I switched from Samsung SPH-i700 Windows Mobile based phone to this one, and I was a little nervous because I was so used to all the features of Windows Mobile (calendar, tasks, etc.) with a full virtual keyboard and handwriting recognition. Once I used the Pearl for a few days, I couldn't be happier! I switched from Verizon to T-Mobile, and haven't noticed any difference in service either. Now I have owned Pearl for over 3 months, and have traveled to some very remote areas in California, but haven't had any trouble whatsoever. I even used the NAVTEQ GPS service with the phone (using a Holux puck), which was fine too.I like the BlackBerry Desktop Manager a lot better than ActiveSync to sync up my phone with my Outlook data. Also I can do it wirelessly via Bluetooth which is very convenient. I plug in my phone in the breakfast area and my main computer is about 40 feet away with 3 walls and two large areas in between, but it connects every single time without a problem.My only big complain with the Pearl is that I can't snooze my appointment reminders for longer times. Only three options are 5 mins, 10 mins., and Dismiss. With my Samsung I could snooze my reminders for days if needed, which was quite convenient. For example, I would setup a reminder for my wife's birthday a week before the event. When I saw the reminder, I would snooze it for a week (actual event day). This would give me enough time to shop for a present, and I would get reminded on the day of the event also. I really miss that functionality.Another minor complain is that the battery cover is very flimsy. This is however not a problem for me because I use the phone with a belt clip that keeps the cover in place.While I am at it another complain is that the headphone jack is a non-standard one. I have to use an adapter in order to use my regular headphones. I would like RIM to improve this in the next version of the product.While you probably won't find a "perfect" multi-purpose phone ever, this one comes pretty close.