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PC Advisor Best Buy

December 4, 2006

BlackBerry 8100 Pearl

BlackBerry handhelds haven't quite acquired the iconic status of the iPod, but the design remains unmistakable. Lately, however, maker RIM (Research In Motion) has been making the devices sleeker and easier to carry.

The latest BlackBerry has seen its weight slashed to 89g (despite the processor speed being upped to 312MHz), and is now as light as any standard mobile handset. Add the polished black exterior and this is one device that's bound to catch the eye.

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Controversially, the Pearl dispenses with the traditional scrollwheel on the righthand side. Instead, you navigate using a small white orb – hence the Pearl's name. Using this, you can scroll up, down, left and right through the extensive menu of applications. To the immediate left of the orb is a BlackBerry button that acts as a shortcut to a customisable list of items you use most often.

As well as the usual suspects – browser, email, calendar, to-do list, contacts and other business functions – the Applications menu includes voice-activated dialling and voice notetaking and forwarding, as well as the Pocket MobiReader, with which you can view PDFs. BlackBerry also adds its own instant-messaging client, and Google Talk.

In a departure for RIM, the BlackBerry also has a 1.3Mp (megapixel) camera with a 3x zoom. Unfortunately it's pretty awful, except in bright conditions. And for the first time there's a well-hidden microSD removable memory card slot, so you can take and store photos, videos and more – video clip playback on the Pearl's 38x41mm (2.25in) screen is actually rather good.

What's great is the seamless way in which all of these functions fit together. We'd go so far as to say this is the best implementation of a smartphone and desirable mobile phone we've seen so far.

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Independent customer reviews from

RIM (BlackBerry) BlackBerry 8100 Pearl [PCA] scored:
7.3 out of 10 100% real reviews

The 2 most helpful reviews based on 41 reviews:

23 May 2007 allan, nottingham

10

Good Points

looks good feels good to handle easy to use

Bad Points

roller ball keeps calling the emergency services when its locked and in the pocket

02 Oct 2007 Joanne, Worcester

5

Good Points

Looks good.

Bad Points

Cannot receive bluetooth, only send. Cannot change ringtone for one of my choice unless I use Internet on phone which is to expensive. Cannot change message tone.Battery loose's power to quickly and always needs charging after a few phone calls.

See more RIM (BlackBerry) BlackBerry 8100 Pearl [PCA] reviews on Reevoo.com

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Total reviews: 4,313

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Features

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BlackBerry 8100 Pearl

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