nate’s naraku, the blahog

in short: it is awesome, even without the BB data plan - sprint has been unable to add to my account for me.
(note: sprint CS on the whole, sucks ass. however, once in awhile you will get through to some great people; really depends on the time of day.)

I have a pre-existing data plan on my account that “conflicts” and will not allow BB data on top or instead of. cest la ve ~ no +$30/month for sprint… besides not being able to use the BB browser/messenger/maps, I am cool with the data plan I have now. it allows me (via BB’s underlying built-in TCP stack) I am able to use all these cool (nate’s naraku approved) free apps:

• google maps (takes advantage of the GPS unit in the phone; freaking awesome) - 4.5 out of 5
• gmail - 5 out of 5
• yahoo go - 3.5 out of 5
• opera mini - 4 out of 5
• jivetalk (has a 30 day free trial, then it’s $15 - well worth it IMO) - 5 out of 5

other than a few issues loading apps on the phone by USB (one “big” key is getting them without the use of the BB browser - use this user agent switcher firefox add on to fool google & yahoo into letting you download) all is swell.

battery life could be better, but is definitely acceptable. on a heavy usage day I can run down to the red, but I generally charge everynight anyhow. and the fact that you can use a universal usb charger makes charging on the go an unfettered snap.

here is a neat side-by-side tech spec compare of the RIM BB Pearl and the Apple iPhone.

my new BB pearl replaces the former samsung a900 which I reviewed over two years ago - it had a great run.

it gets better and better as now my blackberry serves as a modem for my laptop on my commute. check out how I teathered it to linux via bluetooth here.

last updated: 8/15/08