Blackberry Pearl -- Cell Phone
Made for the everyday consumer, this phone will leave mobile yakkers wanting lit
— -- The BlackBerry Pearl is targeted toward the everyday consumer, and will leave the modern day mobile yakker wanting little else. The 3 ounce, candy bar-shaped device is as slim as the popular Motorola Razr phones, but doesn't require the flip and offers advanced data services like instant e-mail, a feature previously reserved for high-end, full-sized business BlackBerry models.
The Pearl has silky style, comfortable phone ergonomics with great sound, speedy BlackBerry e-mail access, an Internet browser, a great camera with a flash (the first BlackBerry to include a camera), and a bright 2-inch screen, bringing users as close to wireless Utopia as we have seen. The feature list is long and includes Bluetooth, voice recognition for dial by name, speakerphone, an MP3, video capabilities and a forward thinking miniSD slot for additional storage space. Push-to-talk (PTT), an advanced walkie-talkie-type service, is a nice instant access feature if you have family, friends or colleagues on the network with PTT-equipped phones.
The Pearl gets its name from the innovative center-positioned glowing white track ball that assists you with navigating the multiple features. All this action-packed fun elegantly squeezed into a tiny space does require small keys for input. Two letters appear on each key, but some smart technology is included that figures out the words you are trying to type as you type them.
The Pearl is a near-perfect device for a user who wants a quality phone, multimedia features and e-mail in a stylish package. You are sure to see one on a college campus, shopping mall or soccer field soon.
The Pearl can be yours for about $200 with a new activation plan. Carriers include Cingular/AT&T and T-Mobile. BlackBerry e-mail plans start at $29.99 on top of your talk time contract.