Hands-on with the BlackBerry Pearl 8220
RIM's BlackBerry Pearl 8220 flip is in a word, awkward, and in a couple, fairly enormous. Flipping this open on any type of crowded public transpo is going to start fights and cause black eyes. The keypad is completely flush and while we didn't write a post on it, we're betting it'll take some getting used to. Think of it as a small-ish version of the enormous display handsets you see in stores. But hey, it's at least an interesting alternative to standard BlackBerry fare if you were looking for one.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Allan @ Sep 10th 2008 4:02PM
Enormous or not, it would be way more awesome than my 7130e. Then again, I highly doubt Verizon will ever get this thing anyway. :( Stupid work phone.
Joe Pollicino @ Sep 10th 2008 4:07PM
FAIL
AJC @ Sep 10th 2008 4:17PM
So is using your myspace pic on a gadget blog.
Fernando @ Sep 10th 2008 4:25PM
At least it's good looking, I wouldn't mind carrying one of those around for work.
Ran @ Sep 10th 2008 4:45PM
Hard to tell how big it really is, but I think I like it. Leave it to Tmobile to get the one with wifi instead of GPS (8210). :(
MadMike @ Sep 10th 2008 5:00PM
That looks like it could put out a few eyes. You can probably spike down railroad ties with that!
Alex @ Sep 10th 2008 5:09PM
Razr anyone?!
mykie @ Sep 10th 2008 5:23PM
holy moley, either you have Lillipution hands, your that thing is huge.
it's like two pearls duct-taped together!
frank @ Sep 10th 2008 5:29PM
The first time I saw an N95, I thought it was a plastic dummy. It looks like someone took an old pager and strapped half a RAZR to it. It's the size of a friggin' Braun shaver! I don't have one in my hand so I guess I can't say but this thing still looks smaller than some of those older N-Series.
c1k1r1 @ Sep 10th 2008 5:32PM
@ mykie Thats what was missing... Ductape... I knew there had to be something to complete the look.
backbeat @ Sep 10th 2008 5:52PM
Refreshing to see RIM diversifying their designs in order to appeal to different market segments and personal tastes. Palm and HTC could learn something from RIM's proven recipe for success. From what I read this morning, there will also be a slider form-factor.
gad get @ Sep 10th 2008 6:10PM
How is that enormous? Looks about average to me. I call hater.
key776 @ Sep 13th 2008 4:54PM
I agree, I've read another review and seen a video of the phone in action and it's really not that much bigger than the other blackberry's when closed. And when open I think it's good to have a phone as big as possible.
Stefano @ Sep 10th 2008 6:12PM
@ Ran, I think T-Mobile will never choose WiFi over GPS. They are too much of VoIP apps, which will rely rather on hot spots than use their data plan.
I saw some VoIP apps for BB recently at http://www.blackberryfreeware.org/
Stan @ Sep 10th 2008 6:33PM
It looks like a flip phone. Big screen, big keyboard. Where's the problem, exactly?
a ham sandwich @ Sep 10th 2008 6:44PM
i love this website. we're all so nerdy! this post is worded awesomely.
Rick @ Sep 10th 2008 7:03PM
What's the price?!
Rick @ Sep 10th 2008 7:03PM
Enormous? Maybe for those vertically challenged. I for one, don't care for mico phones that require a pen or long nails to hit the tiny buttons. Black eyes? Maybe you shouldn't be Captain Kirk-in' the communicator in peoples faces.
Ran @ Sep 10th 2008 7:19PM
@Stephano, Tmobile already HAS chosen WiFi over GPS. They're getting the 8220 instead of the 8210.
M @ Sep 10th 2008 7:59PM
I agree, I've read another review and seen a video of the phone in action and it's really not that much bigger than the other blackberry's when closed. And when open I think it's good to have a phone as big as possible.
M @ Sep 10th 2008 8:01PM
I agree, I've read another review and seen a video of the phone in action and it's really not that much bigger than the other blackberry's when closed. And when open I think it's good to have a phone as big as possible.
M @ Sep 10th 2008 8:02PM
ok, replies aren't working very reliably (nothing new). My original comment was meant to be a reply to 'gad get'
0mega @ Sep 10th 2008 9:17PM
Engadget seem to have missed the memo that rogers is SELLING this right now... I'd scan the flyer, but I don't have one. Cell phone pics are a maybe If I can score a phone with bluetooth to transfer them...
gad get @ Sep 10th 2008 11:39PM
Yeah, I got a little Rogers advert in the mail that included the fact that the Pearl Flip was available on I think a 3-year contract for $149.99 (CDN).
MIKE @ Sep 11th 2008 12:18PM
what about this?
http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/08/29/rogers-blackberry-kickstart-8220-gets-priced/
CJ @ Sep 11th 2008 1:42PM
Backbeat: Where did you read about the slider?
backbeat @ Sep 11th 2008 6:41PM
"RIM is expected to launch a broad consumer assault in [the second half of 2008], with multiple handsets, including the Bold, a touch-screen, flip, slider, 3G Pearl and others," Mike Abramsky of RBC Capital Markets wrote in a note to clients last month.
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/200809101231DOWJONESDJONLINE000719_FORTUNE5.htm