[jessep28]

Hi there:

I apologize if this is in the wrong area. This is a multi unit question.

I am right now in the market for a smart phone. I am considering (still) the Treo devices but leaning towards the Blackberries (8703e & 7130e)

Anyways, two of my major priorities in this purchase would be pocket friendliness and durability. I prefer not to deal with cases and holsters, as I take good care of my things. Also, I hate bulky items in my pockets as well.

The durability aspect is what is driving me away from the sensitive touch screens Palm offers.

Understanding full well that the 8703e (Sprint) is a more advanced device are they really that bad to carry around in the pockets vs. the smaller, phone-like 7130?

I am also looking for the better unit web browsing and e-mail wise (which the full QWERTY keyboard on the 8703 would be superior in this area).

Thanks,

Jesse

[Dodge DeBoulet]

Well, either of the BlackBerries would be more suitable as a "pocket" device than the Treos; they're both lighter and thinner than any of the Treo models.

However, to really consider them as pocketable devices, you need to more fully define what you mean by a pocket

I think I would find either the 7130e or 8703e as a bit large for carrying in business/casual trouser pockets, front or back. Either would fit in a shirt pocket, but would certainly affect the line of shirt; although they're lighter than Treos, they're sill not what I would consider "featherweight." You'd have more options with painter's or cargo pants, but they may not be appropriate for the environment in which you'll spend much of your time.

The only suitable (pun unintentional) pocket for most occasions would be an inside pocket in a suit or sport jacket.

I briefly considered the 7130e when I decided to switch to a BlackBerry last year, but disliked the SureType keyboard. I didn't find the difference in size between the two significant enough to put up with SureType. I'm very happy with my 8703e (although there are still a number of features I wish it had, the primary being voice dial).

[budah2025]

Wirelessly posted (8703e: BlackBerry8703e/4.1.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/106)

I love my 8703e. I don't knoiw what I would have done with a Palm. My cell phone friends who were strictly Palm users are now BB users because od messing with mine. I personally believe that BB are 3x easier to use then the bulky palm. I would go with the BB. I would also check if sure type is for you. I personally hated it.

[bc7]

I used the 7130 for about 3 months before Verizon sent me a new 8703. I must say that there is no comparision between the two. The 8703 is BY FAR a better device. The full keyboard is so much easier to work with than the sure type.

I thought that the 8703 would be too bulky to hold to my ear as a phone, but I have to say it is very, very similar to the 7130. (Neither are a dream come true, but that's what Bluetooth was invented for).

As far as keeping either one in your pocket I would agree with the other posters and say that you might find it to be bothersome. I have found in the past that if I was going to be on my feet doing anything that keeping the phone in my back pocket is the most sensible, but that obviously won't work if you plan on sitting down. My recommendation would be to use the holster that comes with the phone. I have had great success with mine, don't have any complaints about the phone popping out, or being difficult to get out when it rings etc.

Hope that was a little bit helpful.

[jessep28]

Okay thanks for the input.

I have never been a big fan of holsters/belt clips due to the whole looking pretentious issue. But if I get one I will have to get used to it. Functionality is also a big issue I had with previous cell phone/PDA belt clips. However, again, it sounds like this won't be an issue with the BB.

A couple more questions:

1) Is the 8703 fine in terms of using as a phone w/o a Bluetooth headset? See above as to why I don't like Bluetooth headsets. (pretentious and just another thing to deal with)

2) Has anyone been successful is negotiating with Sprint (I am on the PCS side) over the BB data plan? Cost isn't an issue if I choose to get one, but if I can negotiate a lower price somehow, why not?

[Dodge DeBoulet]

Originally Posted by jessep28

Okay thanks for the input.

I have never been a big fan of holsters/belt clips due to the whole looking pretentious issue. But if I get one I will have to get used to it. Functionality is also a big issue I had with previous cell phone/PDA belt clips. However, again, it sounds like this won't be an issue with the BB.

A couple more questions:

1) Is the 8703 fine in terms of using as a phone w/o a Bluetooth headset? See above as to why I don't like Bluetooth headsets. (pretentious and just another thing to deal with)

Pretentious? I think you worry too much about what other people think. The BlackBerry, and BT headset for that matter, are so common in business environments these days that I barely notice them any more.

I carry my 8703e in a subdued black Fortte lateral leather pouch. A bit bigger than a cell phone case for a candy-bar style phone, but not overstated. And it looks a lot better than one bulging thigh

2) Has anyone been successful is negotiating with Sprint (I am on the PCS side) over the BB data plan? Cost isn't an issue if I choose to get one, but if I can negotiate a lower price somehow, why not?

I don't do Sprint . . . I'll let someone else field that one.

[jessep28]

Pretentious? I think you worry too much about what other people think.

Haha, that is true more or less.

[Aroc]

I carry my 8700c (cingular, similar to Verizon's 8703e) in my right front dress pants pocket at work. There's a little bulge, but it's slight. It's more visible on store-bought unaltered pants than on taylor-alterned suit pants. Since the betters one hang better on you, making the BB less noticable.

Either is worlds less dorky than wearing one on your belt.

You hardly notice really. If it's that big of deal, just carry it with your portfolio in your hand, or leave it with your secretary and have her field your calls and email.

[smartphoney]

Originally Posted by jessep28

Understanding full well that the 8703e (Sprint) is a more advanced device are they really that bad to carry around in the pockets vs. the smaller, phone-like 7130?

Actually, according to the specs these two devices are the same weight and the 8703e is slightly thinner. I would think that this might make that device at least as pocket friendly as the 7130e (if not more so). Like you, I don't go for belt clips, etc. I've carried a Treo 650 in my front pocket for a long time now and if I've pretty much decided that the most logical upgrade with Sprint is the 8703e. Of course the most pocket friendly Sprint smartphone is the Q, but I get the sense that that device is even buggier than the Treos.