BlackBerry 8700g

The beauty of the 8700G is its focus on email and its PIM integration. Forget the camera or the music player--they're not there--BlackBerry excels at sending and receiving emails. If your BlackBerry is connected to an enterprise server with full syncing of your calendar, to-dos', etc., that's great. But the instantaneous exchange of information via email is the BlackBerry's strenth.

Differences I've noticed between the 8700C and 8700G:

*The fonts on the 8700G and overall look of the device are superior. The type is bold and the blue/silver colors are very attractive. This is important. If you like the look of the device you're using, you'll invest the time to become proficient using it. "Reading the manual" isn't going to cut it. You need to learn your device by playing with it.

* Opening attachments (Word, Excel and Powerpoint) consistently worked on the 8700G. The 8700C had numerous problems opening attachments even using additional software from Handango.

*Both devices use the fast processors and download off the Internet quickly via EDGE. However, the 8700G had fewer problems opening URL links than Cingular's version. This may be a network or device issue.

*You can configure your ten email accounts from the phone or Web on the 8700G. With Cingular, you must add or delete accounts on Cingular's website.

*I found the keys on the 8700G easier to use with my thumbs. With the 8700G, there's a solid tactile feel than the 8700C.

*Better sound quality and stronger signal. Although Cingular is a roaming partner for T-Mobile, the phone only roams outside of major metro areas. Here in the SF Bay Area, T-Mobile's BlackBerry had less hiss and greater sound clarity than Cingular's.

Understand that both BlackBerry's are excellent quad-band worldphones with superior qualities to other voice/data devices having similar features. Anyone who is addicted to either will "not leave home without it," because having access to 24/7 email is addictive. "The BlackBerry's vibrating; someone must have sent me an important message." Make sure not to tell your boss, associates or friends you're reading email on your BB at 6 a.m. Otherwise, you'll end up skipping breakfast as your thumbs race across the keys answering incoming emails. Everyone suddently discovers that Bill or Suzie are anwering email at 6 a.m.