BlackBerry Pearl 8100 Smartphone to be launched in India by RIM and Bharti Airtel

Canada-based Research in Motion (RIM) and Bharti Airtel are all set to launch the BlackBerry Pearl 8100, a new candybar style phone in India. The original BlackBerry was the quintessential CEO gizmo. But now, the BlackBerry has undergone a makeover and is targeting the fun-loving youth, with the BlackBerry Pearl 8100.


The BlackBerry Pearl 8100 weighs just 89 gms and has several features such as a 1.3 megapixel digital camera, multimedia capabilities and expandable memory. In comparison, the BlackBerry Pearl 8100 is thinner than the Moto Razr and shorter than the Moto Slvr.

The feature-rich smartphone incorporates the best technology and is a quad-band GSM/GPRS and EDGE-enabled mobile application powerhouse.

The built-in 64MB flash memory of the BlackBerry Pearl 8100 is now expandable with a MicroSD card. Thus users will have plenty of storage space for music, pictures, videos and data files.

The BlackBerry Pearl 8100 delivers exceptional phone quality with easy-to-use phone features including Speaker Independent Voice Recognition for Voice Activated Dialing (VAD), MP3 and MIDI ring tones as well as support for polyphonic tunes.

Other brilliant features of the BlackBerry Pearl 8100 include intuitive call management features such as smart dialing, conference calling, speed dialing and call forwarding. The Blackberry Pearl 8100 also features a speakerphone, Bluetooth 2.0, car kits and other Bluetooth peripherals such as a GPS receiver.

“We are definitely trying to reach out to broader segments of the market. It (BlackBerry) is fundamentally a strong business tool. We have listened to the customers and with the Pearl, we are taking a giant leap forward in meeting customer demands,” Norm Lo, Asia-Pacific vice-president of RIM said. “We have a great relationship with Bharti. With Bharti, we have seen the demand accelerating and we are bullish because there is an organic growth here which will take business up multi-fold. That is why we are launching it first in India,” he said.

Sanjay Kapoor, joint president (mobility), Bharti, said, “The new device takes away the need to carry two phones — one for data applications and the other for voice needs. The Pearl allows you to amalgamate voice and data applications into one.”

The BlackBerry Pearl 8100 will be out in stores all over India in the next two to three weeks and will be priced at Rs. 24,999. For more information, visit the official BlackBerry Pearl Web site.

BlackBerry Pearl 8120 Review

AT&T Inc and Research In Motion (RIM) have launched BlackBerry Pearl 8120 (BlackBerry Pearl series) for business customers in the US. The key feature of the phone is its Wi-Fi capability. The Pearl 8120 is a small sized phone boasting business functionalities.

BlackBerry e-mail and messaging capabilities including RIM’s SureType keyboard enhanced with word completion, built-in spell-checker and user-customized dictionary are the salient features of the Pearl 8120. Besides, it features ultrabright 240 x 260 pixel display, a 2-megapixel camera with video recorder, an advanced media player, a 3.5-mm stereo headset jack, and microSD/SDHC memory slot for additional storage and Bluetooth are few features of the BlackBerry Pearl 8120.

Moreover, the phone enables simultaneous voice and data access when connected to a Wi-Fi network. The latest BlackBerry phone is as small as 4.2″ x 2.4″ x 0.5″ and weighs in at only 3.2 ounces.

“The BlackBerry Pearl 8120 from AT&T delivers the full power of the BlackBerry platform in a sleek and stylish handset that is ideal for both business and personal use,” said Mark Guibert, vice president, Corporate Marketing at Research In Motion. “With a range of hardware and software enhancements, including built-in Wi-Fi, the BlackBerry Pearl 8120 is an ideal choice for customers who want a new phone with powerful communications and multimedia features in an incredibly small candy bar design.”

The BlackBerry Pearl 8120 is available at AT&T stores in the US at as low as $199.99, with a two-year contract, unlimited data plan and $39.99 voice plan.

BlackBerry Pearl 8110 Review

AT&T and Research In Motion (RIM) have announced the release of the BlackBerry Pearl 8110 smartphone ( Blackberry Pearl Series), featuring built-in global positioning system.

The Pearl 8110 is bundled with navigation and mapping applications such as AT&T Navigator, which provides turn-by-turn voice and on-screen directions with colorful 3D moving maps that can be used in vehicles or while walking. Also it alerts users about traffic slowdowns and incidents along their programmed travel route, so users can choose an alternative route.

“The BlackBerry Pearl 8110’s stylish design and consumer features blend well with the productivity features for managing your day while away from home or the office,” said Michael Woodward, vice president, Business Voice/Data and Wireless Products, for AT&T’s wireless unit. “Beyond the BlackBerry Pearl 8110’s powerful e-mail and messaging capabilities, which keep users on track with important information while mobile, its new built-in GPS capabilities - coupled with AT&T Navigator will keep customers literally on track when they are getting from Point A to Point B.”

The BlackBerry 8110 is equipped with BlackBerry e-mail and messaging capabilities, such as RIM’s SureType QWERTY keyboard system for easy typing and phone dialing - enhanced with word completion and a spell-checker with a user-customized dictionary.

Moreover, the new smartphone will enable users to wirelessly download YellowPages.COM Mobile application directly from an icon on the smartphone.

A display supporting 65,000 colors automatically adjusts brightness based on surrounding light levels. The glossy titanium colored BlackBerry Pearl 8110 smartphone measures 4.2” x 2.4” x 0.5” and weighs approximately 3.2 ounces. Besides, the phone incorporates a 2-megapixel camera that supports video recording, a 3.5-mm stereo headset jack, externally accessible microSD/SDHC memory slot, high speed USB and Bluetooth 2.0.

“The BlackBerry Pearl 8110 smartphone maintains the exceptional styling and sleek form factor of the BlackBerry Pearl franchise,” said Mark Guibert, vice president, Corporate Marketing at Research In Motion. “It expands functionality with richer multimedia capabilities and built-in GPS while continuing to deliver the full power of the BlackBerry platform. With value-added services, like AT&T Navigator, AT&T Mobile Music and AT&T’s global roaming, the BlackBerry Pearl 8110 is an ideal choice for customers who want a new phone that can serve both business and personal needs.”

The BlackBerry Pearl 8110 smartphone is now available at AT&T stores for $149.99, with a two-year contract.

BlackBerry Pearl 8130 Review

Consumers looking for a compact device that offers jaw-dropping advanced features want to give the BlackBerry Pearl 8130 (Blackberry Pearl series) a look. This sleek cell phone is brimming with cutting-edge features in its small frame. This device offers the ideal balance between form and function.

The unit boasts advanced phone features designed to keep users in touch while on the move. Voice activated dialing allows for lightning-fast connections and the speakerphone offers hands-free expediency. Navigation is quick and easy using definable convenience keys and dedicated send, end and mute keys.

Instant Messaging (IM) is featured on this device allowing for quick connections using popular IM applications. Short messaging services (SMS) and multimedia messaging services (MMS) are also in quick access for text and picture messaging in a flash. The unit also has email support with attachment viewing.

Fun features offered by the BlackBerry Pearl 8130 include an integrated camera with built-in zoom and automatic flash. Pictures and video recordings can be captured and shared using MMS or email. The system also features Media Player so users can watch video clips or listen to music.

Connecting to the Internet is simple using the Web browser. The system offers an impressive organizer that allows ample storage of contact information, important dates and important tasks that need to be completed. The unit also features corporate data access for professionals on the go.

Getting lost is a thing of the past using BlackBerry Maps and the unit’s integrated GPS navigation system with turn-by-turn directions. The unit offers Bluetooth technology, SureType keyboard technology and 64 MB of internal memory. Expandable memory is possible with microSD card.

Convenience and style are formed together in the BlackBerry Pearl 8130 smartphone. This mobile multimedia communication device is the ideal tool for the savvy professional on the move.

BlackBerry Pearl 8100 Review

The BlackBerry Pearl 8100 (BlackBerry Pearl series) is a pure gem. This attractive smartphone is packed with features and it is available in an array of striking colors. The cell phone has intelligent design, prime functionality and stylish compact form. The Pearl 8100 is featured among some of the world’s most diminutive smartphones.

Intelligent is the right description for this mobile phone. Users have instant access to contacts using Cingular’s push-to-talk feature. The address book offers ample storage for contact information. Other smart features include a calendar for organization, a memo pad for quick notes and a task list to keep priorities in order.

BlackBerry Maps is ideal for finding the quickest route to a destination. Users can also fin their way to the Internet using the unit’s Web browser. Checking current events, weather and even favorite websites is quick and easy. Images are crisp and sharp with the high resolution display that makes viewing indoors and outdoors equally clear.

Communication features include the integrated phone that offers quick access with voice activated dialing. Users can also take advantage of the system’s speakerphone for hands-free convenience. Email, text messaging (SMS and MMS) and instant messaging (IM) are all available for expediency and variety.

Fun features include Media Player that offers playback of favorite audio and video clips. Media Player can adjust to a variety of different formats for additional selections. The integrated camera allows users to capture quality snapshots in a flash.

The QWERTY-style keyboard is well spaced in spite of the Blackberry Pearl 8100’s small design. Users can view attachments using this unit and the system is compatible with many popular Personal Information Management (PIM) programs.

The smartphone offers Bluetooth technology that can be used with car kits and headsets. The system has 64 MB of memory and mircorSD card expandable memory is available. Trackball navigation and dedicated keys offer lightning-fast maneuvering.

The BlackBerry Pearl 8100 is a small multimedia communication device but it doesn’t skim on features. Users can expect to stay informed and entertained using this fun, intelligent mobile phone.