Originally Posted by
Reed McLay New models often have several updates as software development continues. The one you should have is your carriers authorized version, that is why the upgrade check does not recommend doing the upgrade.
If you what to install beta OS software or software authorized by other carriers, you can do it manualy.
There are several resources threads have the latest OS versions and the instructions to install them.
9000 and 9700 have similar CPU and run at similar speeds. I would be surprised if there is much, or any difference.