This review is based on using the Pearl as an e-mailing and web surfing device only. I do not use the Pearl as my everyday mobile and do not have the capability to make and receive calls or make and receive SMS/MMS.
The nature of my work demands that I have access to Email when ever and where ever. The powers that be have encouraged all staff to get a portable device to be in constant contact with the work inbox.
I am a person that likes to be discreet. It annoys me when all these 'wannabe' city boys ponze around with their gadgets, shouting down mobile phones just to draw attention to themselves. Having a large Blackberry, in a leather holder encrypted with "Blackberry" across it, stuck to your waist in full view is naff and screams 'look at, and subsequently mug me'
Unfortunately, this used to be the case with most Blackberries, until the launch of the Pearl.
It's small, slim and fits easily in the pocket, unlike most other Blackberries. It has all the features you'd expect in a lot smaller package.
I could list them all, but if you look on the Blackberry website you can view the full spec.
I can now send and receive emails and web browse anywhere, and the 'normal' mobile phone size and shape of the device means it looks like I am just sending a text without drawing attention to myself! Fantastic and discreet.
The media player is adequate and can cope with films and MP3s. As with all mobile devices the head phones are of poor quality but these are easily replaced although an adaptor is required.
Make sure that an additional memory card is purchased.
The disadvantages are:
It has a smaller screen that other Blackberries. What else can you expect? If you make a product smaller then it is likely to have a smaller screen. That said - the screen is plenty big enough to send and read emails, as well as web browsing. I use mine for multimap, Ebay, BBC News and many other sites and have no problems what so ever.
Although it has a full qwerty keypad there are two letters on each key. This is a disadvantage if you are use to the older style Blackberries that had separate keys. However, it is no different to texting on a mobile. It does take a bit of getting used to but so did texting when that first came out.
The trackball 'mini mouse' is very sensitive and me being quite heavy handed took a while to get used to this. However, I am sure if I can then any one can!
All in all this is a great little device. It also has the ability to be used as a mobile phone - and I am quite tempted to combine all my communication features in to this one device when my contract comes up fpr renewal - I just need to be a bit more careful on those drunken nights out to ensure that I don't drop the Pearl in a drink, or to the ground etc.
I would highly recommend this to any one - you will not be disappointed!
More details
Ease of use
Easy
Battery talktime
Good
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