[ChristopherRI]

Well, one of the accounts on my plan was eligible for promotional pricing, plus with the Enhanced Data discount for activating a new data plan, and the $100 rebate, I figured it was a good time to pick up the new BB.

I have just come from the 8703 and I didn't think there would be that big of a difference, especially since my international travel is very limited and I don't plan to use the GSM side of the phone too much (If at all)

Boy was I wrong. The 8830 has some really nice features. The trackball is interesting. Still getting used to it and the jury is out as to whether it is better than the trackwheel, but it is functional and easy enough to use. That BB Menu key is kind of wierd though. It is still one handed operation, but not as easy as when the trackwheel was on the side.

I haven't noticed too much of the ringer issue that a lot of people have mentioned. We'll see how that goes.

I definately like the voice dial and spell check. Even the Media function seems to be pretty decent.

One thing I noticed in setting up the profiles is that it lists my two e-mail accounts separately, i.e. "meesages from " Both accounts use the BIS, but I was all excited, figuring that I would be able to have two different alerts for the two different e-mail accounts. I was wrong It seems that if I change the alert tone in one of the accounts, it changes in the other one too. I know there is the Level 1 message workaround, but I like my PINs to come in as Level 1 so that I know when I have been PINned.

Keyboard is taking some getting used to. I don't know if any keyboard is better than what was on the 7250. It took me awhile to get used to the 8703 keys being a little more cramped. The 8830 is even tighter. But it is useable and I am getting used to it and I guess that is the "price" paid for a smaller sleeker phone.

I have the insurance but I am terrified to drop the phone. The 7250 and even the 8703 felt really solid and I dropped them both many times. I'm worried about how the 8830 will survuve a drop. Let's hope it won't happen.

Anyway, my thoughts on a Wednesday morning. So far, I Like it very much.

[Dawgfan]

I used to have an 8800 and my gf has your phone. It is a great phone and on the keyboard thing.. the best advice to help your typing is that with the old BBs (72xx) you would do more of a tap, lifting your fingers off the keyboard as you typed. With the 8800, it seems to be designed (check the corner of the keys) to have you type without lifting your fingers.. you sort of slide from key to key, kind of feeling for that groove at the corner..

I kinda miss my 8800..

[nyc2socal]

After using the 8830 for the last two months, I recently used someones 8703.. Man, that scroll wheel is a huge limitation! I didn't think it was a big difference until I actually went back to try the scroll wheel.. The trackball (pearl) is awesome..

I dropped my 8830 within the first week from roughly 4 feet onto concrete.. The device still works fine, but it has some pretty bad looking scuffs.. The light colored body coupled with the chrome sides do not help. FYI, it's black plastic under the silver/chrome colors.. :(

[N715DP]

The silicone cover is a great price and lessens the worry of "the drop"


Clips and Cases

[larilu]

Please help.....I was all set to get the 8830 world edition from verizon (I am locked in with them due to many family members using verizon!!!) Now, it looks like they will release a new version of the pearl in a month or so....I can wait, But, could you help me and tell me the advantages/disadvantages of the pearl...I know about the camera, it is not a big issue to me, but i need to know if I should wait as I have my heart set on the 8830....Are there any other major features or services I would be missing out on ? I will be using the phone primarily in the United States....Thanks in advance for all your Help.......I really appreciate it.......

[N715DP]

the keyboard on the pearl is not full qwerty, which is why I will never own one.

[Dawg]

Originally Posted by N715DP

the keyboard on the pearl is not full qwerty, which is why I will never own one.

search my posts from two years ago and i said the exact same thing now i cant use a full qwerty

[jsntrenkler]

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8830/4.2.2 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

Welcome aboard ... I got my 8830 as a replacement for my 3rd degective Q ... Gosh do I wish I would have experienced a Blackberry sooner, these are great machines.

[akosnitzky]

Wirelessly posted (Verizon 8830: BlackBerry8830/4.2.2 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

As far as the keyboard, I am now typing at the same pace I did when I had the 7250. Like anything else, you will get used to it.

[ChristopherRI]

Yes, definately getting used to the keyboard. Dawgfan - good tip on the sliding your fingers around. It definately helps. Going into day 3 and I'm still loving the phone.

[FUllmer]

I have had my BB 8830 for almost two month now and I love it! I came from an XV6700PPC and this phone is simply great!