I am a new member here, I currently own a os 6 9700 BB and am very pleased with it. I live in a bit of a backwater so my carrier only released the 9900 today. I checked it out and I like it, however I read here that BBX phones are on their way. The one that interests me is the dakota as I swore I would never go for a full touch screen again, should I wait for the BBX or go with the 9900?
Whether you chang devices frequently like me or not, mine from AT&T is awesome. I would also agree that the BBX version is at least one year away. The OS 7 devices will so much better than the 9700 which I have also owned. Go into a store and try it for yourself. There is also the 9790 which the OS 7 version of what you have now with a touchscreen although most really like the size of the 9900 keyboard. Keyboard was never really an issue since I have owned an 8310 and a 9700. My 9810 keyboard is pretty good as well. It all comes down to personal preference and no one can make the decision for you.
Based on the rumors now the target for release on the QWERTY BBX phone is next November. Seeing how bad RIM has been on release dates with major product launches recently, I wouldn't look to see that phone any time before Q1 2013.
If you are happy with the 9700 I would keep it. A slightly larger keyboard and the thrill of breaking in a new phone are all you stand to gain. If you had a 9000 I think it would be worth it.
i was in the same situation one week ago. i want the BBX with full QWERTY keyboard, but that is likely a year or more away. currently my 9700 is freezing often, does not have enough memory for all the apps i want to install, so it was a no brainer for me to get a 9900 now. plus i'm with t-mobile so now instead of 3G on my 9700 i can now enjoy 4G/HSPA+ with the 9900! a year longer to wait with an under performing 9700was out of the question for me, but my decision would have been much tougher if my 9700 was still fully meeting my performance needs.
I had the same dilemma as you. What made up my mind was the fact that my 9000 was on its last legs and I really needed a new phone. I have been delighted with my 9900 using the .540 software and I am sure I will upgrade to 7.1 when a more mature and stable version leaks.
I have a Playbook and it really demonstrates what a huge task it is for RIM to launch a completely new OS and I definitely would not want to be one of the early adopters on the BBX phones. I did my bit by taking one on the chin with the PB and I'm not falling for that a second time.
I figure that about 12 months after launch BBX might just be settled down. Looking at how things are going for RIM 24 months is a very long time and a lot can happen. Whatever does happen, I know I will be delighted with my 9900 for that full period.
That's just my problem, apart from a freeze a month or so my 9700 is in prefect shape. I will go to my carrier and play with the 9900 for a bit and then decide what to do. Thx for the advice everyone.
I love my BBerries but RIM is notoriously slow in coming out with new devices.
I got the 9930 because I feel that it will be a looooooong time before any QNX phones are released and more than that, before another full sized Bold is released.