BlackBerry Pearl 8100 smartphone

Can RIM go consumer? We find out

Reviewer: Stuart Miles
Review Date: 8 September 2006
Manufacturer: RIM
Price as reviewed: £Price dependent on contract
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Our score

9/10

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Reader score

8/10

Reader review

User: lyncjs (profile)
Location:
Date Posted: 31 December 2006
Review: The first thing that struck me about the Pearl was when my girlfriend said “what’s that and can I have one”. This has never happened with previous BlackBerrys I’ve had. Beneath the shinny exterior and mesmerising white pearl this is still the same old BB. All the software is the same and does what BlackBerrys do well, keeping you always connected to email, calendar and contacts.

I new addition is a overview screen, showing missed calls, most recent unread emails/texts and next 2 calendar items. You can also quickly navigate to any of these 5 areas using the pearl scroller. This makes navigating the Pearl easier then other BlackBerry models.

The two-letter keyboard takes some getting used to, but only a few days. Some colleagues have found the keys a bit on the small side and input is slower when compared to larger models, such as the 8700.

The Pearl doesn’t seem as resilient as previous BlackBerrys that I’ve thrown, dropped and generally abused. I’m on my second one, as the some of the keys stopped working after a month of heavy use.

Voice quality is generally good except if you have the volume set to maximum the handset speaker does start to crackle and distort the other person speaking. I just lowered the volume by one notch and all calls since have been fine.

Having the option for additional micro-SD memory means I can use the Pearl as a memory stick. I’ve currently got a 2GB SanDisk micro-SD card which has worked well. The SD card can be accessed via USB if you have the correct lead.

Apart from the lack of 3G and less robustness the Pearl is a great phone. The screen is very clear, although on the small side, and the Pearl scroller provides 4 way scrolling rather than 2 way with previous models. I’d recommend this BlackBerry to all apart from the ultra-heavy user or those who find the change to a smaller, 2-letters per key keyboard too difficult.
Pros: Very phone like. Pearl scroller excellent. New overview screen helps navigation.
Cons: Keyboard on the small side. Not 3G.
Score: 8/10
Rating: 23 people have rated this review helpful