Recently discovered images suggest RIM's new BlackBerry Pearl 9100 may become available with a full QWERTY keyboard. Well. This one came out of left field. In the wake of leaked images of what appears to be Research In Motion’s (RIM) first BlackBerry “slider” device, another interesting picture has surfaced, this time from Chinese cell-phone parts-retailer TrueSupplier. Full QWERTY Keyboard for the BlackBerry Pearl 9100?? The image looks like a replacement keyboard for RIM’s as-of-yet unannounced BlackBerry Pearl successor, the Pearl 9100. In fact, the image is labeled ” OEM Blackberry Pearl 9100 Keyboard Keypad Black.” This picture is note-worthy because it seems to suggest the BlackBerry Pearl, heretofore known for its “SureType” keyboard that squeezes multiple characters onto single keys to conserve space, will be available in a full QWERTY version—or maybe you’ll be able to switch out the keyboard for a full QWERTY? The pictured Pearl 9100 keyboard looks just like RIM’s popular “Bold-style” fretted keyboard, but it’s significantly thinner. It’s unclear if the BlackBerry Pearl 9100, which should be announced by RIM in the coming months, will be available in two versions: one with the traditional Pearl SureType keyboard; and another with the Bold-style, full QWERTY keypad. Early images of the Pearl 9100 show a SureType keypad, as might be expected. However, the TrueSupplier image does seem to suggest we’re about to see a whole new “flavor” of Pearl hit the market…or a “mini Bold”…or perhaps another BlackBerry device line, altogether. I’m familiar with TrueSupplier—I frequently purchase parts from the site. And it’s not at all uncommon to see replacement parts listed for unannounced BlackBerry devices. The same site also has number of cases listed for the Pearl 9100. I can’t vouch for the legitimacy of the TrueSupplier image—who knows, some joker could’ve posted fake images–but the keyboard sure does look legit to me. I’ve never been a fan of the Pearl SureType keyboard—I’m far too impatient to waste time fiddling with those keys and their associated predictive text software. So a full QWERTY for the Pearl 9100 would be a very welcome addition, at least from where I’m standing. AS Via @Raptor464 Related content events promotion Australia's CIO50 Team of the Year Awards finalists revealed Along with the unveiling of the annual CIO50 List and the team category winners, the 2023 CIO50 Awards will also recognise the inaugural Next CIO winner and a new Hall of Fame recipient. By Cathy O'Sullivan May 31, 2023 3 mins IDG Events brandpost API security: key to interoperability or key to an organization? Understanding the risks of using APIs and how to prepare to address those risks. By Keith Zelinski, Managing Director, Technology Consulting May 31, 2023 6 mins Digital Transformation brandpost Designing the campus of the future starts with high-quality 10 Gbps connectivity By Huawei May 31, 2023 4 mins Network Architect Networking Devices Networking brandpost How an Indian real-estate juggernaut keeps growing by harnessing the power of zero A South Indian real-estate titan is known for the infinite variety and impressive scale of its projects, but one of its most towering achievements amounts to nothing literally. By Michael Kure, SAP Contributor May 31, 2023 5 mins Digital Transformation Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe