My opinion having used the 9900/9860 and 9810
Ok, not looking for hate mail here lol ok!!! I am just voicing my opinion on having used all three of the devices...
9860-while a great idea...epic fail. even tho i am a touch screen guy even trying to enter a PIN simply was too long of a task...compacted reduced keyboard/suretype was too tight together. Display, quite nice and does hold nice in the hand. touchscreen responsive and nice to use. as reviews said, not for heavy emailers/txts....errors galore.
9900-i had a 9000...honestly, yes it is amazing keyboard but the device is 'almost' to thin to really enjoy it. the original yes was a little bulky but darn it was a good overal package. But the thin design at least for me with avg sized hands was awkward to hold. i see no point in the touchscreen...too small and just another awkward way to hold the phone to get your thumb up there. Suuuuper light and thin + or - depends on your view.
9810-ok yes its faster and has a better display, but to fork over 599 its not worth it. .600 for me is running amazing and if not faster than the BB7! and the worst part about it was how SLIPPERY the satin finish was and felt ever so cheap. The new 'playbook' keyboards are again smaller than OS6 and i will admit possibly more accurate. 9800 hands down more solid and 'expensive'. great keyboard. Virtual i'm 50/50 on. yup its heavy but gives substance.
Don't get me wrong, i love BB and gadgets and its just my opinion but i was very very very disappointed in the latest offerings. Lets hope QNX devices kick some serious ****. For new comers to BB then it probably will be a joygasm! They all have the plus and minuses thats for sure.
The end result, I am keeping my 9800 until it dies and may even look at buying another one just to keep on hand so when the fateful day comes it can be reborn LOL. I see no reason to upgrade just for the software, not worth it and there is a difference in speed obviously but not that much to fork out close to 700 bucks.
To each their own and proud owners of a new BB, i know i was excited to use each one!!! But was quickly saddened compared to my 9800. we all have unique tastes and needs and use what is right for YOU.
Has anyone else been upset by the latest releases? I know all the other mfgr's of android phones come out with new ones each week but is a 4+inch screen really practical to carry around? and they are dull looking lol...ya i have used a galaxy at one point that was lent to me.....
Once again just my opinion in having high hopes for RIM but a fellow user has been disappointed. All good devices, just not worthy upgrades i think.