Blackberry Build Quality. How long do they last?

andebrook · #1 (**permalink**) 20-02-2009, 07:44 PM

Hello,

I am considering getting myself a Blackberry Bold, but it seems the only way for me to do this is through a 24month contract, unless i buy outright, which seems to be not really an option at the moment.

I really want to sign up for the contract but the only thing holding me back is the length, because i have had phones before which simply could not make that time length, which means you end up getting another, on another contract and so on and so on.

So my question to everyone is, how long have your BB's lasted? And, what are the initial thoughts on the BB Bold and potential life span of it in terms of falling apart?

Cheers

KERRY · #2 (**permalink**) 20-02-2009, 08:18 PM

I had a curve for 2 years, no issues, and now my friend bought it from me and still no issues!!

drk7 · #3 (**permalink**) 20-02-2009, 11:10 PM

We still have people in the organisation using 7100's which would have to be close to 4 years old I reckon. In my experience the old blackberries were built really well. The pearl 8100's have been pretty terrible for us, i would have sent about 8 of those back for repair.

I haven't sent one Bold/Curve back yet, but it still early days

However, I must report that I went jet boat riding and had a wave land in my lap with my Bold in my pocket. Its still going strong, donno for how long though, they are not supposed to be salt water proof

Chris

GaryCutri · #4 (**permalink**) 21-02-2009, 01:25 AM

Hi,

As mentioned above the old BlackBerry devices are rock solid but the new device can be sensitive. As I deal with thousands of Blackberry devices every day I can simply say it is environment dependant. We have some customers that return devices every month but the same devices with another customer can last years. If you are working in a dirty\dusty environment the device will have trackball issues but they can be replaced for $20 or the device can be returned for warranty. If you have users that mistreat device as many employees do then they will experience issues as any other device would. I would rate the device durability of the latest BlackBerry 8900 and 9000 as medium to high.

Thanks,

Gary

Gregmyers · #5 (**permalink**) 21-02-2009, 01:25 AM

I would have to agree with Chris. The older devices were built like brick s**thouses. Very robust devices.
The newer devices that I have tested to date seem somewhat lacking in the quality side of things. (The 8220 Pearl being the cheapest and lightest build I've experienced from any of the newer range). I used an 8310 as a hardcore user for around 12 months and that was a very high quality handset. The Bold... Build quality is quite good. (Although I haven't seen one yet, the 8900 Curve build quality is reputed to be very good indeed).
And no, they are afraid of water...

jleebiker · #6 (**permalink**) 21-02-2009, 11:45 PM

I have to echo what has been said. There is a bit of a diff in the quality of the builds, but overall, I'd say they last quite well. My only concern is the trackball. My 8310 is approaching 2 years now and I'm just now starting to develop trackball issues, but then again, I take it everywhere with me, biking, jogging, rollerblading, hiking, camping, etc. I think it's a matter of how it was treated. My biggest hardship on it is probably moisture and sweat as usually when I go riding, I just slip it in my jersey. I should do something simple like put it in a ziplock and keep the moisture out.

A friend of mine did however slip into a pond and fully immersed her 8310. Immediately took the battery out. Took the SIM card and memory chip out and let it dry out for a min of 24 hours. Made sure there was no moisture that she could see and then powered it up and it works fine. That was a couple of weeks ago.

Gregmyers · #7 (**permalink**) 22-02-2009, 12:18 AM

You could always try an Otterbox for your BlackBerry if you lead an active lifestyle.
We've Got Technology Covered // OtterBox.com
Easily my favorite accessory for just about any BlackBerry (and my iPhone)

Tfer · #8 (**permalink**) 24-02-2009, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jleebiker

A friend of mine did however slip into a pond and fully immersed her 8310. Immediately took the battery out. Took the SIM card and memory chip out and let it dry out for a min of 24 hours. Made sure there was no moisture that she could see and then powered it up and it works fine. That was a couple of weeks ago.

June 2007 was when my 8100 Pearl was fully immersed into a pond. Did the same stuff, and for a few days, she would randomnly hunt through various menus etc and generally do some strange stuff, but settled down.

It is now February 2009 and the Pearl is still doing well.

I drop my Bold (in its leatherette case thingy) at least once a fortnight (I am a well known clutz) and apart from a couple of tiny scrathes, she still works fine.

Thanks,

Thomas

blackb6 · #9 (**permalink**) 25-02-2009, 12:43 PM

Mine lasted a week before the trackball stopped working!

Hoping the new one is built better..

must have got that one in a million faulty one :P

Gregmyers · #10 (**permalink**) 25-02-2009, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackb6

Mine lasted a week before the trackball stopped working!

Hoping the new one is built better..

must have got that one in a million faulty one :P

Hi,
Have you tried a firmware upgrade ? The version straight out of the box is very bug ridden. The latest Beta firmware for the Bold(un-official release) is reportedly quite stable.
KR
Greg Myers