Comments on: Verizon BlackBerry 8830 Launch Issues

By: ihdihd

ihdihd — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 00:23:52 +0000

Just got off the phone with verizon regarding this. thanks to everyone for the discount tips.

Here’s what it worked out to be:

Customer site
$399 current customer price
-$100 online credit/unlimited data plan credit(same thing)
-$100 New Every 2 for qualifying customers
-$100 Rebate from Blackberry
———–
$99 price after rebate

Business site
$269 company current customer price
$100 unlimited data discount
———–
$169 final price

ended up doing the consumer option.

By: John

John — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 18:17:18 +0000

Can you tell me how to connect modem via bluetooth. Thank you

By: Stephen

Stephen — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 23:44:29 +0000

What I want to see is a complete technical breakdown of Verizon’s 8830 to see what part of the GPS chipset is functional as a stand-alone GPS, what part is functional as the A-GPS (Assisted via the Cell Towers), and how we, as Conscious Consumers (note the CAPITALS) can have the functionality of the stand-alone GPS function without the A-GPS functionality, so Verizon won’t have problems with their perception of control over their network.

Bluetooth Wireless Networking should be enabled by default.

Finally, I think the FCC should mandate ‘3G’ and other broadband technology be incorporated into IC and Chip Design off all new handsets, so as to keep “furthering the radio art” and to keep advances in development from stagnating via a ‘marketplace only’ attitude and focus.

There is a time and a place for bean counters as well as for tech heads. When one goes out of balance as opposed to the other, you either get too much focus on features that limit the funtionality (form over function), or you find that the company is too tightly focused on the bottom line.

Limiting available features when they won’t mess with your network, as in Verizon’s disabling of their 8830’s Stand-Alone GPS Functionality, or Bluetooth Wireless Networking, only serves to aggravate end-users, especially business customers.

Mess with the latter too much, and you’ll soon find that your B2B sector–whose information doesn’t always trickle down to the consumer side, but mostly gushes in these days of the Technically Savvy BizSumer or ProSumer–is questioning your business sanity.

CDMA Carriers Take Note: The GSM Market Segment is offering more features per phone on the same platforms than you are, are forging timely and relevant strategic partnerships with those service providers who understand that ‘business isn’t just for business anymore.’

Today’s high-end handhelds, be it a BlackBerry 8830 with negated stand-alone GPS, or crippled wireless bluetooth networking (which makes no sense, whatsoever, as it doesn’t affect the network directly at all), or not incorporating broadband at Production Time, need functionalities enabled, not disabled, or you will lose money and customer loyalty on your investment.

Please consider this, CDMA Providers. Your long-term financial health may depend upon it.

Warm regards,
Stephen, A Verizon BlackBerry 8830 User.

By: Dick

Dick — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 22:32:53 +0000

Last time I looked at this, Sprint was supposed to have the 8830 by approx end of June. I think that their 8830 will (1) have GPS enabled (vs. Verizon not), (2) let you use the data modem feature with your PC via Bluetooth (vs Verizon cable only), and (3) not charge extra for the data modem function (vs. Verizon $15/month). And I believe the data speed is more or less the same.

Why would anybody buy Verizon?

By: Jase

Jase — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 19:10:12 +0000

T-mobile offers the 8800 as well. I am not sure if you were looking at 3g too( all though I suppose only the Sprint and Verizon if any are 3g speed) I’ve been looking for one i can travel to Asia with and T-mobile seems to be the best way to do that.

By: rpchandler

rpchandler — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 18:55:52 +0000

does sprint offer (or have plans to offer) the 8800 or 8830? i’m going to buy 5 blackberrys and service for my company and had planned on going with verizon. due to the gps issue, i want to look at other carriers (sprint, at&t). does sprint offer the 8800 series? is it global?

By: Margaret

Margaret — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 18:15:44 +0000

I was having trouble getting part text, part html emails on my 8830. Complained to Blackberry. Starting getting text/html emails Monday, but now they are coming across as text only.

By: Jonathan Kaplan

Jonathan Kaplan — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 17:41:39 +0000

Regarding GPS: Previous posters are correct, the current code-drop from vzw does not support GPS.

I was told that Vzw wasn’t planning on offering GPS support (another ‘tribute’ to vzw support), so I purchased a telenav GPS receiver and subscribed to telenav directly.

Now I have Telenav’s (Most Excellent) onboard nav, WITH TRAFFIC I might add, as well as the onboard map that ships with the code-drop.

By: Jim

Jim — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 19:46:11 +0000

Keep pushing them they WILL give you both!

By: www.thelaw.com

www.thelaw.com — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 23:00:25 +0000

Unfortunately I’m stuck on Verizon due to work. I am SO glad that Sprint is ready to teach them a lesson with the 8830. Few will want to subscribe to Verizon using:

(1) A locked GSM chip which requires you to pay an inflated Verizon markup for the same service (they are reselling) when you travel internationally. They would rather you pay $95 on the black market to get in unlocked than just give it to you like everyone else.

(2) The ability to use your own GPS program and tell Verizon to go to hell who want you to use only their GPS service at an inflated price – when it’s available.

(3) The ability to receive MMS. If you think this isn’t a big deal, wait until my employer releases an incredibly cool tool that everyone will want to use to send an MMS.

Verizon is making a lot of money in the short run. But they are generating an AWFUL lot of hatred and negative goodwill towards the company. That’s all the execs care about as they pocket their bonuses… the smart money and move is with Sprint if you can.

By: BJE

BJE — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 01:43:51 +0000

Don’t forget that Verizon also disables MMS functionality on the 8830. I’m sure that will work fine with Sprint.

Not sure VZ Navigator is planned for BlackBerry since it’s a Get It Now app that runs on BREW, not Java. A better solution is probably one of the third-party GPS systems for BlackBerry. No more money for Verizon.

I’ve been fooling around with Shark Modem on the 8830/Verizon as a work around to paying $15/month for tethered modem. It does support BT. I’ve had some success, but it seems pretty unstable and doesn’t support certain functionality such as VPN.

I re-upped with Verizon and am starting to regret it.

By: Dick

Dick — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 22:01:15 +0000

Verizon 8830 GPS:

After 3++ hours on hold/escalate, from Verizon support to VZ supervisor to (finally) Blackberry, the answer is that Verizon has disabled all GPS functonality. The Verizon 8830 help menu lies: you cannot get a GPS location, and thus you can’t use GPS with any third-party apps. Verizon’s solution: buy VZNavigator ($10 per month).

And there’s more money-grubbing. Verizon charges an extra $15 per month to access their data service from your PC over the 8830 (versus an aircard), and you can only do it with a cable (not Bluetooth).

Sprint’s website indicates that their 8830 will be fully GPS enabled for third parties, and can be PC tethered for wireless data via Bluetooth.

My Verizon 8830 is going back.

By: Adam

Adam — Wed, 30 May 2007 21:38:02 +0000

Anyone upgrading to the 8830 from 8703e? I’ll purchase your 8703e if it’s in good condition.

By: jase

jase — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:38:20 +0000

I am looking for an upgrade and I’ve been wondering two things that are unclear:
1. If I take it abroad is it locked to Verizon supported carriers or can i plug in another Sim and its only locked stateside. The follow up tothat is will Verizon unlock it.

2. Does it has a GPS reciever and no support software or no GPS at all. And the follow up to that is if it does have the hardware can you find usable software or is that locked to.

Cheers

By: zombie

zombie — Wed, 30 May 2007 13:09:12 +0000

the 8830 pairs perfectly with a Holux 236 bluetooth GPS and the new version of the maps is nice (vs. my old 8703 version).

Google maps will also pair with the bluetooth receiver as well. Keyboard is a little tough to get used to, but the over-all size, and better screen res make up for it.

Also using bluetooth to tether to the laptop for data services. Great device from VZ.

By: MikeV

MikeV — Sat, 26 May 2007 03:28:15 +0000

Got my 8830 yesterday… Paperwork in the box showed $519.99 retail… my cost, $249.99… less $100 discount for adding data, making it $149.99 plus tax. Contract extension, but no New Every 2.

It does come with BB Maps, and while the GPS options still appear in the Advanced Options, it does appear to be disabled. At least it doesn’t show position info on that setting screen like my Nextel one does, though the icon on the home screen does change its appearance when you opt to have GPS on for everything (vs. 911 only).

I don’t know if a Bluetooth GPS can be paired with it or not… I might try that sometime.

By: Stephen

Stephen — Fri, 25 May 2007 23:31:40 +0000

Here is a paste of the main text of a post from the Crackberry.com website forums about the 8830’s GPS:

“I am a VZW corporate customer (I’m a small business owner) and I was told the GPS will be fully functioning in approximately 1 month with a software upgrade. Looks like they rushed this out the door before it was fully ready for prime time.

On a side note, I was told the 8830 is the largest initial order VZW has ever placed for a hardware launch and it was also RIM’s largest order for the launch of a new model.”

Source:

http://forums.crackberry.com/f33/verizon-8830-received-1094/index3.html#post9986
(Post #22)

If true, it appears we may have a winner!

Warm regards,
Stephen

By: Stephen

Stephen — Fri, 25 May 2007 23:19:56 +0000

Read Post #22 from the Crackberry.com forums:

http://forums.crackberry.com/f33/verizon-8830-received-1094/index3.html#post9986

By: Rob

Rob — Thu, 24 May 2007 21:59:36 +0000

Okay…here’s the skinny…

$399.99 Price
$299.99 after $100 rebate
$199.99 after $100 credit for adding data

If you are eligible for NE2, then you would get an additional $100 off bringing the total to $99.99.

NO GPS (for now). It is likely that GPS will be enable down the road…but this is Verizon ladies and gentlemen, and they are known for disabling key features…too bad they have the BEST coverage.

By: BJE

BJE — Tue, 22 May 2007 22:14:05 +0000

You should qualify for the $100 discount. The rep I talked to said this kicked in with a data plan and a voice plan of more than $39. I bought a phone for myself and got all the discounts so it was $99 (with rebate). I then got a second for my wife on a family share plan and it was $249 (including a $100 rebate). He said I only got $50 off for the data plan, but the voice portion didn’t qualify.

To net it out, you should get at least $50 off.

By: lefttoright

lefttoright — Tue, 22 May 2007 20:57:24 +0000

I am trying to buy this phone and here is my situation…
-Eligible for an early upgrade(not eligible for ne2)
-Adding a data plan to my account as i will be a BB newbie
The CSR told me that I could purchase the phone, but I would not be eligibile for the $100 discount for adding an unlimited data plan. Does this make any sense to anyone?

By: Big J

Big J — Tue, 22 May 2007 18:24:50 +0000

Does anyone know why Verizon disabled MMS messaging and if there’s anyway to get it back?

By: Bob

Bob — Tue, 22 May 2007 00:07:35 +0000

I tried typing on the 8830 the other day… I didn;t love it.

By: TKB

TKB — Mon, 21 May 2007 17:08:06 +0000

Anyone have a number for PA. Not a business customer but wanna give it a try anyway

By: BJE

BJE — Mon, 21 May 2007 16:42:52 +0000

It does have BB Maps, which is comparable to Google Maps that I had on my previous device, a Treo. From what I can tell, the GPS capability is there but not accessible. In the menu choice on BB Maps for GPS services, the only option is None and can’t be changes. So I think it’s disabled (although I’m guessing it will be hacked soon.

Overall I like the phone. Internet is really fast. Keyboard is a bit of a let down.

By: ScottF

ScottF — Mon, 21 May 2007 13:44:18 +0000

Can anyone who now has this phone confirm / deny the GPS capabilities? Also, does it come with the BB Maps still?

By: Edward

Edward — Sat, 19 May 2007 16:52:55 +0000

WHen is the Curve expected to come out? If no one knows ecaxt date, do u think its gnna be out by the summer or mid summer?

By: BJE

BJE — Fri, 18 May 2007 02:24:35 +0000

According to PC Mag’s review, the 8830 has speeds of 600 kbps down and 30-50 kbps up on the EV-DO network. So it’s similar to DSL and should be pretty fast. We’ll see!

By: Dean

Dean — Fri, 18 May 2007 01:28:13 +0000

RMT… The Internet on the 8830 is slow??? Why??? This whole thing is frustrating. I just want a kick ass, everything phone.

By: Dean

Dean — Fri, 18 May 2007 01:26:18 +0000

Thanks, BJE… I wonder why Verizon doesn’t support the GPS… I also wonder when a phone will come out that has everything… I guess it is only a matter of time. I think back to my StarTac, when that was incredible… Not that long ago…