Smartphones: Hands On with Verizon's RIM BlackBerry Pearl 8130

Published: October 3, 2007, 12:19 am

Tags: 8130, blackberry, cellphones, pearl, research in motion, rim, smartphones, verizon

Verizon Wireless showed me its eagerly anticipated CDMA Pearl today, and the carrier isn't going heavy handed on this one. Rather than try to VZW the hell out of it, the only software that Verizon will pre-load is VZ Navigator, making use of the 8130's built-in GPS. Otherwise, as you can see in the gallery, it's that familiar smooth Pearl interface all the way, but with crankin' EV-DO connectivity (but of course no Wi-Fi). Altec Lansing earphones shown in the photo will ship with it. The charging dock, as well as the rubber and leather cases, will sell separately. In addition to the tech specs we shared Monday, here are a few additional carrier-side confirmations: • Price is unannounced, but will be "competitive" with other Pearls—$150 to $250 with contract. • BlackBerry data plans are $45 on top of voice plans; an extra $15 will let you turn it into a 3G modem for your laptop. • The 3.5mm headphone jack may actually be compatible with many of the

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