BlackBerry Pearl 3G

“If there is one target audience that the RIM BlackBerry Pearl 3G is targeting, then it's none other than entry-level users looking to move up to a smartphone. Naturally, the Pearl 3G perfectly fills the gap in making the transition smooth and without over-complicating things. The updated looking handset is definitely a sight for sore eyes, especially when it's more than over due at this point, but there isn't anything too eye catching with it to catapult it over the competition. However, the biggest question mark is its $99.99 contract price which is rather on the high side compared to similar offerings from the competition. For $50 more, you jump up to the respectable BlackBerry Curve 3G. While the $79.99 Motorola FLIPOUT offers some advantages with its full QWERTY and convenient touchscreen. Sure it's definitely a good handset and operates well, but it would've been nice to see it priced lower to gain some competitive edge.”

“We liked the Pearl 3G overall, but if there's a real danger to its existence, it's that the public might be moving away from that niche. Even among the cash-strapped younger set, we've seen fewer Pearls and more iPhones in recent months. You can get a capable Android phone for as much as the Pearl 3G. Depending on the carrier, there's often a choice of BlackBerries to compound the situation. The Curve 8520 or 8530 can often cost exactly as much or less than a Pearl, do you value the small size and sharper screen of the newer phone enough to forego a full-sized keyboard, especially when you might pay less?Consequently, we can't give RIM's latest creation an unqualified pass. To choose it above all others, you'll have to shop around and make a calculated decision that the cost and pocketability are worth whatever tradeoffs come by skipping a larger and potentially more feature-laden phone.”