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Well, the first thing I noticed with the 8820 is the case it comes with is a lot nicer than the cases that have come with other BlackBerrys. It is also, by the way, the first BlackBerry with Wi-Fi.

But with those aspects of the 8820 aside, this is the closest I have been with a real 8800 BlackBerry. I have seen the fake ones they place in the stores, and decided I did not like the keypad.

I was pleasantly surprised by typing on the 8800. It wasn't the nightmare I expected. Once I adjusted to keypad I found it as easy as my other BlackBerrys to use. A friend actually preferred the 8820's keypad over the Curve as it seemed to accommodate his larger fingers better.

The only gripe I had about the keypad set up is the tiny size of the shift keys compared to the Curve.

The scroll ball seemed smoother on the 8820 that the other BlackBerrys. The 8820 also seemed a little sturdier.

Of course, the biggest drawback of all with this BlackBerry is no camera, although security conscious enterprises will certainly appreciate the lack of shooter. Yes, the 8820 has Wi-Fi and GPS built into it, but that doesn't really compensate if you miss that picture that you will never be able to get again.


BlackBerry 8100, 8300, 8820, & 8320

As for the Wi-Fi, Web surfing is aster using the Wi-Fi signal and the Wi-Fi browser. Unfortunately RIM hasn't haven't made it easy to switch between the Wi-Fi browser and the Internet browser: You have to change it in options every time.

AT&T doesn't allow calls over Wi-Fi, so it is just for data, such as e-mail and Web browsing that is effected. E-mail moves faster too over Wi-Fi too—an e-mial with a picture attached takes a long time to send over EGDG, bit it took no time on WLAN.

    
Manage Connections Service Status

Wi-Fi was simply to set up using the Set Up Wi-Fi application: Simply scan, connect and enter in the security information if needed. If you save the profile saved, the phone will connect on its own when it gets in range.

One downside to Wi-Fi is that the latest Theme Builder Package does not include a Wi-Fi icon. This means if you load a non-vendor theme, you may find something overlapping with the Wi-Fi icon.

   

E-mail set up went smoothly, as always with a BlackBerry. Just use the E-mail set up on the device, give it your e-mail address and password, and you'll be good to go. Always remember to set up filters on Gmail to avoid getting your sent messages back as a new e-mail.

Another bright note for the 8820 is the microSD card slot. It is not under the battery as on the Curve and Pearl. The card is under the back cover but is located in the middle above the battery, so you can place and remove it without pulling out the battery.

 

The back cover also only comes off on the bottom half for access to the battery, SIM card, and microSD card. There is a neat little silver box that says microSD right over the card.

On a down note, the Pearl and Curve each have two convenience keys, one on each side. The 8820 only has one, located on the same side as the USB and headset connections. It makes the other side seem empty with only the up and down volume buttons towards the top.

I tried out the GPS on a recent trip and it worked flawlessly. However, the area where there was no cell signal did pose a problem, as Google Maps doesn't store a map on the BlackBerry. I will admit it is easier to have the GPS built into your BlackBerry. With a GPS receiver I have to turn it on, turn on Bluetooth and get the two talking before I know where I am.

I did notice that AT&T maintained a signal more strongly and for a longer period than my T-Mobile BlackBerry did. Places where I had only GPRS with T-Mobile I had EDGE with AT&T.

However, they don't allow Wi-Fi calls and try to keep BlackBerry owners from having BlackBerry Maps. This is probably to push Blackberry owners into purchasing Telenav instead, which they have kindly installed an icon that will open up the browser right to the place to purchase.

Having never used AT&T before I was astounded by the volume of stuff they add to the BlackBerry. There were icons to buy all sorts of things such as games and ringtones. I spent some time hiding all of these useless icons each time I changed the theme.

I also tried out the XM Streaming Radio and was surprised by how well it worked. For the most part it played flawlessly. It was loud enough to play without headphones and hear throughout the room. It will continue playing for sometime even if the phone is not touched. Eventually, it will stop if you don't touch any buttons, but you just let it know you are still there and it will begin playing again.

Of course, if you already have a portable XM receiver this feature doesn't really offer much.

AT&T sells the 8820 for $299.99 with a two-year contract and rebate.

Overall the 8820 is a very solid BlackBerry, especially if you can get by without a camera or if you need Wi-Fi and GPS built in more than a camera.