Will my Blackberry Pearl be the death of my TH55?

[jwm]

My employer will be issuing me one of those new Blackberry Peal things soon. My gut feeling is that I want to keep my TH55 and limit my use of the Pearl to just corporate email on the fly - and the phone of course. I've always been one for moving to a different model until I got a TH55.

But I wonder if it'll be the start of the end of my somewhat lengthy time (for me) with one PDA.

Doing a quick check on Blackberry software and I’m amazed at its cost. Looking for an equiv for DocsToGo and your talking of around US$200 for equivalent functionality. Amazing.

Anyways, I guess I’ll wait for it to arrive and see how I get on... :rolleyes:

[Cyker]

Well, it looks to me like a Smartphone, like almost every other Smartphone out there.

The original Blackberry's were neat, esp. if you hard a corporate Blackberry server thing, because you'd be able to access the 'net and your e-mail anywhere there was Cell reception.
Of course, it was painful as hell because the screen was so small and the units were very underpowered (But had awesome battery life!).

Not used this Pearl before, but it looks almost exactly like my friend's Sony 'smartphone'.

If it is the same size, it'll be a good phone but a crap PDA (Phone keyboards SUCK for data entry, and the screens are even worse because they are just too small for comfortable reading unless you're pretty myopic...).


Does it have BlueTooth?
If you have a TH55/E, then you can just pair the two together and have your TH55 pick up the e-mail and access the web via the phone :D

[jwm]

If it is the same size, it'll be a good phone but a crap PDA (Phone keyboards SUCK for data entry, and the screens are even worse because they are just too small for comfortable reading unless you're pretty myopic...).
We think alike you and I. I've yet to see a smart phone with a decent keyboard (and I have a Treo 650). Again, TH55 with KB100 - good mobile solution at the moment.

Does it have BlueTooth?
If you have a TH55/E, then you can just pair the two together and have your TH55 pick up the e-mail and access the web via the phone :D
I was thinking the same thing :D Nice phone, good job it has BT as I can continue to use my TH55 as I do now with my aging Nokia.

So at this stage, I'm hopeful my TH55 will live on.

[DanT]

Why don't they make one with big screen and virtual keyboard. :(

[dahanist]

DanT.
There are a few that has big screen and virtual keyboards.
The only downside is that they are whether VERY BIG (3.x inch VGA LCD) or resolution sucks (QVGA - my phone is QVGA and it just doesn't have enough room) - the reason that made me look at PDA's.
I just don't want to talk on huge phones.
For that size, I would rather have Phone+PDA.
;)

[Jay N760]

I've been using Palm OS since my Visor Deluxe back in the day.

But my Blackberry Pearl already HAS replaced my TH55 for daily use.

Of course, when I switched over, I started looking for apps to replace those that I felt I needed on the TH55. I found the same thing--they're too expensive! So I really started examining my usage.

I found that the BB PIM software is actually really robust. Entering calendar items and tasks is much quicker and easier on the BB, once you get accustomed to it. Of course, the BB PIM software is nowhere near as robust as something like Agendus on Palm OS, but I found that the extra features were just that--extra. I'm better off without the distraction.

As for Docs to Go functionality, you can view (not edit) many different document formats as email attachments with the built-in software. I don't rely on editing spreadsheets on-the-go, but I do keep a couple for reference. As for composing text documents, I just send an email to myself!

As for typing on it, the keys are pretty cramped, but I've had better luck typing on it than I ever had with a Palm OS device (not counting external keyboards).

And reading ebooks! I freakin' LOVE Tibr Pro on Palm OS. I thought I might have a problem with the Pearl. I'm using Mobipocket reader (free). It has configurable colors and fonts (I like to read with a dark blue background and a light blue serif font). The only thing it lacks from Tibr Pro is auto scroll. And the screen is really nice for reading, even though it's small.
The big plus I have found is the ability to read online ebooks without downloading, converting, transferring etc. Recently, I've been reading David Wellington's online serial novels on my Pearl. It's so cool! I never run out of reading material, because I can always find more online, wherever I am.

Games are severely lacking in the Blackberry world. There are plenty of excellent puzzle and card games (many of the free), but I have yet to find a decent strategy game or RPG. But I have a PSP, NDS and GBA for that.

Other considerations:
One tiny device to do everything! This is a big plus for me.
Being in touch with your email constantly is nice (most of the time ;) ).
Decent camera (although no video, yet)
Real web browser with constant connection
Excellent voice recognition
High speed Bluetooth modem! I can connect on my MacBook Pro from almost anywhere.

Lately I've noticed a pattern in my life: My possessions that are supposed to make my life more efficient/easy/fun/happy are controlling me. I spend too much time configuring/fixing/tweaking and not enough time living/fishing/sleeping. This Blackberry has really helped simplify things for me. It has all the stuff I need (contacts, schedule, tasks, books, web) to stay organized and entertained without all the distractions. I'm really happy with it.

However, you may notice I'm still lurking around these forums. I'll keep my TH55 for awhile at least. I can't bring myself to abandon Palm OS after all these years. I still use it for games and ebooks at home, but I don't carry it with me everywhere anymore.

[shender]

I finally broke down and got a BB 8703, after years of saying I never would. I have to admit, it's quite a nice device, and certainly has some advantages of intergrated email with phone and standard PIM applications.

Just going through a transition phase, as I have so many apps on teh TH55 I still want to have around...but my sense is over time, I may be saying bye bye to my beloved TH55...

[jwm]

OK. It's arrived. Nice and shiney - shows up my grubby fingerprints nicely! I'll get it up and running over the next few days and report back initial thoughts. Reading the above posts though, it may be the TH55 will be put out to pasture...but we'll see.

[Jay N760]

Congrats! I really like how sturdy and substantial the phone feels, but the glossiness is a bit much. I have found that the finish on it is pretty sturdy, though. I got mine within a couple days of the TMobile launch. I have kept it in my pants pocket most of the time. I make sure that I don't put any other objects in the same pocket that might scratch it. It has held up really well. The battery cover has some really minor scratches (you have to hold it up to the light to see them), but the rest of it still looks flawless. I might get a Best Skins Ever for it someday soon.

You'll find insane amounts of good info (almost as good as 1src) over at www.pinstack.com .

Recommended software:
If you go to mobile.blackberry.com from your BB browser, you'll find a bunch of free games, themes, wallpapers and ringtones. The games are the best quality I have found (free or otherwise). Most (if not all) of them are from Magmic.

Mobipocket Reader is a must if you want to read ebooks.

Google Maps - The Pearl comes with an excellent built-in Maps app, but Google Maps has some handy features that BB Maps doesn't, like satellite images.

Berry Phone Lookup - Reverse number lookup. Works really well.

Berry 411 - Uses Google to lookup almost anything you might want to look up. Why not just use Google? Berry 411 is quicker and easier. Just try it.

GMail - Google has a BB specific Gmail client. You can receive Gmail with the regular BB Messages app, but the Gmail app gives you the familiar Gmail interface.

Good luck! I think you'll enjoy it.

[jwm]

Wow :eek: thanks for all the tips and links!

Not sure if you're in the UK or not, but mine's with Vodafone in the UK and hasn't got the maps app you talk of, so I may give the Google one a go out of curiosity.

Thanks again. :)

[jwm]

OK, had my BackBerry (BB) Pearl for 5 days now. Initial observations:

:) Likes:
- Auto-dimming backlight. Nice touch this, the backlight adjusts itself depending on the ambient light. It also manages the lighting of the keys and the rather bright light in the tiny tracker-ball jobby.

- Needless to say, the near-instant push email & calendar. Although this varies from a couple of seconds difference between the desktop and the BB receiving emails to perhaps a minute or two. Probably something local with our enterprise servers.

- Size, light, a lot for what it is.

- Nice black gloss and chrome finish.

:( Dislikes:
- Nice black gloss and chrome finish – shows up my grubby paw marks.

- Whilst the roller-ball idea works well for moving around bigger things, such as icons of a app launcher screen, it can be tricky to get it to do what you want on a screen full of small text. Switching from horizontal to vertical can be difficult. Think I'd prefer a D pad or something.

- Light on the tracker-ball is way too bright in low/no light levels.

- Still not sure about the keyboard. Still love the KB100.

- Screen for anything major. Again, the TH55 can show way more.

- MS Office integration. Can't edit.

- PDF viewing rather naff. Even Piscel Viewer I like a lot more now.

As for the TH55-Keep-o-meter, it’s moved from 100% to keep, down to perhaps 90%

[Jay N760]

My TH55 keep-o-meter is at 100%. I'll probably keep it until it dies or becomes an insanely valuable collector's item.

But it stays at home keeping my other occasional-use gadgets company, and the Pearl is always within reach.

It's strange that you experience a lag in your email. Mine is just the opposite. I have my email notification set to ZAP. I always hear the zap 30 seconds to a minute before the ding-dong on my computer.

Speaking of zapping, I think that is one of the absolute coolest features of this phone (not that it's necessarily unique). I have mine set to ZAP for an email, a Guitar Riff for a text message, a Sonar ding for a Task reminder, and electric cricket for an appointment reminder, and a mellow piano chord for a wake up alarm. Most of the time, when my Pearl alerts me to something, I know what it is without looking at the phone. How cool is that? I'll hear a sonar ding and remember to pick up the kids from school. As a result, I remember things more often without help.

Isn't it great that we can program our tech to control us? ;P

[GadgetGuru05]

jwm, your Dislike list is much longer than Like list... why would you dump your faithful TH55? :-(

Myself, i have a UX50 and just love it. few days ago bought an Unlocked Treo 650 to use with my miserable "Because i cant use any other service than calling/receving calls" prepaid T-Mobile... still didnt fingure it really out how to sync UX50 and Treo with same agenda etc.. 2 different user name but doesnt work...

anyway, i like the design of Pearl. have no experience with BB OS..

have a great holiday you guys...

[jwm]

Well, it's been a while now. This thread title is "Will my Blackberry Pearl be the death of my TH55?".

The answer is...a resounding "No!"

In fact, I'm now looking for a way to bring the utilisation of my TH55 back to where is was pre-BB days. I like the Pearl, but as an all-rounder, it's just not a TH55.

Sure, the ability to look up the odd contact on our corporate Exchange servers is handy, and yes, the push email thing is still a plus, but both of these you can work around if needed.

So there you have it. Nearly six months on, and I find myself wanting my TH55 "back".

[Jay N760]

Well, it's been a while now. This thread title is "Will my Blackberry Pearl be the death of my TH55?".

The answer is...a resounding "No!"
...
So there you have it. Nearly six months on, and I find myself wanting my TH55 "back".

Really? Wow. That's surprising to me. I won't be going back. Now, more than ever, I'm past Palm OS. I said somewhere up there that I would probably keep my TH55 forever. I'm not so sure anymore. If I do, it will be a full-time ebook reader, and nothing else. More likely, I will be listing it on craigslist.org and/or eBay soon.

If there's one thing I don't miss about Palm OS, it's the complexity. With the complexity comes flexibility, but I don't need it anymore. I just need something small, simple and over all, dependable. The Pearl is it. It's rock solid.

In fact, I'm now on my second Pearl. My battery latch button broke, so I got a replacement under the warranty.

Good luck with your switch back to the TH55 (assuming you're not required to stick with the Pearl by your employer). If you need to buy another TH55, let me know. I might know somebody who is selling one ;).

[chacalau]

My Boss just got a BB 8100g (under warranty when his BB 7100g died).

After spending an hour setting it up and looking around, installing the desktop client, restoring a backup from the 7100 to the 8100, etc... i'm still left wondering, what do you do when you're talking on the phone and you want to look something up, like a memo, or jot down some notes, or voice record the conversation, or open an email / document / spreadsheet?
These things I do regularly with my UX50 and T610 combination.

And although it is not 'push' email, access to my email on the UX via bluetooth connection to the t610, or wifi, is only 2 button pushes away... or on auto-recieve schedule, with an audio alert.

[Jay N760]

i'm still left wondering, what do you do when you're talking on the phone and you want to look something up, like a memo, or jot down some notes, or voice record the conversation, or open an email / document / spreadsheet?

You press the back button. It takes you out of the phone screen so you can use any of the other features of the phone without hanging up. Of course, you would need to use a headset or speakerphone, or just ask the person to hold.

You can even access the web while you're on the phone.

[chacalau]

aha! use a headset. didn't think of that.