1. andy957's Avatar
    I have the 8900 which is an awesome phone but there are a couple of things that irk me, and am wondering if I should buy the 9700 (my local Rogers dealer just got a brand spanking-new one that he's holding for me).

    The 8900:

    • Trackball is awful after a few months. Tried new phone, same issue.
    • Send and Stop keys don't light up well in backlight.

    I looked at the 9700 and saw the trackpad and the keys and it's pretty much the same phone, except 2x more memory (256MB) and the trackpad.

    Should I or shouldn't I?
    11-11-09 05:31 PM
  2. ranger141's Avatar
    The trackpad is nicer than the trackball, IMO, and I don't think anyone would argue that it has a better usage life.
    The other thing to take into consideration is if you get/use 3G. The 3G capability was a big issue when it came to choosing my BB.
    11-11-09 05:40 PM
  3. andy957's Avatar
    Thanks, ranger.

    Also, could someone please tell me which version/build of the OS comes on the 9700 out of the box? Nobody seems to know, I even went to blackberry.com to look at the features/specs and it doesn't say!
    11-11-09 05:48 PM
  4. zhelf's Avatar
    well actually the 8900 and 9700 both have 256mb of ram but the 8900 has a 528mhz processor i think and the 9700 had a 624mhz. Also the 9700 has 3g where as 8900 does not.
    11-11-09 05:53 PM
  5. ek9max's Avatar
    I upgraded fr0om teh 8900 to the 9700 on the 4th. I absolutly love this phone and think it's better than the 8900 is EVERY way. Other than it lacks UMA on rogers....

    But you're in the states so you'll get it i beleive.
    11-12-09 01:43 AM
  6. Optimusp517's Avatar
    I'd get it for these reasons:

    1. 3G
    2. faster processor
    3. trackpad
    4. GPS

    (no particular order)
    11-12-09 02:02 AM
  7. allleee's Avatar
    I'd get it for these reasons:

    1. 3G
    2. faster processor
    3. trackpad
    4. GPS

    (no particular order)
    The 8900 also has GPS:
    BlackBerry - Specifications - BlackBerry Curve 8900 Specs

    I've seen other people put the GPS as a feature Bold 9700 has over the 8900, am I missing something?
    11-12-09 02:28 AM
  8. Arreat's Avatar
    The 8900 also has GPS:
    BlackBerry - Specifications - BlackBerry Curve 8900 Specs

    I've seen other people put the GPS as a feature Bold 9700 has over the 8900, am I missing something?
    Its the magic GPS that only requires one satellite to get a lock.....but really no it's all the same, people are just oblivious to fact.
    11-12-09 02:31 AM
  9. allleee's Avatar
    Its the magic GPS that only requires one satellite to get a lock.....but really no it's all the same, people are just oblivious to fact.
    hahaha, one satellite to triangulate
    11-12-09 02:41 AM
  10. Arreat's Avatar
    hahaha, one satellite to triangulate
    What you can't tell me you've never seen a triangle with only one vertex.
    11-12-09 02:42 AM
  11. josher's Avatar
    The deal breaker for me was the 3G speed! When I bought my 8900 less than a year ago I was really sour at the fact that Tmo didn't have any 3G device. However, all that's changed and I am happy to have a faster phone
    Also, the bold keyboard has always been something I've wanted. I am tired of these plasticky click-edy-clack cheapies.

    Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com
    11-12-09 02:59 AM
  12. htm986's Avatar
    I have the 8900 which is an awesome phone but...
    Should I or shouldn't I?
    Do you have the $$$? If so, then you should.
    11-12-09 04:21 AM
  13. username0001's Avatar
    I'm switching. Ordered mine Tuesday. I got one of the first 8900s back in Jan and have had nothing but issues. I have had replacement after replacement (which are all refurbs). It will be nice to have a brand new phone again. I'm switching for the trackpad and 3G.

    Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com
    11-12-09 05:30 AM
  14. ClintRo's Avatar
    Looks at Brook......hey I got one of the first 8900s and have no issues :P

    But I am still going to upgrade, I am such a child and need to have the latest and greatest!!! Hahahahaha

    Merry Christmas to me

    Real reasons I want it:
    3G
    Trackpad
    Quieter Keyboard (not really that big of an issue but it is loud when trying to text or CB in bed)
    Better battery (again not really a huge deal, but will be nice)

    Helll it's new (wait I already said that)

    Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com
    11-12-09 05:38 AM
  15. gorango27's Avatar
    I have a 8900 since they were released for tmobile and I can't wait to upgrade. All the reviews I've read (which I think was all of them lol) further cements thefact I want to upgrade.

    I am upgradeing for the 3G and overall faster phone. (Haven't tried out the keypad but I wouldn't mind quieter keys)

    Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com
    11-13-09 02:56 AM
  16. BB Gooch's Avatar
    im on the fence played with it a store love trackpad but not feeling the soft keys dont feel as responsive as my 8900's keys
    11-13-09 05:22 PM
  17. zhelf's Avatar
    see i like the 8900 because they have a nice small size and easy to throw in your pocket but my bold is so much easier to type one. its a tough call i think if the 8900 had 3g and your particular one is rather new i wouldn't upgrade. i just wish the ATT 8900 and all the new 9700 had the black/red keyboard!
    11-13-09 08:26 PM
  18. elezdi's Avatar
    Reasons why I'm switching.

    -3G, Trackpad.
    -8900 is sluggish at times.
    -better keyboard
    -Faster Processor
    -Its sexy as ****!!!!!!!!
    11-13-09 09:15 PM
  19. samismum's Avatar
    What about the size difference? I have an 8900 and really dont have a "valid" excuse to upgrade. But... I am eligible for one right now. I dont want to go bigger. Is this new Bold bigger or smaller than the 8900?
    11-13-09 10:22 PM
  20. samismum's Avatar
    Still trying to find info on the size of this phone in comparison to the 8900. Any links would be appreciated.

    Found it w/ more digging- the 9700 is just about the same as the 8900 but a tiny bit thinner. But it is heavier. Hmmmm
    Last edited by samismum; 11-16-09 at 10:47 AM.
    11-16-09 10:36 AM
LINK TO POST COPIED TO CLIPBOARD