AT A GLANCE:

• Optical trackpad
• Blackberry maps preinstalled (Sat Nav)
• High-res 360x400 screen display
• 36 hours battery life (medium use)

Yes – it's a real BlackBerry.

With the Pearl 3G, you're getting everything that makes BlackBerry great ... except for the Qwerty keyboard. The smaller packaging does not mean a slower processor or fewer features. You'll find the same Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity, comprehensive media player, GPS, 3.2-megapixel camera, and optical trackpad that you'd expect from, say, the BB Bold 9700.

It also has the familiar ease of use for social networking, plus the all-powerful BlackBerry email and messaging.

The numeric keyboard is a real downer.

There's no getting away from it – this phone's biggest disadvantage is its numeric keypad. BlackBerry has introduced SureType predictive text technology to overcome this problem, but it will never be as good as a Qwerty keypad. BlackBerry has become synonymous with fast and easy typing for business use, although the Pearl is being marketed as more of a recreational device. But even someone like me, who is not umbilically attached to an office all day, appreciates being able to compose emails, messages, SMSes and tweets with ease.

The SureType does improve with familiarity and use, but it remains an irritation in itself. It was a relief to get back to a Qwerty keypad.

Any other niggles?

If one were to be hyper-critical, the in-call sound is not quite as clear as some other phones I've used, although I experienced no dropped calls or loss of signal. The outer casing is also not particularly robust, especially at the back. I got the impression that too much fiddling around with the battery might cause the cover to crack.

Is there a girly angle?

The phone is extremely small, lightweight and portable. It is pretty to look at, and hugely desirable, thanks to BlackBerry's genius 'Waiting for Pearl' advertising campaign. You will make your friends pea-green with envy.

Turn ons:

• Super-fast processor
• Long battery life
• High desirability factor
•  All the power of the mighty BlackBerry

Turn offs:

• Numeric keypad
• SureType predictive text that is at once useful and annoying
• Fragile casing
• Occasional loss of in-call sound clarity