RIM’s BlackBerry Pearl 8100 created a lot of market entry buzz, not only for it’s attractive style and compact size for a smart phone but also, for being the first BlackBerry to offer a camera and integrated media player. The BlackBerry Pearl is a well rounded list of features for a smart phone which, as well as the camera and media player mentioned, includes wireless email, web browser, organizer, corporate data access, text messaging (SMS and MMS) and expandable memory (via a microSD card).

The BlackBerry Pearl 8100 is the first BlackBerry to come with a map application, BlackBerry Maps. However, it doesn’t come with an integrated GPS receiver. If you would like to add GPS functionality to the BlackBerry Pearl, the solution is to purchase a Bluetooth USGlobalSat GPS Receiver. This will enable the utilization of location-based services (LBS) which are continuing to be developed for increased productivity for mobile staff and consumers in general. Recent developments, such as the release of WHERE by uLocate, will ensure that GPS applications are developed quicker and released with greater frequency in the future. uLocate, a comparative veteran of new location-based software application industry, launched, WHERE, the first free, wireless GPS widget programming platform able to work across multiple phones and carriers.

The USGlobalSat GPS features include:

• SiRF Star III GPS receiver recognized for its speed, low power consumption and high sensitivity for GPS signal acquisition in weak signal areas such as built-up or heavily foliaged areas ;
• built-in ceramic patch antenna for improved GPS satellite signal acquisition;
• Support for WAAS and EGNOS Satellite-based Augmentation Systems for more accurate positioning;
• Up to 11 hours battery life in continuous mode with 4-5 hour recharge times;
• Power-saving mode to power down the receiver after 10 minutes of inactivity;
• Bluetooth operational range of 10 meters (33 feet) and
• Included AC/DC chargers.

User Reviews and Price Comparisons

BlackBerry Pearl 8100 Smartphone Sapphire (T-Mobile)

BlackBerry Pearl 8100 Smartphone Black (T-Mobile)

BlackBerry Pearl 8100 Smartphone Ruby (T-Mobile)

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BlackBerry Maps Features Include:

• Interactive maps allowing panning in four directions and zooming;
• Compatibility with other BlackBerry applications — send maps via email and launch maps from other applications, including viewing the home or work address of contacts from your address book on a map;
• Ability to save locations as Points of Interest (POI) for future reference;
• Route planning with step-by-step instructions;
• Compatibility with a Bluetooth enabled GPS receiver for automatic plotting of your current location, tracking and route guidance;
• Optimization for BlackBerry smartphones for fast loading times and efficient data usage;
• Dynamicly re-drawn maps for faster map re-draws so you can pan, zoom and rotate maps quickly and
• Compatibility with current wireless network so that there is not need to switch carriers

Technorati Tags: BlackBerry Pearl, BlackBerry Pearl 8100, USGlobalSat GPS, uLocate, location-based software