I got the 8700g b/c it was my first and I wanted a full keyboard .
Now 3 months later I am wondering if I did the right thing , if the pearl was better b/c it was smaller + camera/ music. Any opinions? on what is the better choice? Just wondering if I did the right thing

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8700/4.2.1 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/125)

Have you even tried a pearl? I hate the pearl as the keyboard is just too small for me. But if the keyboard is not a problem, then I would suggest the pearl, as rim won't support 8700 after os 4.5, and pearl will be supported long after os 4.5.

It's all what you like. If you got the 8700g, you got it for a reason. You liked it, I assume. The Pearl's keyboard is too small for me. I like the full keyboard more.

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8700/4.2.1 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/100)

It is all a matter of preference. I have the 8700g and my brother has the pearl, I prefer using the 8700 due to the larger screen and full keyboard. Plus, my reception seems to be better than his whenever we are together. I wouldn't use the camera since I have a better digital than they will ever integrate into a phone/pda/BB.

I love my 8700 and won't switch this thing out until it craps out on me.

have you looked at the curve? best of both worlds.

I actually prefer the keyboard on the Pearl - I can type LOTS faster on the smaller keyboard than I can on a full keyboard.

They both have their pros and cons. If you plan to do a lot of texting/emailing, then get the device that has the keyboard you like.

I bought the Pearl the day it came out and used it for about 2 months and sold it. Didn't like the keyboard, the trackball or the screen size. Bought a Curve the day it came out. Sold it last month. Still didn't like the trackball. I just picked up an 8700g and like it more than either of the other two. I never used the media player even though I had a 4gb card in it with music and movies. I never use a camera on any phone except when I had the iPhone. The 8700 has a good screen for web browsing, a good keyboard and still has the click wheel which I love...

Sorry for the long post...

Yeah, you're right onderd. Clickwheel rules!

I had a 7130 and the keyboard (which is like the pearl I think) was horrible, I wasn't able to type a short message under a minute. If the media-thing is no aspect for you the 8700 is the best choice... else look at the curve.

I'm wondering the same thing myself. I have a Pearl now, but just ordered the 8700g online last night. I had a 7100 before this Pearl (my second one to have) and I have to admit, I do miss the full keyboard. I am a constant emailer, and I find that the larger keyboard is easier to use. But they both have so many pros and cons, you just have to figure out which one feature you like the most.

Pearl Pros:
Expandable memory
Smaller size (easier to fit in pocket)
Trackball (though some don't care for it)
Media apps (camera, media player, etc)
OS supported by RIM after last OS release

8700g Pros:
Full keyboard
Much more durable (from what I've heard and seen from my Pearls)
Click wheel
Larger screen

the 8700 for me thanks, l've tried the pearl and not to my liking. the full keyboard of the 8700 makes it very hard to beat if you write long emails constantly. l've had mine 2 years now and growl these days when someone asks me when l might buy a modern phone, one that takes pictures.
l use a 10 megapixel camera for that.
The only + l could give the pearl is the expandable memory, the 8700 could really use that.

The 8700 is a great phone! I miss it, but I was wanting expandable memory and camera, so I went with the curve. I'd go with the 8700 before the pearl anyday.

My BlackBerry evolution has gone thusly:
7100t to 8703e to 8130

My favorite so far has been the 8130.

I like the media, the size, and the ability to type one-handed.

-simpson