[.jond]

I'm trying to sort out which phone I want. I'm narrowed it down to 3.
The new Verizon 8830, or the AT&T Pearl or Curve.

Here are the pluses and minuses as I see them. Let me know what I'm missing:
Verizon 8830:
+ On Verizon network, therefore will always be able to make phone calls
+ Full keyboard
- No camera

AT&T Pearl
+ Stylish and small
+ Camera
- On cingular network which is spotty in some areas.

AT&T Curve
+ Full keyboard
+ Camera
- On cingular network which is spotty in some areas.


I'm not sure which can do these things, but I know the 8830 has GPS. I would love *free* gps if possible.
I would like to be able to use it as a modem for my laptop if possible.

I know a lot is personal preference, but any words of advise?


Verizon 8830:


AT&T Curve:


AT&T Pearl:

[JSanders]

If you HAVE to have a camera, get the 8300. Better camera.
If you HAVE to have GPS, get the 8830 you mentioned, or the 8800 from ATT.

But basically I think coverage is a major factor, if you don't have coverage where you are, you will never like even the nicest device.

[jakob]

well... are you going to be doing a lot of typing in which acuracy is important (spelling and such)? if yes, you should try out the pearl for a while and see if you can handle sure-type (2 letter per key QWERTY). if you cant then that rules out the pearl....


btw: verizon is spotty in lots of areas too....

i personally love my new curve... expenive monthly fee since from cingy tho...

[jakob]

Originally Posted by JSanders

If you HAVE to have a camera, get the 8300. Better camera.
If you HAVE to have GPS, get the 8830 or 8800 from ATT.

But basically I think coverage is a major factor, if you don't have coverage where you are, you will never like even the nicest device.

Is there is 8830 from ATT now?

[JSanders]

Originally Posted by jakob

Is there is 8830 from ATT now?

No, there is an 8800 from ATT. The 8830 which the OP is considering is from Verizon.

[jakob]

Originally Posted by JSanders

No, there is an 8800 from ATT. The 8830 which the OP is considering is from Verizon.

OK... thanks then.... your statement in the previous post was sort of misleading... sorry...

[JSanders]

Originally Posted by jakob

OK... thanks then.... your statement in the previous post was sort of misleading... sorry...

Which I have edited and made clearer (and noted such) for those who have not read through the entire thread and know the OP had already mentioned the 8830 from Verizon.

Back on topic...

[BBFreak]

I like the Pearl but like said above it depends on if you can get used to the SureType. The one thing I don't lie about the Pearl is that it doesn't have navigation.

[jakob]

Originally Posted by BBFreak

I like the Pearl but like said above it depends on if you can get used to the SureType. The one thing I don't lie about the Pearl is that it doesn't have navigation.

What do you mean, "navigation?" Do you mean the scroll wheel or do you mean GPS, or something else entirely?

[.jond]

Originally Posted by jakob

What do you mean, "navigation?" Do you mean the scroll wheel or do you mean GPS, or something else entirely?

I *think* the 8830 has a built in GPS so you can get directions on the fly. I'm not sure if it can do turn by turn voice navigation like a tom-tom or something though. I also read that apparently it's 'locked' so 3rd party apps like google maps can't access the gps???

[jakob]

Originally Posted by .jond

I *think* the 8830 has a built in GPS so you can get directions on the fly. I'm not sure if it can do turn by turn voice navigation like a tom-tom or something though. I also read that apparently it's 'locked' so 3rd party apps like google maps can't access the gps???

No, I do not think that the GPS is locked.... where did you see that?

[.jond]

Originally Posted by jakob

No, I do not think that the GPS is locked.... where did you see that?

I can't remember which forum it was on. It was a user saying it though, so maybe they just didn't know what they were doing.

[JSanders]

8830 on Verizon does appear to have the built-in GPS disabled, although still available via bluetooth puck. Read Post #9 from takeshi.
http://www.blackberryforums.com/gene...tml#post558835

[BB8100user]

It's ridiculous how Verizon is so zealous about disabling useful features for its consumers.

It has an attitude of "I know what's best for you".

For that reason alone I would avoid Verizon.

[jakob]

Wow. Thats d**n stupid though... wonder why they would do that????

[penguin3107]

Originally Posted by jakob

Wow. Thats d**n stupid though... wonder why they would do that????

Yes, the internal GPS receiver in the 8830 is currently crippled. it's crippled in the 8703e as well.

More than a few sources (including my own Verizon rep) have indicated that Verizon will soon be launching VZnavigator for the 8830 which will make use of the Internal GPS. This will be a subscription service for about $10 per month.

Disabling the Internal GPS isn't Verizon saying "we know what's best for you". It's more likely their way of generating more revenue from users.

[secrecyguy]

I might go for Verizon. You have to pay extra for tethering to your laptop on AT&T (Cingular). Since the speed is the same as in T-mobile, I will say go to T-mobile.

But since you did not ask about T-mobile, I will go to Verizon since they have faster speed than AT&T so it's worth paying extra for Verizon but not for AT&T.