BlackBerry Pearl 8100

The 8100 series Pocket PCs are fully featured yet cost-effective converged communications devices that provide end-users with dual high-speed wireless data capabilities on a global scale. They feature a full QWERTY "slider" keyboard, the latest Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system, integrated Wi-Fi, Bluetooth support, quad-band international coverage, and EDGE.

Design

Coming in at a whooping 4.2 x 2.0 x 0.6 inches in size, the pearl is comfortable in the average end users hand. The most interesting feature that was new for the Pearl was the trackball. This was RIM first device that introduced this feature. For those who were use to the trackwheel on the older devices this took some time to getting use to. We did hear lots of complaints about the trackball and how sensitive it was. However, it doesn’t take long to get use to, it just takes practice. Then of course it offers the SureType keyboard also known as the “multiple letter keyboard” For the average user that types type alot of email message , sms messsage.. etc - suretype may not suffice.

Highlighed Features

We call this section highlighed features, because simply put these are the features that attract users to the Blackberry Pearl. Below we have listed these:

Audio: The audio features on this phone is fantastic. There’s no need to carry around an Mp3 players sorta speak when you got it on the pearl. Great thinking RIM because AUDIO is the one of the most important features that makes a media device what it is.

Video: The video features on this phone aren’t as fantastic but it ’s doable if you’re in a clutch. Nothing against the Pearl, we’re justing keeping the review strictly by the facts - it is what is!!! The video players i’m sure in time will improve since RIM is always on the lookout to improve their products.

Camera: Can someone say “cheese” ? 1.3 megapixels Resolution , Flash, 5x Digital zoom and Mirror for self-portrait is what the Pearl offers. Face it cellphones just dont’ have the capability as a digital camera , but with the advance focus on cellphone mulitmedia devices it’s getting closer. The Pearl isn’t bad in this aspect and so we give it’s camera great ratings.

Memory Slot: Yep it was done. This device came with the memory slot (microSD) for extra storage. After all mulitmedia phones are used more and it requires more space to store items. At lasted it was stated that the pearl only supports up to 2gig card max.