I have used atleast 15 different phones over the last 12 years both in India as well as abroad. It included simple black display phones in the beginning to advanced smarphones like Nokia N70 and E62 towards 2006 and 2007. I could compare and recognize the quality difference between major brands by temporarily exchanging phones with friends and collegues whenever new models launched in the market.
I am a blackberry die-hard fan since beginning of 2008 till date, although many latest phones(including touch-screen models) rocked the market since many months. I didnt shift my sincere attachment to blackberry pearl even when i-phone was launched here. My blackberry model is Pearl 8120. Now I will explain the reasons why I chose this model.
1) Excellent, sleek and sexy handset with an addictive feel and compact size.(It could be the smallest reliable smartphone available in the market)
2) The only Wi-Fi enabled bar model in the Pearl series.
3) Sure-type keys which is very easy and user-friendly for a business user.
4) Very light weighted(around 110 grms) and fits into any pocket.
5) Cute leather pouch which enables key-lock on inserting the handset.
6) Blackberry browser, bluetooth, yahoo messenger, msn messenger, google talk and map.
7) Call voice bass/treble boosting options.
8) Voice recorder, Image/ Video camera.
9) Password keeper(acts like a bank safety locker for all the secret codes and passwords)
And there might be many more reasons for me to like this model. Some of the points noted above are common for blackberry models too. Now, how it helped me over the last months with a blackberry unlimited plan from Airtel(Rs.899/- per month).
1) Instant delivery of all my emails to the handset with attachments viewing facility of all common formats, which also includes replying to any mail by chosing any mail ID as sender.
2) Yahoo/ MSN/ Google/ Blackberry Messengers and BB Browser, all could be logged in same time without any speed issue or freezing of the handset.
3) Google map helped me a lot while travelling even to the interiors of Karnataka as the blue dot keeps following majority of the roads in the state.
I faced some issues with my Airtel SIM card and the customer support did not resolve my issues on time, therefore I cancelled all my BB services and even went to the extend of unlocking my handset from airtel. Presently I am using a vodafone SIM on my blackberry and will soon be subscribing to vodafone blackberry service. Inspite of all the support issues I had with airtel, my blackberry handset remained free of any troubles till today. So, I would think 3 times before I move to another mobile handset. As I have nothing to complain about this model, why should I even think about a new one?
Updated on 1st May 2009: Presently I am subscribed to Vodafone 299 blackberry plan which is called Prosumer Lite. It gives unlimited email(upto 10 emails can be configured) instant delivery to the handset and sending. It also allows Yahoo, Hotmail, Google and Blackberry Messenger usage. Only difference from the 899 unlimited plan is the lack of browser permissions. People who dont browse on the phone finds this plan the best and economical. Now Airtel and Vodafone have this 299 plan.