think that you are unable to grasp the concept of more features/better performance = depleted battery life. you want it to perform like a 9900, but have the battery of the 9700. You want it have the performance of a S class mercedes, but have the fuel economy of a hyundai.

Sent from my sexy 9900 using Tapatalk

No No No.
What we need is a Merc S class with a Merc S class fuel tank. Not a Merc S class with a Hyundai fuel tank.

**MT56** · 05-24-2012, 07:41 PM

9900 or 9810 -- great phones. Make sure you upgrade OS to 7.1 if not included off the shelf. Look at options, device check your settings -- backlight brightness set at 10 or 20 (friends 9900 was set at 100 -- no need for that). Timeout set at 20, (friends 9900 was set for 2 min). 7.1 has battery saving mode -- set at always. Under device, local settings - utrn location services "off" until you use GPS/MAPs. 7.1 has device analyzer where you can run battery tests to see which apps drain your battery. Lots of way to increase battery life.

As a side note, friend said 9900 very sluggish response both - track pad and touch screen. No wonder sensitivity set at 20, my torch set at 70 very fast.. Yes, I have 9810, but 9900 looks like a great phone too.. I used these Forums to help make my phone very fast, new 9900 users can too..

**sjefferson21** · 05-24-2012, 08:00 PM

Originally Posted by bbzak

No No No.

What we need is a Merc S class with a Merc S class fuel tank. Not a Merc S class with a Hyundai fuel tank.

lol

Sent from my sexy 9900 using Tapatalk

**sangla88** · 05-25-2012, 12:10 PM

i have bold 9900 . this is my first phone ever ... and i cannot think going to any other platform....every thing is great with device.. only thing i am missing right now is dell voice app ... when it will come my bold is gona be more awesome... i love my bold ...it looks so nice..just make sure you have car charger if you are gona use it as a hot spot and watch videos on your playbook...

Sent from my BlackBerry 9900 using Tapatalk

**DOCTOREVIL8** · 05-25-2012, 01:12 PM

OP, I owned a Tour as well. If you loved that phone, then no words can describe how you'd feel about owning a 9900. The term "love" is an understatement. The processing power of the hardware mated with the updated OS 7.1 along with the keyboard, trackpad and touchscreen combination makes for the ultimate blackberry experience. The Bold 9900 keyboard is the best of any phone, period. Sorry, I cannot endorse the Torch as the shrunken keyboard hurts it's overall appeal. But that's my opinion.

I had battery concerns with OS 7.0. I would get home from work with less than 20% battery remaining. Now on OS 7.1 I'm over 50% at the end of my work day so I can still use it in the evenings before it's night time cradle charge. No issues there for me.

The camera has no auto-focus, which is a real bummer for close up pics. That's my only gripe with the device.

Don't wait for BB10. Get the 9900!!! Do it!!!

Sent from my BlackBerry 9900

**damule6666** · 05-25-2012, 03:44 PM

My first smart phone was a BB, i have since left to try the shiny new devices of all the formats. ios, android, win etc.. The one constant is i keep coming back to RIM and the Berry.

I was an early buyer of the 9930 when it dropped (went through 2) left and went to iphone for a bit.. But i am back on a 9930 now that the updates have finally made it the phone i knew it could be.. And i quite honestly don't see myself leaving until they offer a BB10 phone WITH a keyboard.

As for the battery, it is no longer an "ISSUE" it is just what it is. NOT a clam-shell dumb phone that goes 3 days without a charge. It is a smart phone that get's roughly 1 days worth of solid usage out of a charge. And contrary to what some would say that IS the norm, not the exception. One can moan and whine all they like about it being an "issue" but in point of fact it is only an "issue" for them due to unrealistic expectations.

My view, pull the trigger.. You will NOT regret it one bit.