BlackBerry Pearl 8100 Smartphone Black (T-Mobile) | 
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| Brand: BlackBerry
Category: Wireless
List Price: $349.99
Buy New: $0.01
You Save: $349.98 (100%)
Rating:  137 reviews
Sales Rank: 581
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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| Features:
| • | 1.3 mega pixel camera to capture those special moments | | • | MP3 player lets you listen to your favorite music on the go | | • | Menu and escape keys on the front of the device for easier access | | • | Bluetooth technology lets you experience hands free and wire free features | | • | Package Contents: phone,AC adapter,software CD,headset,USB cable,sim- card,get started poster,reference guide |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com Product Description
This major update to the popular 7105t brings the BlackBerry experience to a whole new level. The BlackBerry 8100 Pearl is not only thinner and lighter, it also sports a memory card slot, a music player, and voice dialing. Other features, such as Bluetooth 2.0, EDGE high-speed data, and the popular SureType keypad make this a complete mobile office solution. And of course, legendary BlackBerry push email is fully supported on the BlackBerry 8100 Pearl. 
The SureType keypad makes the BlackBerry 8100 Pearl's diminutive size possible.
Learn more about the handheld. You can also see it in 3D. | 
A 1.3-megapixel camera is housed in the back. | Design
Like the BlackBerry 7105t, the BlackBerry 8100 Pearl is a departure from the form factor of previous BlackBerry devices. This BlackBerry handset is far more phone-like, and RIM's engineers have managed to fit a QWERTY keyboard onto the handset's slim frame. Each button on the keyboard shares two letters and the unit automatically determines which letter is the intended one based on what it predicts you are trying to spell. This unique predictive text technology, known as SureType, makes the BlackBerry 8100 Pearl's handset's diminutive size possible. SureType also learns the words you use most often, further enhancing your typing speed. The BlackBerry 8100 Pearl sports a large 240 x 260 screen that supports over 65,000 colors-- plenty of real estate to view your e-mails, Web browser content, messaging sessions, and attachments. The venerable BlackBerry trackwheel has been replaced on this model with an innovative four-way trackball placed below the screen. On the rear of the handheld, you'll find a 1.3-megapixel camera and a self portrait mirror. The handheld's microSD memory card slot is located inside the device, behind the battery. There's also a standard 2.5mm headset jack that can be used with the included headset, as well as a mini-USB port for data connectivity. Calling Features
All the calling capabilities folks have come to expect in a wireless phone are present in the BlackBerry 8100 Pearl. The handset's speakerphone makes it easy to use the device hands-free, or if you prefer, you can use a wireless headset via the BlackBerry 8100 handheld's built-in Bluetooth capability. A vibrating alert, speed dial, and a contacts list/address book (limited only by the unit's 64 MB of internal memory) are also included. Any of the phone's 32 included polyphonic ringtones can be used to create caller-specific ringers, so you can know who's calling without having to look at the handset. More ringtones are available from T-Mobile's t-zones mobile Web service. A new feature, speaker independent voice dialing, allows you to call contacts with the sound of your voice. No prior voice training is required; you can just say a contact's name to call them. Messaging, Internet, and Tools
While the BlackBerry 8100 Pearl is a different kind of BlackBerry device, it still delivers the legendary BlackBerry e-mail experience. With BlackBerry service plans from T-Mobile, you can receive e-mails instantaneously from up to 10 e-mail accounts (personal and enterprise). With BlackBerry push technology, you don't need to retrieve your e-mail. BlackBerry devices are designed to remain on and continuously connected to the wireless network, allowing you to be discreetly notified as new e-mail arrives. Support is also built-in for viewing e-mail attachments (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, WordPerfect, and PDF formats). If your company has a BlackBerry Enterprise Server installed, you can take advantage of the power of wireless calendar synchronization. Your calendar events are exchanged wirelessly and automatically so that your desktop calendar and BlackBerry handheld calendar are synchronized. All your Outlook meeting requests, changes, and updates are instantaneously synchronized instantaneously with your desktop. Make meeting requests, invite new attendees, and more, all on your BlackBerry 8100 Pearl. Users without BlackBerry Enterprise Server support can manually sync with their desktop calendars and contacts via Bluetooth or USB using the included BlackBerry Desktop Software. Use the BlackBerry 8100 handset's Web browser to access the Internet from the palm of your hand. Browse Web sites, get up-to-date stock quotes, read the latest news, check weather reports, and more--all at fast speeds, thanks to support for T-Mobile's EDGE high speed data network. Instant messaging and wireless messaging are also built into the BlackBerry 8100 Pearl. The handheld supports AOL, Yahoo, and ICQ instant messaging, as well as SMS text messaging. MMS messages can be received and forwarded. The BlackBerry 8100 Pearl ships with a number of tools, including a calculator, a calendar, an alarm, and a to-do list. Imaging and Entertainment
The BlackBerry 8100 Pearl really kicks the fun up a notch with the inclusion of a 1.3-megapixel camera that features an LED flash and white balance controls. How about some music? The handheld's music player supports playback of your tunes in MP3, AAC, AAC+, and eAAC+ formats. The handheld is also compatible with Java application and game downloads (available via the t-zones service). Vital Statistics
The BlackBerry 8100 Pearl weighs 3.16 ounces and measures 4.2 by 2.00 by 0.57 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 3.5 hours of digital talk time and up to 360 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies. The phone comes with a one-year limited warranty.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 45 more reviews...
 Best of all possible worlds September 19, 2006
PeterC@AWS (Seattle, WA)
129 out of 140 found this review helpful
I think the Pearl is terrific. I was so hooked by the description that I went out and bought it on the first day it came out and have been enjoying it for a week now. Having used a 7100 for the past three years I have always disliked the size; too big to comfortably fit in your pocket and annoying (not to mention geeky) to clip to your belt loop. At last, a Blackberry with a reasonable form-factor! I immediately bought a 1GB microSD to put in it and am thinking of it as a day-to-day ipod replacement. Finally I can go on a short trip and bring a single device for communication and entertainment.
Agree with the other reviewer that the speaker phone is not the best quality but with the other advantages (size, style, color, audio/video/camera, email, calendar, etc.) I find it hard to knock the experience. Best phone I have ever had.
A Blackberry for Everyone October 16, 2006
Theophilus
16 out of 17 found this review helpful
I have now owned this phone for three days, coming off a one-year relationship with a Cingular Blackberry 8700c. The 8700c is more of your traditional Blackberry; when it was released, the folks at RIM gave it a more hip appearance while maintaining the business as usual status quo of all Blackberries. With the Blackberry 8100 "Pearl," RIM has taken another huge step towards making hip phones for the masses, and especially younger people.
At first, I would not even consider the 8100, because of the Suretype keyboard. I looked in vain at the Verizon 8703e and its Sprint equivalent. Unfortunately, those phones are almost exactly like my Cingular 8700c. More importantly, they are overpriced and are offered by mobile companies with expensive voice/data plans. By chance, I took a look at 8100. I bought it immediately for the following reasons.
First, despite its ultra-thin size and different layout, it's as much of a Blackberry as my 8700c. Indeed, many of the menus and manner of doing things are the exact same, or at least, familiar. My 8100 is paired with a Blackberry Enterprise Server for work; activation and daily use is the exact same on the 8100 as it was on the 8700c. RIM did an excellent with integrating these business features into a hip new phone.
Second, the phone is certainly entertaining. From the camera to the music player to the movie player, it has many features to make you forget it is a Blackberry. While I doubt I'd ever ditch my iPod to use this phone as my main media player, it is still nice to have the option. Also, the phone's vibrant colour screen is well suited for games, movies, and the like. You can conduct business on this phone... or you can not.
Third, the T-Mobile plans are awesome. This phone is a "myFaves" phone, which means you can select five numbers to which you call and receive calls the most and get unlimited to/from calls to those numbers. For me, the feature is invaluable. In addition, T-Mobile's Blackberry data plan is much cheaper than plans from other carriers. With Cingular, I paid $149.99 for voice and $44.99 for data. With T-Mobile, I now pay $49.99 for voice and only $29.99 for data, including the add-on to use a Blackberry Enterprise Server. The huge savings in the voice portion of the plan is courtesy of myFaves; most of my calls went to the same people every month, which caused enormous overages. With all of the money I saved with T-Mobile, I added the Hotspot service for $19.95/mo., which gives you Wi-Fi access at Starbucks, Borders, Barnes & Noble, etc.
Fourth, this phone with exceedingly well with other tools in my digital lifestyle. Its Bluetooth pairs and works flawlessly with the 2004+ Acura TL handsfree feature. I can make and receive calls from the car without ever touching the phone. More importantly, the 8100 pairs with Mac OS X via Bluetooth out of the box. An enterprising person figured out how to use the 8100 as a bluetooth modem under OS X. I tried it and found that the speeds are pretty darn good, even though T-Mobile does not have a EVDO network, like Verizon and Sprint. I was able to browse web sites and even use Remote Desktop to log into work without any problems. I simply choose one option in Mac OS X and it's done... NO software to install. It truly exemplifies the simplicity of Macs and phones like the 8100. Finally, as a Mac user, I was able to download PocketMac 4.0, a free program offered by RIM, and synchronize all of my contacts, calendars, notes, tasks, etc.
In summary, this phone is a perfect blend of youthfulness and business. It is perfect for the young student, as well as the older businessman. T-Mobile really shines as a provider, as well.
I highly recommend it.
Good Phone September 23, 2006
Robert J. Paulsen (Austin, TX)
18 out of 20 found this review helpful
Because of my satisfaction with my previous BB, I bought this phone w/o ever seeing one.
It's a bit smaller and lighter then my previous, the 7100t. The Camera is very poor quality. If you take a picture of a computer keyboard you will have a hard time making out what the letters on the keys are.
The speaker (for speaker phone and ringers) is not very loud. The speaker acutally makes a horrible rattle sound -- I think it may be defective.
The total width of the keys are about a 1/2 inch shorter then on the 7100. I thought the keys on the 7100 were plenty big enough; they are a bit small on this phone. Holding the shift while typing numbers makes your fingers bump into each other. This was not an issue on the 7100.
The battery seems to run down a lot faster then the 7100. It has a faster processor then the 7100 (which was slow after the last major software upgrade). It is not as fast as the new larger blackberry (Forget the model).
I did manage to lock up the phone a few times and the media player seems very 'Verson 1.0-ish'. Blackberry updates are frequent and add new features. I expect these issues will be fixed in upcoming updates.
The new 'home screen' interface looks nice, but I think I like the list view theme on the 7100 better. The new home screen only allows 5 icons on the main screen, the rest have to be accessed via a menu. I'm guessing new themes will be coming out eventualy. Especially once other carriers get this phone.
I do not mean to sound negative about the phone, I am very happy with it and glad I upgraded (I've had it almost a week). It's super small, lite, BB email is great, and I like the extra speed of EDGE.
The trackball is a real trackball, not a 4-way stick. It is a nice way to navigate and feels well built and works like you'd expect it to.
First Blackberry, First Best Phone EVER November 3, 2006
Christopher Perry (Colorado Springs, CO United States)
18 out of 20 found this review helpful
Alright, I've gone through my share of phones in 12 years of cell phone products. Having owned every vendor's products, this is my first Blackberry, and I can easily say it is the most intelligently programmed (software/firmware) phone I have ever used.
I LIKE:
Small Form Factor
Great Screen, Visible In Direct Sunlight
Soft Edges, Smooth to Touch
Excellent Audio Quality - Speaker is Fine, OK?...
Intuitive to Use
Pearl Trackball is a JOY to Navigate
Syncs Effortlessly with Outlook (Contacts/Calendar) Note-I do not use this for email or have a data plan on Tmobile. I simply wanted a clean design for carrying all my contacts/calendar with me.
WHAT I DON'T:
Cramped Keys
Flimsy Back Cover
Cannot Ring and Vibrate At The Same Time? (Vibrate Only, Vibrate THEN Ring, Ring Only)
Does Not Light Up During An Alarm
Battery Indicater Level - Looks like you are out of power, but the thing runs for hours...NO DAYS.. more...could use some better accuracy.
Phone LCD Face Not Beveled - Will Easily Scratch. Buy screen protectors ASAP.
I've been upfront on my likes/dislikes, and still considering some of my petty complaints, this phone absolutely rocks. The quality of the phone, the way it feels, the sound quality, signal strength, the intelligent programming and context-help is much appreaciated. Everyone who touches it wants it...It's the first phone I'm paranoid about damaging/losing.
What are you waiting for?
SUPER Highly Recommended
Pearl Outshines All Others! WOW!! October 2, 2006
Chief Justice (Phoenix, AZ United States)
17 out of 19 found this review helpful
I have reviewed several phones on Amazon, beginning with Nextel phones and now Tmobile. Several weeks ago, I reviewed the 7105T and thought it was heaven. Now I have the Pearl and it is heaven in a smaller package! After owning about five different phones in the past year (including a larger Blackberry and Razor), this phone simply blows me away! Let me share the pros, and the few cons I have:
PROS
1. SIZE, SIZE, SIZE! This phone is SMALL, but very usable. I can't believe how small and LIGHT it is , compared to even a Razor! Whereas the 7105T and all the larger "brick"Blackberries could not fit comfortably in your pocket at all, this one can go in your shirt pocket or pants with no problem. Best of all, for it's size, it is usable. I was fearful key size would be a problem (I am a big guy with big fingers), but no problemo!
2. SCREEN COLOR-the color-very bright,BlackBerry 8100 Pearl sports a large 240 x 260 screen that supports over 65,000 colors- good contrast, and a much more user friendly screen than previous blackberries. Still has the blinking light for incoming calls or email (red if email or missed call), and it also has some new spiffy icons. You can arrange your top five on the main screen (mine is email, calendar, address book, phone log, and individual work account). What is nice is your emails show up in messages, but ALSO in their separate accounts!
3. THE PEARL TRACKBALL-GOODBYE TO THE OLD SCROLL WHEEL! This has to be the BEST improvement of all , I LOVE THE PEARL trackball! No more pushing in and out on the scroll wheel, and it only took me a day or less to get a hold of how to maneuever it. Don't listen to the reviewer who said it causes problems when in your pocket-SIMPLY LOCK THE SCREEN. Another nice feature, only ONE button to lock the screen (star) and star and green phone icon to unlock.
4. SURE TYPE. Face it , you either love it or hate it. I love typing emails and having the sure type know my words and what I am going to type. It is awesome, and truly saves time. The keys are smaller than the 7105T, but no problem . I would imagine if you sent 100 emails a day it might get tricky.
5. BLUETOOTH-Syncing a headset a cinch . No problems.
6. CALL QUALITY-EXCELLENT! I was worried with the size it would be hard to hear or hard for others to hear me. No problems here, sound loud and clear, SPEAKERPHONE works well also.
7. BROWSER-Fast, with EDGE, I don't do a lot of browsing with my phone, so this part of it I am not really qualified to comment on, other than Unless you are an internet junkie than the speed may not be as fast as you want.
8. CAMERA: This major update to the popular 7105t brings the BlackBerry experience to a whole new level.A 1.3-megapixel camera is housed in the back. The picture quality is very good.
9: CONTACTS: Syncs flawlessly with Outlook. Software updated and a breeze to install.
10: MEMORY/Ringtones/Voice Activation: The handheld's microSD memory card slot is located inside the device, behind the battery. Any of the phone's 32 included polyphonic ringtones can be used to create caller-specific ringers, so you can know who's calling without having to look at the handset. More ringtones are available from T-Mobile's t-zones mobile Web service. A new feature, speaker independent voice dialing, allows you to call contacts with the sound of your voice. No prior voice training is required; you can just say a contact's name to call them.
11: EMAIL/IM/MP3 10 e-mail accounts (personal and enterprise), come with a data plan. With BlackBerry push technology, you don't need to retrieve your e-mail. allowing you to be discreetly notified as new e-mail arrives. Support is also built-in for viewing e-mail attachments (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, WordPerfect, and PDF formats).
Supports AOL, YAHOO, MSN, and most major messenging services, as well as SMS. You can use this as a MP3 player, especially with memory expansion.
CONS:
1. Don't like the SD support in the microcard BEHIND the battery. Hard to get to. But not undoable.
2. With the Candy Bar style, I put a screen protector on immediatly, so the screen would not scratch. Also, the black sleek cover does get a lot of fingerprints on , but just wipe off with soft cloth.
3. Camera is good, but not super sharp clarity. If you are just taking pics of the kids, or goofing around with friends, it is adequate.
ALL IN ALL, THIS IS A GREAT PHONE IN A SMALL PACKAGE!
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