[Nickster248]

I bought the 8703e based on the Carrier I wanted to go with, so that pretty much nails down my reason for purchasing it. I've tried both, and am glad I went with the 8703e. The 8700 and 8703e differ in that the CDMA in the 8703e is provided for by Qualcomm, unlike the GSM/EDGE chip in the 8700. Although EVDO is much faster downloading than EDGE, the 8703e is not quite as powerful internally as the 8700, and I think that is where you are noticing the difference. Personally I have not noticed any speed difference between the 8700r and 8703e. Perhaps it is just the software, or the number of Programs you have loaded on your BB.