I've used, and enjoyed, the normal form-factor BBs, and at upgrade time I was torn between the 8700 and the 7100g. While the email capabililty is a must, I'd grown tired of talking into what appeared to be a calculator. Besides the bulky ergonomics, I couldn't get past the idea that my voice just couldn't reach the microphone with the older form-factor (7290, etc...).Choice made, and I couldn't be happier. This phone is excellent for me. No coverage problems (not that that's normally a hardware problem, anyway), and no difficulties with the hardware switch from old to new.Pros:1) Screen is phenomenal. While the 8700 is better, this one is excellent.2) Form-factor is perfect for people who want to treat their BBs as phones.3) Home screen layout is preferred. Where the older models are a massive grid of oft-unused icons, the 7100's default is to put the moneymakers up front. You want memos and tasks, head to a sub menu. You want messages, phone, calendar, and browser - one click's all it takes.4) Browser is getting better, but its still got some maturing to do.5) The backlight is gold. 7290? Not gold. Pyrite, even. This one? Greatness. First time I turned it on I was delighted, and that was at the factory default 60% brightness. I've since turned it down to 50%, but its gold I tell you...6) Dedicated send and end buttons. So trivial, but so perfect.Cons:1) Sure would love bluetooth file transfer, too.2) Doesn't wash dishes.3) Ringtones are the suck. Games are the suck. Perhaps its that I'm on a corporate account, but I get no love from the various ringtone and games download sites.4) The LED, it keeps blinking. Why, LED, why?! I have all the secondary notices set to none, and you still blink, LED! Why?!?!