BlackBerry 8830
I am a little behind in writing this one - sorry! Last August I grew increasingly frustrated with Sprint due to poor phone service and awful customer service. I started shopping for a replacement phone and decided to finally go for a smartphone, PDA-phone or BlackBerry.
I ended up choosing the BlackBerry 8830 from Verizon and have absolutely loved the decision.
In choosing this new device I was looking to replace an aging (and outdated) Compaq iPaq hadheld PDA that served me well for almost nine years. I was looking to not only have phone, but data, calendar and address book functions available in one device. Among the devices considered: the Cingular/AT&T 8525, the Sprint Mogul and the T-Mobile Sidekick.
After a good deal on research online I focused on the BlackBerry. Two of my good friends both had the device and sterling reviews from each sealed the deal.
Some highlights of the BlackBerry 8830: Excellent service and call quality, ease of use, reliability and battery life. Some low points: no reset button, low speaker volume and learning curve transitioning from PocketPC/Windows Devices to BlackBerry.
Out of the box the 8830 is a stunning device in a smart, lightweight handheld package. A full QWERTY keyboard sits underneath an ample screen. Keys on the keyboard are slightly raised and easy to press. I have larger hands and have noticed it difficulty to hit the correct keys at times, but I have not found it to be a major problem.
The included BlackBerry software of browser, email client, calendar application, etc. is adequate. I have read many reviews of people adding new browser software, like Opera, but I have no problem with the included broswer. There is an included Map/Directions program but I did add the Google suite of mobile applications which included Google Maps. I use both and find little difference between the two.
Data speed on the Verizon network in my area (Central Jersey) are fantastic. Email setup was a snap and I was able to add email accounts for my personal business and accounts from Yahoo, Google Gmail and MSN Hotmail. I did have to pay for the upgrade to paid service on Hotmail to access it via the phone.
The built-in calendar and personal software (tasks, notes, etc.) took a little getting used to having come from a Windows PDA. At first I did not like using the calendar at all. Now it is a breeze. Sync with my PC has also not been a problem.
The phone itself is quite durable. I have dropped it several times - not trying to drop it mind you, but I have. It sports some battle scars now but functions just the same. I am sure there are some more technical and thorough reviews out there but I can tell you that through real world, every day use this has become one of my favorite devices of all time.