Some people have stated that using the "Bolt" browser on the 8350i gives them reasonable data speed, reportedly much faster than the stock RIM browser. Not that iDEN will ever be able to do data fast, but those who have switched their Nextel 8350i to Bolt claim it is plenty good enough. I can't vouch for that, just passing on the word on the street.

Bolt can be found on the crackberry website.

Also, there is always WiFi on the 8350i for data, although obviously it is not optimal to have to find a WiFi spot to get data.

As a Nextel user for many years (just regular phones, not BlackBerry), I can say truthfully that the iDEN network is working very well these days, at least in California.