which blackberry?

[fuzzer]

Ive got a bold but run it in 2G . Does it really need 3G ? Seems fairly efficient.

 

[jonnyboy]

You can pick them up sim free and unlocked for around £320, Vodafone Business direct were doing them for this a while ago. Even cheaper if you travel in Europe saw one in Madrid €299 Euro, would be worth shopping around if you want one

Typical isnt it, I was in Dubai 2 weeks ago and didnt think to look grrr

 

[Sp!ke]

Ive got a bold but run it in 2G . Does it really need 3G ? Seems fairly efficient.

It depends on the network you are on and whether you rely on the Blackberry for voice as well as data.

If you have a separate phone and just use the blackberry for email then you can get away with 2G - especially if you are on o2 or Voda but even so, 2G data is very slow for browsing etc. The Bold has 3G battery problems so many are forced to run in 2G - try this on the two 1800Mhz networks and you'll quickly find you have voice issues.

If you use it for voice then you need a more consistant signal or you'll drop calls. Investment in the 2G network has now halted and if you want the best chance of a good voice connection, you should always purchase a 2G/3G capable device so you can hop between the two as the 3G network is expanding daily.

Also, a 2G Blackberry cannot receive an email and a call at the same time. If someone calls mid way through a send or receive, the call will be directed to voicemail. A 3G device can do both simultaniously not to mention streaming video.

The 9000 Bold handset has a terrible battery life at little more than a day. The 9700 Bold(2) battery lasts me a week.

I'm currently up to my eyeballs in a corporate mobile phone transition so reasonably up to speed on all the current painpoints.

 

[Benzowner]

Although you are not insured, have you spoken to your provider? The reason I ask, our mobiles are also not insured and my works partner dropped his in a lake, not too deep but deeo enough. Called our provider which is Vodafone and they sent a replcement handset for £50. That was a Blackberry Pearl.

 

[fuzzer]

It depends on the network you are on and whether you rely on the Blackberry for voice as well as data.

If you have a separate phone and just use the blackberry for email then you can get away with 2G - especially if you are on o2 or Voda but even so, 2G data is very slow for browsing etc. The Bold has 3G battery problems so many are forced to run in 2G - try this on the two 1800Mhz networks and you'll quickly find you have voice issues.

If you use it for voice then you need a more consistant signal or you'll drop calls. Investment in the 2G network has now halted and if you want the best chance of a good voice connection, you should always purchase a 2G/3G capable device so you can hop between the two as the 3G network is expanding daily.

Also, a 2G Blackberry cannot receive an email and a call at the same time. If someone calls mid way through a send or receive, the call will be directed to voicemail. A 3G device can do both simultaniously not to mention streaming video.

The 9000 Bold handset has a terrible battery life at little more than a day. The 9700 Bold(2) battery lasts me a week.

I'm currently up to my eyeballs in a corporate mobile phone transition so reasonably up to speed on all the current painpoints.

thanks . What ive found is that if im 3G mode with the bold that the calls tend to drop out more easilly as i never have those issues with 2G.

Ill give it a go with 3G again and see how it goes. Ill be getting a 9700 Soon enough

 

[Sp!ke]

If you are on the move and flick from a 2G mast to 3G or vise versa then yes, it will increase the likelihood of dropping the call.

This is mostly down to the firmware level on the device though which is hopping onto the strongest network all the time rather than recognising the device is mid call and holding onto the weaker signal as long as possible or until the call finishes. (Nokia devices are very good at managing this).

What network are you on?

 

[fuzzer]

If you are on the move and flick from a 2G mast to 3G or vise versa then yes, it will increase the likelihood of dropping the call.

This is mostly down to the firmware level on the device though which is hopping onto the strongest network all the time rather than recognising the device is mid call and holding onto the weaker signal as long as possible or until the call finishes. (Nokia devices are very good at managing this).

What network are you on?

Im on vodafone , device firmware V4.6.0.282

 

[Sp!ke]

With Voda you'll probably be alright on 2G for a while yet as they have the best 2G coverage of any UK network bar none.

If you were on any of the other networks, especially the 1800mhz carriers, the situation is very different.

 

[jonnyboy]

Spoke to o2 direct. Quoted £314 plus vat to replace with a 9700.
Will probably do that then when contract is up get another one which I will insure. In the meantime i will have the 9000 repaired. Could replace with another 9000 but if i buy from o2 its the same price as the 9700 (weird), and to be honest i cant see the point in replacing with an out-of-date handset.

 

[timskemp]

I've just retired my 9000 and replaced it with a Motorola Milestone (will report as to how good or bad it is in a few weeks).

I'd go for a 9700, it's a lot better than the 9000. In the mean time if you want a used 9000...

 

[jonnyboy]

Solved this i think. Have given one of my lads a contracted phone which was planned as a nice surprise for him anyway. Bought a very good Blackberry 8120 from a forum member (cheers again Steve!). Doing new b/b business connection added to another business contract with o2 with b/b bolt-on. They will give him (except it'll be me!!!!) a Bold 9700 for £40-odd which will have the insurance added, he gets the 8120, then I send off the 9000 under original warranty at my leisure and hope for the best!
Cheers all.

 

[jonnyboy]

new 9700 here monday, they did the bb bolt on free yesterday for the two years if contract done before end march
will report back on new model in due course