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Which BB to get

We are getting ready to get our first BB probably next week. We are trying to decide between the touchscreen models and the models with the keyboard. Which model would you recommend and why? We are looking at all the different BB but don't know if the touchpad is good or more of a problem waiting to happen since I have somewhat large hands and am concerned about being able to use the touchpad.

We are trying to make a good decision since we will have this phone for 2 years.

Comments

MorganB

Check out the reviews for Blackberry Devices here from other customers. Hope this helps!

http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=phoneFirst&action=viewPhoneOverviewByDevice&deviceType=3G Smartphones&lid=//global//phones+and+accessories//cell+phones//3g+smartphones

SydneyK

Welcome to the addiction! Just know there's no going back to a regular phone after BlackBerry. :smileyhappy:

You really must try them out in the store. There's no substitute for that. Another thing I would recommend is checking out CrackBerry, which can tell you everything you'd ever want to know about BB.

Personally, I prefer the trackball or trackpad and physical keyboard to the touch-screen. The trackball is very easy to navigate. If I were to upgrade to another BB right now, I'd either think about the Curve 2 (that trackpad is nice!), or the Tour 2, which should be released soon. The only drawback to the Curve 2 is there's no camera flash. Another device that I tried and liked in the store is the Droid Eris -- it has a touch-screen AND a trackball (the best of both worlds), and the web browser is very fast.

Good luck deciding! Whatever you choose, you will have a lot of fun!

MacGuyver8

Skip BB. If you have never used one before (it sounds like you have not) then I would recommend looking at a phone/ device that is more user friendly. BlackBerries are not particularly user-friendly. The learning curve, for the Curve or any BB, is quite steep. You won't get much, if any, help from VZW or RIM. You will be relegated to endless hours scouring infinite user blogs and forums (i.e. Crackberry, etc.) to solve a myriad of problems, or just to get up to speed. This is my third 'smartphone'. I have previously owned a Palm Trio and a VZW PocketPC. By far the BB is the most alien device to become proficient at. You can get other devices that employ Windows Mobile which are far easier, more familiar, etc. and will sync with your PC more naturally.

As a piece of hardware my 8330 has been quite reliable, except the trackball needs replacing about every 5-6 months. Battery life is very good. I have had mine for more than 2 years now. I have no intention of "upgrading" at this time because I have spent so much effort in learning and configuring my BB I feel I need to use it until it dies.

Whatever device you choose I highly recommend spending several hours in the store playing with the display models. A few hours on a saturday or sunday is a cheap investment to avoid, or at least minimize, 2 years of frustration. Best of luck!

SydneyK

MyTwoCents

I have to disagree with MacGuyver8. Once you start using a BB and become reasonably proficient (which is not that difficult) you won't want anything else. BB beats everything else hands down. I started out with a Windows Mobile phone and it was the most difficult and irritating phone I've ever had. As far as touch screen or non-touch screen, I"ve got the Tour and I love it, and used to have the Storm and loved that not so much. Touch screen phones seem to be better if your into media such as videos. If you don't find all your answers on the link from Verizon, CrackBerry had an article on "The Hierarchy of Needs" a few weeks back if you can find it maybe it will help you decide your priorities. Good luck on what ever you decide.

StreetDocRN

MyTwoCents wrote:
I have to disagree with MacGuyver8. Once you start using a BB and become reasonably proficient (which is not that difficult) you won't want anything else. BB beats everything else hands down. I started out with a Windows Mobile phone and it was the most difficult and irritating phone I've ever had. As far as touch screen or non-touch screen, I"ve got the Tour and I love it, and used to have the Storm and loved that not so much. Touch screen phones seem to be better if your into media such as videos. If you don't find all your answers on the link from Verizon, CrackBerry had an article on "The Hierarchy of Needs" a few weeks back if you can find it maybe it will help you decide your priorities. Good luck on what ever you decide.

Hey,

I forgot about that article on Crackberry. Good job...kudos point to you for remembering.

Doc

Airflow

DO NOT get the Storm 2. I got it last month and it is without a doubt the worst reception I have ever seen, heard of, or ever had the displeasure of paying full price for. I had a Curve before this and it was excellent. This Storm 2 and its problems are NOT worht the trouble. Verizon doesn't have any answers to make this phone a phone that works. They will keep sending you new phones til you are just tired of dealing with all its problems and stop calling in to get help.This Storm 2 reception is terrible to say the least. The Storm 2 is an amazing piece of technology but if you need a phone that works reliably DO NOT get it. Simply stated the Storm 2 is good for everything other than a phone. Good luck.

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