T-Mobile, the first carrier to sell the original BlackBerry Pearl, is now carrying RIM's latest BlackBerry Pearl model, the 8120. Most significantly, the new BlackBerry is not just Wi-Fi enabled, but it uses that technology to allow users to make a receive calls through T-Mobile's HotSpot @Home service, which offers unlimited, nationwide calling over any Wi-Fi connection.
T-Mobile is the only one of the four major U.S. carriers to offers such a service. It is also the mobile operator with the largest Wi-Fi hotspot presence in this country - by a country mile - and the only one of the big four not to have a 3G presence. This should change in the near future, however, as T-Mobile is supposedly close to, finally, launching a high-speed cellular-wireless data network.
HotSpot @Home is a dual-mode service based on Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) technology. This allows users to seamlessly switch voice calls and data connections between a Wi-Fi and cellular connection, depending on which is available and most cost effective at a particular moment.
For example, a user can be on a cellular-call, using the minutes from their mobile plan, but when they walk into their home or in range of a T-Mobile hotspot, the call is automatically moved over to Wi-Fi without interruption, saving those and possibly improving reception. The same would happen while streaming audio over T-Mobile's EDGE network on the data side, for instance.
In addition to Wi-Fi , the Pearl 8120 sports an updated user interface with new font rendering technology and graphic enhancements, according to RIM.
And, as with past Pearls, the new one integrates a keyboard/keypad hybrid supported by RIM's SureType technology. A keyboard system that now includes better word completion, in addition to a spell checker and a user-customizable dictionary.
The BlackBerry browser is also improved, and features a new page view option that allows users to point and zoom in on specific areas of a Web page - a la the iPhone Safari browser or the popular Opera Mini browser.
On the multimedia front, the Pearl 8120’s media player can handle full-screen video playback and its got a 2 megapixel camera with 5x zoom for both picture and video. Listen to music through wirelessly through stereo Bluetooth headsets or with a wired headset connected through the new Pearl's 3.5 mm stereo headphone jack.
A microSD/SDHC memory card slot allows you to boost memory capacity by many gigabytes. And support for high speed (10 MB/s) USB)let's you transfer content quickly between a desktop and the Pearl 8120.
RIM’s latest Pearl model measures only 4.2 x 2.0 x 0.55 inches and weighs a mere 3.2 ounces.
The Pearl 8120 is available in a new titanium-colored finish from T-Mobile. It goes for $350, but can be had for $150 after an instant discount, a mail-in rebate, and when you sign up for certain monthly voice and data plans.
AT&T, which has been carrying this BlackBerry for a little while already, offers the Pearl 8120 for $199.99 with a two-year contract and when you sign up for an unlimited data and $39.99 voice plan.
More on HotSpot @Home
Since T-Mobile HotSpot @Home is based on Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) technology, it can seamlessly switch calls between a Wi-Fi and cellular connection, depending on which is available and most cost effective at a particular moment. So a user can be on a cellular-call, using the minutes from their mobile plan, but when they walk into their home or in range of a T-Mobile hotspot, the call is automatically moved over to Wi-Fi without interruption, saving those and possibly improving reception.
Users can make unlimited Wi-Fi calls for an additional $10 a month for an individual or $20 a month for up to five lines on a family plan to an existing T-Mobile phone account. Voice over Wi-Fi calls can be made at T-Mobile's more than 8,000 hotspots and your home, through an access point connected to your broadband Internet service.
T-Mobile offers a router for $50 that is free after a mail-in rebate. The service will work with any router, however, so it is not necessary buy T-Mobile's if you already own one. However, the operator says its router provides better service and longer battery life.
Unlike most voice over IP (VoIP) services, T- HotSpot @Home has the advantage of supporting a single phone number for both cellular and Wi-Fi phone calls. It also promises to deliver better phone service to areas where cell phones do not work well or at all.
HotSpot @Home is an attractive option for those who'd prefer to do without a landline phone, but are concerned about getting cell phone signal at home.
