I'll just focus on the new features of the 8800 compared to the Blackberry 8700 and maybe some notable differences between the two.
So, here it goes - a list: (You can scroll down to see the pictures)
- Contrary to everyone's expectations, and rumors, the 8800 does not have WiFi support. Rumor has it that an upcoming version may support WiFi.
- The 8800 has built-in GPS support. This is totally awesome. I can't wait to see Google maps integrated with the GPS capability of this device.
- The 8800 is multimedia capable - plays audio and video.
- The 8800 takes in a micro SD card for additional memory. The micro SD card goes under the battery cover - so it is not easy to pop in and out. The cover has to be removed to take it out. I don't see this as a big problem.
- The 8800 is thinner by 0.2 inches, compared with the 8700 .
- The much loved Scrollwheel is gone! A trackball towards the center has been introduced instead. Long time Blackberry users may find this cumbersome until they get used to this. This arrangement ostensibly helps right-handers and left-handers alike. The trackwheel was clearly not designed for left-handed users.
Screenshot of the Blackberry Keys below:
The scroll wheel on the side is gone - replaced by the Trackball (clickable). The side Escape key is gone too, it moved to a button next to the trackball. Dedicated volume buttons take the place of the scroll-wheel. (In the 8700, the scroll-wheel was used to change volume).
I'd have loved for this unit to also have WiFi - but, no support for now. Cingular should start shipping this unit in the next few days. And soon, vendors on ebay will hopefully carry this as well, for those of us who don't want to sign up for a 2yr contract. To see more about the 8800 on the net, try searching via www.eZigs.com - a clean gadget search engine.
