8700g vs 8707v. Which should I get?
 

Hi all,

Which model should I get? I know the 8707v has 3g capabilities and can act as a wireless modem but I don't really need those features as I am sure EDGE is way more than enough. Where I am from, I can get the 8707v for about maybe an extra $25 however I gotta say, it looks way uglier compared to the 8700g. Need some opinions.

Thanks

check coverage and service providers then worry about the device. Personally I love my 8700

8707 is only GPRS in the US, so basically useless other than as a phone and a PDA. Since you did not say where you were, I don't know if that is a consideration or not. The 3G piece as I understand it works in Japan and Europe.

I live in Thailand. They have EDGE here but not 3g. However, I travel to Malaysia a lot which has 3g services. I am getting these devices unlocked.

I don't see the faster speed being much of an issue, unless you plan on tethering to a laptop.

In terms of support for firmware and software, is it harder to get them for 8707v? I mostly see 8700g stuff going around here. Will they work on the 8707v?

If your carrier doesn't offer the 8707, then they won't be able to offer tech support or setup if you have problems. You would have to go directly to RIM, I would think.

I mean, for an unlocked 8700g I can easily download a new OS or firmware version. Can I do the same for 8707v easily? Cause I don't see much of it being talked about here. I don't think they update the 8707v frequently yeah?

There is support and updates for the 8707v. If you're going to use it in Thailand you're only going to get GPRS on the 8707v not EDGE..... I use the curve when in Thailand and it works great. If you're thinking you're going to get hyper speed when in Malaysia on 3g, you will be disappointed.

I live in Australia and I own a 8707v. I have an Optus SIM card and a Vodafone SIM card. My 8707v has now been unlocked, so I can either carrier.
I find the 8707v call quality is noticably lower than I have experienced using GSM-only BlackBerry devices (I also own a 7290 and a Pearl). I also find that the 8707v tends to stick with the 3G network even when coverage is very poor (rather than drop back to GPRS) to the point of having no data connection at all.
The 8700g has more storage capacity and uses the much more stable Intel chipset (compared to the Qualcomm UMTS chipset in the 8707v).
I'd recommend you get the 8700g unless you need either:
a.) coverage in Japan; or
b.) tethered modem capability
Leigh