RIM BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220

The Pearl Flip sports the new BlackBerry OS 4.6, same basic build as the new BlackBerry Bold. The most obvious improvement about the OS is the new wire frame default aesthetic theme. Though nice, the real benefits of the new OS lay elsewhere, though. Sheet To GoA quick jaunt to the Applications folder reveals a full suite of Microsoft Office like applications, known as DataViz Documents To Go.

The suite comprised of Word To Go, Sheet to Go, and Slideshow to Go is essentially mobile versions of their desktop counterparts which allow you to view, edit, save, and share documents of their respective types. For most users, being able to edit and resend an incoming document will be all the functionality you'll need, especially given the Pearl Flip's smaller screen.

However, if you want to create new documents and access more advanced editing options, you'll need the upgraded premium version, which costs $70.

As a bonus, this version comes with the PDF To Go viewer. The Pearl Flip also features a voice recorder and video recorder, in addition to the standard memo pad, task list, calculator, calendar, voice dialing, and password keeper.

Continuing through the Applications folder, you are treated to a selection of games.

The old standby, Brick Breaker, gets some aesthetic makeovers, but remains largely unchanged and largely unbeatable beyond the 30th level (amateur).

To enhance your leisure time or procrastination experience is Word Mole, an interactive search game, Texas Hold'Em, Sudoku, Klondike Solitaire, and Typer Trooper, which makes learning to type as much fun as it was in junior high. The call quality on the Pearl Flip was consistently satisfactory. A nice feature that this device incorporates is the ability to enhance the call quality by adjusting or enhancing the bass and treble during calls.

The user's selection will be saved and applied to subsequent calls. While making calls over Wi-Fi, the calls seemed to have a slightly higher quality it seemed easier to hear the other caller. Callers reported the device delivered good, consistent, clear sound quality as well. The in call features such as conferencing etc. are arranged differently than in other BlackBerry's, so there is a little bit of re-learning for you power users to do, though nothing too distracting.