[whsbuss]

Originally Posted by saa001

Is there a list of features for this phone other than the dual mode (GSM out of U.S.)?

I would think it will have features similar to the 8800.

[BoogieNYC]

Originally Posted by whsbuss

I would think it will have features similar to the 8800.

I'm not sure whether saa was referring to the 83xx or the 88xx, but either way, form-factor wise, the 83xx looks pretty similar other than the digicam.

I think that'd be pretty much ideal: I don't care about GPS, especially with all the add-on apps/charges it will require, so if VZW leaves it out of their version of the 88xx (or the 83xx for that matter) no big deal. Same with PTT -- not interested. The camera is iffy -- if I had the choice -- from VZW -- to get the 88 minus GPS and PTT and the 83xx with the same features and battery as the VZW 88xx plus the cam, it would be a question of price (I'd have to play with the 83xx but I'd prolly stick with the VZW 88xx).

As much as we'd all like to see all kinds of features, personally I'd just prefer something thin, solid on battery and with good reception and built-in 'ware. Beyond that it's all gravy. And, um, if at all possible, something below the $300 mark

[saa001]

Since I am new to Verizon, I was wondering if they would cripple anything else. I found out after signing up with them that GPS is disabled and also the limit on text messaging.

I love their service but disabling some things just don't make sense.

[BoogieNYC]

Originally Posted by saa001

Since I am new to Verizon, I was wondering if they would cripple anything else. I found out after signing up with them that GPS is disabled and also the limit on text messaging.

I love their service but disabling some things just don't make sense.

Welp, those of us who have had Verizon for awhile reached a different conclusion than you did re: disabling some things. It's more likely than not that they disable features so they can charge to access them later (eg ringtones, wallpaper/pictures and other extras they prevent users from transferring with/without Bluetooth, etc.). I'm sure they're trying to figure out a way to enable GPS so that only their proprietary subscriber-ware works with same.

The problem is their service, at least IMHO re: NYC, is really solid. The other carriers are getting there, but VZW for me is the best service-wise. Too bad their phone selection, customer policies and pricing make up for it

[whsbuss]

Originally Posted by BoogieNYC

Welp, those of us who have had Verizon for awhile reached a different conclusion than you did re: disabling some things. It's more likely than not that they disable features so they can charge to access them later (eg ringtones, wallpaper/pictures and other extras they prevent users from transferring with/without Bluetooth, etc.). I'm sure they're trying to figure out a way to enable GPS so that only their proprietary subscriber-ware works with same.

The problem is their service, at least IMHO re: NYC, is really solid. The other carriers are getting there, but VZW for me is the best service-wise. Too bad their phone selection, customer policies and pricing make up for it

I agree. The US coverage is superb. And if the 8830e(?) is a CDMA/GSM world phone, it would meet those overseas requirements for those of us who travel.

[saa001]

I am with Verizon soley for its network reliability. I however need a cell phone that can play video and audio clips. If the 8800 doesn't come out SOON, I will defect and get a Treo 700wx.

I am tired of traveling and having to take a separate video player to keep me amused in the airports.

Can anyone give a firmer date of release on the 8800? I really don't want to go to the Treo but will if it takes to long for this.

[BoogieNYC]

saa, for me the audio/video functions of the Cingy 8800 and the subsequent Verizon release are gravy, not essentials. Personally, I'd advise against going with a Treo -- in either version -- especially for the reason(s) you cited. First, the 8800 and its eventual VZW version aren't going to blow you away in terms of entertainment; good as they may be, they're no match for an iPod video or even a Palm T|X. The 8800/88xx screen is too small to be the end-all, be-all player you seek, and for you to indicate you stay with Verizon for its network, and then consider mortgaging reliability by signing up for a Treo -- in either WinMobile or Palm format -- is sort of silly.

Wait for the VZW 88xx -- it's going to be out by June, unless the GSM aspect of the phone really sh*ts the bed (from what I hear, that's the only obstacle that could, but unlikely will, delay the release). In the meantime, if you need goodies, get a portable DVD player or an iPod video or a Palm T|X (I can heartily recommend the latter two, as I have both). The T|X is a better video player than the BB, incidentally, its screen is bigger, and you can snap SD cards in and out and bring a half-dozen movies with you without clogging up (or sapping the battery of) your new GSM BB

Or, put another way, have patience and think about what you need, what you want, the timeframe all of it is and will be available, and you'll come to the right conclusion.

Trust me, I'm also chomping at the bit for a VZW 88xx, and I hope I can exercise patience like that which I just espoused

[saa001]

I had the treo 650 and the phone worked great for me. I love the Blackberry but I need something that I can view video on (sorry but carrying a lot of devices and their respective chargers is just not for me).

The balckberry is great, don't get me wrong, but the video and audio part is LONG overdue.

Also since Verizon has the Treo 700wx I wouldn't be switching carriers.

I just hope I can hold out long enough for it to come out.

[BoogieNYC]

Well from what I'm hearing here and elsewhere the 88xx will be out by June 1 or thereabouts (in fact, based on RIM's track record vis-a-vis VZW, perhaps as early as April 30 or May 15). Personally, if you can hold out, then wait for the 88xx -- it's worth it. As far as the Treo, all I know is that the WinMobile devices have been a disaster -- despite having two friends who enjoy their Q's, VZW can't give them away fast enough, whereas the Blackjack is barely a success for Cingular. If you need one device that does it all -- well -- and you understand you'll be married to that device for at least a year, in theory, try out the Treo if you can't wait 'til June, but know that the 88xx will be out, it will play video (about the same quality as the Treo), it will play audio (better quality than the Treo) and it will only necessitate one little USB cable

The audio/video stuff IS long overdue, and that's one of the reasons why I'm opting for the 88xx and not the 8703e. However, first and foremost, I want to have network reliability (VZW) and hardware reliability; I've had Palms for a decade and I'd pick RIM any day of the week.

Good luck to us all in holding out

[LokiUCLA]

I'm not sure how long I can hold out. Do we know if T-Mobile will be coming out with it sooner? If so I might just get a data plan with them and keep my voice service with VZW.

[LokiUCLA]

BTW....are we able to edit our posts? I can't seem to edit my above post? Does it stop being editable after a certain period of time?

[keitha37]

Any more news on this new phone? Launch date? Anything??? I can't wait to get one and it seems the information has come to a stand still.

thanks.

[McQueen]

Met with RIM & Verizon last week; the release date now for their version of the 8800 is June; Also I asked them if they would have anything like the 8100 or 8300 coming out and they said no; pretty lame!

[BoogieNYC]

Originally Posted by McQueen

Met with RIM & Verizon last week; the release date now for their version of the 8800 is June; Also I asked them if they would have anything like the 8100 or 8300 coming out and they said no; pretty lame!

I turned in my Cingy 8800 because it (the service, not the phone) was unreliable. But I really loved having all my e-mail in my pocket 24-7, so I picked up a used 8703e so I could a) keep Blackberry; b) keep my Verizon contract intact; and c) keep accessing VZW's network. I'm mostly happy, 'cept for a few minor things and one major one -- the pearl/trackball.

The clickwheel is a pain in the a$$, especially having come from the trackball, but otherwise, I actually prefer the weight and ergonomics of the 8703 vs. the 8800 (I like the keyboard a bit better and the sides don't creak). Having said that, I will likely hold out for a VZW 83xx if/when. If it's apparent they still won't release the 83xx then I might just cave and get the VZW 88xx, but the truth is that the form factor of the 87xx isn't a problem for me, it's just the clickwheel and the software (and who knows if VZW will actually permit the Media aspect of the PC-side software to ship along with their 88xx and anything beyond).

In either case, I was out with friends (from Europe) the other night and mentioned VZW's 88xx will have GSM capabilities and their response, rightly, was "it's about damn time." I think VZW needs to keep up on the hardware end; Cingy's catching up and if not for my VZW contract I prolly would have stayed with Cingy.

Tick tock, tick tock.

Thanks for keeping us updated, McQ.

-B-

[whsbuss]

Originally Posted by BoogieNYC

I turned in my Cingy 8800 because it (the service, not the phone) was unreliable. But I really loved having all my e-mail in my pocket 24-7, so I picked up a used 8703e so I could a) keep Blackberry; b) keep my Verizon contract intact; and c) keep accessing VZW's network. I'm mostly happy, 'cept for a few minor things and one major one -- the pearl/trackball.

The clickwheel is a pain in the a$$, especially having come from the trackball, but otherwise, I actually prefer the weight and ergonomics of the 8703 vs. the 8800 (I like the keyboard a bit better and the sides don't creak). Having said that, I will likely hold out for a VZW 83xx if/when. If it's apparent they still won't release the 83xx then I might just cave and get the VZW 88xx, but the truth is that the form factor of the 87xx isn't a problem for me, it's just the clickwheel and the software (and who knows if VZW will actually permit the Media aspect of the PC-side software to ship along with their 88xx and anything beyond).

In either case, I was out with friends (from Europe) the other night and mentioned VZW's 88xx will have GSM capabilities and their response, rightly, was "it's about damn time." I think VZW needs to keep up on the hardware end; Cingy's catching up and if not for my VZW contract I prolly would have stayed with Cingy.

Tick tock, tick tock.

Thanks for keeping us updated, McQ.

-B-

The only thing that will (possibly) be locked is the GPS function. All the media features of the 8830e from VZW will be in tact.