Manage updates with the Download AppBlackBerry Pearl - black (T-Mobile)
Manufacturer: BlackBerry Part number: Pearl (Black) (T-Mobile)
- 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
BlackBerry Pearl - black (T-Mobile) price range: $188.18
- Reviewed by: Bonnie Cha
- Edited by: Nicole Lee
- Reviewed on: 09/06/2006
- Released on: 09/12/2006
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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great phone with 2 flaws
by lunaharpua on September 13, 2006
Pros: features are incredible, size is unbelievable
Cons: reception ain't that great and cheap plastic backing comes off WAY too easily
Summary: I've only had this for 1 day, and it's my first BlackBerry, so of course I love it. Like everyone says, they're highly addictive. However, the first ...
Summary: I've only had this for 1 day, and it's my first BlackBerry, so of course I love it. Like everyone says, they're highly addictive. However, the first thing I noticed (besides the sheer sexiness of the phone) was the spotty reception. I work in Manhattan, and my calls dropped in and out walking to work. Also, my T-Mobile reception at work is much worse than it was with Cingular and a Razr. Not sure if it's the service or the phone, but it's bad enough to make me reconsider my choice. If I do stick with it, I'm anxiously awaiting T-Mo's forthcoming bandwidth increase via the FCC auction...if all goes according to plan. Google to see the latest news on that. Also anticipating the 4.0 release of PocketMac to sync with my Mac -- should be out in a week or two.
Lastly, I don't know what they were thinking when they designed the incredibly flimsy plastic battery cover. For all the thought they put into this phone, they thoroughly botched this one crucial detail. As stated in a previous review, it comes off without having to press the cover release button -- not good. I'm sure they'll have to fix that in a second version...word is that Cingular will have these in the fourth business quarter this year.
But those two caveats aside (and they are big ones), I can't believe how fantastic this phone is.5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Superior quality w/ sleek looks make this phone a winner!
by Puamana on August 26, 2007
Pros: Beautiful, vivid graphics, big screen, extremely easy to use, music player, bluetooth, SD slot, tons of features, GPS capability, great calendar, notepad, very customizable
Cons: Easy to scratch, trackball problems, trackball turns dark w/ junk from whatever is on your fingers over time, phone randomly deletes the call log
Summary: This is my first BlackBerry and I've used it for almost a year now.
First the cons:
The Pearl is a beautiful phone! It's very shiny and sleek ...Summary: This is my first BlackBerry and I've used it for almost a year now.
First the cons:
The Pearl is a beautiful phone! It's very shiny and sleek looking but you pay a price for it's good looks. No matter how hard you try, it's almost impossible to prevent it from getting scratched somehow. I tend to be a perfectionist so I notice even the smallest of scratches. I kept a silicone case or a leather case over the phone almost all the time and it still eventually ended up getting scratched w/ time. If you don't get a case for the phone, don't expect it to stay nice for long! However, if you do, and don't take it out of the case very often, problem solved!
In the past year, I've owned 3 Pearls because of trackball problems. T-Mobile has had to send me brand new phones every few months because the trackball would just quit working. I don't know why this would happen but I do know that T-Mobile is very good about replacing a defective device. It's still kind of irritating to have to wait a week for a working phone.
After time, no matter how clean your hands are, your trackball will eventually turn a darker color instead of the white color it is when you first get it. This is gross and irritating and it stands out. I even avoided using the trackball on one of the phones I had just so it wouldn't get dark. It didn't prevent it... just prolonged the cleanness of it for a month or so.
There's a known problem w/ the phone deleting the call log after only a few calls. You click on the call log expecting to see all your phone numbers and, surprise! THEY'RE GONE!!! OR... you'll see you have a missed call, click on "view", and it will say there are no new numbers so unless they left you a voice message, you have no idea who called. I talked to T-Mobile extensively about this and they told me it was a known problem so there was nothing they could do. They also said RIM is aware of it so they're working on a patch to send out to all Pearl users to correct the problem. I raised a stink about it so they sent me a brand new phone and it hasn't done it yet. I just hope RIM sends out the patch before my phone does it again.
NOW FOR THE GOOD STUFF!!!
The graphics on this phone are absolutely STUNNING! I kept some of my pics from Maui on it for wallpapers and to show off to friends and they were all so impressed!
The screen is really big so all your information, menus, address book, text messaging screens, web pages, e-mail are really easy to see and navigate. When you scroll through the address book, you can see like 20 names because the screen is so big. It's awesome!
This phone is by far, the easiest phone I have ever used! If you ever have a problem or questions about a feature, it has a GREAT help guide! It's so thorough and customized! There's never been an issue I couldn't figure out.
The Pearl functions as an MP3 player if you'd like and it's SO easy to put music on it directly from iTunes or Windows Media Player or whatever you use. If you get an SD card, you can put hundreds of songs in it! Who needs an iPod?! It's also SO easy to make different folders for seperate artists or playlists.
Of course it has Bluetooth. It's very easy to connect to a headset or another Bluetooth capable device.
SD slot is great for expanding your memory for whatever you want.
The Pearl has tons of features! I'm continually finding out new things about my phone!
If you have internet, you can use the already loaded GPS. It's very easy to get directions and maps!
I use my Pearl's calendar all the time to put in reminders and to help me keep track of my very busy schedule! It's soooo simple and easy to see where I'm already busy, and where my appointments are at. I never forget appointments anymore.
If I'm out and about and need to put in notes about something... anything... I just go to the notepad. There you see a white screen where you can type in whatever you need to remember, save it and view it later. I store TONS of notes and I've never run out of room! It's SO easy to use!
If there's anything you want to change about the Pearls features, almost always, you can change it. If you don't like the font size, style, or color, not big deal! Just change them! There are tons of different themes and styles for the phone already loaded or you can go to "download themes" under the "themes" menu and get all kinds of free graphics, ringtones, themes, games and applications from RIM. I love this about the Pearl!
Honestly, the good features about the Pearl far outweigh the bad features. I love this phone and would never switch to another device!3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best Phone Ever!!!
by jclopton on June 8, 2007
Pros: Phone, Email, Web, Games, Camera. . .
Cons: Nothing yet?
Summary: First things first, this is a phone, that's the PRIMARY FUNCTION, a phone, not a CPU, Camera, iPod, etc. Now, with that out the way, lets talk about all ...
Summary: First things first, this is a phone, that's the PRIMARY FUNCTION, a phone, not a CPU, Camera, iPod, etc. Now, with that out the way, lets talk about all the other things this little PHONE can do.
E-mail: Access all your email accounts with this device. Yahoo, Gmail, Hotmail, and if you want, work email (not me)
Web Browser: Go surfing
IM: Use Messenger, MSN, AIM, ICQ, BB, etc.
Text Messaging: Text anyone you like
Games: Many Hi-quality free download from BB and other sites.
Music Player: I don't use my IPOD anymore.
Video Player: Plays .avi videos
Camera: Yeah it takes Pictures too
411 w/ maps: Look up any business and it'll give you the info and show you on the map.
So, so much more. This phone has got everything I need into one little package for the uban warrior. I can listen to my music, while looking up a restaurant near by and display a map of the location, address, phone number, even reviews. You can call the business from the search results and it will even give you directions on how to get there. If you would rather get the sattelite view of the map, that's available too. Whewww, I can go on and on of the things this little phone can do, but get one for yourself and you'll see what I'm talking about. Lets see how the iPhone compares next month.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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I finally found the perfect phone
by jstretch on January 17, 2007
Pros: ease of use, call clarity, form factor, cool looks
Cons: nothing yet
Summary: 2 weeks ago I went into the local Cingular store to upgrade my phone. I had the Pearl in mind, but was talked into the Treo 680 by the sales ...
Summary: 2 weeks ago I went into the local Cingular store to upgrade my phone. I had the Pearl in mind, but was talked into the Treo 680 by the sales person. She assured me that the 680 was able to receive hotmail. It's not. I returned the 680 and was again advised not to get the Pearl because of sure type. I got the Treo 750. Wow! What a piece of crap. I went back and finally got the Pearl. I love this phone. Sure type is not a problem for me at all. Within about ten minutes I had it figured out. I was looking for a device that was a phone first, but also gave me the ability to have my email and calendar on the go. The Pearl is the perfect device for me. If you are in the market for this kind of device, get the Pearl.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Review from an owner of over 15 smartphones.
by michaellines003 on October 28, 2006
Pros: Great Screen, Email Support, Features and size.
Cons: Micro SD Slot under battery, cannot transfer videos over bt.
Summary: I've owned almost every high end smartphone, and this one takes the cake. I've had the Treo (600, 650, 700p&w), BlackBerry 8700c (and 8703e) 7500 series ...
Summary: I've owned almost every high end smartphone, and this one takes the cake. I've had the Treo (600, 650, 700p&w), BlackBerry 8700c (and 8703e) 7500 series and the 7100 series. I've also owned the motorola q, and about 5 windows mobile based smartphones. This is by far the best smartphone I've EVER used, and definitely the most affordable. For years I'd been in a bind, do I go with the ultra stable BlackBerry OS and forgo the multimedia features and other extras of the other smartphones? Or do I pick a device that does everything under the sun but crashes about twice a week (and has sub-par email support?) As a result of that dilemma, I was back and forth between the treo and blackberry for a long time. I went back and forth between the 8700 and 700 at least three times and finally settled on the 8703e because my treo refused to stop crashing. Then I stumbled across the Pearl. I have to admit, in the store I wasn't too sure wether I'd like it. Size wise it was wonderful, this phone is actually thinner then the Razr when shut. My problem however, lied in the sure type keypad. While it offered the familiar qwerty layout I wasn't sure about having two letters per key. I was wrong. I'd say 299/300 words are guessed perfectly and typing on it is very easy. All in all the is an incredibly thin, small, stable, feature-packed smartphone with a brilliant screen.
Nice Job RIM!3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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What some of us have been waiting for!
by pMotte on September 7, 2006
Pros: Size, Camera, Video, Blackberry-ness
Cons: no Qwerty, not much else
Summary: I always get angery at people who write reviews before they actually hold the product in thier hands but I just wanted to stress how many people who HAVE TO ...
Summary: I always get angery at people who write reviews before they actually hold the product in thier hands but I just wanted to stress how many people who HAVE TO get a blackberry for work (as in no other way other than webmail to get email on a phone) have been waiting for a phone like this. I love my treo but my company only supports blackberry and I am the road. This is the answer to my prayers. That is of course until they come out with a QWERTY version.
7 out of 14 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Fantastic Smartphone that's compact
by Brandon Eng on August 25, 2007
Pros: Small, light, feature packed, and sexy to boot
Cons: No video capability, but no big deal
Summary: I've only had the phone a bit over a week now. I was looking for something that could replace my Palm Pilot and MP3 player(s) and have a ...
Summary: I've only had the phone a bit over a week now. I was looking for something that could replace my Palm Pilot and MP3 player(s) and have a cell phone, of course. After much research, and waffling over the BlackJack, variations of the Palm Treo, I settled on the Blackberry Pearl 8100. Fantastic choice! I now have 3 devices in one. I get my email on the phone before it hits my desktop. If you know how to touch-type, you shouldn't have a problem getting used to the QWERTY keyboard. Yes,the keyboard is small, but I wanted light and compact. The learning curve is high for a cell-phone, but this is more than a cell phone- it's a PDA, MP3/Multimedia Player also. Blackberry has a free program that allows you to encode video you can transfer to the phone. I rendered the movie "The 300" and the program shrunk the movie into a 218 file, and the movie looks fantastic on the phone- no audio/sync stutters. I have a 2 gig micro memory card installed (I understand the first version of this phone had only a 1 gig capability; now, from some BB forums, I understand it may take a 4 gig chip). Syncing to Outlook is seamless. There's plenty of free applications to be found on the 'net, and I added a recording program. I really don't use Outlook that often, so I'm used to typing my appointments/tasks right on the phone. There's still much for me to learn on this phone, but I like it more, the more I use it. My carrier is ATT, not T-Mobile (couldn't find the black BB from the ATT site to link to my profile), and couldn't find a bluetooth OR wired stereo headsets from them. I was able to go to a Verizon store and found a set of generic set of wired headphones for $25. Sound is GREAT! As for bluetooth headsets, the BB does NOT support A2DP compatible headsets, so save yourself some grief and look at bluetooth headsets carefully. I've decide not to buy the bluetooth headset (wherever they can be found- at this time, not from ATT); I found with my old phone (LG CU500), I rarely used them anyway. I personally find the the sound fantastic, and with a push of a button, you can enable speakerphone. I got what I really wanted from a smartphone with the BB- detailed info on my contacts- multiple phone numbers, email addresses, addition of a photo to a contact. As for the MP3s I have, I don't know how or where I got them, but on playback, there's album art with the associated song- nice little touch, and I've noticed people on the bus or subway looking over my shoulder with the "what is that thing?" kind of look. If you want a compact smartphone, I don't think you can do better than the Pearl. I just couldn't see myself using the Treo, as much as I like the Palm. It would have been like carrying a real phonebook around. I do miss the stylus for writing; still, I don't regret my decision at all. This phone pretty much does it all.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Sleek package encompasses brilliance
by azunprinzess on March 17, 2007
Pros: Size, email, video viewer, multitude of functions, PIN messaging
Cons: no video recorder, original browser sucks, have to download opera mini!!!
Summary: This phone is absolutely awesome. I am a phone addict who replaces my phones constantly, and I finally found a phone that I am not going to replace for quite ...
Summary: This phone is absolutely awesome. I am a phone addict who replaces my phones constantly, and I finally found a phone that I am not going to replace for quite some time! I was a prior Cingular customer but switched to T-mobile and initially got the sidekick 3. It doesn't even compare. I got the pearl and to start, good thing I am with T-mobile now because the Blackberry plan is half the price, and in the LA area I never drop calls. The features are phenomenal. For experienced Blackberry users, the use of PIN messaging is nothing new, but for me I thought it was pretty cool that I can send PIN messages or use the Blackberry Messenger to other Blackberry users without the charge Text Messaging since PIN and the Messenger both use the data included in the plan. As far as phenomenal features that the Pearl possesses, I love the sure type keyboard, but I can see how it would be hard to get used to after having a full QWERTY. The key is to use both hands with the sure type and keep adding words it doesn't know so that it can keep up with you. It doesn't take long for it to know most words you use. The camera is good for a phone. It took awhile to get used to changing the alerts and things since the blackberry didn't come with a manual. The help function is designed as the manual. I usually don't use manuals but the pearl has so many features that there are times where you just can't figure out everything. Voice dialing is very smart and understands me well. I downloaded two things that I think are an absolute must and are free. OPERA MINI and Google Maps. Opera Mini makes browsing on the web just like a home computer. T-mobile users have to adjust the settings for the Opera Mini to work (instructions on the opera mini FAQ's) I can even view my complicated myspace page with ease. The original map software is kind of bad too. Google maps blows it away and even shows traffic which has saved me many times in Los Angeles. It took me awhile to separate the alerts for separate email accounts, but I figured it out. It can be annoying when your phone rings for every email you get (spam) so fixing that was key. The Pearl is like a computer shrunken into a phone. It is awesome.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best feature set and size combination; fatal software update is maddening
by cblack on March 2, 2007
Pros: Everything you need in a compact pocketable device
Cons: Current software version will often cause you to lose all messages and call logs permanently
Summary: I migrated to the Pearl from the MDA after previously having the Treo 600 since before it was released. I am happier with the Pearl than with any previous device. ...
Summary: I migrated to the Pearl from the MDA after previously having the Treo 600 since before it was released. I am happier with the Pearl than with any previous device. Unfortunately, v4.2.0.64 has a fatal flaw that causes sudden memory losses in which the device will dump all messages and call logs without warning. Although this has been a known RIM issue for quite some time, there has still been no resolution. Users are required to remove the battery and reset the device (slower than booting an old computer) on a regular basis to attempt to prevent this issue. However, even that is not really successful all of the time.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Tired of brick sized PDAs? Pearl is the best yet
by rudy_mty on November 23, 2006
Pros: excellent design, ease of use, best BB yet
Cons: media player needs work
Summary: Unlike other blackberries or palm's at least this one does not feel like you are putting a brick to your ear when you speak. Excellent design and ease of ...
Summary: Unlike other blackberries or palm's at least this one does not feel like you are putting a brick to your ear when you speak. Excellent design and ease of use. Not sure what people are commenting about scratching ... I found no such problems that was any different than other PDAs or cell phones I've owned.
E-mail is flawless, cell phone reception and quality is adequate. As far as I'm concerned I don't need high quality sound .. just as long as I can hear the person on the other end clearly.
I've had for almost 3 months now and it has been a pleasure to have, with only a few temporary problems. Google talk was buggy on the phone, but have not had that problem in a while. The media player really needs work. Not being able to organize a playlist for music is kind of strange, as is the limited format capabilities for video playback.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: BlackBerry
- Part number: Pearl (Black) (T-Mobile)
- 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.
General
- Packaged Quantity 1
- Product Type Smartphone
- Form Factor Bar
- Integrated Components Voice recorder,
Digital camera,
Digital player - Width 2 in
- Depth 0.6 in
- Height 4.2 in
- Weight 3.2 oz
Cellular
- Technology GSM
- Band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 (Quadband)
- Service Provider Not specified
- Operating System BlackBerry Handheld Software
- Application Software Organizer,
Media Player - Input Device(s) SureType QWERTY keyboard,
Keyboard - Phone Navigation Buttons Trackball
Messaging & Internet
- Cellular Messaging Services SMS,
MMS - Messaging & Data Features Text messages
Communications
- Data Transmission GPRS,
EDGE - Wireless Interface Bluetooth 2.0
- Communication Features Internet browser,
Mobile Email client Phone Features
- Phone Functions Voice dialing,
Vibrating alert Media Player
- Supported Digital Audio Standards MP3,
MIDI,
AAC,
AAC +,
AMR Memory
- RAM 64 MB
- ROM 64 MB - Flash
- Supported Flash Memory Cards microSDHC,
microSD
Digital Camera
- Sensor Resolution 1.3 megapixels
- Digital Zoom 5
- Camera Light Source Flash
- Digital Video Formats H.263,
MPEG-4 - Features Self-portrait mirror
Display
- Type LCD display
- Technology TFT
- Display Resolution 260 x 240 pixels
- Color Depth 16-bit (65000 colors)
- Display Indicators Bluetooth indicator,
GPRS indicator,
Missed calls indicator,
SMS indicator,
Digital clock,
Alarm clock indicator,
Voice message waiting,
Battery meter,
Signal strength,
Roaming Connections
- Connector Type USB,
Headset jack Battery
- Technology Lithium ion
- Capacity 900 mAh
- Run Time Details Talk - up to 210 min,
Standby - up to 360 hour(s) Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories Power adapter , Power adapter
- Also Included microSD / TransFlash
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year
Product series
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BlackBerry Pearl - black (T-Mobile)
Manufacturer: BlackBerry
Specs: Not specified,
GSM,
Up to 210 min,
With digital camera / digital player,
3.2 oz,
1.3 megapixels -
BlackBerry Pearl - blue (T-Mobile)
Manufacturer: BlackBerry
Specs: T-Mobile,
GSM,
Up to 210 min,
With digital camera / digital player,
3.2 oz,
1.3 megapixels -
BlackBerry Pearl 8130 - silver (Verizon Wireless)
Manufacturer: BlackBerry
Specs: Not specified,
CDMA,
3.4 oz,
2 megapixels
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse BlackBerry products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:BlackBerry
- Address:
295 Phillip Street, Waterloo, ON N2L 3W8 - Phone: 1-519-888-7465
- Email: webinfo@rim.net
- Fax: 1-519-888-7884
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