[aphr0deity]

We like to be... "special."

What's this metric system thing, again?

[dc/dc]

Originally Posted by aphr0deity

We like to be... "special."

What's this metric system thing, again?

Yeah, special like Jerry's Kids.

[jeffharris]

Originally Posted by Scotty_T

WCDMA 2100 will not be needed in the US. I hope that 8707 is for real!!

Would love to see a UTMS Blackberry soon.

Well, I do not think the 8707 is intended for the US market. And, as it should be released imminently, UMTS is not mature enough in the US for them to have it as a UMTS 1900 device.

So, now, I will carry 2 Blackberrys -- one for the US (8700), and one for when I am in Japan (8707), in particular, as there is NO GSM netowrk there , as Europe UMTS and Japan WCDMA (both 2100) are compatible. I just am not sure how to be a ble to have 2 devices and 1 BIS/BES -- I guess I7ll address that bridge when it happens

[dc/dc]

Originally Posted by jeffharris

Well, I do not think the 8707 is intended for the US market. And, as it should be released imminently, UMTS is not mature enough in the US for them to have it as a UMTS 1900 device.

So, now, I will carry 2 Blackberrys -- one for the US (8700), and one for when I am in Japan (8707), in particular, as there is NO GSM netowrk there , as Europe UMTS and Japan WCDMA (both 2100) are compatible. I just am not sure how to be a ble to have 2 devices and 1 BIS/BES -- I guess I7ll address that bridge when it happens

Same with me. Last time I went to Japan, I took my Nokia 6630 there to use.

[jeffharris]

Originally Posted by dc/dc

Same with me. Last time I went to Japan, I took my Nokia 6630 there to use.

Yep, I bought a Nokia N70 just for that purpose. I also have a Vodafone KK (RIP) subscription. I can use ot for e-mail, but, I know the BB 8707 will be much better for use there.

[dc/dc]

Originally Posted by jeffharris

Yep, I bought a Nokia N70 just for that purpose. I also have a Vodafone KK (RIP) subscription. I can use ot for e-mail, but, I know the BB 8707 will be much better for use there.

Keep the KK SIM as a souvenir... I keep all of my SIMs...

Yeah, I checked Gmail on my 6630, but couldn't check my work Exchange account obviously.

I may actually end up with a Nokia E61 instead of an 8707 though because that has GPRS/EDGE/UMTS/WIFI, runs Series 60, and has BB Connect.

[jeffharris]

When it says it has "BB connect", like the Nokias, and Treos, does that include BB data? Meaning, since, I no longer pay for data internationally, as it is included in the International data package, (web surfing, etc) on my 8700, will that T-Mobile BB data plan work on these "BB enabled" devices, and I also will not have ot pay for international data roaming?

I am in Thailand now -- this data thing rocks !! I even tether the 8700 as an EDGE modem here, and should not be billed!! (famous last words -- although, I have not been billed using it this way in Europe)

[dc/dc]

Originally Posted by jeffharris

When it says it has "BB connect", like the Nokias, and Treos, does that include BB data? Meaning, since, I no longer pay for data internationally, as it is included in the International data package, (web surfing, etc) on my 8700, will that T-Mobile BB data plan work on these "BB enabled" devices, and I also will not have ot pay for international data roaming?

I am in Thailand now -- this data thing rocks !! I even tether the 8700 as an EDGE modem here, and should not be billed!! (famous last words -- although, I have not been billed using it this way in Europe)

Yes, BB Connect is simply software that enables a non-RIM brand device to act like a BlackBerry, so you would replace your 8700 PIN with the PIN from BB Connect, and be off to the races.

[darkmark]

For those of you getting excited about 8707 there are a couple of issues.

The device uses the qualcomm chipset, not the intel one used in the 8700. this is because to get the stack coded by RIM would take to long and they wanted something specifically to cater for the japanese market that could be used in the rest of the world (more and more global travellers). This means it's slower than people have come to expect from the 8700.

Also, because 3G coverage is more patchy it's constantly searching for networks and the device I used showed a 50% decrease in battery life compared to my 8700.

All in all, unless you intend travelling to Japan I'd say stick with the 8700. Just my opinion, but I have to value it because other people have a choice not to!