[ROYMANgo]

It's time for me to get a new phone and I am stuck between two choices. I'm looking to getting a phone first, and a multimedia device (Videos/Music) second. If you have any other recommendations that aren't too expensive, please suggest that.

[Trercakaressy]

It's time for me to get a new phone and I am stuck between two choices. I'm looking to getting a phone first, and a multimedia device (Videos/Music) second. If you have any other recommendations that aren't too expensive, please suggest that.

I suggest "that" - kiddin'

[Hoglaunccoolf]

I had the same choice to make back in April and I chose the Blackjack, and I'm happy with my decision. I really only use it as a phone, and I can't imagine living without the full qwerty keyboard. It's fast enough for a multimedia phone, and slim at that. My only gripe is the battery life, but that can be countered if you just plug it in every night.

Honestly, it's down to whether or not you want a Windows Mobile powered phone, or a Blackberry.

[DesautocaD]

The blackberry devices are primarily made for emailing on the go and are one of the few devices that actually offere decent push email facilities. From personal use and the training ive had with RIM along with client testimonials, I wouldnt want one.

The Pearl is probably the most akward one to use, if anything you should be considering the Curve (The 8300) as it gives you the full qwerty keyboard but all the same functionality.

Personally, if media is your main concern (after phone) and email an after thought or something youd like to have just now and then, the Blackjack would be a better device. Its so much more flexibilty being based on the Windows Mobile OS and because of that you are guarenteed compatability with a wealth of media formats.

Specs wise the Blackjack is much better from a technical standpoint offering HSDPA of up to 1.8Mbit and WiFi. Only the camera is a little paltry in comparison.

[Dkavtbek]

Nokia E61i ??

[Shemker394]

I own a Pearl.

Pros:
- Brilliant for email and great outlook integration.
- On contrary to the above, I think the keyboard is excellent and easy to use.
- Great screen + video playback.

Cons:
- Camera only takes stills, not video.
- Bad low-light camera
- Loud speaker quality is poor
- Average battery life

Took me a while to get used to the Pearl, it was my first blackberry. The initial menus are easy to use and look good, but then most of the phone uses an entirely text based interface which is a bit boring but functional.

You cannot beat the Peal / Blackberry for email, I cant stress how good it is. But if I was after a good phone with multimedia capabilities, I would look elsewhere.

[YpbWF5Yo]

I cant give you a compare but I own a Blackberry Pearl and it's got everything I need, I got it from work so I can access my emails when I'm out and about.

The camera isnt great but I dont use the camera anyways, I have a Nokia N80 if I need a half-decent camera.

[Grenader]

I have the Pearl, and I can say its the best phone I have ever used. The keyboard takes about 1 week to get used to, but after that I could text as quickly as a 'normal' mobile keypad.

The push e-mail is amazing. Very very quick to deliver emails, and the menu layout is plain but very well laid out.

Its does take a while to set up the phone to exactly how you like it due to having lots of opitions, but after that I LOVE it!!

[alfredtaniypnx]

I would suggest the Curve over the Pearl as well if your going to go blackberry, the Blackjack is a pretty ok phone over all, the multimedia features are really strong on it, as long as you like WMP, the internet sharing feature is cool but hidden, I have supported both, and don't have a beef with either choice.

[ROYMANgo]

I went with the Blackjack because it has emulation thanks to Windows Mobile and supports TCPMP for DivX movies.

[DesautocaD]

Might be worth updating to WM6 on the Blackjack; seems to support some form of push email technology making it similar to the Blackberry system.