lori, you should make sure you're comfortable with the "2 letters on one key" configuration on the Pearl. BlackBerry has a nifty little program that learns what you type, but it can be trying during the learning process.

I have a BlackBerry 7130e for work and a Treo 650 as my personal cell. For push email, calendar and contacts, nothing beats the CrackBerry. I prefer the web browser on the Treo, but that's about it. At least for me, the Treo's keys are too small, the speakerphone sucks, and the call quality isn't great. I may just have a bum phone.

The screen on the 8703e is awesome. Very crisp and clear, and it's larger than the one on the 7130e. The form factor is not as pretty as the Pearl's, but I wouldn't count it out, especially if you want a large screen.

Edit:

Is it worth holding out for the iPhone, or is that likely doomed to backorders and growing pains for awhile?

The iPhone is only going to be available through Cingular at this point. From what you posted as your choices, it looks like you're a Verizon Wireless customer. Cingular is a GSM carrier and VZW is CDMA--their phones are not interchangeable.

As far as I can tell, the only difference between the Treo 680 and 700p is that the 700p has an antenna sticking out of it.

And the 700p is more expensive on most plans. Feature-wise, I can't tell the difference either.

I really like my Razr, but it isn't the ideal phone if you are doing a lot of texting/typing...

The first three on that list are Cingular, the other three are Verizon. So I could choose either plan. I do have Cingular now, and I know it works at home (mostly) and at work. Don't know what Verizon's coverage is like in my neck of the woods.

Maria - thanks for the input. I think I'll have a learning curve anyway, since I don't have anything more than the numeric keypad now.

And I've heard the same complaints you have about the Treo from a few users here.

The first three on that list are Cingular, the other three are Verizon.

Which has better coverage on Mars?

I mean, if you went with Cingular you could always upgrade later to the iPhone. So that's something to think about.

I don't think I'll get signal there, tommyrot, but one day, man, one day....

I don't know anyone here who has a Pearl, so can't go play. I can get a bunch of Treo user experiences, though.

if you went with Cingular you could always upgrade later to the iPhone.

good point. Might as well stick with Cingular, then. Of course, who knows if my workplace will ever support/allow the iPhone. I can hope!

I don't think I'll get signal there, tommyrot, but one day, man, one day....

I hear Mars already has a Starbucks though.

The work cell is Verizon and the personal is Cingular. I have roughly the same coverage from both in the office and at home. I need to keep Cingular on one of the phones because I use it when I travel overseas. A quad-band phone will work anywhere.

That being said, Verizon's EV-DO network for data blows Cingular's EDGE network out of the water. Average speeds on Verizon's network range from 650-750 kbps. LA is one of the cities that is currently EV-DO capable. Laptop tethering is also fast and easy. Would they allow you to do a 30 day trial to see if you get coverage?