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The Pearl comes with BlackBerry Messenger, an easy to use BlackBerry-to-BlackBerry threaded IM client but AT&T and RIM havent included instant messaging clients for other services, alas. If you visit the BlackBerry messaging web page, you can download IM clients for other services such as Yahoo and GoogleTalk you must use Internet Explorer on the desktop to download the software-- sorry Mac users. Like most mobile phones, the BlackBerry 8120 supports SMS text messages and MMS messages. The T-Mobile version of the 8120 has the IM clients pre-installed. The BlackBerry web browser has become quite capable, and the 8120s browser is improved from the original Pearls. If youve used the BlackBerry Curve and BlackBerry 8800s web browser, youll be right at home. There are 3 settings or configurations for WiFi, general Internet and WAP browsing. Some settings are turned off that youll probably want on, like HTML table support. Theres an option to turn on Javascript and even Javascript pop-ups, but as with other BlackBerry phones, we found that Javascript often stymied and stalled the browser. Theres a desktop layout thats similar to the ThunderHawk and Nokia S60 browser with a page overview and magnifying glass to zoom in to a readable section of the web page. The browser is pretty good, though it still cant compete with the Safari-based Nokia S60 and iPhone browsers. That said, it does a better job than the Palm OS web browser and may have an edge over Windows Mobiles standard IE Mobile. Horsepower Nothing new here-- the usual XScale 312MHz processor with 64 megs of Flash memory for storage. There are approximately 17 megs of storage free for your use and you can expand that using microSD cards. New is support for SDHC cards greater than 2 gigs in capacity and RIM has tested the device with cards up to 8 gigs the largest commonly available capacity and we tested it with a 4 gig card. The Pearl 8120 is responsive and quick as are most BlackBerry smartphones. Battery Just as with the original Pearl, the 8120 has a 900mAh Lithium Ion battery. Thats a little low for a device with WiFi and push email, and when we left WiFi on and connected to an access point while in the office during the day, battery drain was significant. With a few short calls, 10 minutes of video playback, 30 minutes of music playback over Bluetooth stereo headphones, 30 minutes of web access and BlackBerry BIS email on, the battery was down to 50% by days end. AT&T claims 4 hours of talk time which seems on target if WiFi isnt active. Software The Pearl 8120 has the usual assortment of BlackBerry software including a very capable PIM suite with calendar, contacts, notes and tasks, web browser, email, SMSMMS, BlackBerry Messaging, an alarm clock, calculator, extensive online help, password keeper, voice recorder, Voice Signal voice dialing, Brick Breaker the usual BlackBerry game and the media player. AT&T adds their usual assortment of applications, though some are new to the BlackBerry. These are Music ID recognizes songs and tells you the title and artist for a monthly fee, TeleNav free maps and directions, GPS voice guidance costs $9.99month and requires an external Bluetooth GPS, Streaming Music XM Radio Mobile from MobiTV which requires a monthly fee and apps to purchase and download applications and music.