CDMA RIM BlackBerry Pearls announced
RIM BlackBerry Pearl 8130 in amethyst
(Credit: RIM)Everyone say it with me now, "It's about friggin' time." Today, Research in Motion officially introduced the RIM BlackBerry Pearl 8130 to the world, the CDMA version of the original, GSM RIM BlackBerry Pearl, which debuted over a year ago. Though there are no specific carrier announcements (or pricing details) at this time, Sprint has already confirmed that the BlackBerry 8130 is on its Q4 hit list, and just this morning, Engadget Mobile had a report that Verizon Wireless is also on tap to get this sleek, sexy smart phone, so everyone should be happy.
RIM BlackBerry Pearl 8130 in silver
(Credit: RIM)The Pearl 8130 includes some new features not found on the first Pearl. First, it has built-in GPS and comes preloaded with BlackBerry Maps so you can use the phone as a navigation device. You'll also enjoy faster Web browsing thanks to EV-DO support and there's Bluetooth 2.0 for use with hands-free kits, wireless headsets, and Bluetooth stereo headphones. Multimedia gets a boost with a 2-megapixel camera (compared to 1.3 megapixels), the ability to create and edit playlists right on the handset, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Huzzah! Other highlights include a new Page View option to quickly zoom in on part of a Web page, a built-in spell checker, and background noise cancellation technology for better call quality. The company says the RIM BlackBerry Pearl 8130 will be available starting in November--just in time for the holidays--and will come in two colors: amethyst and silver. Now, if you'll excuse us, we're going to pester our friends at Verizon and Sprint to see if we can squeeze some more details out of them.
Bonnie Cha is a senior editor for CNET, covering smartphones and GPS. When she's not testing the latest gadgets, you can find her chasing after her crazy lab or surfing in the chilly waters of Northern California. E-mail Bonnie. 
(hint, hint Cingular.)
(hint, hint Cingular.)
- Verizon Pearl is defective
- by mplsmorgan November 13, 2007 9:43 AM PST
- Verizon Pearl software for the BlackBerry desktop software DOES NOT WORK. You are supposed to be able to see, delete and add applications from the Applications link but this is defective.
- Like this Reply to this comment
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(9 Comments)The software is version 4.3 but it does not work
I have worked for hours with BlackBerry and Verizon techs and there is no current solution.