The Boy Genius Report: Thoughts on the BlackBerry 8100
By Peter Rojas 
posted Sep 1st 2006 8:25PM
posted Sep 1st 2006 8:25PM
[Our man the Boy Genius hit us up with a few thoughts on having used the Pearl for a few weeks. Here's a bit about what you can expect. -Ed.]
It's pretty apparent that the BlackBerry 8100 is RIM's first real stab at a mass market consumer device, and to be honest, it didn't come out all that bad. But once you get away from the "oh my god there is a camera, mp3, and videoplayer" knee-jerk, it is simply a long overdue update to the 7100 line. Don't get me wrong, I am a BlackBerry fanatic for life. I would get any BlackBerry that RIM releases no matter the features, regardless of whether I have 2 or 10 cellphones and PDAs; you will always catch a BlackBerry on my hip. I just think that for the people RIM is targeting with this device, they won't see results like RIM hopes (at least without a better AIM client, anyway). In fact, I'd wager the only people they will get to transition are die-hard push email fans. The way the Pearl is designed and works, it's much more like a featurephone -- which is a huge improvement -- but people can get plenty of devices that outshine the 8100 in features. Read on for more.
Of course, the push email is what's really at; that is and always will be RIM's bread and butter, and why shouldn't it be? But they're definitely trying to drum up excitement about things other than the email experience. There is now a trackball (think: SK3) dead center on the device, instead of the once exclusive scroll wheel. (The trackball works well, but to me is not the same as having the scroll wheel and escape button right there on the side. It will be missed.) The actual device performs great: very fast, responsive. and stable. The 4.2 OS adds a lot of functionality like memory card support, the ability to send and receive files via Bluetooth, play .wav attachments in emails, and also attach your newly taken picture directly to your email (corporate or personal). The browser has been improved on the data side, and sites load around 25% faster than an 8700. RIM also adds voice dialing and voice commands which is long overdue. You can play videos, you can play MP3s, you can use them as ringtones, and have caller ID pictures -- but if you have a SideKick (or even just want one), and don't need corporate email, you probably won't be switching soon. Then again, that $199 price tag is awfully tempting for BlackBerry newcomers, so purists beware, you may soon see teenagers having a CrackBerry push email moment on the streets of a city near you.
I must say...this is the first blackberry that actually appeals to me...and if RIM can do that, they've done something right haha.
As someone who has always hated the Blackberry (too corporate, featureless, medialess) and is tired of the Sidekick 2 is it worth it?
From what I've seen, this will be my next phone.
I dont care about email, I just want anything but T9 and a better camera that the SK2.
Is it $200 unlocked or with a 2 yr plan?
#3 Way to show you're not paying attention. Peter didn't write the RIM praise; he just posted The Boy Genius' thoughts. And although TBG seems to like the phone, it doesn't read too much like an advertisement to me.
Lol waydago Scott. Your the greatest reader in the world. Jake got you there =).
Plus, whats wrong with being addicted to a BlackBerry? Why do so many people think its crack? its just that good.
Like BGMan said, there's definitely phones with better features and all, but BB's will always be BB's through and through.
Given T-Mobile's lackluster smartphone lineup, I'll likely be taking the plunge on one of these. Any chance it'll be usable as a bluetooth modem? By my powerbook? Nah, thought not. *sigh*
hey, there definitely is something to be said for a stable UI. Palm OS anyone?
Does it have A2DP?
i'm waiting for BB to release a 3G version of the pearl, but this is definately a step in the right direction. especially for those of us that don't have corporate anything!
I want one!!!!!
I went in my local tmo store and the girl just smiled and looked away..damn they sure being 007 about these things....
Oh well, I guess i an wait until the 12th...
I went in my local store and asked about it.....and she looked away.
sorry, forgot to explain myself.
Blackberries as something for the mass market just boggles me. It seems you are paying, bare minimum, $80 a month for a full plan (before fees and taxes!), just for voice and push e-mail. I pay about $95 a month after-taxes-and-fees...for a two-line family plan with a large text messaging package tied to my account. This includes far more voice minutes than we need...if I could get a cheaper monthly family plan with less minutes, I would.
Now, if you're a corporate suit who needs push e-mail, absolutely, I'm sure you can justify the cost. But some random teenager? I think this is the entirely wrong direction for RIM.
Not exactly. The internet is something HUGE right now. BlackBerries are definitely about push email, but the use of a BlackBerry is just so much greater than a normal cellphone. For example, internet use is awesome and very quick. Thats part of the $85 plan you're paying. Its probably unlimited data plan? That means as much internet as you want and its FAST. That means you can use it as an internet source for your laptop! Which means you are connected... whereever you go =)
And of course, wireless synchronization with Outlook or Lotus Notes is definitely a good thing to have. And basically the many dozens of features the 8100 now has ie camera, music/video playback, calendars, text messaging. And of course, suretype is really good for those who are skeptical =) Its uber fast if your just using normal words. n nawt werds lyke deez.
is it really going to be $199? and is the 12th really going to the day it's available? i sure hope so. as i bought an 8700 for 30 days to try it out but want the 8100 so bad.
#10: Actually, many people already pay extra for data services on their mobile, and not just BB users.
Consider those who own a Treo, Q, or any other smart phone. Their data fee is no less than BB's.
Also, even text messaging costs extra, esp. for an unlimited bundle, which is what most would want.
Someday virtually all mobile users will want and pay extra for data services in addition to voice. It's just like in the home: at first you had only a voice line, now most homes have both voice and data, and gladly pay extra for that data connection.
Also, w/ regards to the Pearl, that will be coming out on T-Mo first, and their unlimited BB plan is only $19.99, which is pretty reasonable.
Bottom line: any smartphone buyer will pay extra for data...this new BB is no exception. But data is the way to go and will be the way to go for the future.
Thanks to BG. After all the info he has put out about this phone, especialy his last review, I will be in my local TMO store on the 19th.