[getmeon]

Hi all,

It just so happens I have an 8900 and 9000 in my possession for testing. I know, I know – the age old Bold/Javelin post. The reason I’m posting here is because, although I really, really want to like the Bold, the Javelin is just the intuitively better choice, in terms of form factor and (subjectively) keyboard familiarity (I’m coming from an 8310).

My only real problem with choosing the Javelin is the fact I have a data plan. Is it insane to choose the Javelin over a 3G device like the Bold when I am paying Rogers $30/month for data? I haven’t been able to find any EDGE/3G 8900/9000 speed comparisons online, although I have seen posters mention that the Javelin runs ‘advanced’ edge, and therefore it’s not too much slower than the Bold. I’d like to exclude the whole ‘wifi makes up for 2G’ argument for now, since I am on the road often enough that I’ll have to rely on a cell connection. Can anyone chime in here? Has anyone else struggled with this choice?

I am also thinking about doing a video comparison of the two phones, since I’ve been using them both heavily over the past week.

Thoughts are welcome!

[TeritaM]

when I was in your situation, I did a "speed test". I pulled up espn on both devices. the Bold finished first, the 8900 a couple of seconds behind. it wasn't enough to make me like the Bold's speed better, but since I was changing companies I sent the 8900 back.

if I were you I'd keep the 8900 since you seem to like it so much better. the data plan is useful regardless of internet speed imho.

[getmeon]

What is 3G REALLY good for anyway? IMO if you're not streaming online videos or doing a video call, do you REALLY need it? I can't think of another 'really' good reason for the extra bandwidth

[dc/dc]

Double-posting is not permitted.

http://www.blackberryforums.com/gene...-one-back.html

[jeremyckitching]

3G does allow for voice and data simultaneously. So if you are on a call you can still browse the web or receive emails.

[wangta01]

Originally Posted by dc/dc

Double-posting is not permitted.

http://www.blackberryforums.com/gene...-one-back.html

He posted in the 9000 forum - I'm guessing alot of the 9000 users also went through this decision, and I'm pretty darn sure they don't come into this forum so they'd never see this post? Might be nice to get their perspective too.

[UnderNewbie]

Originally Posted by wangta01

He posted in the 9000 forum - I'm guessing alot of the 9000 users also went through this decision, and I'm pretty darn sure they don't come into this forum so they'd never see this post? Might be nice to get their perspective too.

It's normal that 9000 users will tell him to keep 9000 and return 8900
So he needs double topics!
I have no idea about speed of internet browser and I don't care about 3G
I love 8900 because it's smaller and more keyboard-friendly!

[dc/dc]

Originally Posted by wangta01

He posted in the 9000 forum - I'm guessing alot of the 9000 users also went through this decision, and I'm pretty darn sure they don't come into this forum so they'd never see this post? Might be nice to get their perspective too.

It doesn't matter. You don't double-post. Period.

[ifonline]

So how does he get the opinion of Bold users then when they likely don't browse this section?

[dc/dc]

Originally Posted by ifonline

So how does he get the opinion of Bold users then when they likely don't browse this section?

It doesn't belong in either one of these sections. It belongs in General Discussion.

[ChumsGum]

both phones have their advantages. it all comes down to personal preference.

bold-
3G
better keyboard
better cpu (yes it does make a difference when playing back video)
slightly better build quality

8900-
better camera
more memory for apps
better form factor
slightly better res on the screen

[ndub33]

Moving this thread to the General Discussions section.

[PhoenixAG]

I had a choice between the Bold and the Javelin. My advice? Go to the store and check them out. Based on the discussion here, I was all for going and getting the Bold. But when I kept the devices side by side, I just knew I needed the Javelin. The Bold is too much of a brick for me (no offense) and also, the double memory of the Javelin was just icing on the cake.

I am a BB newbie, but as I understand, the more memory you have, the less likely your BB is to crash.

A complete no brainer, from my point of view.

The only thing that would keep me from getting the Javelin is if you really don't like the keyboard, but in your case, you do, so that's about it.

[getmeon]

Thanks for all your advice. You guys have it right - I wanted advice from both 8900 and 9000 users, people with direct and intimate experience with each unit. Why would 9000 users come to the 8900 forum, and vice versa? Anyway.

After 5 AGONIZING days switching SIM cards and alternately charging each phone, I ended up choosing the 8900. It seems almost counterintuitive to choose the 'lower tech' option, and part of me will always like the Bold's screen size and 3G. But man oh man, when it comes down to it, I was looking for a cellular phone, which in my mind is a Portable Device. The Bold is simply a brick, in the pocket, lying in the hand, and while I clutched it during calls. In the end, I went with feel. LOL strange to say that, with all the other tech specs I could have used as deciding factors.

EDGE is honestly 'good enough'. Will I wait another 8-10 seconds for that NYTimes page to render? Yeah, sure. I'm cool with that. I won't be streaming video, tethering, or making video conf calls, so I think 3G is a bit much. I can run garmin GPS just fine.

Anyway LOL sorry, long post. It was just a tough call all around. I wasted a whole weekend basically swapping these two wonderful devices!

[PhoenixAG]

Wirelessly posted

Good to see you finally made a decision. Isn't that a relief?

On to having fun with the device now!