Hands-on with BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8230 dummy phone

Last week Verizon announced the long-awaited BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8230 would be released June 19th for $129.99 after a $70 rebate with a 2-year contract. Other than the standard BlackBerry features, the Pearl Flip 8230 will have a 2MP camera with LED flash, SureType keyboard, microSDHC card slot with 16GB support, and two displays with the external one being able to view new messages. Since this is being sold by Verizon, it will also work with Visual Voice Mail ($2.99/month) and VZ Navigator ($9.99/month).

Today we were able to see a dummy unit of the Pearl Flip in person. We were impressed with the overall size and feel of the unit, as it geared to people who like the clamshell form-factor but also want a BlackBerry. Located on the front is the 2MP camera with flash and external display, which is approximately 1.7" diagonal in size.



On the left side is the 3.5mm headset jack with mute button and microUSB port, with the volume rocker and microSDHC card slot on the right.



Opening up the Pearl Flip shows the internal main display, which is approximately 2.5" diagonal, SureType keyboard, and familiar pearl track-ball.