BlackBerry Cool

Wow that looks dope, it’s kind odd looking because it doesn’t look like any other gadget. I do forsee some people probably complaining about the screen in sunlight because it seems like the same type of screen from the 7100, but you can’t go wrong with 320×340, that’s half a VGA.

When this comes out i’ll be really tempted to upgrade, seeing how I can’t stand the 7100 SureType stuff.

Wow that looks dope, it’s kind odd looking because it doesn’t look like any other gadget. I do forsee some people probably complaining about the screen in sunlight because it seems like the same type of screen from the 7100, but you can’t go wrong with 320×340, that’s half a VGA.

When this comes out i’ll be really tempted to upgrade, seeing how I can’t stand the 7100 SureType stuff.

I like the design but I personally would like to see a way to display the phone pad letters with the numbers. Like 2=ABC 3=DEF and so on.

I like the design but I personally would like to see a way to display the phone pad letters with the numbers. Like 2=ABC 3=DEF and so on.

I like the design but I personally would like to see a way to display the phone pad letters with the numbers. Like 2=ABC 3=DEF and so on.

Not impressed with the first photos of the Electron. To be honest, it is dull looking. The first mock photo looks more aesthetically pleasing. Pehaps, the new moniker should be the Dulltron.

My initial thought is that the new BlackBerry isn’t black … Maybe that’s that’s a little superficial … I think RIM has done a good job at redesigning the look and feel (a new device has to LOOK new to get consumers excited right?) while keeping what is good about existing form factor. The dedicated “talk” and “end” buttons a fantastic idea. It’s scary how often I’ve heard the line: “the phone works great but how do I hang up?”.

One thing, however, disturbs me about the photos of the new design. Is that really the microphone pickup on the bottom-left of the device? I thought we’d seen the last of offset microphones with the launch of the 72xx series. Ah well …

I like the idea, but to me it looks more like an update to the 72xx then a new device. Everyone seems to be missing the mark on convergent devices. A keyboard easy to type on, is essential. I have a 7100t now and though I have gotten used to the keyboard on that it still isnt as fast as my old sidekick or even the treo600 I gave up for the 7100. A good screen that you can view outdoors is a must. It HAS to be a good phone, something I think RIM has not delivered yet. The 7100tis awkward to use as a phone and does not (at least in my area) have as good a signal lock as far more inexpensive phones. Some thing I would like that I havent seen since the palmtop CE devices left would be a serial port (for terminal connections). And it should have expandable memory via some form of flash card. but most of all it has to work. whatever it does it has to do well, not half-baked.

-John

The position of the LED indicator light has been changed slightly from the 72xx series. This looks like an improvement, as it can be difficult to see that light on a 72xx when it is sitting flat on a desk.

I agree with John about having a good screen for outdoors. I have a 7100t because I got so tired of holding an etch a sketch to my face – keep the candy bar size. As the technology gets better, I know I’ll stay with my BB instead of getting a laptop. My phone works just fine in Los Angeles. This has a new look but what else? I am going to keep my 7100t. SureType is fine. I want them to build in software for Internet telephony, not unlike skype.

squished18 made a good observation … Moving the LED to the front will make it more noticable when lying flat and exposed … but, how well will we be able to see it when holstered?

Hmmm. Kinda disappointed really. It kinda looks like when you see those comparrisons between a piece of consumer electronics and the militrary equivalent in Popular Science. It looks tough and kinda clunky. Probably works great, but would probably look better attached to a combat harness.

I’m not sure I like the keys on the keyboard. There’s another forum saying that the backside is a speakerphone…That’d be cool.

I like the answer and hang up bottons. Can’t really see the new look of the OS. As I’m always looking for new gadgets and would give it a try if Nextel ever offer it!

What can I say? It’s different, but is it enough. RIM needs to stop using “this is a business device” type attitude when it designs stuff. They should make a “business” device and a “consumer” device and go all out before their competitors mop them up. It’s a step in the right direction, but I think the key will be in the insides, will the processor be powerful enough to handle the new “features”, or make it a dog like my 7100t is.

I’m stoked on the Send/End keys. I use my berry for roughly 2000 minutes of voice per month and I’ve always missed those two keys on all of my old berries. What’s the button in the middle for? Can’t wait for a CDMA/EVDO model.

Oh I can hardly wait. I am currently using first Blackberry, but I am a loyal customer.

The 8700/Electron should be the standard issue of not just Blackberrys, but all mobile phones.

The send and end keys should facilitate better use of the phone as well as the speakerphone so you won’t feel like you’re holding a 2-pack of pop tarts to your ear. Also, I have never met anyone that has turned down a faster internet connection.

I am a Cingular customer and may check in tomorrow to see if I can sign up on a waiting list to be among the first to get one.

Moto who?

Thanks for the opportunity to post.

Not excited…
I’m sure that I’ll skip this series.
I had a 6750 for the longest time, bought it for almost $950, one of the first ones to do so, and watched the price plummet.
All of a sudden, I could get a 6750 for $100 or a 7750 for $800…I got very frustrated and decided I wasn’t going to spend the big bucks on hardware a second time.
Finally, the 7250 came out, and I took the jump into colour. I was very happy with the device, and still am.
Comparing the 7250 with the 8700 from what I’ve read so far…
Both have EVDO (though it’s not active on my model yet)
The send/end keys that everyone is raving about (you can hang up a whole second faster the way the hang-up button is located on all current models, plus what happened to “everything goes off the trackwheel”?)
The OS (most likely will be the same one to be upgraded on all models in the 7xxx series).
Speakerphone (I had that on my second phone, and I never used it, save when I was playing around with it, or showing off to friends, etc.)
I’m not too excited at all.
Perhaps there’s some really cool feature, and if that’s the case, I’m sure I will skip a model again, and wait for the 82xx series.

I really like the different-colored number keys. That way they stand out as they should. And I’d like to see if the rectangle-shaped keys function better than the oval-shaped ones on other blackberry devices.

Also, if this had a direct-connect button for use on my Nextel account, I would love to upgrade!

Definitely a throw back to a utilitarian look. The key layout is the best so far of any other blackberry model with the new square look but it is what is on the inside that counts on this new model. With EDGE/EVDO wireless access I hope this model will be able to be used as a modem for you laptop as that would make the cost for your wireless data plan much more appealing. The screen is suppose to be reflective for direct sunlight viewing – something that has been a must for years now. A faster processor for greatly improved web page and email attachment rendering. Add a speaker phone, Bluetooth and 64 meg ram and this model will be a real success. I have been a devoted 7100 user since its inception but this model may make me switch back to the old form factor. If the one remaining feature actually turns out to be true – integrated GPS – then I will be sold 100% and have one in my hands the day it comes out!

Definitely a throw back to a utilitarian look. The key layout is the best so far of any other blackberry model with the new square look but it is what is on the inside that counts on this new model. With EDGE/EVDO wireless access I hope this model will be able to be used as a modem for you laptop as that would make the cost for your wireless data plan much more appealing. The screen is suppose to be reflective for direct sunlight viewing – something that has been a must for years now. A faster processor for greatly improved web page and email attachment rendering. Add a speaker phone, Bluetooth and 64 meg ram and this model will be a real success. I have been a devoted 7100 user since its inception but this model may make me switch back to the old form factor. If the one remaining feature actually turns out to be true – integrated GPS – then I will be sold 100% and have one in my hands the day it comes out!

Seems like they took a 7100T and a 7290 and combined them into one phone. I’ve carried both and I’m sticking to my 7290. I don’t see any reason to “upgrade” to this new model.

Wow. Well, it’s ugly. Seriously dissapointed.I like the fact that they have brought back the full QWERTY keyboard, though. Maybe the next series of pictures will shed some more light on he design.

Wow. Well, it’s ugly. Seriously dissapointed.I like the fact that they have brought back the full QWERTY keyboard, though. Maybe the next series of pictures will shed some more light on he design.

It’s really difficult to see what it looks like. How thick is it? I’ll have to hold it in my hands to see if I want to switch. Although, just the fact that it will have EDGE may be a significant factor. I hope BT will not be limited to headset connection. A cam would have been nice. If only the Moto Q was running on BB platform.