Blackberry Pearl - pros and cons

Our Lil' Family wrote: I'm looking into the Blackberry Pearl but I have a friend who has had it less than a year and had her screen go out and then just recently the rollerball can't be pressed to select the choice.....tell me your experience with them.

kit_kats_mom replied: I don't know anything about the item but it does kind of sound like a tampon. LOL

amynicole21 replied: I've had one for about 2 months and like it. My only problem is that I'm used to a flip phone, and this one is hard for me to feel comfortable speaking on since it doesn't come down to my mouth and the hole where the sound comes out is a teensy tiny pinhole... if you don't hold it right, it's not over your ear and can't hear.

You also have to get a $30 (approx) blackberry package with any service provider - can't just get a simple text package.

Other than that, I love it. I got it refurbished and had a small problem with the battery not holding a charge but it was under warranty and I got it replaced. I still have to charge it every night whether I talk on it or not...

Hillbilly Housewife replied: both dh and I have one. We like them. It does wierd things though, like sometimes I can't zoom with the camera.

You're able to get out of having to get the data plan if you're upgrading your phone from one you have already. But, keep in mind that although you can still text, you can't send/receive pictures and stuff like you can with the data plan.

Maddie&EthansMom replied: I've also heard it's really expensive b/c you have to add the extra plans. Maybe I remember that from when Amy first got hers.

Do you really need a blackberry? Or do you just want one?

Our Lil' Family replied:



After a month I plan on canceling the extra stuff. My friend says there is a way to still send/receive photos without that package, "you just have to go around the world to do it" was what she said.

Maddie&EthansMom replied: Sherrie has a Blackberry Pearl. I want it for the ability to restrict my identity.

amynicole21 replied: I wouldn't get a blackberry if you don't want to do a lot of emailing and texting with it. Without the blackberry package, it's just a phone... You can send pics or text and pay per message, but it's got too many bells and whistles that would just go unused. You'd be better off with something else. JMO

Maddie&EthansMom replied:
This is what Sherrie says, too Naomi. Actually she told me to tell you to get a razr. She can't understand why you would want a candy bar phone unless you are using it to e-mail, etc. I told her we are tired of our flip phones.

Anthony275 replied: what about a sidekick?

Calimama replied:
I agree. Without the package it's kind of a waste of money IMO. We only pay 19.99 for the package though.

Our Lil' Family replied: Well the guy told me I could get a text package for 9.99/month. Honestly that was the only appealing phone of their whole line up.

Our Lil' Family replied:

amynicole21 replied:
No, I don't think so... I tried to get a text package, but it didn't work. You have to do the Blackberry package with a blackberry. Like I said, you can text all you want, but you'll pay per use. You can't get online though or use IM or email or any of the other features without the package.