BB World vs Curve (Sprint)

lancereq · 01-20-2009, 04:08 PM

Hi!

New member here, trying to decide on my first Blackberry.

My network is Sprint, and I am reluctant to change because I have a great price for my usage (which isn't too much).

However my email has gotten to the point where I would like a BB.

It appears that my options are the World or the Curve through Sprint and I am looking for advice.

I've reviewed the specs and I see two major differences, camera and GSM between the two. Granting these two things, does anyone have an opinion or insights on which is a better buy? I saw that usually the OS is upgradable, but does that mean everything gets upgraded (i.e. does the Curve have more features, similar to the Storm having the app store?) I honestly have no idea or experience, looking for any useful help.

Thanks in advance, sorry if this should be in another forum or was already addressed in another thread!

stevetaz · 01-20-2009, 07:50 PM

Originally Posted by lancereq

Hi!

New member here, trying to decide on my first Blackberry.

My network is Sprint, and I am reluctant to change because I have a great price for my usage (which isn't too much).

However my email has gotten to the point where I would like a BB.

It appears that my options are the World or the Curve through Sprint and I am looking for advice.

I've reviewed the specs and I see two major differences, camera and GSM between the two. Granting these two things, does anyone have an opinion or insights on which is a better buy? I saw that usually the OS is upgradable, but does that mean everything gets upgraded (i.e. does the Curve have more features, similar to the Storm having the app store?) I honestly have no idea or experience, looking for any useful help.

Thanks in advance, sorry if this should be in another forum or was already addressed in another thread!

Hi and welcome to EB:

This is one of those questions that really boils down to personal preference. As you might notice in my signature I use an 8830 and I have found it to be a pretty rock-solid device with excellent battery life. I have had it since March and still have not experience a single freeze or reset.

The 8830 is really known as a business device.

The down sides...They (Sprint) have still not issued an official OS update for the 4.5 version. The current 4.2 OS does have the memory leak, but one battery pull every week or two keeps it in check while I wait for an OS update. I am on a coprporate BES system and since they pay for my phone I have to abide by the rules and wait for the official Sprint update. There are 4.5 versions available to those who do not have to worry about their IT department. The 4.5 version does offer DocsToGo (basic) included with the upgrade.

The available memory is also an issue as the 8830 is more limited. You know there is no camera, but that doesn't bother me.

Note that the GSM you mentioned in the 8830 is not GSM that can be used in the US. Different frequencies. It is meant for international travel, which if you do travel, might be a good thing for you to keep in mind.

I bought my daughter a Curve and she loves it. If I had my choice I would probably get a Curve because I do like the form factor a bit more. It is just a bit smaller and it feels more comfortable in my hand. I also like the Curve's keyboard a bit more.

You should definitely go to a Sprint store and try both to see if one suits you better. I am not aware if Sprint has any of the new BBs coming out soon. The new Curve 8900 looks real nice, but I am not sure when/if Sprint is due to get it. The 8900 is due on TMobile February 11 and I think AT&T next.

Let us know as you progress in your quest. Always interesting to see what path people take and what they consider to be important...

lancereq · 01-20-2009, 08:46 PM

Great information! I guess my main thing is trying to do it on a budget (college student), but with as many options for the future as possible. I like the fact that the OS does upgrade, but I also like the fact that the World can do international (I was in Hong Kong last week and I intend to do more traveling as I have money).

My main concern with the World phone was the age, compared to the Curve (and the possible additional features it may have). The camera isn't a huge deal, more convenience really, but I'm also not sure if it is worth going for the GSM since I don't travel all that much really.

01-20-2009, 09:43 PM

clive · 01-27-2009, 09:45 AM

Originally Posted by stevetaz

Hi and welcome to EB:

The 8830 is really known as a business device.

The down sides...They (Sprint) have still not issued an official OS update for the 4.5 version. The current 4.2 OS does have the memory leak,................ 4.5 versions available to those who do not have to worry about their IT department. The 4.5 version does offer DocsToGo (basic) included with the upgrade.
...

Hi
I have Sprint 8830 & am using it outside USA on CDMA.
Pl advise which OX 4.5 I can load onto this 8830. I have no IT problems.
Thanks in adv

Sav · 01-27-2009, 07:02 PM

Originally Posted by clive

Hi
I have Sprint 8830 & am using it outside USA on CDMA.
Pl advise which OX 4.5 I can load onto this 8830. I have no IT problems.
Thanks in adv

Welcome to EB.

You can get 4.5 for your 8830 from BlackBerry's website.

stevetaz · 01-27-2009, 07:11 PM

Originally Posted by clive

Hi
I have Sprint 8830 & am using it outside USA on CDMA.
Pl advise which OX 4.5 I can load onto this 8830. I have no IT problems.
Thanks in adv

Hi clive and welcome to EB:

As you realize, Sprint hasn't released an official 4.5 version yet so I can't give you a link, but if you use Google to search for 4.5.0.77, you will find other carriers who have released it and that can be loaded.

Hopefully Sav's link will work for you, but remember if it detcets Sprint you may be told there is no upgrade so then do the Google thing.

Just a couple of cautions:
1) Make sure the OS you download is specifically for the 8830 model. DO NOT try to load the 8800 or the 8820 OS.
2) Make sure the OS you download includes the language you want and note that many are labeled as "Multi Language". Once installed you can delete the languages you don't want.
3) The upgrade process can take up to an hour after it begins and you will see restarts, hourglasses and white screens so don't get nervous and interrupt the process.
4) Make sure you load and install the new OS onto your PC so the upgrade will be detected.
5) You will have to delete the "Vendor.xml" file since the download will not be a Sprint-branded one. Follow the directions in this upgrade thread.
6) Most important in the thread is step #8...

7) Even more important is to let us know how it goes after you are done...