Unboxing and hands-on: RIM BlackBerry Pearl 8120 for T-Mobile

Though the BlackBerry Pearl itself isn't anything new, the T-Mobile 8120 I just unpackaged is worthy of a "New! Just Lauched!" notice, as it brings a few features to the fold that are unavailable on any other Pearl. Most notably, the TMob version rocks WiFi for data access and UMA calling, aka "HotSpot@Home." T-Mobile's got a few HotSpot WiFi phones in its lineup right about now, and the Pearl works as well or better than any of 'em if my quick initial test is anything to go by. Voice quality, signal strength, and network handoff from GSM to UMA are all excellent on the 8120, as they were in my test of the Curve.

Beyond that the new Curve has a 2MP camera with Flash and 3.5mm headphone jack going for it. T-Mobile and RIM have packaged the handset with a stereo headset, data cable, travel charger, and carrying case, which is a nice little array of pack-ins in this day and age of "buy your own headphones, buddy" consumer treatment. Pearl's grey and silver color scheme is nice in an understated sort of way, and I promise I'll spend some time trying to acclimate myself to the SureType keyboard before once again proclaiming, "My thumbs are too big! I hate SureType!"

Check out the photos of the newest Pearl by itself, with pack-ins, and alongside it's big brother Curve. And stay tuned for a full review in the coming weeks.

Blackberry Pearl 8120 unboxing

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Noah Kravitz

Wednesday, April 30, 2008It's not mine to sell - a review loaner from T-Mobile that I have to send back. Sorry.

jerome schutz

Wednesday, April 30, 2008do you want to sell the 8120

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