After getting the CURVE for myself, which I love, I would like to get a BlackBerry for my wife. She doesn't do much typing, she would mostly use it as a phone and web device... Maps she will also use....

I think that the Pearl would be the best for her, but she doen't need it right away.... what is the probability that in the next 4 months a Pearl update will occur??? If it makes any difference, she currently has a T-Moby contract with another 12 months.... it would be best if she could stay with T-Moby.

it been since november or sept that the pearl came out and they still havent relessed a upgrade so i dont think any time soon

I've read rumours that pearl will be updated in the autumn ala curve spec.

She should stay with Tmob, she can get unlimited data for $20/month, least in the industry (VZN is $45). I think the pearl will stay the same because of its slimmer profile compared to the other BBs. That's what put it on the map in the first place (and suretype). The fact that RIM has come out with 2 models since shows they are trying to appease other customers who want the full keyboard/slightly bigger screen. I think the pearl has its niche and that won't change in the near future.

The (rumor) info I have is that the Pearl 2 will be out before the end of the year. Same form factor, simply lots of little improvements which will ad up to a big improvement in the phone. Functionality and build quality are all being focused on.