Connectivity has got a healthy boost with Wi-Fi support but the phone antenna is still limited to GSM only (no 3G). This should not pose too much of a problem since you can send and receive emails through the EDGE and GPRS network. To enjoy the “Mobile Streaming” (as RIM puts it) of YouTube and other video sources though, you really need to find a Wi-Fi hot-spot for that.

 

Input method is still handled by a hardware SureType keyboard, which is a breed of predictive input method. The keys are a little bit cramped, so it may take some time to adjust. The distinctive pearl trackball is now hidden inside the front cover. The keyboard layout is a lot like the one found on the old Pearl but the underlying operating system has gone through a huge renovation to keep up with the current Blackberries.

 

The Blackberry Pearl Flip is full of entertainment functions. The bundled Blackberry Media Sync allows the phone to sync with iTunes, and there is the Roxio Media Manager to manage your audio database. You can listen to your favorite music through the 3.5mm stereo jack that is conveniently located on the side of the phone or wirelessly with a Bluetooth headset. The built-in 2MP fixed-focus camera comes with a flash. You can upload your snapshots instantly to Flickr and Facebook with free software.

 

The Blackberry Pearl Flip is an excellent combination of work and entertainment. This new Pearl retains all the business capabilities (calendar, document editing support and email readers) while adding truly amazing entertainment features to spend the free time. The external screen is fairly large and the virtual clock on it is simply gorgeous. The ability to read messages through the external screen is a godsend for those who can’t afford the time to flip the phones. The lack of GPS and 3G are a great disappointment, especially when almost all other smartphones have that, but I think these are reasonable concession for its lower price.