Four-Eight-Four [dot org]

So, I’ve had my BlackBerry Pearl for about ten days now. I’m so happy with it that I ditched the Asus (Windows Mobile) PDA and put it in my desk drawer over a week ago, and I haven’t missed it. I’ve become very proficient at entering text using the odd keyboard setup, and I’m thrilled that I’m getting phone plus PDA in the same amount of pocket space that my phone previously took up.

I’m really wondering why I resisted having my PDA integrated with my phone. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

Early last week I discovered that it’s got GPS stuff built in, and I can use it to find directions to somewhere I want to go. That’s nifty.

I’ve even figured out how to get around Missing Sync’s inability to install software by converting most desktop installation packages so that they will work with an over-the-air install (I’ll write up a tutorial on this later).

It’s far more stable than the Windows Mobile device. I’ve yet to have to reboot it because it became unresponsive. It’s not nearly as complex, so it’s easier to use. Really, the only thing I miss from the Win Mobile PDA is the nice “Today” screen that Win Mobile has. There is a similar theme for the BlackBerry, but I Just don’t care for it … but I’m getting along just fine without it.

I give this device an A+++. If I just consider the phone capabilities of the device, it’s by far the best phone I’ve had since I’ve been using cell service (and this is … uh … my ninth cell phone, I think). Add in the PDA features, and this thing hits a home run. If you’re in the market for a small, compact phone that doubles as a PDA/organizer, I wholeheartedly recommend the Pearl.