BB8800 and V4.5 Software

[LandSurveyor]

I've just gotten an email from Blackberry telling me that I should update to the new version 4.5 software, citing better email, etc.
My BB is an 8800 I've had for about 2 years. Software is version 4.2. I use Blackberry Internet Service through T-Mobile.

The change seems painless enough to do and it is straight from Blackberry.
Has anybody done this already? Was the experience good or bad? Did you maybe have any carrier-specific issues?

This thing is working so well that I don't want to mess with it unnecessarily but I don't want to get outdated, either.

[r0k]

I have an 8830 on Verizon running 4.2.2.196. I tried to "fake" my phone into upgrading to 4.5 so I could get a few obscure features to work. I was underwhelmed with the upgrade process. I was not offered an opportunity to download the OS and install it at my leisure. NO. I had to sit there with my pc on the 'net and my phone connected by usb clicking on terms and conditions and finally the download failed. But bear in mind I'm on Verizon. When it comes to software, Verizon is the root of all evil. I've heard good things about 4.5 so I would considering doing it if I were you, especially if your carrier makes it easy instead of trying to block you (Verizon).

One thing to keep in mind. Back up your phone. Back up your OS (that means download the OLD os and have it handy "just in case"). Back up your backup. Then do the update and even if your phone becomes temporarily nuked, like a power failure during the upgrade, or the cable coming unplugged all by itself during the upgrade, or monty python running through the room yelling "you don't know when to expect the Spanish Inquisition" and unplugging your cable during the upgrade, you have a way to get everything back including your current OS.

[LandSurveyor]

I've never had a meltdown with the BB but had to restore my old Palms a few times. With those, it was just a simple HotSync most of the time (I do miss that, the BB desktop seems primitive by comparison). I DID flash an updated OS on a IIIc once with no problems.
One of the reasons I went with T-Mobile was because they didn't seem to disable anything on the device itself. That, and the fact that my plan is much cheaper that Verizon or AT&T.
Where would I find the original OS? On the BB site or should I have that on the disc that came with it?

[r0k]

I've never had a meltdown with the BB but had to restore my old Palms a few times. With those, it was just a simple HotSync most of the time (I do miss that, the BB desktop seems primitive by comparison). I DID flash an updated OS on a IIIc once with no problems.
One of the reasons I went with T-Mobile was because they didn't seem to disable anything on the device itself. That, and the fact that my plan is much cheaper that Verizon or AT&T.
Where would I find the original OS? On the BB site or should I have that on the disc that came with it?

Try the Blackberry web site. They should have a link to the "latest supported OS" for your device and carrier. I'm not sure where you should go if the OS you want to put back isn't posted online somewhere. Perhaps you can talk to tmo about getting a copy of your OS as a backup in case you don't like the results when you do the upgrade to 4.5.

[LandSurveyor]

Update:
Bit the bullet this evening, backed up the 8800 and went to the website to download the update. Ran it as per the site's instructions and the loader says
"your device already has the latest software".
Went to the "about" section on the device and the version was still 4.2.1.74. If something was changed, it's not obvious.
The site specifically lists the 8800 and others in the 8800 series, complete with all the supposed improvements that will be made to each but it says I'm already there.
Color me confused. Oh, well. I was satisfied with it anyway.

[r0k]

Update:
Bit the bullet this evening, backed up the 8800 and went to the website to download the update. Ran it as per the site's instructions and the loader says
"your device already has the latest software".
Went to the "about" section on the device and the version was still 4.2.1.74. If something was changed, it's not obvious.
The site specifically lists the 8800 and others in the 8800 series, complete with all the supposed improvements that will be made to each but it says I'm already there.
Color me confused. Oh, well. I was satisfied with it anyway.

Did you hack the update? Ahem, I mean did you delete vendor.xml? Some of the updates won't apply depending on your carrier, but you can forcefeed them by deleting vendor.xml. Do a search over at crackberry for the details on this.