The processor on the Flip sucks. It dates back 5 years when RIM wasn't running such a bloated OS...and now that it is, it's slow as all hell.

So when do we get the new Bold/Storm CPU in a Flip? Or hell, I'd even go back to the Pearl if they gave it a faster CPU...

You have to assume we are going to see a 3g update to the pearl at some point, its the only form factor of the 4.5 devices that hasn't had a higher end update since it came out. However, since the original pearls don't seem to be getting in on any 5.0 action, there does seem to be a gap in their range to be filled.

It might just be that carriers haven't shown any interest in a new one, but one possible technical reason why we haven't seen a major upgrade to the range yet might be battery life.

I doubt rim would want to release either a bulkier device or one with noticeably worse battery life due to the additional features, especially since it is a form factor that is most likely to appeal to heavy phone users.

Never! Flip devices are simply gimmick devices.

If you want gimmicks, get a touchscreen.

The Flip is practical. Doesn't butt-dial, and the keyboard is much larger than the Pearl making it very usable. Very good for DWT (driving while texting) as well.

What kind of woman keeps their phone in their back pocket? I've never 'butt dialed' and the keys on the pearl are plenty big to to use, they're way bigger than the keys on the full-sized devices. Driving and texting without looking at the keyboard's very easy with a regular pearl.

Their are rumored Pearl 2 devices for the 2009-2010, with 3G but we haven't seen anything solid yet.