vB Easy Archive - Remember the 8700c? Where did it go?

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Remember the 8700c? Where did it go?
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Posted by: StattlichPassat

Yeah, that old clunker now- 5 pages deep and no talk of that model any more. Is it EOL? I haven't been able to order it on Premier in probably 2 weeks now, refurb either, though my account manager can still order it through her business channel (she thinks it's just temporarily out of stock, but normally Premier will note 'Out Of Stock' instead of a price in that case). Have not called retail out of curiosity yet. Sorry I didn't come ask you guys about an EOL status 2 weeks ago... I'm expecting it at any week actually.

Survey says...?

Posted by: CarlGalgano

While the 8700 was a great device, and my first BB, before I moved to a suretype 7130 for 2 years, I think its pretty much dead.

Your profile says you have an 8820..... so why do you need 8700s? As much as I loved the wheel on my 8700, I have grown to like the trackball even more.

Posted by: StattlichPassat

I'm the telecom manager for an oil and gas company and manage a BES with 200+ RIM users, most all of which have the comparatively-ruggedized 8700c. Much better field device (and in-hand, better build quality) than the Curve I think. Sucks for our personal use, but awesome for these guys climbing around on pipelines and rigs.

The 8700c is our device standard for a smartphone, though the Curve will be replacing it when RIM inventory forces me to do so. That platform is already dead with Verizon and nearing the end with Alltel last I checked (8703e).

Posted by: danny.boi

Yeah. The 8700g is still available through T-Mobile and still considered the standard HW of choice for new employees where I work. Those things get dropped all the time and they still work.

Posted by: StattlichPassat

Quote:

Originally Posted by danny.boi

Those things get dropped all the time and they still work.

Bingo.

I forgot T-Mobile had this platform as well... appreciate the response.

Posted by: CarlGalgano

Quote:

Originally Posted by StattlichPassat

I'm the telecom manager for an oil and gas company and manage a BES with 200+ RIM users, most all of which have the comparatively-ruggedized 8700c. Much better field device (and in-hand, better build quality) than the Curve I think. Sucks for our personal use, but awesome for these guys climbing around on pipelines and rigs.

The 8700c is our device standard for a smartphone, though the Curve will be replacing it when RIM inventory forces me to do so. That platform is already dead with Verizon and nearing the end with Alltel last I checked (8703e).

I figured it was something like that. Given the 87xx series is over 3 years old I would say they will become even more scarce. Either buy up what you can, or start to transition to other devices. I think the build quality of my 8820 is very good, but I would not call is ruggedized. Arent there some accessories that can make a phone more rugged?

Posted by: Sovak75

If you don't think the curve is rugged enough try an 8800 series. No camera but corect me of I'm wrong but neither does the 8700 series.

Posted by: DonaldMick

Although newbs at my company still get 8700s, anyone with it is getting upgraded to the Curve. They're most certainly discontinued, I think T-Mo is just trying to clear out the stock of them.

RIP trackwheel - 1999-2008.

Posted by: Alpinemaps

I had to laugh at this thread. My boss and I just got 8700c's - we work for the Federal Government (Marine Corps). So, that's probably your answer right there. Just the typical way we stay on the cutting edge

Posted by: CarlGalgano

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alpinemaps

I had to laugh at this thread. My boss and I just got 8700c's - we work for the Federal Government (Marine Corps). So, that's probably your answer right there. Just the typical way we stay on the cutting edge

Im hoping that the US Government is not paying $500 for 8700cs.

Posted by: Sovak75

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarlGalgano

Im hoping that the US Government is not paying $500 for 8700cs.

HAHA no probably $700 knowing the Govt. ;-)

Actually I believe I read somewhere that Verizon has replaced all of their field tech laptops with these to improve efficiency. Though that would only account for the CDMA ones.

Posted by: SurrealCivic

Quote:

Originally Posted by StattlichPassat

Bingo.

I forgot T-Mobile had this platform as well... appreciate the response.

I dropped my 8700 from the top of the stairs going into a basement and it fell on the concrete floor, took a little chunk out of the corner but thats it!! No issues with the unit!! Rock solid in my opinion!

Posted by: Alpinemaps

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarlGalgano

Im hoping that the US Government is not paying $500 for 8700cs.

I wouldn't be surprised if we did...we overpay for everything else.

Posted by: GregGebhardt

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarlGalgano

Im hoping that the US Government is not paying $500 for 8700cs.

I hope not either.

They are likely paying way more than $500.

Posted by: StattlichPassat

Alright alright... funny about government spending...

Yeah I think the 8800 series is really the better replacement, but these guys also are demanding a camera for taking photos of equipment trouble, new locations, anything where a visual image can help with a task. Throw in GPS and they're all clawing at the walls for it these days. At least one request a day now. I may give in shortly...

Posted by: AlexKidd1977

Quote:

Originally Posted by StattlichPassat

Alright alright... funny about government spending...

Hey guy, sounds like the best thing to do is move up to the Curve. I know exactly what you mean about needing something rugged and the Curve is not made as sturdy. I had the 8700g before this one.

What you should consider is picking up those Curves, but throw a few of these OtterBox cases into the mix. They really toughen up the Curve and make it suitable for getting some serious work done!

http://www.otterbox.com/blackberry-...-defender-case/

I've not owned these, but have heard nothing but positive reviews about them from people who use the device in the field.

--Kidd

Posted by: bigd s14

+1 on the otterbox. I own one, and with it I am even less afraid of messing up my 8830. It is one brutal case, and can take just about anything thrown at it. I am not afraid of dropping, sitting on, or whatever to my Blackberry (which I am SO protective of)

Posted by: StattlichPassat

Interesting- thank you both for that. I'll look into them more.

Posted by: AlexKidd1977

No sweat.

--Kidd

Posted by: StattlichPassat

Btw, in an opposite change of service level that one would expect, my AT&T account manager can't confirm an EOL on the 8700c, though a local retail AT&T store did confirm that it was discontinued. Perhaps today is the day...

Posted by: GregGebhardt

The 8700 has not gone away as It is still for sale on the ATTwireless site in both new and refurbished flavors

Posted by: StattlichPassat

Hey you're right... down at the bottom. Interesting.

Posted by: tabraha

+1 on the Otterbox

Posted by: Sovak75

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregGebhardt

The 8700 has not gone away as It is still for sale on the ATTwireless site in both new and refurbished flavors

Yeah but that does not necessarily mean that it has not been discontinued by RIM, only that AT&T has a bunch of them in their warehouse ;-)