[jewberry]

1. I changed the theme on my 8830 and it appears that the battery life is draining faster. Is this possible?

2. Also, I get constant complaints from callers that they can't hear me on the speakerphone. Is this common or should I try and get another device?

3. Is the 8820 unlocked? If I get one can I use just switch SIMs and use it on Rogers in Canada and T-Mobile/AT&T in the US?

This site is a great resource!

[JSanders]

1. While possible, not likely. How do you judge that your battery is draining faster. Do you have any other applications running?
3. All BBs that are purchased retail come locked.

[akosnitzky]

I do not know of a theme draining a battery more than any other theme.

Hit the ALT+ESC and see what apps you have running?

Then close what you have open. You cannot close, e-mail, phone, bb messenger or the browser.

I tend to be guilty of leaving the media player on which you can close.

[jewberry]

Media player on! That would definitely do it!

Question- is it difficult to unlock an 8820?

[akosnitzky]

Make sure you have as many apps off as possible. Especially the media player. Close out the program. Dont just exit by clicking directly to the home screen. It took me two weeks to figure that out which I learned on this site.

[JSanders]

IF you can get an unlock code it will be a fairly simply process.
How do I unlock my BlackBerry? - BlackBerryFAQ

It will be difficult to get a quick unlock on the device, because it is not a North American device. Remember, the newer the device, often the unlock cost is a bit higher.

[TBOLTRAM]

I normally get three days before I need to recharge (~25% battery) in the Houston area. When I went to the west Austin area for vacation in mid July I found that I was having to recharge everyday with minimal usage. It appears that in areas with poor CDMA reception the battery runs down quickly. Most likely the phone is trying to establish contact and uses a lot of battery doing it. I wonder if the recent software update will help minimize battery drain under these conditions.

My experience and your mileage may vary.

[LithiumNitrate]

regarding #2...

i haven't had that issue with my mic.

but when you're talking to someone who's using their BB speakerphone, it sounds awful, because the person's (who's calling you) voice is broadcast out by the speakerphone, which is then picked up by your BB mic and then transmitted back to them. it sounds horrible, so i don't use spkr anymore except for voicemail.