RIM launches BlackBerry Pearl 3G

The BlackBerry Pearl 3G comes with a traditional mobile phone keypad

Research In Motion (RIM) has launched the BlackBerry Pearl 3G, its smallest model to date and the first to feature a traditional mobile phone keypad.

The handset measures just 50mm wide and weighs only 93g, but manages to cram in a 3.2-megapixel camera, GPS, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and a large, high-resolution screen.

It features an optical trackpad for navigation, supports up to 32GB of personal content and holds a microSD/SDHD memory card slot that supports up to 32GB cards.

The 9100 model features a 20-key condensed Qwerty keyboard and the 9105 model features a 14-key traditional phone keyboard, said RIM.

"We think the new BlackBerry Pearl 3G addresses a substantial market opportunity," said Mike Lazaridis, RIM president and co-chief executive.

"It allows consumers to upgrade their traditional mobile phone to a full-featured, easy-to-use and fashionable 3G BlackBerry smartphone that supports BlackBerry Messenger and many other apps while maintaining a handset design and layout that is familiar and comfortable."

RIM is also likely to reveal the BlackBerry Bold 9650 later today, according to a report on TheStreet, which refers to information from RIM's public relations team.

The announcements coincide with RIM's WES 2010 conference taking place in Orlando, Florida.