BlackBerry Pearl comes with Wi-Fi connectivity

The scoop: BlackBerry Pearl 8120, by Research in Motion, with AT&T service, about $200 (with two-year agreement, rebates, etc.). The 8120 is also available through T-Mobile.

What it is: RIM updated its BlackBerry Pearl line by adding Wi-Fi (802.11b/g) connectivity, which allows users to access data services through Wi-Fi networks, including enterprise networks, public hot spots and even home wireless networks. The device includes the same trackball navigation system present in the earlier Pearl models, and includes RIM’s SureType keyboard, which puts one or two letters on each key and then uses software to figure out what word the user is typing, as opposed to other models where one letter is on each key. Other features include a 2-megapixel digital camera (including video capture, 5x digital zoom and built-in flash), Web browser, media player and high-speed USB for transferring music, photos and other files from a computer to the device.

Why it’s cool: The Wi-Fi connectivity allows for faster downloads of e-mail and other data than the GSM/Edge network, so if you do a lot of downloading this is a better option than no Wi-Fi. RIM also did a good job by moving the microSD card slot to the outside of the device (instead of hiding it behind the battery faceplate), which allows for easier access to the card. This makes it easier to transfer multimedia files between the device and a PC. 

The BlackBerry Pearl series seems to be designed for consumers who want messaging functionality to be the primary role of their smartphone but also want to have multimedia features such as a music player, digital camera and Web browsing capabilities. Other smartphones that feature Web browsing or multimedia usually tack on messaging as an afterthought, so if your goal is to have great messaging capabilities but still have the other "fun stuff," the Pearl is worth a look.

Click to see: The BlackBerry Pearl 8120 now has Wi-Fi connectivity.

Some caveats: Enterprises might not like the digital camera function (images aren't top quality) or multimedia features, but this device isn’t really geared toward corporate users anyway. The SureType keyboard software takes some practice and can be really frustrating when trying to type non-English words like e-mail addresses. It also seems like the keys are getting smaller, making typing more difficult than on older BlackBerry models. Also, the Wi-Fi connectivity on the AT&T network didn’t seem to allow for voice calls over Wi-Fi, something that the T-Mobile version would allow through its HotSpot@Home offering.