Just got a Blackberry Pearl 3G (9105?) for Mum, and actually, I rather like it.
Simple, easy to use & syncs with all the email accounts she wants. The screen is clear, bright and seemingly readable at all angles - and the optical trackpad a doddle to use. Additionally, with the T9 keypad, she feels at home coming from her previous Nokia, so that is at least one hurdle overcome.
The OS itself (my Phone, and the OS I have most experience of is an Android handset - the HTC Desire) seems well laid out, and the setup process was painless - always a good start with a new bit of kit. The much fabled connection issues don't seem to be a problem for me at the moment, and email is working fine. Absolutely no interest in BBM as I won't be using it, however, so not tried that part. At the moment, I'm finding it very hard not to like.
So I did wonder, what is all the fuss about? The media seem intent on reporting Blackberry's imminent downfall due to out of date handsets and the current transient technical problems. Yes, its not the multimedia device that the iPhone or latest Android handset is, but as far as I can tell, this one at least is not aimed at that market. I've found this one a decently specified handset, and on the price plan I've got it on - a bit of a bargain (Phone was free on a £15.50/month plan which includes 300 minutes, unlimited texts & internet, BB Services and a Vodafone SureSignal thrown in).
What's not to like?