[jayinla]

Hi Everybody,

This is my first post and I just wanted to share some observations on the new Verizon 8830 compared to my old reliable 8703.

Last week I switched over to the new 8830, intrigued buy it's looks and new operating system. I also liked the idea of the new track ball compared to the trackwheel. After a full week of the 8830, I finally had enough and returned it back for my old 8703. Here are the reasons for the return:

1. The ringer volume blows. I've read on the forums here this is an issue and I should get a program to boost the volume of the mp3's. I don't think so. On a new phone like this, I should be able to hear my phone ring with the standard stock ringers.

2. Call background noise! This issue is strange. When speaking on the phone, you can hear yourself coming through the handset as well as any other background noise such as your car A/C. Callers on the other end had also complained that they can hear every little thing going on around me. This issue isn't gigantic but is annoying.

3. Keypad not up to par! Besides the horrible choice to make the backlight on the keypad blue and pretty much unreadable in the dark, the keys themself are too small and not spaced properly. I knew this going in but read that some people got use to the size. After one week, I just couldn't get into it.

4. Unlocking keypad is more difficult then 8703. I like to keep my BB in my pocket and always lock it when doing so. On the 8703 all you have to do is click the trackwheel twice and you're unlocked. On the 8830 you need to press * and phone button to unlock. Ok minor issue but with the size of the keys and horrible backlight, it's pretty hard to unlock your phone in a hurry at night.

There are some good things about the 8830. I think the phone is beautiful. The silver is classy and it feels great in your hands. The 4.2 OS is great. Spellcheck and voice command are great additions. The track ball takes time to get use to but is nice. The speakerphone works great. But I have to say, although not as pretty as the 8830, the 8703 is a solid piece of magic. I've never had better reception on a cell phone. The screen is beautiful. The key pad is perfect. The ringers are loud and the call quality is top notch. Maybe if the 8703 wasn't so great i would have kept the 8830 and dealt with it's negatives but since the 8703 rocks so hard, I'll wait for the next Verizon release and see if it fairs better.

Interested to hear your comments.

Peace and Go Ducks! 2007 Stanley Cup!

[sean76]

I'm just navigating through the Forums right now, and stumbled onto your thread! My dad picked up the 8830 last week, and loves it! I played around with it the other day, and have to say, I like it! Not to say the 8703e doesn't rock, cause it does! Was one of my favorite Blackberrys. However, I wouldn't be able to go back to it after using the 8800 and my newest edition, the Curve! The Trackball is just wonderful in my book.
For my Verizon line I'm going to pick up the 8830, feels solid, I'll wait about another month for any kinks to be worked out! My advice would have been to give it a chance.
But that's just my take because I love the Trackball!
The lighting on the keyboard really isn't something that struck me as a problem either, but everyone has a different take on this topic! Change is hard sometimes, but sometimes has benefits! Looks to me like you love you 8703, and your content with it as your device of choice! If ya get the itch again for the shiny 8830, give it a month or so! That's when I'll be picking it up, hopefully kink free!

[li2327]

I just picked up the 8830 and I love it.

[chascent]

I also had the 8703e and exchanged it for the 8830 World Traveler. The 8830 blows away the 8703. The trackball is fantastic, the keyboard lighting is just fine. The ringer is a tad low but that depends on the ringer you choose. The internet is lightning fast, battery lasts all day with very heavy use, I am totally happy with the change. The voice dialing is really nice and helps so much when I am traveling. The option of adding a memory card is also a huge plus. I have all my ringers on the card as well as a youtube video that plays perfectly in full screen. I absolutly love the 8830.

Charlie C

[BigPlaya]

Personally I would have a hard time going back to a device that did not let me dial via BT headset when I am driving, and didn't have integrated spell-check for message composition. Those are a couple of very useful features.