I've had a few days to run the leaked beta OS 5.0.0.190 on my Curve 8900 and I must say, this OS is promising!  Yes, there are always caviats when installing code that isn't quite ready for prime time, but you can get a feel for what programmers are shooting for and you can usually get a feel for whether they heard your cries of pain after the previously leaked 5.0.0.90 version.  And, in fact, at this writing, another OS version 5.0.0.204 is already out in the wild and being scrutinized.  Yes, RIM has many beta OS versions and many beta testers, but, here are my two cents about what I think is giant leap in the right direction.

First of all, let's talk about installation and implementation.  I have *ahem* had the pleasure and frustration of loading many betas in my time and I can tell you that I have always felt an extra cringe of suspense each and every time the apploader process reached the "initializing the device" phase...that long gut-wrenching wait that results in either a jump-for-joy celebration or hours of rebooting, handheld wiping, error messages, blank screens, and in my case, lots of swearing. Well, I don't have any scientific evidence but I did observe this...apploader was complete within fifteen minutes!  Same old computer, same cable, same BB.  Now of course I would never guarantee this kind of performance to everyone, since I suspect that this particular improvement may be caused by a combination of new AppLoader software (embedded in DM 5.0) and complementary device software (the OS).  The two were probably written by development departments that are finally, finally, finally, working hand in hand at RIM.  And now I'm smiling with the satisfaction that RIM actually heard us!

The next obstacle on the list...did all my apps survive the migration?  AT&T once again has blocked the service books for BlackBerry's Internet Browser which works great for me.  I miss it already.  Another disappointment is the inability to download OperaMini as a replacement for the MediaNet browser.  I'm still working on that.  Now, admittedly, I'm not Facebook/MySpace/Twitter addict, I'm a Berry addict.  So, I can only tell you about UberTwitter, the social networking app that is still on my BlackBerry.  The others...Facebook and MySpace were deleted long before I even attempted this upgrade because of uncaught exceptions.  UberTwitter works as it should.  BlackBerry Messenger 4.7 also works as prescribed.  Google Maps, WeatherEye, Sensobi beta, Slacker Radio, Word to Go, Sheet to Go, Slideshow to Go, Texas Hold'em King 3 and Hearts all work perfectly.

BBSmart Alarms Pro will not activate...I'm waiting for support correspondence.  Beyond411 is having troubles with DNS settings even though nothing has been altered in configuration.

The "Delete Prior" function in the messages folder does not always work, although, as an added surprise bonus, the threaded SMS system is awesome.  Texting now looks and acts like IM, but can be transmitted over a GSM signal...wonderful!  Visual Voice Mail (VVM) is not set up through my carrier (AT&T) yet so I cannot comment.  I haven't noticed any memory leak, as with many 4.5 and 4.6 versions.  Files are now organized under one heading which is a huge time saver for me (I do really use my BB for productivity).

OS version 5.0 for the 8900 is clean and quick.  I like it.  I don't usually recommend beta versions to anyone, but, this particular version IMHO is worth a try.   And, it shows me that RIM is connecting to it's new market well. 

So, to all you wannabe beta testers (translation: anyone who has ever loaded a leaked OS) things seem to be looking up.  Cool features and faster performance are proving to be on RIM's list of priorities. 

Thank you to that little company in Canada and I'm compiling my next wish list now.