vB Easy Archive - blackberry 7290

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blackberry 7290
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Posted by: remusrm

should i get it... i really want a good phone, good Yahoo IM and do not really seem to use the camera on my w810i as much. also the real keyboad is a plus. or should i get the other 8700? let me know on ur opinions... pros and cons... my main pro is cost...

would google maps and gps attachment work on it?

Posted by: gibbs

The 7290 is (obviously) an older model, but it's reliable, and I never had really any problems with it.

The 8700 is newer, has a faster processor, more memeory (64MB compared to the 7290's 32MB), and generally faster. If you're doing email, text, and web browsing, the 8700 is the way to go.

On the TMo site, the 7290 is listed as $99.99 (after rebates), and the 8700 is $200 more (after rebates). Since I used both, I can definiately tell you that the 8700 is much more updated (faster, more memory, etc...). The ultimate decision is up to you, but give both models a try before buying.

I prefer the keyboard on the 7290 over the 8700, but that's just a personal preference. Go to your local wireless store to check out both models before you buy.

Posted by: remusrm

i will do that... i did order the 8700g to try it out... will see...

Posted by: briareus

I'd recommend the 8700. The 7290's a good device but it is getting old.

Posted by: Chinasaur

Age has nothing to do with it. If you don't need/want EDGE or a higher res screen, the 7290 is a fantastic phone for the price. And there are lots of aftermarket accessories for it as well. In fact, it's still the standard issue GSM phone at my corporation for the sole reason that it's bulletproof (not literally...), and tougher than the 8700

Posted by: remusrm

well, will test today the 8700g and then go out and buy the 7290 to check it out too...

Posted by: archer6

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chinasaur

Age has nothing to do with it. If you don't need/want EDGE or a higher res screen, the 7290 is a fantastic phone for the price. And there are lots of aftermarket accessories for it as well. In fact, it's still the standard issue GSM phone at my corporation for the sole reason that it's bulletproof (not literally...), and tougher than the 8700

I have had both:

The 7290 is far and away my favorite.

It has a Much better keyboard by a very wide margin. The keys are cramped on the 8700 and they are a part of the "styling" of the BB. Hence if you look closely you will see that the top surface that you push with your finger is very narrow and verically oriented. They just have an odd shape being tapered on the insides, so for me this keyboard is horrible.

Yes the 8700 is newer, but newer is not always better. It really depends upon what you are going to use if for etc. They both have their pros and cons.

So it's really dependent on just what you are "actually" going to use it for on a daily basis.

I Need the additional speed and functionality of the newer models and therefore I tried a 7130c even though it's not all qwerty which was what I was used to.

Well what I terrific suprize, as I was patient and learned SureType. Also the keys on the 7130c are conventional in shape, larger than the 8700 keys with better (more) spacing between them.

I can now say that I can type must faster on the 7130 than any other blackberry and I've had nearly all of them. I cannot say enough good things about the 7130 series. I like that I can use it one handed and that it's small, but not as small as the Pearl which I also bought and used.

However with the Pearl I ended up selling it because the keyboard was just too small for me. For you it may be just fine. Also I process around 100 emails a day so my needs are different.

So that's my two cents. I hope this has helped some of you.

Cheers.... BlackBerry's - I love em

Posted by: remusrm

i am gonna give a try to the 7290, if i can find out... would prefer unlocked and unbranded, since I might not use the internet/ blackberry functions. only the Yahoo and sms alot...

Posted by: Chinasaur

To use IM you're going to have to get the "Blackberry functions" plan at $20 though..

Hope you enjoy the 7290..or find one you like

Posted by: TheDaddy

I love mine! I would be lost without it

Posted by: 4mynikka

I just got one, for pretty cheap too, it was used for like 2 months, I love it so far, EXCEPT for one thing I can't TURN off the Key pad tone when I'm dialing...... It's sooooo annoying, I might get rid of it just for this reason.

Posted by: briareus

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chinasaur

Ok, I didn't literally mean "old" but anyway. There are definitely additional benefits to the 8700 but I don't see the point in going with the 7290 unless its keyboard is a must or you happen across an exceptional deal on one.

As for the "tougher" comment, we've had plenty of detroyed 7290's and while we've standardized on the 8700c and 8700g I haven't seen an increase in damaged units. Of course, YMMV.