[davidx]

i'm torn. i've never owned a Blackberry, so i'm a bit green about these things, but am convinced I'm going to go for either a 7100 or a 7290... but... i can't work out which is better.

would very much love to hear the thoughts of the users on this forum.

the basics that i'm after...

*instant email updates from my gmail
*IM with MSN (i read somewhere that 7100 didnt cope well with IM but 7290 did?)
*a device that will fit ok in my pocket (which is more compact?)
*a decent keyboard interface
*something that i'm not embarrassed to be seen holding

i'm interested in hate/love the 7100's SureType keyboard is getting. is it quicker and easier than a qwerty keyboard, or does the classic blackberry qwerty on the 7290 win out?

in terms of more general functionality, which device do you lot think is better?

[careyana]

Trust someone who sees these on a regular basis - the 7290 has so many more pros over the 7100. The only things going for the 7100 are its slimmer form factor and the LCD screen. If you don't plan to use it for a phone, it may work okay but there are so many issues with the voice quality that I can't recommend it.