Master Dilettante

Apparently, I am on a geek gadget spending spree. Enter Research in Motion’s Blackberry 8100c Pearl. The Pearl has been reviewed by others ad nauseam, so I will provide only brief (for me) impressions here.

• The size and form factor finally bring a Blackberry device on par with other mobile phones. The marketing collateral refers to the Pearl as the “Smallest, Smartest, Most Stylish Blackberry Ever,” and I have to agree. Specifically, its dimensions are 4.0″ x 2.0″ x 0.6″. Yummy. I am determined to carry only one handheld communications device, and the Pearl makes this easier than ever.
• The Pearl uses the SureType word recognition feature employed by other Blackberry candy-bar-shaped devices, so if you hated SureType on those, you’ll hate it on the Pearl, too. I’ve become adept at it and more than willingly to trade off small size over a full keyboard.
• Yes, it takes time to get accustomed to using the trackball. As with any mouse or trackball or other pointing device, precision usage is difficult. I’m now used to it. The one permanent drawback: With the trackwheel on the 7100c or the 7130g, I could select text or multiple emails with one hand (by depressing the <alt> key and then turning the trackwheel); with the trackball, I now need to use two.
• The camera is of mediocre quality. The primary deficiency I find is that it takes effort to stabilize the camera for a non-blurry image. Also, on the few occasions I don’t lock the phone, I’ve taken pictures inadvertently due to the placement of the camera button on the side. I have some great shots of the inside of my pocket. Despite these drawbacks, I’m just happy it has a working camera.
• Last, I love that I can now assign pictures and ringtones to each of my family members and friends. My friends thought this was ridiculous to want at first but now are titillated when their songs play when they call.

Overall, despite any drawbacks, I love the Pearl and hope you don’t get one, so I’ll feel that more special.