Travel Technology - Blackberry Pearl vs Curve

Changing jobs and will get one of these two......been reasonably happy with the Pearl but the ball sticks a lot... (I keep it in my pocket!).

Comments appreciated.

I guess the main question is whether you want a real keyboard or could live with the suretype on the Pearl?

I have a curve, never had a bb before. I can't say that my life has changed for the better (I have not lost 15 lbs or won the lottery), but it has cut down on useless web surfing and obsessive compulsive mail checking on my part.

I have looked at my colleagues pearl keypad and I think I prefer the curve set up better.

I got the Pearl when it first came out - upgraded from the 7100t. It was such a good phone at the time. I used the Pearl for a year and overall liked it better than the 7100.

Then I decided to go with the Curve when it came out and am very happy. Even though I was used to the 2-letters/button, typing with the Curve is so much easier. The wifi capability is killer, especially since I have poor reception at home. Also helps when traveling in areas with poor cell service or using overseas instead of paying TMO $1+/min. The larger screen is also nice and the curve, even in its case, still fits ok in a pocket. It's not too intrusive like some of the other BBs.

So, in case you are wondering, I recommend the Curve :)

Other than being a little smaller, is there really any reason to go with the Pearl over the much faster and full-boarded Curve?

I've had my Curve since Nov 2006 (and the various incarnations since) and have loved every second. Makes life easier, saves time, takes pictures, does my dishes and even walks the dogs at midnight when I'm too tired to think.

;)


But seriously, RIM really developed a winner. Go with the Curve.




BN

I've had both(I broke my pearl) and the biggest difference I'd say is the full keyboard. I just got tired of suretype. The one thing I miss about the pearl is the ability to go from vibrate->normal and back by holding the # key.
I have a few grievances about the RIM software in general but that is true for any BB

Read in depth review at mobileburn.com - TMO curve is highly recommended.
Also, just launched: 8820 - also has wifi so hotspots@home works along with TMO's favre program.

I am about to extend my cell phone contract with Vodafone again for another 24 month.

So I definitely want to go for a Blackberry and not sure if I want the Curve or the Pearl?

So they have the new Pearl 8110 or the 8310 Curve?

Are these the models you were talking about?

I opt for the Curve due what I read here: the fact that it fits into the pocket, it comes with a real keyboard and Wifi. Any reasons against the Curve or pro Pearl??

Is there a function to just stop the push service but keep the actual cell phone service running? For example when you travel to a foreign country and charges will be insane?

How easy is it to set up an email account? Do I need special software or server abilities for my standard email account if I want to further use it with my Outlook?

Some of the questions might sound stupid to the PROs but I still prefer all your input.

thanks!

I'm still using an 8700 with AT&T(Cingular). Thinking about upgrading, but wondering whether there'll be a new post-Curve generation coming over the course of the next year that should cause me to hold off?

I'm still using an 8700 with AT&T(Cingular). Thinking about upgrading, but wondering whether there'll be a new post-Curve generation coming over the course of the next year that should cause me to hold off?

The new 9000 series is on the way, and should be here by summer. It's a total redesign of the device:

http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/03/28/blackberry-9000-in-the-wild/

Thanks, Scott - since I'm in no hurry I might as well wait for the new 9000s.

Is there a function to just stop the push service but keep the actual cell phone service running? For example when you travel to a foreign country and charges will be insane?

How easy is it to set up an email account? Do I need special software or server abilities for my standard email account if I want to further use it with my Outlook?



1. You can turn off the data connection and use it as a phone only

2. It should work with most email accounts including exchange(outlook) accounts although if your exchange server doesn't have outlook web access set up it might not work.

Definitely go with the curve. It's super thin and light, and has a real keyboard. The suretype keyboard on the pearl makes it a fake bb in my opinion.

Also, the wifi is definitely excellent, and could allow you to occassionally check email while you're in europe.

I've been largely delighted with the TMO curve. Really handy for making calls back to America (over wifi) -- without huge TMO charges -- when traveling abroad. And the keyboard is reasonably easy to type on.

A few handy / fun apps to add if you get it:
- Google Maps*. Scrolling is a bit frustratingly slow, but this app is fabulous regardless. Depending on where you are in the world, you may be able to search for, say, "Drugstore" it'll show you drugstores near where you are :).
- Facebook. Fun for looking up current and potential friends and also sending photos direct from your mobile to Facebook.
- TinyTwitter. Only if you're into Twitter, of course. I use it rarely, but it's still fun. Or even handy when I have a question for 'the masses'.
- Gmail. Again, like Maps, a little slow sometimes but still hugely helpful. Stuff I mark read there is automatically marked read in my 'real' gmail account.

Also, take the time to organize your app icons (hide, move as appropriate); you'll be much thankful over time :)

*Disclaimer: I work for Google, but I don't work on the products mentioned above.

The Curve has been put on sale by AT&T in the States ($99) so that indicates a new generation is imminent. I just got a Curve anyway. Reasonably happy, especially with the keyboard and screen legibility. Setting up email was a snap via the web interface -- you just type your email addresses and account password and everything else is taken care of. I like the Curve over the Pearl.

Also helps when traveling in areas with poor cell service or using overseas instead of paying TMO $1+/min.

Greetings,

I thought that tmobile's @home service did NOT work overseas, or at least did not allow for 'free' usage when out of the US. What countries did this work for you? Do you think that it is just laxity on the part of tmobile, or that they don't have the technology built into their billing system to detect overseas use (like the Blackberry web browsing)?

If this is true, it would be great for those of us who are overseas for long periods of time--truly we would have a world phone in our pockets!

Marc David Miller
MDM@DiscoveringRussia.com

Thank you everybody for your input. The Curve seems like the one to go. ^

So one little concern I have is the 8310 Curve which is the model that my provider (Vodafone) offers. Their website says it doesn't come with WLAN (Wifi) Any insight if it is just shut of as the provider doesn't like it or is it possible to somehow get it to work?

It would be great to use the Wifi function while I am somewhere near a network!

Greetings,

I thought that tmobile's @home service did NOT work overseas, or at least did not allow for 'free' usage when out of the US. What countries did this work for you? Do you think that it is just laxity on the part of tmobile, or that they don't have the technology built into their billing system to detect overseas use (like the Blackberry web browsing)?

If this is true, it would be great for those of us who are overseas for long periods of time--truly we would have a world phone in our pockets!

Marc David Miller
MDM@DiscoveringRussia.com

David,

It's possible this varies contract to contract, but on my account at least (which is based in the U.S.), I'm able to travel anywhere in the world and -- when over wifi AND the "UMA" indicator is showing on the phone (which denotes a strong-enough signal) -- I'm able to make unlimited calls to U.S. numbers for free. Any calls to non-U.S. numbers over UMA are charged as if I called them on my mobile while in the U.S.

... I'm able to make unlimited calls to U.S. numbers for free. Any calls to non-U.S. numbers over UMA are charged as if I called them on my mobile while in the U.S.

What about receiving calls?

Thanks!

Free. Totally.

I have issues getting UMA, but when I do, it's always free.

I guess the main question is whether you want a real keyboard or could live with the suretype on the Pearl?

This ultimately is the only real question you should be asking yourself. Both are great devices. I personally have a curve and swear by it. Co-worker has a Pearl and he doesn't like the Curve due to size. The QWERTY keyboard is nice, and the suretype on the Pearl just annoys me.

Go to your carrier's store and play with one and see what you prefer. That's the best way to figure it out.

I've been toying with a phone change, possibly to a bb. Asking around - everyone I know who has had a pearl and a curve say they thought the curve was the best phone they've ever had.

m

I am going abroad next month. Is there a way to shut off the cellular coverage abroad so I can use the wifi only? If so, how do I change the settings? I only want to use the phone on wifi and I know sometimes it switches back and forth based on the strength of the signal. Also, if I dump the $10/month unlimited wifi, will it just come off my monthly minutes allowance?