I've done a search and have seen that some people have loose cables or missing pins in the usb port, but neither of these is my problem. The only way I can get my pearl to show up in desktop manager is by pulling the battery and plugging it in without touching it otherwise. Once i ran an application or check a message I'll have to pull the battery again to get it to connect. I'm wondering if this is a common problem or if I should go exchange the phone before my 14 days are up. I have the latest version of the software downloaded directly from RIM's site.

Wirelessly posted (8700g: BlackBerry8800/4.2.1 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102 UP.Browser/5.0.3.3)

Do you have your BB plugged directly in the PC's chassis USB port, or into hub? Make sure it is plugged directly into the PC. Confirm you have the latest issue of Desktop Manager ver 4.2, Service Pack 2.

The Version I have installed is 4.2.2.14 [Apr 26 2007] and it includes the roxio media stuff. I am also plugging it directly into the pc and not through a hub. I guess this is a problem other people aren't seeing.

Here's a related question, if I exchange the device, can i just restore from my backup when i get the new phone or are the backups tied to the specific device in some way?

I would try reloading your Phone OS one more time before you take it back. It doesn't sound like a very common problem, so a reload may take care of the problem. If it doesn't work, then definitely exchanging isn't a bad idea.

Thanks guys, I tried reloading the OS and there was no difference so I've packed it up in its coffin to go back to the store tommorow. thanks alot for your help, hopefully the next one will be problem free.