[18pcs]

Hello Everyone, this is my first post here.
I am looking to buy my first ever BB and really need some advice. I am 52 years old, and need reading glasses if the letters are really small. I am being told the 9700 is the best blackberry ever and had a look at it. I found the keypad a bit cramped otheriwse and feature wise I couldnt be any wiser as know nothing about it yet. On the other hand the shop asst showed me a 9000 assuring me it is a slightly lesser 9700.
Would really appreicate some advice, to choose between a 8900, 8520, 9000, 9700. The 8900 is on a promotional price now much cheaper than the 9 series. Thanks to all in advance.

[MidnightDraven]

The 9000 is the larger form factor, therefore more room for the keys; and in the end slightly bigger ones.
The 8520 doesnt have GPS
and the 8900 and 8520 are not 3G (faster data connection).

Otherwise the features are generally the same, and its a case of testing each one to see which you feel most comfortable with.

[18pcs]

Originally Posted by MidnightDraven

The 9000 is the larger form factor, therefore more room for the keys; and in the end slightly bigger ones.
The 8520 doesnt have GPS
and the 8900 and 8520 are not 3G (faster data connection).

Otherwise the features are generally the same, and its a case of testing each one to see which you feel most comfortable with.

Thanks for your reply.
I liked the 9000 key layout very much. But everything and evry review is pointing towards the 9700. In terms of resale value also. Besides I read on some post that even with OS 5 loaded onto the 9000, it hangs as the memory is not enough. Not that I want to do lots of multi tasking but in the end want a product which will not date so fast. The weight factor is also a deterrent, the 9000 being very heavy compared to the 9700. Was thinking of getting the 9700 and try to get used to the keys. This being my very first BB or for that matter a QWERTY keypad, I am not used to any particular keypad, so I guess can train myself to go with the smaller keys unless they really are very unusable.

[devnull]

Besides holding each one in hand as MD already suggested, here is some other data to assist in the comparison.

BlackBerry - BlackBerry | Wireless Handheld Devices, Software & Services from Research In Motion (RIM)

[18pcs]

Thanks Devnull for your reply. I checked the url, there is a difference in dimension and weight otherwise the 9000 seems fairly close.I see that u are also using a 9000 and maybe the older OS as mentioned in your signature ? What is your personal rating of the 9000 and would you be upgrading to the 9700 in the near future ?

[devnull]

Originally Posted by 18pcs

Thanks Devnull for your reply. I checked the url, there is a difference in dimension and weight otherwise the 9000 seems fairly close.I see that u are also using a 9000 and maybe the older OS as mentioned in your signature ? What is your personal rating of the 9000 and would you be upgrading to the 9700 in the near future ?

I have had zero problems with my 9000 device. Although, it's a bit dated in relation to the 9700, its size, structural integrity, and performance fill my current needs just fine. I have never used a 9700, so it wouldn't be fair for me to compare the two. However, if something drastic were to happen to my 9000, and couldn't get an equal replacement, the 9700 would be my next choice.

I'm sure others on these forums have had both and have their own opinion, but in the end, it's really up to you.

HTH

[18pcs]

Bought the 9700 finally. Am quite happy with it as of now.
When connected to the BB desktop manager I get a pop saying software needs to be updated. I have V5.0.0.442 (Platform 5.1.0.121). Should I update the software or just ignore it and continue using the current one. Have had problems in the past whilst trying to update Nokia firmware and am a bit wary now. All advice highly appreciated, thanks.