Just played with 8300 for O2
 

Hello. I am an administrator from the US currently on a business trip to the UK. The O2 rep was just here showing our UK admins the latest 8300. All I can say is WOW. The device is lighter than the Pearl and far smaller than the 8800. As many have reported this is the first of the 8300 series and will only have the camera. No WiFi or GPS. Later 8300 devices will address this. O2 plans on being the first to market with the 8300 with a release date of 2-3 weeks from today.

I know the second it comes out for ATT I will be dropping my Pearl and going to the 8300. I might even ask my UK admins to send me one and just unlock it if ATT drags too long. I am also going to yell at my RIM ATT rep for not showing me this device.

The rep also said this device has been ready for awhile. The reason most carriers have been waiting on release is because of the 8800. They have ordered thousands of 8800's only to get the 8300 a few months later. The rep also feels people are going to jump at the 8300 and the 8800 will get left behind.

Few pics as well. Sorry for the poor quality and the picture cutoffs. I only had a few seconds to take some snap shots.

Enjoy!

Smaller than the 8800? wow.

And for everyone who was waiting patiently:

hahahaha, i love all the speculation....

personally I'm getting a little tired of the speculation. I hope people start realizing how far off BG has been, other than providing pics, he's been off on specs and delivery dates so far....

He hasnt been off and delivery dates he has never officially set a release date they are only speculation dates. I was told 3 - 4 weeks before april and AT&T still hasn't released it. If you can do better than BG go ahead and make your own site and gives us the latest scoop.

O I have had the 8300 in my hands and it is nice but not for me I'm satisfied with my pearl.

pics have not so far supported the "it's so much smaller than the 8800" - there were several side by side shots widely distributed and the 8300 is pretty equal in size to the 8800.

Ya, better return it with no one looking before you get caught.

Agreed. Not only was it close in size but the 8300 looked fatter!

I can see how it would be smaller from the images I have seen

It looks like a brick compared to the Pearl. I'm keeping the 8100.

What about the cork screw and bottle opener????

This is completely not true. Guys I have held the unit in my hands today. I compared it to an 8700, 8800 and 8100.


It is the lightest unit of the 4. Very close in size to the 8100 pearl. Only a bit wider. The 8800 is far bigger than the 8300. A slight bit slimmer but not much at all.


Honestly I think once people really see the unit they will be surprised by the size. I can see now why it is named the Curve. Very curved in design and sleek. I really like it. I will definately be dumping my pearl once I get the 8300 for keeps.

Again 100% confirmed no Wi-Fi and no GPS. Also the battery is the same size as the pearl. Not the larger size battery of the 8800.

I am still betting you don't see GPS on the 8300 for quite some time. At that point they have completely cannibilized the 8800.

Very close in size to the 8100???? with qwerty??????...... YIKES........ Way to small for these fat thumbs then.... Glad I got the 8800.....

Honestly the keys are not that small. It is a very nice design. I really believe people will love the 8300 and dump the 8100 and the 8800 for this device. Definately those still holding the 8700 will move. My opinion at least.

Ohh, I am sure I will get one when it come out just because:

Hi, my name is Kris and I have an addiction.... :razz:

I think Ixxx8217;ll stick with my 8800, I can careless about a camera.

i really wanted a cam fon bb

but the 8800 is so pocket friendly...no need for a holster

BlackBerry 8300 is the best BlackBerry ever made. Happy? Also to comment on the size between both BlackBerrys -- the 8300 is 100% smaller. It is a tad bit thicker, but in terms of the feel of the device in your hands, it's the best. As far as release date speculation, I can only provide the information that is given to me. Most of the time it's actually dead on, but then a carrier might delay a product, or there might be a problem with software, who knows. I do agree that the carriers are worried about the users going for the 8300, opposed to the 8800, but at the end of the day what can you do? Another local carrier will be getting the 8300, wouldn't you rather have it then not have it in your lineup at all?