Ok, So I'm bored with touch screen phones...Only use the internet occasionally, need email, Bored with silly Apps. Maybe would like navigation. Would the Blackberry pearl 3G give me what I want?
I don't want to use the BB email. Can I get my google calendar via an app on the Pearl?

Why would you be bored? Did you only get a touch screen phone as a novelty item? I thought they were for practicality.

Well I believe that phone has GPS like most these days, and I do believe the Google Calendar/Sync will work on it too.

I used the Alcatel OT-980 for a while (stopped using it because my partner gave me her old Motorola) which would seem to fit your needs.

It's a very basic Android phone with a slide-out QWERTY keypad and works with Google Mail and Calendar like every other Android.

However, it seems to have disappeared off the Carphone Warehouse website, so perhaps it's been discontinued?

Not really, I've had the iPhone since launch of 3G. My needs have changed since moving into touch screen phones and the uses I had for it are no longer required.
As you say it's for practicality, so I don't need all the fluff.
I'm still vain enough though to want a phone that looks OK and the Pearl is the only one of that design that comes close to my likes....

There is no google calendar app for blackberry.
only via the mobile website.

However you would need blackberry data to use internet [even if you don't want BB email] as it won't work on a generic data plan. that would cost extra.

I'd say go with any other make, that way you can use it on a generic data plan.

The good thing about an Android phone is that it can be exactly what you want it to be - and many of the more basic models can be had for the same price as a mid-range standard phone.

You don't need to install 500 toy apps on your phone if you don't want or need them - Android devices come from the factory as perfectly capable phones with push email and Google Apps support.

But if you find that you need additional functionality, the apps are there for your use. I don't have many apps at all on my Android, but to use a recent example, I installed the American Airlines one to keep track of a flight and check-in.

It's all about flexibility, which is something you lose either by going down the cheap feature-phone route, or heading upmarket to Blackberry.

I'm no longer wanting to pay a premium for a top end Android/iPhone and not use it to it's full potential, it would just be a waste IMO.


I don't think that is quite correct...

It's not quite correct. You will need a Blackberry data plan to use standard Blackberry browser, Push Mail, Blackberry Messenger and MMS. This doesn't stop you from setting up an APN and using Opera Mini or other.

Personally I would only go for a Blackberry if I thought I really needed to use what RIM brings uniquely, otherwise I'd use an Android with a flip out keyboard. It is a personal thing as I do like to pull out Mario Kart Super Circuit on GameBoid now and then. I use a (very cheap to obtain) G1 for this, my Hero stays at home. Don't think these are what you're looking for though....

Just go for the Bold 9780.

All round great phone. Not sure why you'd want a BlackBerry but not their internet service but hey ho.

I don't require their internet service because my network does not support it.
I am thinking of the the 3G because I like the look of it. As said, I'm bored with large touch screen phones.
I can't find anything out there in the same style that looks as good.