[netwerx1]

I've been using a Bold 9700 on AT&T since it was released, and have been holding out for the next real flagship device from RIM. The 9800 intrigues me, but recently I've been looking at the new batch of Android devices that are coming out, notably the Atrix. After pricing information came out today for the Atrix accessories, suddenly it's not as appealing as it was before.

Now I'm considering switching to the Torch for awhile and wait it out while some of this bleeding edge technology comes a little further into maturity. I have one line that's eligible for upgrade now, and another that will be eligible in a couple months, so I won't be stuck with the phone I choose now.

So for Torch users that came from the 9700, what is your feeling about the device compared to the Bold? Any regrets? Is the keyboard manageable? Is this a device that you think will hold its own for the better part of 2011 while RIM (and others) beef up their offerings?

Basically, what are the things I need to consider most in regards to the device itself?

[jcp007]

Absolutely no regrets. The larger screen, new OS, new Torch webkit browser, and social media not to mention the camera are well worth it. 4GB onboard storage and 512MB RAM. The T1 will more than hold its value. I have had my T1 since launch day having owned the 9700 since launch day. Of course, my MIL has my Bold. The T2 is scheduled to debut in the fall, FYI.

[Vurhan]

This might be the best keyboard RIM has ever produced - less travel and clicks more positively. The slide takes some getting used to, but the thing is more manageable than regular softboards, especially the quick selections of the trackpad.

OS6 + Torch browser and the larger screen estate is just heaven. Load .450 / .448 and you will never regret the move now.

The only thing missing might be the new sensors supported by 6.1, but as a results-oriented business tool, it is impeccable.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[Matrix Leader]

This might be the best keyboard RIM has ever produced - less travel and clicks more positively.

Actually, being an X 9800 owner, this must be the worst keyboard RIM has manufacutred! I couldn't get used to it even in 7 days.


just my 2 cents

[Matrix Leader]

Here is my story:

I had a Bold 9000, got sick of its slow performance as it only had 128 MB of memory.

Then I bought a 9700, I was much happier with it as it had 256 MB of memory, and although the screen was a bit smaller, the higher pixel resolution and clarity makes up for it. Keyboard were good on both, big hard buttons.
Then I got tempted to get the 9780 as OS 6 would perform much smoother on the 9780 as it has 512 MB of memory, but it wasn't getting released anytime during the month of September, so I did the biggest mistake, I got the Torch!
I was playing with the Torch for the first 3 days non stop, I enjoyed the touch screen, it was cool to think that you can touch the screen to select stuff!

However, come to real world usability; why does one buy a BlackBerry? Mostly due to the excellent push email feature, and the BlackBerry Messenger, I thought oh well, I have a physical keyboard, so I can type easily no need to type on the touch screen.

Here was my disappointment, the keyboard purely sucks in comparison to the Bold Keyboards! It is very flat out and when you press a button it doesn't feel so sturdy, I was typing to letters at the same time always and mine you, I have average sized fingers.

Next, the battery, RIM sports a bigger screen on the Torch, touch sensitivity, so it is pure to think that they will equip it with a higher capacity battery or at least similar to the Bold; well guess what? They put a lower capacity battery to makes things a total disaster!


Bold Battery Capacity = 1500 mAH
Torch Battery Capacity = 1150 mAH (just like the cheap Curves or Pearls)

I couldn't get threw the day with the battery unless I turn off WiFi, turn the screen britghtness down, ensure that facebook app is closed! Wow! I pay an arm and a leg for a phone and have to disable all these nice features just to be able to use it for 1 day. heh

Further more, the phone is too heavy, too big, you cannot put it in a purse or a pocket without feeling its bulkiness.

And as I couldn't and hated typing on the Touch screen, the physical keyboard was slid down 90% of the time, which made the phone look horrible!

Thank god, CompuMe here in Dubai had a 7 day return policy, and on the 6th day, I did the right thing, I returned it back and got a 9700 AGAIN! as there was no 9780

After 2 weeks, the 9780 got released! I bought it on the spot for $600 USD (retail price, yes, I didn't care, I love BlackBerries, and I had to had the best of em) I then sold my 9700 a week later for $400 USD

The 9780 is awsome! Amazing keyboard! The OS feels snappier on the 9780 as it has no touch screen to take eat up my resources (CPU resources that is), the trackpad is much better, the Torch trackpad although looks similar, it is not, it is a little bit bulged out, which makes scrolling not so smooth and continous, it often jerked while I was scrolling, if you don't have a completely dry finger at all times, then the trackpad of the torch will cause you to almost break the phone! The 9780 trackpad always works no matter if my finger was dry, damp, wet, Bolds just have a certain quality in their build not found on any other phone!

Finally, the size of the 9780 and battery are just perfect! you can't beat this great combination!

Good luck on your choice.

[steiale]

Had a Bold changed to a Torch. Never regret it. Keyboard is IMHO better than bold. Whenever I try to type on the bold now it feels strange. So it is all a matter of getting used to.

So never regret it und won't go back.

[l1ghtn1ng]

I really like the Atrix but one big thing is keeping me with the Torch... The battery!

Before the Torch I had a Captivate and well with light usage it died by 6 pm. I could only imagine how bad the Atrix will be, first generation dual core phones (especially those running android) will probably have horrible battery life.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[chrispipe]

dont listen to Matrix Leader. he is a known troll of the forums. I came from a 9700, at first I missed the 9700 a little, but after a day or two not at all. And now that the NEW OS LEAKS HAVE COME OUT (which Matrix Leader hasn't even used, since he hated his torch like every other phone he's ever had) the phone is faster and more responsive, the touch-screen is now capable of actually being used to type, it seems smarter. The whole experience is enjoyable, and the battery lasts me 2 days at least, and I'm a fairly moderate user. I guess if you make a lot of phone calls, you may have to charge it nightly, but who doesn't already charge their phone nightly to start with a fresh charge in the morning anyways? Not really a game-changing issue, or an issue at all.

I suggest go for it, most return policies give you the freedom to take it back if you choose to, so what's there to lose?

[Stevebubble]

Here is my story:

I had a Bold 9000, got sick of its slow performance as it only had 128 MB of memory.

Then I bought a 9700, I was much happier with it as it had 256 MB of memory, and although the screen was a bit smaller, the higher pixel resolution and clarity makes up for it. Keyboard were good on both, big hard buttons.
Then I got tempted to get the 9780 as OS 6 would perform much smoother on the 9780 as it has 512 MB of memory, but it wasn't getting released anytime during the month of September, so I did the biggest mistake, I got the Torch!
I was playing with the Torch for the first 3 days non stop, I enjoyed the touch screen, it was cool to think that you can touch the screen to select stuff!

However, come to real world usability; why does one buy a BlackBerry? Mostly due to the excellent push email feature, and the BlackBerry Messenger, I thought oh well, I have a physical keyboard, so I can type easily no need to type on the touch screen.

Here was my disappointment, the keyboard purely sucks in comparison to the Bold Keyboards! It is very flat out and when you press a button it doesn't feel so sturdy, I was typing to letters at the same time always and mine you, I have average sized fingers.

Next, the battery, RIM sports a bigger screen on the Torch, touch sensitivity, so it is pure to think that they will equip it with a higher capacity battery or at least similar to the Bold; well guess what? They put a lower capacity battery to makes things a total disaster!


Bold Battery Capacity = 1500 mAH
Torch Battery Capacity = 1150 mAH (just like the cheap Curves or Pearls)

I couldn't get threw the day with the battery unless I turn off WiFi, turn the screen britghtness down, ensure that facebook app is closed! Wow! I pay an arm and a leg for a phone and have to disable all these nice features just to be able to use it for 1 day. heh

Further more, the phone is too heavy, too big, you cannot put it in a purse or a pocket without feeling its bulkiness.

And as I couldn't and hated typing on the Touch screen, the physical keyboard was slid down 90% of the time, which made the phone look horrible!

Thank god, CompuMe here in Dubai had a 7 day return policy, and on the 6th day, I did the right thing, I returned it back and got a 9700 AGAIN! as there was no 9780

After 2 weeks, the 9780 got released! I bought it on the spot for $600 USD (retail price, yes, I didn't care, I love BlackBerries, and I had to had the best of em) I then sold my 9700 a week later for $400 USD

The 9780 is awsome! Amazing keyboard! The OS feels snappier on the 9780 as it has no touch screen to take eat up my resources (CPU resources that is), the trackpad is much better, the Torch trackpad although looks similar, it is not, it is a little bit bulged out, which makes scrolling not so smooth and continous, it often jerked while I was scrolling, if you don't have a completely dry finger at all times, then the trackpad of the torch will cause you to almost break the phone! The 9780 trackpad always works no matter if my finger was dry, damp, wet, Bolds just have a certain quality in their build not found on any other phone!

Finally, the size of the 9780 and battery are just perfect! you can't beat this great combination!

Good luck on your choice.

As someone said to you the other day in the thread about the Torchs' trackpad. We get it you dont like the Torch, and it wasn't the device for you.

The battery in my torch is at about 45% every night when I go to bed. Thats after a 16-17hour day. That would include about 80 odd emails. 90 - 120minutes of browsing. Up to an hour of phone calls and also BBM and texting. I moved form a bold 9700 to the torch and the physical keyboard does take some getting used to but it is useable once your used to it. As for the toouchscreen keyboard since I installed .450 it is much more responsive and finally the key you mean to hit is the one that appears on the screen. Yes the touchscreen wasnt great to start with but RIM are working on improving it.

I'm not trying to start an argument but it seems you constantly troll the Torch section on Crackerry, looking to bad mouth what a large number of people find to be a great phone. You have your 9780 and your happy with it. Good for you, but perhaps its time to think that maybe you had a defective device or it just wasnt for you.

To the OP I would recommend the Torch I love mine and cant put it down. Battery life is great, the combo of touchscreen / trackpad / physical keyboard is perfect. Plus you have the email / bbm etc that blackberries are known for being great for.

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[leilani_J]

As someone said to you the other day in the thread about the Torchs' trackpad. We get it you dont like the Torch, and it wasn't the device for you.

I'm not trying to start an argument but it seems you constantly troll the Torch section on Crackerry, looking to bad mouth what a large number of people find to be a great phone. You have your 9780 and your happy with it. Good for you, but perhaps its time to think that maybe you had a defective device or it just wasnt for you.

To the OP I would recommend the Torch I love mine and cant put it down. Battery life is great, the combo of touchscreen / trackpad / physical keyboard is perfect. Plus you have the email / bbm etc that blackberries are known for being great for.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

Well said.

I'm convinced Matrix really wanted to like the Torch, but didn't. I just don't get why you (Matrix) troll here, and not the 9780 boards, since the Torch was so horrible for you. You keep trying to discourage others from liking this device just because you didn't. Allow us to like the device and you go and enjoy your Bold.

To the OP: I came from a 9700 as well, and I thought I might regret or miss what I had with the Bold, but fortunately I didn't. I gained more. Screen size, etc. The keyboard appears small, but is not hard to use or get used to. I also found myself enjoying the fact that I can tuck away the keyboard, in order to enjoy the larger screen. Everything you've come to love on the 9700 only beecomes better on the 9800, IMHO. Let us know what you decide.

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[jcp007]

How could anyone forget all the ML fanboy posts during those heady seven days of bliss? We all get it...you constantly troll post about the keyboard while new owners are coming onboard every day. I am not 100% fanboy on the Torch but any minor issues, one or two, and certainly not the keyboard, are not enough to post in every thread about it. If you had owned an 8310 or any RIM device prior to the 9700, your transition to the Torch would have been easier. I too liked the Bold keyboard but all the things that make the Torch better pale in comparison and it took very little "effort" to transition back to the Torch keyboard on which this post is being typed. The Torch was not for you. We are all sorry for you, Matrix Leader. Morpheus is calling you on your 9780.

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[netwerx1]

Thanks everyone for all the great feedback...I was wavering again last night towards the Atrix device, but there are so many unknowns with a first-gen device like that...I usually like to let others deal with launch issues and come in later when they've been worked out and the price is better. That said, I'm now leaning back to the Torch, and am thinking about picking one up on my lunch hour. Like you said, I can always return it.

How about the application experience? I'm of course very familiar with the BB app experience on a non-touch screen, and the rich application experience of the Android platform is one of the things that has drawn my interest. Are the apps much better on the larger touch screens, even close to comparable to Android apps?

[netwerx1]

Got the Torch today, and just finished upgrading the OS to .448 and adding my apps. So far so good, still getting used to the touch screen (seems slightly inaccurate in response to where I touch), but it may be me. Looking forward to getting to know this device and OS6.

[filthy-rich]

Had a bold then a bold 2 then a torch. Swapped to an android, and now im back on the torch.

The new OS updates and a custom theme make it great to use. I love it!

[zacv1087]

I was a blackberry user for 6 years pearl, curve, 8800, and then bold. Went with the iPhone 4(sold it) worse tech decision ever. Was in the same boat as you. Went with an Android, returned within 24 hrs and got the Torch. Love the phone. Great device. The only con I have is screen resolution, but I am used to it now. You simply can't go wrong with the purchase, hope this helps

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[nickerus]

I am brand new to writing on this form, but have been reading it for a long time. I have had 5 bb now from the first Peal, to a curve, to a 9000, then 9700, and just today a 9780. So far I am loving the new OS. It will take me soem time to 100% get used to it, but no complaints yet. I was also interested in the Torch, but received this phone as a gift. Is there any other differences between this 9780 and the Torch other then the touch slider?

[GeoK]

I just did the same, switching up to the Torch and not regretting it. It's an amazing phone.
It's easier to use than you think. I sometimes for get that I can touch the screen. The use of screen and the keyboard is great depending on what your preference is.
There is a 'social feeds' page for those who are deeply into Facbook and twitter.

Check what AT&T is offering on their website. Sometimes you can get the phone for almost nothing, or for nothing! Don't see any deals online? Then call them. That's what I did and I got the phone for almost zero, plus they paid the shipping!
And it was sent out the same day and arrived in 2 two days!
The service was great and the people on the phone were helpful and courteous.
Check their plans and get what you need to make your Blackberry experience even better.
All this I say as a shopper looking for the best deal.

[Matrix Leader]

IMHO, the 9780 has a much better battery, keyboard, and size.

But to each his own I guess.

[simsim]

Well I have had the Bold and Bold 2, both since launch, and did not ever imagine changing until a new (significant) upgrade of that form-factor came out.

I am not a touch-screen kinda guy. No, seriously, me and touch screens are not on speaking terms. I thought at first they were crap. But I finally figured it might be that my fingers do not work well with them. Surely all those millions buying touch screens can’t all be wrong! I had the iMate Jam (Windows), original HTC Touch, Touch Diamond, Touch Pro (1 and 2), 24 hours with an iPhone… so you can’t say I didn’t try. But I needed a physical keyboard where I could touch type without looking.

So it was a surprise to me when I got the Torch. Truth is I walked out of a casino with a healthy surplus and decided to treat myself. Purely an impulse buy! But I fully expected to play with it for 48 hours, not like it, and give it to the Mrs. But, 15 days now, and damn, if this little thing isn’t growing on me!

Still not very good with touch screens, and to be honest, do most of my navigating with the scroll pad. But a jab here and there on the touch screen, especially in the browser is getting less awkward for me. The browser is a huge plus and the screen real estate increase is worth the admission price alone. Reading PDF’s and emails in either vertical or horizontal is now… well… doable. Not painful. And obviously playing movies and looking through pictures is a vast impreovement.

But being realistic, the keyboard is a little cramped and the ridges round the sides don’t help. I have smallish hands so it’s no deal breaker. My typing is slower than on the Bolds, but after 2 weeks it is picking up again.

OS 6… honestly… I don’t see what all the fuss is about. A minor refresh, as far as I’m concerned. Nothing on there I hate, but only a fan-boy would be ecstatic about it. It’s less like getting your house redecorated, and more like getting a cleaning company to give it a thorough clean. Feels nice, but not that different.

So as a Bold owner (who is still holding on to it as a back-up), I would say you would enjoy the move up to a Torch. If I had to put it in percentage terms I would say it is 130% of the Bold – nearly all accounted for by the bigger screen and the webkit browser. But everyday I am growing to appreciate it more, and I’m afraid that if I had to go back to my beloved Bold I might suffer withdrawal!

Just my $.02 (actually I’ve just noticed how much I’ve babbled, so perhaps that’s more like a buck fiddy!)

Oh, and battery life is great. Won't pretend I'm a heavy user, but phone is never out of my hand for an hour while I'm awake. True, often it is just a glance at inbox or calendar. But when I drop it in the charging dock last thing at night the lowest it's been is 35% but regularly 50%!

[babychan]

Right after reading this thread I have decided I am def going to get the torch in white.

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[BlackStormRising]

Had a Bold changed to a Torch. Never regret it. Keyboard is IMHO better than bold. Whenever I try to type on the bold now it feels strange. So it is all a matter of getting used to.

So never regret it und won't go back.

I kept my Bold as a backup to my Torch just in case all those moving parts (and new OS) fail me. I have heard a lot of people diss the 9800's keyboard (or maybe just the same people over and over?), but now I see some folks are beginning to tout it???? Good on you. I have switched back and forth between these devices quite a bit over the last 4 - 6 mths and I conclude that the keyboards are different! And anyone who tests them out will readily note this, maybe even within a few minutes in a store no less. So indubitably you will find that you will tend to favour one over the other. I agree with previous posters here, I like the Torch's clicky keys better. The more compact arrangement doesn't hinder me. And surprisingly (to me) I can type with my thumbs on the SureType in portrait mode equally well.

[Vurhan]

I had to go back to my Storm 1 and kept constantly sliding my thumb in between the bb and back keys. Heck there are times when copy pasting where I was looking for the pad on my sister's iphone 4.

But then I was SurePressing my Torch after the short stint with my S1. Hmm a Torch refresh with SurePress? Come on Rim keep them navigation options open!

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[leilani_J]

IMHO, the 9780 has a much better battery, keyboard, and size.

But to each his own I guess.

Waaa waaa waaa. You're annoying. But you already know that.

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[jcp007]

ML must be a glutton for punishment. The more posts about the keyboard and the battery that are posted, the less credible you become. You are now more of a troll. We get that you don't like the keyboard. We also get that you have issues with the battery. For the last time, of course the battery life will be marginally better since the smaller Torch battery has to accomodate a slider.

You must have more regrets than the keyboard or battery; otherwise, you would not keep posting in device forum that you no longer own. More Torch users including former 9700 and 9780 owners are coming aboard everyday. More non-AT&T carrier customers are hoping for a CDMA version. All this despite your ongoing efforts. Is the Torch a perfect device? Of course not. If you believe in the axiom, to each his own, then leave us alone because we are perfectly content with choice and stuck with our devices for more than a week.

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[edaniel1717]

Well, my 9700 stopped working and my carrier gave me the option to get another Bold or the Torch.

Reading through pages and i gotta make a decision today....
The Bold was ok--- my perfect phone would be the Bold 9000 with a trackpad....