I have always wanted a chance to try out a phone with a full keypad and last month I got that chance. An employee of ours left and as a result we had to collect their Blackberry 8703e.
I got an approval from my boss to switch from theBlackberry 7130e to this Blackberry 8703e. Without any delay I switched my device. Right after switching I went online to BlackBerry.com and download the user manual and get myself acquainted with the basic features of this new toy. It took me about a week but I have gotten used to it and love to play around with it. Oh yeah and I do use it for work (emails, calls, contacts, Internet, etc). I have also set up my personal emails to be redirected to this device also using Blackberry Internet Service.
THE PACKAGE :
Well, since I didn’t get the whole package with this, just the device and the charger I cannot tell you for sure what comes in the package. But since I work in IT and do setup these devices for other users, I can say that you may receive the following items in the package :
1. Blackberry 8703e headset
2. Travel Charger
3. Belt Holster
4. Software Installation CD’s
5. Quick Reference Guide
6. Installation Booklet
WHAT IS IT?
Basically, this is a smart phone or PDA (whichever name you prefer) that is capable of making and receiving phone calls, sending and receiving emails sms and pin messages, browsing the Internet, synchronizing contacts and calendar items (via Blackberry Enterprise Server or with your Yahoo or Google account), and much more.
You can configure this device to work with your Outlook email via Microsoft Exchange messaging package. You will be able to send and receive emails, view your calendar, access your task list, and see all your notes from your Outlook right on this Blackberry.
You can also use this Blackberry as a modem or in other words use the tethering feature to browse the Internet on your desktop or laptop computer. Now there is no need to connect to those expensive Airport wireless Internet services. And there is no need to steal your neighbors Wi-Fi connection anymore either. All you have to do is add the "Tethering" feature to your account and install the connection software from your provider.
Since this device has a full keypad the number keys are on the left. It takes a while to get used to the new keypad layout but it is well worth it. To make a call just dial a number directly or dial from the address book. Once on a call, you can mute, put on hold, add notes, or make a three way call, switch to speaker phone or a Bluetooth headset that needs to be pre-configured. The sound quality is a little better than what came out of the 7130e. I specially like the sound quality of speaker phone because it doesn't get as distorted as your turn up the volume.
This device is wider than the 7130e so it is a bit of an annoyance to talk with it next to your face. This just a small thing that I don't like but I always use my Bluetooth headset with it.
Electronics 
4 out of 5 Stars
