I am a VZW 8703 user and have been so excited to get a VZW Pearl. I couldn't take it any longer and went down to Cingy and got one to use for the trial period. I returned it over the weekend after my test drive. Boy am i glad i did this. My two biggest take aways: 1) the build quality feels VERY plastic and breakable. I am not abnormally hard on cellphones but I was constantly worried about the slightest bump somehow damaging the phone. This might not be reality but it sure feels that way in your hand.(and this is not just because it is smaller, I understand the Pearl will feel lighter then an 8700, but we all know that feeling when you pick up a phone. It either feels "solid" or "cheap". I felt it was certainly on the cheap feeling side) 2) This was the bigger issue for me, the OS? seems slow. The frequency of the spinning hour glass was surprising. Night and day difference from the 8703e.

Everyone has their own opinions and many will not agree with mine. But I am thankful I took this test drive. I think now the 8830 has my attention, at least until I can get my hands on it