Ridiculously small phones are picking up a good head of steam
elsewhere, and Haier thinks that the US might finally be ready to experience that same level of frustration the next time your phone falls out of your pocket and into the couch. The upcoming Black Pearl (not to be confused with the larger, SureTyped, trackballed
Pearl) lacks GSM 850, but that's not stopping the company from encouraging folks to pick 'er up unlocked here in the States and operate on GSM 1900 alone. For its 2.24-ounce, 3.5 x 1.25 x .75-inch frame, the lil' candybar packs a fair amount of punch with an MP3 player, FM radio, microSD slot, and OLED display on board. Now we only need to hope RIM doesn't decide the world needs an all-black Pearl, and we'll continue to enjoy the clarity in phone model naming conventions we're so accustomed to.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Eli Hodapp @ Oct 5th 2006 3:28PM
Anyone know if there is any kind of coverage map of the USA which shows which areas are which GSM bands? I've always been concerned about having a proper American triband phone to get GSM 850, but I really wonder how much 850 there is. Isn't most of T-Mobile 1900? How much of Cingular's network is 850?
I'm glad these smaller phones are starting to catch on. I love my SLVR, I just wish it didn't have the crumby Motorola OS... and I can hardly bring myself to buy a BIGGER phone.
Phone Nerd @ Oct 5th 2006 3:45PM
http://www.t-mobile.com/coverage
when you zoom in it show the 850. Since T-Mobile is a native 1900 provider you will not like find any 850 in any major city, as they do not allow roaming in cities in which they already have towers (full coverage or not).
Eli Hodapp @ Oct 5th 2006 4:24PM
Ah, I have Cingular though. Any idea how much of their network is 850?
Phone Nerd @ Oct 5th 2006 4:35PM
sorry, I missed that you were on Cingular (just saw mention of T-mobile) Well from my experience much of Cingular's network is 850 (not exactly half). In certain towns you really would be shooting yourself in the foot to loose 850. I don't know much more than that but you might ask someone at Cingular forums on Howardforums for the most acurate answer.
boogzph @ Oct 8th 2006 3:49AM
is this Haier Black Pearl UNLOCKED, can it be used with any SIM or network like in my country philippines, do you have any store listing here in the UAE dubai or Abu Dhabi preferably
boogzph @ Oct 8th 2006 3:52AM
Good Day
I am inquiring if there are any store here in United Arab Emirate preferablle Dubai or Abu Dhabi selling this Haier BLACK PEARL mobile, could I have a listing of those with detailed location and contact numbers..
Thanks alot
dan @ Oct 9th 2006 7:19PM
we are in process of setting up distribution worldwide, thanks for your patience
if you cant wait, please contact us at bkpearl@gmail.com
pb_beaker @ Dec 21st 2006 1:43PM
So with all this 850 and 1900 talk that i dont understand lets get to the point. If i buy this phone will it work in the city like my normal verizon phone?
OKBUN @ Oct 9th 2007 1:08PM
Saw this for $229.95 shipped from MyVirtualZone.com