Which Blackberry? Question for users...

[Fab Foodie]

Firstly, please no "I don't/wouldn't have" a Blackberry type responses...
Secondly, these are the only platforms of choice, an I-thingy may be better but it ain't on the list...

I have a choice between these:

an 8310: http://uk.blackberry.com/devices/blackberrycurve8300/

or
an 8100: http://uk.blackberry.com/devices/blackberrypearl8100/

My main reasoning apart from email on the go, is that I need a good pocket organiser that interacts with my computer calendar and allows me to jot down project notes, memos, reminders (I'm not a naturally organised person).
Years ago I had a Palm Vx which was one of the most useful tools I ever had, but work don't support that or any other platform than the B'berry.

So that's my choice.

The more expensive 8100 is smaller and neater, but I think the larger one will be better for my needs:
2 thumb typing on Qwerty... I'm used to this type of keypad (I cant do phone texting or predictive systems with any ease)
Bigger screen for viewing calendars etc.
Headphone socket, would double as a mp3 player with SD cards

Only thing is that neither come ready to use wi-fi, is that a big disadvantage?
Should I trya and hustle for the upgrade for the 8310?

What are users experiences?

 

[Globalti]

The Curve, no contest. I have a Pearl and it's fine as a phone that also reads texts and emails. My colleague has a Curve and it's a superb little pocket communicator that also makes phone calls. The screen is superb, the typing is easy and it's a whole generation ahead of the Pearl. From your job description you certainly won't get on with a Pearl.

BB Messenger is excellent by the way, we use it all the time for minor business matters.

Don't worry about wi-fi, the GPRS based browser works fine.

 

[phil_hg_uk]

I have the Blackberry 9700, had it for about a month and so far it is excellent. I particularly like the touch pad rather than the roller ball on the other models.

 

[dan_bo]

I'm on a curve at this very moment and it does the lot.

Stop short of taking it to bed with me though.

 

[Proto]

I have a Curve 8900. Very happy with it. A good size, slightly smaller than a Bold, which is just a bit too big in my opinion.

Only real criticism I can make is that it has no radio and no way of plaing BBC iPlayer.

A bit horrified about how much junk email I have to keep deleting, though. Grrrrrr.

I'm on Vodafone, and with hindsight I perhaps wish I'd bought a Nokia E71/72 instead.

 

[phil_hg_uk]

A bit horrified about how much junk email I have to keep deleting, though. Grrrrrr.

I was getting tons of spam mail when I first got mine, but I found the easy way of dealing with it is to forward your email to a googlemail account and let that account trap all the junk for you the google spam filter is excellent.

My spam went from around 70 a day to around 4 and best of all it is FREE

 

[gaz]

Swings and round abouts on the splitting the two. the pros of the curve are the better keypad and bigger screen. pros of the pearl is the smaller profile means it's easier in the pocket.
Both have the 'nipple' which can go wrong when water gets involved.

I was getting tons of spam mail when I first got mine, but I found the easy way of dealing with it is to forward your email to a googlemail account and let that account trap all the junk for you the google spam filter is excellent.

My spam went from around 70 a day to around 4 and best of all it is FREE

I'm sure you could set up some more filters and get that number even lower!!

 

[phil_hg_uk]

I'm sure you could set up some more filters and get that number even lower!!

I could but I need to make sure no email I want gets trapped as I run a number of online shops so a certain amount of spam goes with the territory when you have as many domains as I do.

I use Mailwasher Pro on the desktop pc that way I can spot any false positives and if any wanted email doesnt make it to the blackberry I can spot it when it gets to mail washer pro and I dont loose the sale, so it works for me

 

[Globalti]

For BB users, that pearl ball is remarkably easy to remove and clean - just get your fingernail under the chrome ring and pull it out then gently lever out the square housing for the ball, noting the orientation of ring and ball.

 

[amnesia]

I have the curve 8520 for work... it does everything I need - emails, contacts, sync with laptop etc.

Got a decent screen, 3.5mm headphone jack, keyboard is a bit fiddly, but usable.
http://uk.blackberry.com/devices/blackberrycurve8500/



For personal use though, the HTC Hero wins hands down

 

[Fab Foodie]

Thanks for the help fellw CC'ers.
I'm going for the curve, Globalti's right, I think it fits my bill as a communication tool better than the smaller one.
Cheers, FF.

BTW, anybody knowe how much music you can get on an SD card? You see I have no I-pod...

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Firstly, please no "I don't/wouldn't have" a Blackberry type responses...

If you've now chosen are we allowed to start with the 'I wouldn't get a friggin' blackberry' etc posts?

You see I have no I-pod...

 

[rusky]

Anyone got any views on the Curve 8520?

 

[Fab Foodie]

Anyone got any views on the Curve 8520?

Did you see amnesia's post? He's your man... or woman maybe...

 

[Fab Foodie]

If you've now chosen are we allowed to start with the 'I wouldn't get a friggin' blackberry' etc posts?

Oh go on then, just a little post... seeing as you've been so well behaved up to now