Hello all,

just wondering forummers experiences with blackberrys?

I've had a good play with a Pearl and wasn't impressed in all honesty, but looking at the Curve (8300/8310/8320) I'm thinking this'd be the way to go.

So, experiences positive or negative? Feel of them? Browsing speed on EDGE, etc.

:D

I was going to say yes most of them are on crack on here.

The 8300 curve is an awesome phone. And I would recommend it.

Not to sound contentious but anything to back that up? My biggest concern is browsing speed, I'll be on an unlimited data package and its lack of 3g could potentially kill browsing potential.

Only 21 months of use on a blackberry and then getting the 8300 curve.

It's up to you I would suggest going and trying them out before you commit.

I've currently got the 8800 as my work phone. Had the 7100v and 7130 in the past.

I don't find Blackberry's particularly reliable on the whole, having had about 6 replacements in the last 2 1/2 years! Although the 8800 has been the most reliable so far but the 'pearl' does wear out after a few months I've found. This was the reason for my last replacement.

The browser isn't up to much really and the e-mail client (on mine at least) doesn't support HTML or any rich formatting.

The data speeds aren't going to set the world on fire but it's adequate for the odd bit of browsing. I use my laptop and 3g modem for proper browsing.

On the positive side, those with the full qwerty keyboard are much better to use than those with SureType and the convenience of e-mails and calendar synchronising with Outlook is great! Plus, the GPS function has gotten me out of some pickles with foreign taxi drivers!

Don't get my wrong, I wouldn't be without it but I'd quite like to give a Windows Mobile device a go next time.

Windows Mobile is a different kettle of fish as far as I can tell.

Much more battery intensive;
Bizarre support problems;
ROM issues;
Ugly/confusing interface;

to name a few.

This is with experience of a WM phone, not just reviews etc

What were the replacements for?

Replacements were usually structural things - weak casings that broke typically on the 71xx's. Though they weren't treated particularly well i.e. just slung in a bag without case and been around the world a couple of times!

The 8800 was replaced because the 'pearl' became worn out after about 6 months! But it has much better build quality than the other models I've had.

Personally, I wouldn't pay my own money for one but happy for the company to!