[jrdul6748]

I just don't see why you would want the thumbwheel when it's limited to only one axis, unlike the trackball. Sorry, I'm all about innovation.

[Lucky#Slevin]

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8100/4.2.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/100)

I'm new to the BB world but and I love the trackball but the only turn off for me is no FM radio no infrared and no vast 3rd party apps ala s60 devices I would like a camcorder for the blackberry to record unlimited video and I be set

[jrdul6748]

Originally Posted by Lucky#Slevin

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8100/4.2.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/100)

I'm new to the BB world but and I love the trackball but the only turn off for me is no FM radio no infrared and no vast 3rd party apps ala s60 devices I would like a camcorder for the blackberry to record unlimited video and I be set

Bluetooth > IR.

[alche]

First of all, trackball is at least "technically" a big innovation and is probably the best navigation element placed on a phone so far. Of course it takes some getting used to, but hey, wheel took the same when you first bought your 8700. That was a little easier then, cause it was the first one to learn. It is always harder to replace a habbit than getting a new one.

As mentioned earlier, besides everything else, trackball gives you the ability to move all directions, not only up an down.

I owned a 7130e before and have not missed even one thing of the 7130 since I got my pearl.

Perfectly sized, beautifuly designed, logically equipped...

Its all I needed, and I am very happy with my purchase... (and if the RIM stock keeps going like it currently does, I will be even more happy )

[Lucky#Slevin]

Originally Posted by jrdul6748

Bluetooth > IR.

Well the reason why I would like IR is to play jokes on people on my 6600,6630 I Had IR remote control it was fun especially people that didnt know I could turn off the tv or on that shiet was hilarious they were like wtf is going on with my t.v i couldnt hold it that shiet was fun I only the BB had IR

[SanFrancisco]

I have been using trackball mice for years, all made by Logitech. [See below]. So when the Pearl came out with a trackball, I was all for it.

And actually, many jetliners, ships, tanks and weapon platforms use trackballs to perform various functions.

Jog dials, wheels, etc. are outdated, truth be told.

My glowing pearl makes navigating up and down the screen or over certain text way easier than with the wheel, where I had to hold down a combination of keys and move the wheel to perform functions.

I don't miss my old Blackberry wheels at all.

[BB8100]

As a very heavy 8700 user (80-125 emails per day) and a now Pearl user I would like to suggest that you give the track ball a chance. I too was very hesitant about the track ball but after 10 days I loved it and I have had the phone for 4 weeks (before official introduction) but really enjoy and am happy using the Pearl. In addition, the terrific screen clarity and the really phenomenal Suretype with its ability to learn and incorporate your vocabulary plus voice dialing have made this a real go to device. I also find the size more practical for using on the run or driving, as it can be onehanded much more easily. I also think the build quality is better than the 8700 by a long shot. The plastic does not creak and there have been no dust issues. I think you might want to give it another shot. I also recommend espell if you need a spell checker. All the above is JMHO

[acnst]

Originally Posted by mortys11

ok
do you prefer the ball? really?

I do not prefer the ball nor the wheel, I like both

[SmurfBerry]

I like the ball and the wheel. I have the Pearl and is innovative yet still a businessmans BB. They did a great job engineering this thing and with some small CONS, it is the best thing since sex.

[poiuytman]

Originally Posted by mortys11

the biggest problem was when you push the ball it doesnt really click.

I also noticed this when I got the Pearl, that the ball-button was kinda squishy and shallow. But after two or three days of usage, it felt much better. It just needs to "break in". At first the tiny ball was hurting my thumb, and I was having trouble telling if I was actually pressing it, but once it loosened up, the spring mechanism became a lot softer and it felt like an actual button.

When I had to exchange my unit for an unrelated reason two weeks later, I noticed the same "break-in" period for the trackball. I'm guessing it's not a fluke.

The ball never really clicks like the trackwheel did. But once it loosens up, the button gains more depth and provides decent tactile feedback.

[Wavshrdr]

I was somewhat skeptical at first about how the trackball would be. Now I am a total convert. I could never go back to the track wheel. Why would I want a sing axis device? I can scroll so much faster through contacts than I could with the trackwheel. I breeze through the apps screen much faster too. It is like having a mouse on your BB.

More I use the 8100, the more I realize what a well thought-out device it is. Sure there a few bugs in the software but aside from that I’ve never enjoyed a PDA or phone so much. Give me video recording, 2MP camera (with a better flash), external micro SD card slot and an option for a bigger battery and I’d be set for a long time.

Day to day usage this thing is outstanding. Super bright and sharp display, decent battery life and that trackball is just awesome. I tried my 7100 again and I couldn’t deal with it after using the 8100.

Try the trackball for a bit and you'll see what I mean. Would you like a PC without a mouse (or trackball)?

[brmcguire]

I just noticed that my Apple mouse has almost the same size trackball as the Pearl. It also gives me up/down/left/right pan movement. I am really liking the trackball more and more. It's a good concept, especially on a Blackberry.

Apple - Mighty Mouse

[sammie777a]

did you notice any speed differences when running applications?
s7

[WIKID3]

Originally Posted by SmurfBerry

I like the ball and the wheel. I have the Pearl and is innovative yet still a businessmans BB. They did a great job engineering this thing and with some small CONS, it is the best thing since sex.

Now that is a ringing endorsement!!!

[eph1zzle]

well my personal phone is a ppc 6700, so never having a bb before ive had a big switch going from a wm5 phone to a bb (because my boss feels it so necessary to have the latest and greatest tech) one thing ive notice is how much bigger my 6700 is after holding the 8100........ But my boss being the tech freak he is well be a good thing when the 8800 comes out ....