[DaveTheA]

Okay, I realize that's a dumb question, but I'm looking for a bit of consensus here...

My Pearl 8130 may be FUBAR [can make phone connections but can't hear, can't be heard on the far end]. Bell Mobility has apparently never heard of this problem before, and has no clue what to do, aside from taking the phone in for repair. It's about 18 months old, out of warranty and the prospect doesn't thrill me.

So, if I were to simply buy a new BB, which model do I want? Basically I want something with a bigger screen, but I'm not particularly in love with the querty keyboards. Dunno about the touchscreen tho'. Any reports on which new model seems to be working well...not showing up with bugs or chronic breakage? Mainly I'm looking for good reliability...

So let's hear it. Is your BB working great? IF you wished for a different model, which would it be and why? Any word on which models _aren't_ working out well? I was pretty happy with my Pearl, but I'm thinking it's time to move on...

And yes, this time I'll spring for the extended warranty...

[Cooper]

Bold 9700

[MidnightDraven]

Bell is a CDMA carrier, the 9700 is a GSM phone.

Storm 2, Tour, Storm.
Soon be out at xmas, 8530 Aries, and Tour 2 (9650) due end of yr/next yr.

[Raptor464]

Ya but Bell will be getting the Bold 9700 soon due to their new HSDPA network

[MidnightDraven]

How?
A CDMA version of 9700 for example 9730/50 would make sense.
But they can't get the 9700 GSM because they are CDMA

[jsconyers]

TELUS to soft-launch HSDPA network in Fall 2009? « Boy Genius Report

[Raptor464]

Originally Posted by Midnightdraven

How?
A CDMA version of 9700 for example 9730/50 would make sense.
But they can't get the 9700 GSM because they are CDMA

Telus and Bell are switching from CDMA to HSDPA

[MidnightDraven]

Ok.
The article js posted doesnt make that clear.
So they will be running a HSDPA network only?
No CDMA, nor GSM.

[Raptor464]

Well according to GSM World: GSM Coverage Maps | Canada | Bell Mobility Inc. | Network Information

Bell is currently planning on operating 3G on 850/1900 bands

[MidnightDraven]

Ok.
Understand a little better now.
The idea of it is a bit strange, (you have 3G or you have nothing) but least im up to date.
Thanks for that.

[Raptor464]

Originally Posted by Midnightdraven

Ok.
Understand a little better now.
The idea of it is a bit strange, (you have 3G or you have nothing) but least im up to date.
Thanks for that.

Ya no problem...Bell and Telus are planning on launching the BlackBerry Bold 9000 and 9700...and also the Apple iPhone

[crisambo]

Originally Posted by DaveTheA

. . Basically I want something with a bigger screen, but I'm not particularly in love with the querty keyboards. Dunno about the touchscreen tho'. Any reports on which new model seems to be working well...not showing up with bugs or chronic breakage? Mainly I'm looking for good reliability...

Based on the above criteria, 9700 and Tour are Out because of qwerty, Storm is Out because of touchscreen, and you want to change from a BB 8130 . . . what's left is the BB PearlFlip 8230 with Suretype, larger screen than the 8130 and less susceptible to breakage because of the clam shell design. . .

[DaveTheA]

Originally Posted by crisambo

Based on the above criteria, 9700 and Tour are Out because of qwerty, Storm is Out because of touchscreen, and you want to change from a BB 8130 . . . what's left is the BB PearlFlip 8230 with Suretype, larger screen than the 8130 and less susceptible to breakage because of the clam shell design. . .

Just to clarify... a querty keyboard isn't 'out', and I'm only concerned about the durability of the touchscreen.

My point is that I'd like to stay with Blackberry, but I'm concerned about getting stuck with a BB model that turns out to be a lemon. Right now the Bold/9700 is looking interesting, but the Curve would be very affordable and immediately available from Bell. OTOH, I'd be willing to use my old cell as a temporary backup until the Bold appears sometime next month [?].

Decisions decisions...

[takeshi]

You're going to have a tough time getting accurate indicators of reliability from a discussion forum site where each person can only post based on anecdotal experience. Best bet is to peruse the model-specific forums but even those are only so useful. I mean, the 8300 series forum is chock full of problems yet I've never had a major issue with my 8310. It's a huge YMMV issue.

The more important matter that can definitely be answered (and what all these threads boil down to) is what model suits you best since there's no universal best or we'd all be using that particular model. Compare the features. Bigger screens can be found on the 9630, 9530, 8330 and 8830. Try them out in person. Most people are very selective when it comes to keyboard, size, weight, etc. If you're worried about breakage I'd suggest avoiding the flip. Haven't personally seen many posts about issues with the hinge but from a theoretical standpoint it's another potential failure point.

Given Bell Canada's current line-up I'd suggest looking at the latest model (9630 if you don't want to mess with a touch screen) if you're upgrading right now to attempt to mitigate future upgraditis. Shopping for unreleased models is a bit tricky given the physical preferences mentioned above. However, if none of those aspects is a make-or-break item you can certainly shop based on spec sheets. I wouldn't recommend it, however, if you're as concerned about reliability as you seem to be making yourself out to be. I'd suggest sticking with released models so you can at least reference common issues -- again, FWIW.

[DaveTheA]

Originally Posted by takeshi

You're going to have a tough time getting accurate indicators of reliability from a discussion forum site where each person can only post based on anecdotal experience. ... I'd suggest sticking with released models so you can at least reference common issues -- again, FWIW.

Thanks Takeshi....

After doing some online research, I'm leaning toward the Tour [immediately available] or the new Bold [love the idea of WiFi, and the trackpad seems like an excellent idea too, but it's not going to be available for at least a few weeks].

I just wonder how long I can manage without a cellphone... I don't actually NEED one on a daily basis, since I can text and email with my Pearl, but gosh it's handy....

[sabenjones]

i really like my storm(yup i do) and the storm 2 is coming equipped with wifi!