If the 9790 keypad is anything like the 9780/9700 than it will be too cramped. The space key inparticular was way too small for me and caused errors when I had a few ocassions to use it. The 9900/9000 keypads are perfect as far as I am concerned. That is just casual use for me but if you plan on doing lots of typing than there should be no question, get the 9900.
If budget is an issue than you should be able to type nicely on both phones. I don't want you to have the impression you can't type on the 9790 but the 99XX has a better keypad for sure. They are both nice phones.
Price isn't a concern but I sure am split on a decision. I really want the size of of the 9790 and the keyboard of the 9900
From reading on the Blackberry website it says the 9790 keyboard is improved over the previous 9780/9700, the keys are better spaced and wider. I read on another site they have a slightly different pitch to them. Could be good news..
The reviews seem positive on the 9790, some like the cellular guru website gave it a rave review and preferred it over the 9900 because of the smaller size.
It's going to be a secondary line and used beside my iPhone so a smaller more pocketable phone is an advantage ... but damn that near perfect keyboard and larger screen on the 9900 keeps me thinking....
9900 keyboard makes me wanna kiss it. Its smooth and easy to the touch. I have medium sized hands so it fits my hand nicely. I recently purchased the 9790 and it works nicely too. I still prefer my 9900 more than anything right now.
Simplest advice is to go to a retail location and play with them both. While you will
get a good mix of advice and opinion here, it really is all subjective. No one here has
your hands.
It really depends on the person. I started out in with Blackberry using the 9000. I loved the keyboard though I had nothing to compare it too. When it got too dated and I wanted more memory I upgraded to a 9700. I was NOT a fan of the keyboard at first then I got used to it and hoped that RIM would bring back the larger keyboard. When I heard about the 9900 I got excited.
Then when I tried it out in the store it actually felt a little TOO big for me and a little weird. I was still going to get one and figured I'd get used to that keyboard again and love it. But when I sat the 9790 in my hand it just felt right and I decided to stick with that form factor. I prefer it and hope they keep releasing something in that form factor.
Long story short. They're both great devices try them both out and see which phone feels better. Do you research too! because aside from the keyboard each phone has trade offs I won't get into in this thread. Just do some research.