Click to Save up to $300/yr on callsRIM BlackBerry Pearl - white (T-Mobile)
Manufacturer: Research In Motion Ltd. Part number: RIMPEARLWTMO
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Though nothing revolutionary, the addition of multimedia features and the already solid e-mail capabilities make the RIM BlackBerry Pearl an attractive device for business users and consumers alike.
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CNET editors' review
RIM BlackBerry Pearl - white (T-Mobile)
price range: $229.95
- Reviewed by: Bonnie Cha
- Edited by: Nicole Lee
- Reviewed on: 01/29/2007
The good: The RIM BlackBerry Pearl is the first BlackBerry to offer a 1.3-megapixel camera, music and video playback, expandable memory, and a mapping application. The supersleek phone also continues to offer superior push e-mail capabilities, EDGE support, and Bluetooth.
The bad: The RIM BlackBerry Pearl's microSD slot is inconveniently located behind the battery, and call quality was subpar in our tests. The phone's camera doesn't record video, and we wish there were external controls for the music player and integrated Wi-Fi.
The bottom line: Though nothing revolutionary, the addition of multimedia features and the already solid e-mail capabilities make the RIM BlackBerry Pearl an attractive device for business users and consumers alike.
User reviews
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What a TREO should be, but better. Marvel of the decade!
by deejayzee on March 1, 2007
Pros: Superior email service and internet access. Excellent phone too!
Cons: Hard to find usable cases because the phone is so slimline.
Summary: I went through 6 TREO phones in just under a year with Verizon. This was supposed to be the state of the art in a smart phone. You could not ...
Summary: I went through 6 TREO phones in just under a year with Verizon. This was supposed to be the state of the art in a smart phone. You could not prove it by me. I have the right to say the TREO is one flawed design.
I switched to the white Pearl because someone wanted to buy my old 700P. I could not be happier. Everything on this phone operates with silent alacrity, and speed. It costs a fraction of the price of the 700P and has much more utility. It is also slim and elegant. I paid half of what I paid for the TREO. There is a useful saying that once you use a Blackbery you are spoiled for anything else. It is a gross understatement. How did they manage to fit so much technology into such a svelte package? All I can do is breathe a sigh of relief that I now have an excellent, all-in-one package that will serve me well until I am ready to upgrade to another Blackberry. Well done RIM. I highly recommend you buy the Pearl: Every other smartphone is a constipated pig.4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Looks great, feels great and has great functionality!
by khwallen on May 3, 2007
Pros: Size, call clarity, ease of use.
Cons: Sounds and media player are lacking.
Summary: The most identifuing feature of this phone is the trackball, which after just a couple minutes of use can not be lived without. it is a huge improvement from the ...
Summary: The most identifuing feature of this phone is the trackball, which after just a couple minutes of use can not be lived without. it is a huge improvement from the scroll on the side of other blackberry devices. Dont let the size fool you, it still packs all you ************ of a blackberry plus a media player and a camera.
The speaker is located behind the battery door with no holes or anything to let the sound through. This makes the media player worthless without headphones and makes some ringtones very "tinny" sounding and annoying.
Despite the sound troubles this is an amazing device and after using it for a little while you will never go back to the clunky side scrolling blackberry again.
Keep it up RIM! i am excited for what you design next!2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Outstanding phone with amazing features
by JOSH1012 on April 30, 2007
Pros: Add-ons, Features, ease of use, compact design
Cons: Keyboard is small but to be expected.
Summary: I cant find a thing wrong with this phone. I love the fetures of it Mobile GMAIL.. Google Maps with real time traffic updates added on. I have gone thru ...
Summary: I cant find a thing wrong with this phone. I love the fetures of it Mobile GMAIL.. Google Maps with real time traffic updates added on. I have gone thru many phones and many providers. This has by far beaten everyone to date. Just ordered the 1Gb San Disk Internal memory so I can add my MP3's to listen at the gym.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Good cell phone, great PDA, Great e-mail, OK net access.
by johbur on April 14, 2007
Pros: Full of features. Speaker phone excellent and call quality good. PDA syncs well w/ my PC's Outlook. QWERTY style keypad and Sure Type make e-mail easy. Camera was OK for a 1.3 MP.
Cons: Keypad a bit small, slick. Micro SD under battery. EDGE through T-mobile slow, but that's not the Pearl's fault. Why is the power plug near the ear, instead of on the bottom?
Summary: I received two Blackberry Pearls for free with 2 year agreement with T-Mobile. My father took one and I have the other one. I am having an easier time using ...
Summary: I received two Blackberry Pearls for free with 2 year agreement with T-Mobile. My father took one and I have the other one. I am having an easier time using the functions, and there are a lot of them. I think he might have bit off more than he can chew, but we'll see if an old dog can learn new tricks...
It is called the Pearl, due to the trackball in the middle of the phone that you use to go through most functions. It is a great help and as good as a mouse for your cell phone.
Call quality has been very good, and the speaker phone is easy to use. You can use your other functions while on the speaker phone without difficulty. Voice dialing also easy to use and does not require you to train the phone to your voice.
Sending and receiving e-mail very easy and was easy to set up. There is a QWERTY style keypad fit, with each key having a pair or more letters and symbols. It takes some getting used to using, but, I have no problem now writing an e-mail for 45 minutes, with only my thumbs getting a bit tired. The Sure Type works so well I'd just assume have it for my word processor. I rarely have to correct the word prediction and don't have to use the trackball all that much to choose between word options.
I had a camera phone with LG before, but it cost money at the time to send pics with text, so I didn't use it much. The Pearl takes decent 1.3 MP pics and all it takes is a press of the Pearl and then you type a message and off it goes like all of your other e-mail. There's a 5x digital zoom, self-portrait mirror and a low-level flash. It handles light levels at dusk OK, but the pictures at night with the flash were not too good. Not all that great at distance, either. It would be nice to have video capability, especially given that you can have a 2 GB micro SD card in it. Pictures easy to transfer either through Blue-tooth, e-mail, or the micro-SD card.
The Internet access through T-Mobile with EDGE is not all that great. It reminds me of having a 56k modem, which after having had DSL is just painful to wait for. The screens come up and most sites are readable. The T-Mobile Hit Zones are more structured for phone e-mail access and aren't so painfully long to wait for.
Toss in the data management functions through the PDA and it makes a very nice tool for business. I was able to complete a writing critique without my laptop computer and also schedule the meetings I needed to schedule easily while at a business conference.
I haven't used the MP3 player capabilities, but the ring tones were fine and there's a handful of settings to have incoming calls at vibrate, separate rings, quiet and loud profiles. Incoming e-mail messages can have their own rings as well.
Given the e-mail capabilities, I haven't used the text-messaging either, but I assume that it would be as easy and quick as the e-mail. It sure beats using a standard cell-phone keypad for generating messages.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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lovin' it!
by thisisnotshe on February 9, 2007
Pros: it walks the classic blackberry walk, but looks a whole lot better while doing it - and you can actually call this one a phone
Cons: the cramped keypad takes some getting used to
Summary: I just got mine today, in white, and my husband got the black one. Iā??ve been using blackberry devices for the past year now (both the 7200 and 8700 ...
Summary: I just got mine today, in white, and my husband got the black one. Iā??ve been using blackberry devices for the past year now (both the 7200 and 8700 series phones), so while it's features and functionalities don't really astound me the way they do my husband, Iā??m really glad I got it. Itā??s incredibly lightweight - and it has finally turned into something i can call a phone! it fits snugly into my hand (the 7200 one was so clunky it kept slipping out!), it's so light it feels almost like a toy phone, it looks brilliant, and finally it can play music - and comes with a handsfree. While the keypad will take some getting used to, Iā??m sure that i'll pick up on it pretty quick. I still miss the track wheel, though. i keep finding my thumb wandering along the side for a second or two before i remember that i have to use the 'pearl' instead now. but it IS nice to be able to scroll in all four directions (i found that especially awkward when navigating Google maps on the 8700).
Of course, itā??s too soon to really tell how it turns out. Maybe after a few weeks Iā??ll write another review, with more details.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Perfect combination of style and functionality
by azunprinzess on February 7, 2007
Pros: Keyboard, PIN messaging, email, size
Cons: Message options, lacks video recorder
Summary: The pearl is definitely an outcome of many phones' trial and error. RIM has fine-tuned this phone based on their past experiences.
Pro's: Very slim design, hard to believe ...Summary: The pearl is definitely an outcome of many phones' trial and error. RIM has fine-tuned this phone based on their past experiences.
Pro's: Very slim design, hard to believe it has so many options and capabilities. The trackball is very user friendly. The PIN messaging is absolutely awesome. (Each blackberry has a unique pin, you can send messages using the pin to others and it is included in the blackberry data plan) I love that I can send text messages without using costly SMS to other blackberry users. For me, free text messages to my boyfriend! This phone is absolutely brilliant. I know the iphone is going to be out soon and I even read that it sets the blackberry back 3 years. As an owner of this phone, I just can't see that happening. Anything is possible and I'd like to have an open mind, but I just can't see it!
Con's: The menu is work sometimes, as there are so many features to scroll through, but what do you expect when you have a phone of this capability. The message options, or lack thereof can be very annoying. I have two email accounts that I use with my phone. The pearl has a messaging icon for all accounts (text, pin, and all emails installed) and then it has separate message icons for each email. The problem is, I don't necessarily want the phone to alert me every time I get an email, especially with the amount of spam I have, but I would like it to alert me when I get a text message. The Blackberry does not allow you to turn alerts off for one and not the other, so basically if I want it to alert me for text messages it is automatically going to alert me for emails, which means all hours of the night, the phone alerts me. The only way around this, is to change the profile to "phone only" at night. You still won't get text alerts, but at least it doesn't beep all night. The instant messaging program sucks in my opinion. I have the updgrade that was supposed to fix bugs, but whenever I start AIM or ICQ or any of the other two, (all on the same program) it slows my phone down to the point where it's hardly functional. I cannot using the instant messaging application because of it. The way to get around it is to sign up for AIM mobile, and just reply when someone sends you a message. You won't be able to see who's online but it works. There are other applications that you can download but I haven't had much luck with the free ones. They always boot me. The phone does not allow more than 2 dedicated menu keys. They are pre-programmed, one to the camera and one to voice dialing. I would really like a dedicated key to my address book as well, but don't want to change the camera and voice dialing keys.
Extra advice: Get Opera Mini! It's free and blows the Blackberry pearl's browser away. It blows every phone's browser away and it's compatible with most. It allows you to view bandwidth extensive web pages such as heavily coded myspace pages! I even purchased a ticket from Southwest.com from it.
All in all it is a wonderful phone and this is coming from someone who changes phones once every two months! I don't see myself changing this one for quite some time.Updated
The Blackberry Pearl doesn't come with a real manual (just tips), at least mine didn't...the help menu replaces that. You can change the alerts to each email account and it is a lifesaver (it's in the profile menu). Also I should add that another program you should download that is free is google maps. It blows the regular map software away and even depicts real time traffic (which helps so much in LA!)1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Cooler Blackberry with all the functions of previous models
by osv2008cont on January 29, 2007
Pros: White casing does not pick up fingerprints, "pearl" trackball is easy to navigate
Cons: Smaller than most Blackberrys
Summary: Overall it is a great phone and I am the only one that I have seen to have it. It came out about a week and a half ago. Same ...
Summary: Overall it is a great phone and I am the only one that I have seen to have it. It came out about a week and a half ago. Same apps that have always come on the Blackberry. I had an 8700g and I upgraded to the Black pearl only to switch back because the phone would look dirty with all the fingerprints. Now the white one doesn't pick up fingerprints and the call clarity is great.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great, user interface
by Goade on August 11, 2008
Pros: Navigation, Multi media, 3rd party apps, Call quality, Bluetooth
Cons: Can't record videos, default web browser, 2.5mm headphone jack
Summary: The media player had great audio quality. The microSD slot being behind the battery isn't a bad thing because you will probably put a memory card in once. The ...
Summary: The media player had great audio quality. The microSD slot being behind the battery isn't a bad thing because you will probably put a memory card in once. The only bad thing about it is that standard headphones don't fit in it.
Picture quality was good when the lighting was good, other wise it was grainy, and it would be nice to get video recording.
I disagree with CNET on the call quality. It was nearly crystal clear and after three months, I've never had a dropped call.
The Sure Type keyboard is great! I don't like the t9 keyboard and you can use it with one hand better than a full QWERTY keyboard. This is because the keys are still in the order that you find them on a regular keyboard, there are just two letters on each key.I got used to it the first day I got it.(after day of regular texting). Messaging was easy, and I love how it allows you to see your received and sent messages on the screen.
I love the trackball for navigating. It makes it very easy and quick.
The default browser wasn't very good, but it was faster than I thought. You can download Opera Mini if you don't like it. It's better because it allows you to see the real version of a website as well as the mobile view. I agree with Cnet that it should have Wi-fi, but the web speeds weren't bad at about 15-30 seconds to load pages. -
One Big Over-priced Software Failure
by zinconinco on July 10, 2008
Pros: It's pretty and the voice dialing is pretty cool.
Cons: Software, hardware, camera, T-Mobile.
Summary: I've been through plenty of cell phones, but never have I had more issues than with my BlackBerry. The software is a nightmare and causes the phone to shut ...
Summary: I've been through plenty of cell phones, but never have I had more issues than with my BlackBerry. The software is a nightmare and causes the phone to shut off or freeze regularly. Apparently asking this phone to answer a call is too much for it to handle because half the time, it just freezes and I see a loading hourglass. I see that hourglass way more than I should when dealing with a "smart" phone that costs as much as this one. As for extra features -- forget it. Trying to save a crappy looking photo can take 10 minutes (insert more hourglass). Text messages come through only on days they feel like it. Oh and if you have a Mac, don't even think about syncing it with your phone. No can do.
Additionally, T-Mobile has horrible customer service. When I tried calling for "tech support" when I first got my phone, they told me the software issue I had was because of the Qwerty keyboard and that I couldn't connect it to my Mac because no one uses "those old Macintosh computers" anymore. What??? I've tried to return this phone more than once but T-Mobile refused me.
I highly recommend NOT choosing this phone or T-Mobile. -
Best phone I've ever had
by rpospiel on May 25, 2008
Pros: Email, Texting, Web Browsing, Multimedia,Sync to Outlook,
Cons: Doesnt work on the path train in NYC
Summary: I've have had this phone for years and it has always been reliable. I have a rubber case I put on it to ensure its safety. The headphones that ...
Summary: I've have had this phone for years and it has always been reliable. I have a rubber case I put on it to ensure its safety. The headphones that come with it kind of stink. They are very uncomfortable. With an Sand Disk card in listening to mp3's is good and you also use them as ringtones. Ive even put my favorite episodes of Seinfeld on it.
The battery life when using bluetooth should be stepped up a notch. Service works well also.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Research In Motion Ltd.
- Part number: RIMPEARLWTMO
- Description: The BlackBerry Pearl 8100 smartphone is one of the world's smallest smartphones and packs all of the power of BlackBerry. It comes complete with digital camera, multimedia capabilities and expandable memory. And it offers users everything else they would expect from a BlackBerry device - including phone, email, web browser, text messaging (SMS and MMS), instant messaging, organizer applications and more. The BlackBerry Pearl provides Quad-Band network support on 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS and EDGE networks to allow for international roaming between North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. The BlackBerry Pearl is small enough to take anywhere. It's the ultimate combination of brains and beauty. Small. Smart and Stylish. So you can live large.
Telecom
- Data services E-Mail, WWW, Yahoo! Messenger, SMS, AOL Instant Messenger, MSN Messenger, MMS
- Modem Integrated Wireless cellular modem
- Service provider T-Mobile
- Cellular enhancement protocol EDGE, GPRS, GSM
General
- Built-in devices Display, Antenna
- Cellular technology GSM
- Dimensions (W x D x H) 2 in x 0.6 in x 4.2 in
- Band / mode GSM 850/900/1800/1900 (Quadband)
- Weight 3.2 oz
- Wireless Interface Bluetooth
- Color White
- Packaged contents Stereo headset
- Standby time Up to 360 h
- Vibrating Alert Yes
- Combined with With digital camera
Operating System / Software
- OS provided BlackBerry Handheld Software
- Software included Media Player, Organizer
Memory
- Installed ROM 64 MB Flash
Phone
- Call features Call barring, Call waiting, Caller ID, Call forwarding
Input Device
- Input device type Trackball, Keyboard
Digital Camera
- Digital zoom 5
- Features Self-portrait mirror
Messaging / Data Services
- Short Messaging Service (SMS) Yes
- Internet Browser Yes
- Messaging / Data Features Text messages, Multimedia messages (MMS)
Audio
- Digital audio standards supported MIDI, AAC +, MP3, AMR, AAC
- Audio input type Microphone
- Audio output type Speaker(s)
- Voice recording capability Yes
Display
- Display type TFT active matrix
- Color support 16-bit (64K colors)
- Max resolution 240 x 260
Power
- Battery installed ( max ) 1 Lithium ion
- Max supported batteries 1
- Talk time 210 min
- Power supply device Power adapter
- Power device type Power adapter
Expansion / Connectivity
- Wireless connectivity Bluetooth 2.0
- Port / Connector Type:Interface 1Headset, 1USB
- Expansion slot(s) total (free) 1 MicroSD
- Cable(s) included 1 x USB cable
Cellular
- Phone style Candy Bar
- Caller ID Yes
Physical Characteristics
- Width 2 in
- Depth 0.6 in
- Height 4.2 in
Warranty
- Service / Support Details 1 year Limited warranty
- Service & support type 1 year warranty
GPS
- GPS System / GPS Navigation None
Product series
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RIM BlackBerry Pearl - black (T-Mobile)
Manufacturer: Research In Motion Ltd.
Specs: GSM 850/900/1800/1900, BlackBerry Handheld Software, 210 min, 64 MB
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RIM BlackBerry Pearl - black (AT&T)
Manufacturer: Research In Motion Ltd.
Specs: GSM 850/900/1800/1900, BlackBerry Handheld Software, Up to 210 min, 32 MB
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RIM BlackBerry Pearl - white (T-Mobile)
Manufacturer: Research In Motion Ltd.
Specs: GSM 850/900/1800/1900, BlackBerry Handheld Software, 210 min
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RIM BlackBerry Pearl - red (AT&T)
Manufacturer: Research In Motion Ltd.
Specs: GSM 850/900/1800/1900, BlackBerry Handheld Software, 210 min
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RIM BlackBerry Pearl - blue (T-Mobile)
Manufacturer: Research In Motion Ltd.
Specs: GSM 850/900/1800/1900, BlackBerry Handheld Software, 210 min
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RIM BlackBerry Pearl - gold (T-Mobile)
Manufacturer: Research In Motion Ltd.
Specs: GSM 850/900/1800/1900, BlackBerry Handheld Software, 210 min
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RIM BlackBerry Pearl - red (T-Mobile)
Manufacturer: Research In Motion Ltd.
Specs: GSM 850/900/1800/1900, BlackBerry Handheld Software, 210 min
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RIM BlackBerry Pearl 8130 - silver (Verizon Wireless)
Manufacturer: Research In Motion Ltd.
Specs: CDMA2000 1X 800/1900, BlackBerry Handheld Software, 220 min, 64 MB
Manufacturer info
- Research In Motion Ltd.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Research In Motion Ltd. products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.rim.net
- Address:
295 Phillip Street
Waterloo, Ontario
Canada N2L 3W8, Waterloo, ON - Phone: 519/888-7465
- Email: webinfo@rim.net
- Fax: 519-888-7884
