[enk0d]

I noticed that cingular is selling the 7290 for $149.99 w/ $50.00 mail-in rebate. My thing is this with the introduction of the 8700c for cingular how much of a difference is there really in performance? I know the 8700c has the speakerphone and the email notification LED but what about the keyboard on the 8700c? This is going to be my first blackberry and i wanted to get one that is able to take a hit, bump, fall even from time to time. I have read post after post about the 7290 being more durable is this really the case?

What should i do ladies and gentlemen?


-Thanks

[Pizzle]

The 7290 will definitely be more durable. If that's your biggest concern, go with it.

There are other differences between the two, but unless you mention what you'll be using your new BB for, it's tough to determine the best choice for you.

Hope that helps.

[EricaJ1074]

I have T-Mobile and have used 5 of their BB dating back to their 7730, but here's a few things to consider when purchasing a BB from any carrier. I am not trying to get you to switch to T-Mobile (or the 7xxx series), but this has been my experience.

I would trial both and see which one you prefer. Here's a few things to observe if you decide to test drive both devices. Both devices have the email notification LED.

1) Signal-which one stays the strongest no matter where you use it? I had to deal with this problem from day 1 and had so many times with 2 7730's it wasn't funny. Gave up and changed over to the 7100 series and had only one issue which required a replacement.

Couldn't travel with the 7730's. Took the 7100t to camp last year and no problem, but for some reason still unknown, six months later the radio died. It turned on but never got signal.

2) Battery Life-same issue as above. Got 1 day (if that) from my 7730's. I can get 4 days heavy use out of the 7100's, with an extended battery. This is with the BB not connected to the PC.

3) Durability-equal. I dropped all (6) of my BB's and all of them kept working like a charm. The keyboard durability is usually a user preference. I would test drive both in this situation.

I had no keypad problems on any of mine. Had a power button problem with one of my 7100t's but it was replaced with no questions asked (same phone that had the signal problem).

Hope this helps you pick out the BB that fits your needs and performance requirements. But beware: You WILL become addicted to it LOL

[EricaJ1074]

Thanks for reminding me about that LOL I forgot to mention that. I use mine for messaging primarily so I need a device that's going to withstand constant typing. If you're going to be using the BB as a phone and messaging device, I agree that the 7290 is better. I've done more messaging on my last 3 BB's than I ever did on the first three and they have surpassed my expectations. Good luck.

[enk0d]

EricaJ-


I appreciate your thoughts and i look forward to becoming a bb addict like you. My fingers need a major vacation from being cramped trying to answer emails and messaging on a small sony t637.

[radimus]

Isn't Amazon selling 8700c's for nothing with a new activation?

On Cingular's web site they have refurbed 8700c's for $150 with contract.

Even at the full price of $250 with activation I'd still opt for the 8700c over the 7290. I think the feature set in the 8700c is worth the extra $150. If I wanted a cheap BB I'd go look for a 7280 on eBay which can be had for $70 or less according to the completed auctions I've seen.

[CyberJack]

Can you no longer get a refurbed 7290 for $69 from Cingular. I went from a 7100 to the 7290 and save for missing the speakerphone have been remarkably pleased. I bought the refurbed unit at $69.

[Naked Wife]

Wirelessly posted (NakedBerry: BlackBerry7250/4.1.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/104)

Get them both. When you get bored with one, pop the SIM card in the other. Variety is the spice of life.