Verizon No Longer Supporting the 8703e?

**traveler20** · 05-26-2008, 08:29 AM

Got this news during a tech support call with VZW. The web browser on my 8703e is only partially functional, menus are disabled on all web sites with text boxes for input (so I can’t paste anything into a search box from anywhere else on the BB). Tech support lady said that’s the way it’s going to be, since RIM is not developing any more software for the device and Verizon no longer sells it.

Also found an unpleasant surprise when upgrading the RIM desktop software to the current 4.3 release. Seems that it’s incompatible with the 8703e, and was only written for the Peal and Curve models. No word about that on RIM’s or VZW’s web site. The 4.3 desktop crashes after trying to sync the 8703e with Outlook. The only solution is to completely uninstall the 4.3 release and go back to the 4.2 release. There is nothing at RIM’s web site about any of this, so you could spend hours downloading and installing this garbage before finding out that none of it will work

**ERDude** · 05-26-2008, 01:40 PM

I know the Curve replaced the 8703e although I can't see them no longer supporting a phone you purchased from them. If that's the case I demand that they replace the 8703e with an updated model if they're not going to support their phone.

**zerog46** · 05-26-2008, 01:44 PM

There are numerous places that say they are still coming out with a new O.S. for the 8703. I have the new curve and still use the DM 4.2, I think 4.3 is junk.

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**greystealth** · 05-26-2008, 05:42 PM

Honestly that lady was just BSing with you just to get you off the phone. That is so not true. I work for vzw and we still support anything that still works on our network. The 8703e is only a couple years old. I have spoken with people who still use devices like the treo 600. That thing is ancient! And about the desktop software...4.3 should work with any device. Next time you call technical support, ask them to transfer you to RIM and speak with one of their specialist. They will give you the complete run down on the software. I think its just a small configuration problem as to why you are unable to connect with 4.3. In instances like yours I have stayed on the phone and listened to what RIM does for desktop issues. They may need to go into your registry and change up some files so that 4.3 works. Good luck

**oudidntkn0w** · 05-26-2008, 10:56 PM

actually verizon just released a new software update for the 8703e, i want to say less than a month ago.

**traveler20** · 05-30-2008, 08:56 AM

Originally Posted by greystealth

Honestly that lady was just BSing with you just to get you off the phone. That is so not true. I work for vzw and we still support anything that still works on our network. The 8703e is only a couple years old. I have spoken with people who still use devices like the treo 600. That thing is ancient! And about the desktop software...4.3 should work with any device. Next time you call technical support, ask them to transfer you to RIM and speak with one of their specialist. They will give you the complete run down on the software. I think its just a small configuration problem as to why you are unable to connect with 4.3. In instances like yours I have stayed on the phone and listened to what RIM does for desktop issues. They may need to go into your registry and change up some files so that 4.3 works. Good luck

Hey, that's what the VZW tech support lady told me, and was confirmed again by another VZW tech support person. The latest software doesn’t work, and neither VZW nor RIM, will make it work. Only solution is to uninstall the new software and install the older version, so the desktop software for the 8703e is at the end of it’s development cycle and will not be further enhanced or fixed.

Also have a similar problem with the web browser on the 8703e, it’s no longer fully functional. Have no choice here, Verizon will NOT make this device work, and neither is RIM, and Verizon has no intention of issuing a credit for crippling the device. Both tech support people confirmed they see the same issues, web browser menus NOT working for any web page field waiting for text input. Can't navigate, can't copy, can't paste. They see the problem with the same device, and will do NOTHING to solve it. So now what are we supposed to do?

**johnnywoods** · 05-30-2008, 09:03 AM

Originally Posted by ERDude

I know the Curve replaced the 8703e although I can't see them no longer supporting a phone you purchased from them. If that's the case I demand that they replace the 8703e with an updated model if they're not going to support their phone.

I'm a Sprint customer but I agree. If they won't carry or support the 8703e, they should offer another Berry. When the first cell phone I owned was no longer going to be carried, I got a phone call to come in a pick out a new phone. It wasn't the best upgrade, it was just a low end phone, but a lot better than what I had. But then again, that was ages ago, when customer service was actually service.

**rpalumbo** · 05-30-2008, 09:30 AM

I was just on the VZW website and the 8703e is now "out of stocK", but like the other posts I am not sure why they wont support the device. You might want to either call someone else or stop into a local VZW store in your area.

**paulrosenthal** · 06-01-2008, 09:29 AM

I just checked the website, and it's back in stock.

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**dm3ready** · 02-20-2010, 12:53 PM

Why does VZW still sell the 8703e online? Isn't this phone ancient? Is it just there for those that demand the thumb-wheel?

**babyface35762** · 02-20-2010, 10:31 PM

A lot of business accounts have these devices.

**pkcable** · 02-20-2010, 11:47 PM

You can actually use DM 5.0 with the 8703e AND you can also put 4.5 OS on it too, the one that Sprint released for their 8703e, you just need to delete the vendor.xml file first.

4.5 OS on the BB is what you want, BUT you'll get the hourglass a lot, but it will give you the functionality you are looking for. Might be time to think about upgrading thou. You can probably get a Curve or Pearl for free on a new 2 year contract, and if you want the latest and greatest the Tour2 9650 is coming soon.

**BryanTheRed** · 02-21-2010, 03:50 AM

I was thinking WTF when I saw what they had told you, especially since they still sell it online... Want a Verizon Pearl?

Shoot me a PM.

**traveler20** · 02-22-2010, 06:50 AM

Originally Posted by dm3ready

Why does VZW still sell the 8703e online? Isn't this phone ancient? Is it just there for those that demand the thumb-wheel?

Are you really looking for an answer to this question? How could you assume that whatever you’re carrying is good enough for everyone else?

Some people need a phone and PDA with no camera attached. I’m one of them, I go to some places where a phone with a camera would not be allowed, but need portable email, too. The wheel has nothing to do with it. The 8700 series is perfect for that particular application. Also, the 8700 series is old enough to be able to roll back (or retain) the firmware before RIM forced all RIM devices to generate delivery receipts on demand.

There’s also a not-so-obvious reason why the form factor of the 8700 series is very desirable. It’s got a well-designed holster, with a reasonably slim device, which is unusually rare these days. Big difference from the consumer garbage that’s more like a little apartment house hanging off your belt.

**xpressingit** · 02-22-2010, 08:09 AM

I know in. Store we don't replace phones over 2 years old, either bc they're not in the warehouse or come on upgrade already but we still carry the 8703 bc as someone noted its a very durable Berry and sans camera ( even though the Tour is too). 5.0 generally works well with it. And the two people I replaced the 8703 are having no issues...yet

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**dm3ready** · 02-23-2010, 09:38 AM

Originally Posted by traveler

Are you really looking for an answer to this question?

My inquiry was pure curiosity. I did appreciate your thorough response.
I will be switching over to VZW very soon to their next BB...probably the T2 or Bold 97xx...whatever they may call it. However, I have always been intrigued that the 8703e was still on their online system. Your response makes sense. Thanks.