[lmlloyd]

So, since I stated this, here is what excites me about the new 8700g, now that I have played with it for a while.

Much quicker than previous models! Both the EDGE connection, and the faster processor make for a very smooth experience that has much less 'lag' than previous BBs.

The higher resolution of the screen really lets you get a lot of text on the screen, while still having a readable font that is easy on the eyes. I don't have to scroll near as much, because I can use smaller fonts without sacrificing readability.

Quad band makes for much better reception in my area.

The ability to change the background color of the actual programs through themes. This is a BIG one. I find white text on a black background is much easier on my eyes than the other way around. Now you can set thing up so this is possible. If it was possible before, I never found a way to do it.

MUCH better third-party software support without a BES/MDS setup. There is software that actually works now. This is the biggest thing in the world. The lack of a spell checking program was the thing that finally killed the BlackBerry for me last time, and now I have eSpell installed, and I'm happy as a clam.

MUCH better javascript support. I actually haven't found a site that just won't work (I'm sure there are plenty, but I haven't run across them yet).

Fantastic ringer!!! Not only is it good and loud (at the loudest setting it is actually too loud, in that it will start rattling the case of the phone), but it is actually one of the best MIDI engines I have come across in a phone. Mind you, this is of course fun, but it is also very useful since I have MIDI creation software, and can tweak ringtones and notifiers to try and get the most distinctive and audible ring for any environment.

Much better handling of multiple email accounts. I still wish you could get a better interval for the polling, and a little more reliability out of the pull accounts, but at least now it is easy to reply and send from whatever address you want, and deal with many boxes from different domains.

Well, I guess that is about it. They have certainly made big strides since the 6000 series. The phone still pretty much sucks compared to a comparably priced dedicated phone, but with Bluetooth that isn't as big a deal. I will probably use this for quite a while.