[adamfnet]

Hi all,

I would like to stay on Telus (my current non BlackBerry phone) and switch to a Blackberry (BES with work). The only QWERTY model they have is 7250 with the new 7130 suretype as well. They are the same price on a 2 year deal.

I don't really want to go to Rogers, but they have the 8700, which is a nice machine.

I have never used a BBerry before, but am an avid computer user and touch-type on my keyboard at high speeds... so a QWERTY keyboard sounds great. Suretype sounds like a lot of getting used to and some annoying typos to deal with over time.

So, my real question is, is which to go with?

I think I would rather stay on Telus... but I really want the 8700. I have heard rumors about a new 8700 coming to Telus, but its at least 6 months off I would guess (my rep knew nothing about it).

I guess staying with Telus, my question is 7130 vs 7250 at this point then.

Am I going to be unappy if I end up getting the 7250? Is it significantly slower or older than the 7130? 8700?

Thanks.

-Adam

[roofus]

There is an 8703e model that is just coming out. Verizon released it a short time ago. Bell is releasing it next week. Telus won't be far behind Bell. It's a CDMA-1X-EVDO version of the 8700.

[adamfnet]

So I hear, but the reps I spoke with said they hadn't even had any training on them or word about it, so it has to be a number of months away... I suppose I could start with the 7250 and then upgrade with a trade-in if possible...

[sickens]

adam, if you sign a contract with the 7250, for 2 years - you won't be able to "trade it in" until close to the contract end. They won't swap it for a 8700 series, that's for sure... even if you were to pay the difference.

wait till it comes out, then pull the trigger.

[roofus]

That's true. Sprint just announced that they would be selling it too. In no time all the CDMA carriers will have it.

[adamfnet]

arrrgh. Problem is, I need the blackberry soon. I can't wait 3-4 monhts for the 8700 to come out... Anyone have any inside details from Telus on if this is imminent?

[Fkewl]

Nothing inside TELUS yet that the 8700 is coming :(

Here's how i go about 7250 vs 7130

7250 : good for alot of typing, less calls
7130 : good for alot of calls, less typing
BUT
7250 : qwerty is nice, but not all that fast and you still make errors
7130 : suretype, 1-2 mths training, then very fast compared to qwerty
(or just switch to "Multi-Tap mode if you don't like suretype)

Personaly, i'd go with the 7130 if you need a BB since the BB, for me, is mostly used for talking - i do my typing on the laptop and rarely respond by my BB

(because i have a 7510 right now and rather have a 7130 to my ear)

[igillman]

I, like adamfnet was not a previous BB user. I also touch-type quite quickly on a regular keyboard and went through the same indecision over which model to get with Telus.

I finally settled on the 7130e after my IT guys let me take one home overnight. It took me about 45minutes to get over looking for letters T9-style and start typing at a decent rate with SureType. By the way, the fact that you touchtype fast does not mean a QWERTY keyboard (as on the 7520) will be any faster for you. Thumb-typing is an altogether different skill and I find the SureType keyboard very suited to it. The SureType software almost always knows what I want to type. I find the keys larger and easier to hit than the 7250 and the whole unit is much less bulky to carry on your belt or in a jacket.

I've now had mine for a full week, and I love it. I would not change it.

Cheers,

[takeshi]

Originally Posted by Fkewl

7250 : qwerty is nice, but not all that fast and you still make errors
7130 : suretype, 1-2 mths training, then very fast compared to qwerty
(or just switch to "Multi-Tap mode if you don't like suretype)

Just to be clear, SureType isn't going to be inherently less error-prone. In fact, if you're not careful SureType will learn your mistakes as well as your other word preferences.

[adamfnet]

For me, the Blackberry will be mostly an email device. I talk on the phone, but mostly I need to read and write emails which is critical. Reading is more important than writing, but writing is more important than phone talking... I guess the 7130 would be ok. I am just a little leery of this whole SureType thing ...

[geofftech]

word is 8703 is gonna be out Oct 1st. so u won't be waiting forever.

[adamfnet]

Dammit. now I am annoyed.

Bell has the 8703e confirmed and on the website for purchase.

And Telus doesn't have any plans to implement? That ticks me off... I have been on Telus with my personal phone for a long time... but maybe a switch to Bell isn't the worst thing in the universe...

-Adam

[adamfnet]

Any insider in Telus have a date for when the 8703 might be available?
Thanks.

[Fkewl]

8703 is now out for TELUS

go see