Blackberry Pearl 8130

[MrMastodonFarm]

So I'm getting a free Blackberry Pearl from work, they're giving it to me, paying the bills, but there is a limit per month what they will spend, around 60 I think. Basically they want me to have unlimited calling, and email.

Is it a good phone? What should I know about it? What's a good package for the phone to get my money's worth per month (telus)?

[Deelow]

I just got a pearl two weeks ago and it already needs to be replaced. Doesn't charge properly, randomly deletes things (like my entire address book), it occasionally turns the signal receiver off and messenger is kinda sketchy. I am hoping I just had a faulty unit. Honestly I like the phone..when it's working. Like you, it's a work phone and it's miles ahead of the Motorolla Q they had me using before.

[I_H8_Crawford]

Have no problem with my 8130 (with Virgin) but I pesonally would prefer something like the Bold or Curve that has a full QWERTY pad; I don't like the shared keys, it annoys the frig out of me when I WANT to type "hey" and out comes "get" - the SureType is supposed to learn, but it still hasn't learned that.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Thanks guys.

HeHateCrawford, on my old phone I always just turned off the T9word feature, and when I txt'ed I just did it normally, two clicks of 4 for H, two clicks of 3 for E, etc etc. It look a bit longer, but I hate the programs that think they know what I'm trying to say, I used it for a week before, and couldn't stand it.

[skippy]

Just got a Pearl 2 weeks ago and have the opposite results from Deelow - have had no problems. But, in terms of the keyboard, I have big thumbs but have managed to get(hey) by with the Suretype.

In terms of plans, not sure if you are existing customer or new one but their client care is pretty good and if you sign a longer term plan, they may be able to cater a plan to your budget. (See if they throw in things like free incoming / Fave5 / unlimited eves/wkd or increase daytime minutes) Hope that helps.