Everything you need in one small package!
Pros:
Lots of functionality in a small package.
Cons:
Typing method foreign at first.
The Bottom Line:
If you want to have all the goodies like games, e-mail, web, etc. and you don't want to carry around a huge PDA with a stylus, this is your phone.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
After using the BlackBerry Pearl with Verizon for almost a year now, I thought it would be a good time to do a review. In an effort to be more connected than just text messaging, I purchased this phone as my first PDA phone. My decision was influenced mainly because a lot of coworkers and friends had BlackBerries and because of it's condensed size versus the larger ones. Here are a few things I like and dislike about it after a diverse amount of usage:
Typing: The condensed keypad with two letters per key is at first annoying and awkward. I soon got used to it though and once it started remembering my more commonly used words, I was using it for short emails. Some unusual words or phrases still can be a chore, but overall it seems like an efficient typing method given the space to work with and my large hands.
Software/Applications: There are some really useful applications that you can download - even without paying for them. They integrate really nicely into the phone software in terms of alerts. One great example of this is the FaceBook application. I can update my status, check my friends' status, do other basic functions and jump to the browser for detailed views. The messaging is really useful, combining text messages and e-mail from my POP account. A really great way to stay on top of client e-mails and delete spam while I'm not at my PC. I also use a free Stock quote program called MarketFilters that is nice. The only application I have trouble with is the built-in BlackBerry Messenger. It took me forever to figure out how to add and talk to my friends and even at this point, it's only slightly more convenient than texting - but maybe cheaper? The web browser is nice... not totally practical but gets the job done if you need it to. The calendar feature has saved me many times, but I have still not figured out a way to sync it with Outlook for example.
Camera: The camera takes decent photos - nothing too impressive but it gets the job done. It also allows you to take short videos which is kind of cool. I wasn't ever able to convert the videos (.3GP) files into anything playable on my computer though.
Size/Durability: For being so small, this thing is really durable. The size is just right to put in your pocket or holster. I have dropped this thing many times, taken it out in the woods to cut firewood and right into a business meeting on the same day. The battery life on the original battery is still good. I can usually have it off the charger for about 1.5 to 2 days depending on usage. Most phones I have had in the past are done after one day of heavy use.
Overall, this is a great PDA/Phone if you're looking to get a BlackBerry. Once you get used to it I think you will find it very practical in your business and personal life. I will probably hang on to this phone for a while until I breakdown and get the BlackBerry Storm.
