One thing I've never seen rumored is an updated version of the Pearl. All the new BB models (except maybe the kickstart, but I'm not sure), use the full keyboard. I for one love the small keyboard on the Pearl, and I'm wondering if when mine finally dies, if there is a better one on the horizon, maybe with the Bold screen. Anyone heard anything?

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry 9000 4.6.0.67)

Kickstart is suretype, the Thunder is both suretype and full qwerty. It is unlikely that a new pearl will come out soon. Keep in mind it is going on a 4 year old design now.

Ugh, that's what I was afraid of. I don't like the clamshell idea, and I'm not a big fan of touchscreen typing. Guess I may have to get a Bold eventually.

I heard the Black Pearl was cursed

Har Har Har

The kickstart should be out soon.

the Kickstart, is actually going to be the new Pearl

Very disappointing to me. I really like the small form factor of the Pearl and have never really liked the clamshell design.

Same here, very disappointing :o(

I never liked flip phones. I really hope BB keeps the small form factor, non flip phone alive in future generations.

KS is just as small as the Pearl.

i cant imagine that RIM would be dropping the pearl lineup. It would be a step backwards in my opinion.

I admit I am looking forward to the kickstart but the pearl has a form factor that a lot of people like.

KS is as stated above the new pearl.
The concept of the pearl is great,its marketed towards the mainstream rather than the business industry,but there are of course fallbacks to the pearl.

Its gotta be the least reliable BB on the market.
Hopefully the kickstart will be better.

"Least reliable"?!?!? I haven't had a problem w/ mine yet.

Vehemently disagree with "least" reliable!! Have had no problems whatsoever so far...

Pfffft!!! The Pearl was VERY reliable for me. I've since switched to the Curve for reasons other than reliability.

Where do you people get your information??

Present opinions as opinions... don't try to pass them off as fact.

My Pearl is/was way more reliable than my curve. This is my fourth Curve in a year and my pearl is still kicking 3yrs now. It took way more abuse too. the curve is fragile Pearl bullet proof.

well, it'll figure that just when i get my pearl working the way i want, a newer and shinier model will come along.

yes, i'm fickle. i'm hoping to change that.

The original Pearl design isn't going anywhere. The KickStart is just another model joining the Pearl family. But I haven't heard about a refresh of the Pearl lineup. Not surprising though as introduction of a new model like the KickStart always takes precedence over refreshing the older models. What you WILL see is updates to the OS, on pace with updates for all the other BB models.

Having a good run with mine. must be lucky?

I don't think it's that the Pearl is the least reliable. In fact, I've had far fewer lag problems with the Pearl than I'm having with my 8830 right now.

In any event, the only place I saw the Pearl as inferior is that some applications crash it. I've noticed this more on the Pearl than the 8700 or 8830.

The kickstart was developed to resolve the pearl's single greatest reliability flaw - lint in the trackball, and phantom phoene calls. Most consumer users simply pocket their phones, and don't use clips or fancy cases. For them, a flip-phone has a built-in case, and solves these problems. Not a problem if you use a case though.

The only drawback I see to the kickstart is actually getting a case for it...I have never had a flip phone that had a decent case.

i got my pearl 4 years ago about a year ago i upgraded to the curve at that point in time she inherited my pearl. since she has had the pearl she has spilled beer on it left it in a rainstorm (for like 3 minutes) and dropped it in the toilet and it still works. she didn't have any kind of case or pouch or anything on her phone at the time either. so as far as i'm concerned the pearl is a pretty rough and rugged phone sounds reliable to me.