vB Easy Archive - 8100 Vs 8700 (build Quality)

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8100 Vs 8700 (build Quality)
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Posted by: fcukash

I ended up picking up the Pearl over the weekend. After playing w/ it for a couple of days it made me start thinking about the build quality. I feel the trackball it a little flimsy and the phone feels delicate. I had a chance to try the 8700 and it felt solid.....

I have the opportunity to trade the 8100 for a 8700, features aside (taking only build quality into consideration) what would you do?

Posted by: gibbs

What do you want to do with your phone?

That's the most important question with those two. If you want email/sms, no BS, and great phone (and also, don't mind the size when using it as a phone), choose the 8700.

If you use the camera, or music player, want a sleek phone that you can slip into your pocket, choose the Pearl.

I felt the same way about the Pearl when I first tried it out, but it's actually a pretty solid phone. I already dropped it a few times, stuffed it in my pocket with keys, lighter, coins, and it just keeps going. On all the Pearls, the back panel is loose - it's on all of them. I though the buttons were loose when I tried it; everytime that I would press a button, it would squeak - it turned out that the buttons were fine and the back panelo was the problem. A little scotch-tape and it'll fix that problem.

On the 8700, I can't say too too much, because I haven't really tested it out. From what I've heard, it holds up to the RIM name - solid physically and SW wise, fast out-of-the-box (faster then the Pearl with .69), and total business (meaning no BS).

If you want a sleek phone with camera and mp3s, and bragging rights, pick the Pearl.
If you want a full keyboard, super-quick with messages, choose the 8700.

It's all about what you want, and tradeoffs. Search around the forums here and they'll let you make an informed decision.

Good luck, and hope you find the right phone

Posted by: Synncere

Quote:

Originally Posted by gibbs

On all the Pearls, the back panel is loose - it's on all of them. I though the buttons were loose when I tried it; everytime that I would press a button, it would squeak - it turned out that the buttons were fine and the back panelo was the problem. A little scotch-tape and it'll fix that problem.

Not all of them. Mine fits very tight and I can only remove it if I press the release button. My wife's had a loose battery door but the replacement door I got for it fits quite tight on hers also.

Posted by: Ink Noise

For me, the 8700 was very solid and I never had an issue with it. Survived a few drops with only minor scratches. The 8100 which I've had for three days makes me yearn to have the build quality of my 8700. It feels kind of cheap; the back cover is extremely flimsy in the sense that it can be removed quite easily without pressing the release button and also that it's bowed out and kind of puffy so when you press on it, it recedes into the phone, it's hard to describe. The keys are alright...I just wish it was as quick at the 8700 and not as sluggish.

Posted by: Synncere

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ink Noise

I just wish it was as quick at the 8700 and not as sluggish.

What OS are you running? My Pearl is blazing fast. I found it sluggish w/ the original .42 OS but now it's just as fast if not faster than my old 8700.

Posted by: briareus

How exactly are people assessing build quality by holding a device in the hand? How does that tell you anything about actual build quality? The same exact comments were made about the 8700 when it was released...

Posted by: fcukash

Quote:

Originally Posted by briareus

How exactly are people assessing build quality by holding a device in the hand? How does that tell you anything about actual build quality? The same exact comments were made about the 8700 when it was released...

I'm talking more along the lines of fit and finish....you can assess this by hand cant you??

Posted by: Ink Noise

Quote:

Originally Posted by Synncere

What OS are you running? My Pearl is blazing fast. I found it sluggish w/ the original .42 OS but now it's just as fast if not faster than my old 8700.

I'm running .67 OS with a Cingular-branded Pearl. My 8700c never stuttered or slowed when doing anything. My Pearl, which has only a couple of extra applications on it like Google Maps, Opera Mini and Sudoku (not running) is noticeably slower than my Pearl. It's not excrutiating but it certainly makes me yearn for my 8700c's instant responsiveness.

I'm going to do an upgrade to the .69 OS later today and see if that makes any difference.

Quote:

Originally Posted by briareus

I'm assessing it on how it feels. Yes, I know this isn't scientific and isn't showing the quality of components, but by build quality, I mean how sturdy it feels and if there is any creaking, bending or issues like that. That said, the 8100 feels less sturdy or well-built than my 8700c which I felt was very solid. It's still not bad, but the battery cover is annoying the heck out of me. I'm thinking of ordering a replacement one to see if that makes a difference.

Posted by: fcukash

Luckily my battery cover is fine. I'm thinking of upgrading to .69 since I've heard the .51 I'm currently running has some issues.

Posted by: P Nut

The size of the Pearl is what won me over. I will NEVER wear a little hip-clip, nor carry a brick in my pocket. The Pearl has felt pretty solid so far. And I know what solid is--I used to have Nextel.

The only issue with the Pearl is the trackball sometimes not working properly. Dust particles get stuck in the rollers, and what you have to do is clear that out. Basically, it's either by rolling the ball over a piece of duct tape or pressing down on the ball and rolling it. Not a big deal.

I would never trade it for the 8700. Now, the 8800, maybe. I'll have to see it first.

Posted by: walds11

Where can I get .69 from?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ink Noise

I'm going to do an upgrade to the .69 OS later today and see if that makes any difference.

Posted by: benchmade42

The pearl 8100 built quality is durable IMO and it is well made except for the keypad which is a little fragile ( try pushing down the keys and u can feel that they are somewhat getting out of position and not really steady)

Posted by: Ink Noise

http://www.blackberryforums.com/gen...9_cingular.html

@ the person who asked about .69 OS.