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| BlackBerry Pearl 8100 Smartphone Black (T-Mobile) | 
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| Brand: BlackBerry
Category: Wireless
List Price: $349.99
Buy New: $38.24
You Save: $311.75 (89%)
New (1) Used (1) from $38.24
Avg. Customer Rating:  137 reviews
Sales Rank: 1280
Color: Black
Media: Wireless Phone
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.9
Dimensions (in): 0 x 0 x 0
Model: 8100
UPC: 610214613370
EAN: 0610214613370
ASIN: B000ID10JE
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Promotion: Data not available Terms and Conditions
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Customer Reviews:
 Terrible phone, VERY unreliable October 12, 2006
10 out of 28 found this review helpful
I bought this phone 3 days ago. Within 2 hours it stopped working (specifically, it does not ring or vibrate on an incoming call, even though it is set to do both). This is essentially a communications tool that does not communicate. I took it back, got another one, that one lasted about 18 hours, same problem. Went back a third time, got another phone, this one worked about 6 hours. This product is clearly not ready for prime time, I don't care how cool it looks, if you can't tell a call is coming in it's worthless. Their documentation is also the worst I've seen, and I've worked in this industry for several years. I am appalled that Blackberry would release a product this expensive without doing thorough quality assurance testing. DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT!
 Great phone... October 8, 2006
9 out of 9 found this review helpful
This is my first venture into the world of Blackberry and so far, so good. The Pearl seems to be a good compromise between Blackberry functionality and everyday cell phone design. I am not a power user for business (I have other devices for that) and was originally interested in the Pearl for its looks and basic features. I think I fall right in the middle of the market that RIM aimed for by creating the Pearl: the everyday wireless user looking for those extras that the standard handhelds can't provide.
Here is my list of pros/cons:
Pros...
1) Sleek look, perfect size and superb design - The Pearl is the nicest looking thing on the market that can call, email, chat, snap pictures, etc. Most functions are pretty intuitive once you get the application menu up. The device is neither too large, nor too small. You can feel it in your pocket, but you're also not leaning to one side because of it's weight.
2) Great sounding calls - I have read complaints about the call sound and volume. I have no qualms with this. The calls are clear and the volume is fine. If you can't hear, turn it up. If it's too loud, turn it down.
3) Easy set up - Having never used a Blackberry before, getting all the features working took about an hour. I was receiving emails and instant messages right away. I guess this is what RIM is known for and I can see why. If things did not work in my favor (like connecting to my free Hotmail account), the error message was clear and understandable.
4) The Pearl trackball - It's like a mini-mouse right on your phone. This innovation makes scrolling though content a breeze. Whether it's a list of files, a web page, or the day's emails, getting from top to bottom/left to right is no problem.
5) Media player - Grab a microSD card and your Pearl turns into a new MP3 player. With the display screen's amazing size and clarity, I can see how watching video wouldn't be so bad.
Cons...
1) The Pearl trackball - I wonder how long it will hold out. While it doesn't feel fragile, I just get the feeling that one day it won't work. Hopefully the design team at RIM did their homework and put some resources into making this a very durable function. If the trackball fails, the device is useless.
2) The headphone jack - It's a 2.5mm jack. I wonder why this decision was made and/or the limitations that forced the decision. A 3.5mm jack would make things much more convenient.
3) The tedious stuff - Fingerprints on the screen, no video recorder, lack of initial storage...
Overall...
This is a great device for what it is: a cell phone that does so much more. There are probably products that do certain things better, but the Pearl seems to have that all-in-one feel that makes it seem like a wise investment. If you are looking for a phone with a few bells and whistles (Blackberry style) or are looking to get rid of that mini-computer attached to your hip (without losing all of its features), the Pearl is the way to go.
 Bought it and returned it October 8, 2006
6 out of 8 found this review helpful
The phone is nice and small, but the small keyboard makes it tough to type. I like to put my phone in my pocket, this phone is the perfect size for that. The battery cover kept coming off. Not impressed with battery life. I really like the fact that you could start dialing a person by name from the home screen instead of going through address book. Seemed to have software issues (slow). Traded it in for the 8700G could not be happier. Google maps is far superior to the map software in the pearl. I would rate the 8700g with 5 stars.
 Greatest Wireless Email Device Ever!!!!! October 7, 2006
5 out of 6 found this review helpful
I have been using a BB since 1999/2000, but was convinced to make a switch to the MOTO Q in May, because I need the camera feature and was tired of carrying around 2 devices. Was also told there would be no BB devices with a camera feature, ever. Hated the MOTO Q. And the $175 early termination fee for leaving VZ for T-Mobile Pearl was the best money I have ever spent. I have had the phone 2 days and it does everything. The phone is BRILLIANT! I was concerned about the typing after using traditional BB typing for so long...well, like I said the phone is brilliant, in only a couple of hours I have mastered it completely. It is a great organizer too, something the Q was not. Again, the greatest Wireless Email device Ever! The camera works great too.
 Wanted to love this phone but didn't... October 6, 2006
4 out of 11 found this review helpful
If you are looking for a sexy and cool phone then the BBP is one for you. I was splurging on my first PAID upgrade in 6 years and wanted something nice under $200.
I was really impressed with the looks of the phone. The ease of use of the BB mail set up was fantastic. Internet surfing using Edge was decent. Compared to WAP it was pleasant but given that phones in this price range are now equipped with WIFI it was not great.
Ease of use of the phone features was less impressive. First off the phone felt too small and I had a hard time hearing and being heard. The pearl ball was a nice feature but even after adjusting the pressure and speed, I could not get the ball to move a consistent pace. I also figured that with enough manhandling the ball would either fall off or become clogged with lint or some other disabling matter. The lack of video recording at this price point was also deal breaker.
In the end, I returned the phone and am now trying the SDA. I'm not sure I like this much better and may try the Dash when it comes out in a few weeks. I think ultimately I might be with the wrong carrier as some of the cooler phones with features I want seem to be with other mobile companies.
Bottom line, if you can get the phone for free or low cost, can live without WIFI and video recording, and are willing to risk the durability of the pearl track ball then go for it. If anything, your kids will be dying for your next upgrade and they get your BBP hand me down.
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