BlackBerry® Pearl™

[idelements]

I posted previously about an issue I am having with two BB Pearls and the rollerball not functioning on both phones.  I called AT&T regarding this issue and apparently there is a known issue with the rollerballs on the BB.  However there is no fix for this and apparently they nor RIM are standing behind this problem. 

My issue is this...I really liked the Pearl and have now replaced my Pearl w/ a Curve at full retail price since I am not due for a new phone.  And interestingly enough the Curve is not insurable through AT&T (wonder why?...is that an indication that they have had many problems with this phone?).  However, I am not sure if I want to continue with a Blackberry or if I should go another route...ie: iPhone considering this apparent problem?

So, just curious if anyone else has had any problems with the rollerball?

[d_fisher]

Usually the problem with trackballs is that they get dirty. Pocket lint, dust, oil/grease from hands, etc are likely causes. Instead of purchasing a new device at full retail you could have purchase a replacement trackball. There are lots of places on the web selling the part for $9-$15. Simple replacement, just pop the silver ring off and the track ball assembly falls out. Swap in the new one and replace the ring.

[idelements]

I just I posted prematurely.  I did find where I can order a new trackball and did.  I will give it a try.  I have 30 days to take back the Curve.  And if I get my Pearl working, I will probably return this new phone and wait for the Bold to come out.  I really love the larger screen and full keyboard.

I did try to remove my trackball and clean it....that didn't work. We will see if the new trackball does the trick.

Thanks
Chris

[pandorales]

I too have had issues with my rollerball.  Recently, it just stopped rolling to the left.  It rolled right and it was "sticky" rolling up and down.  Lived with it for a day, then it abruptly started working normally.  My big fear about the phone was the trackball -- it looks like it can be a dirt and grime magnet.  The next time this happens, I think I'll use compressed air to clean out the rollerball and hope it doesn't whack my phone.

 Peace ya'll

[Bgnome]

Just replaced my Pearl under similar circumstances.

the ball stopped going "down". I tried a squirt of ISP alcohol, but that only made the issue permanent. Luckily the phone was under warranty and a new one was shipped out.

I must also mention that I'm a brewer by trade, and a bottler by specification. Probably not the best environment for this phone, but I like it.

if this becomes an issue again, I'll be sure to do some more digging before dong the whole replacement thing 

[tmcfadden]

Bgnome wrote: 

I must also mention that I'm a brewer by trade, and a bottler by specification. Probably not the best environment for this phone, but I like it.

LOL I'm a plumber/excavator. I know what ya mean  

[lovewalksin]

I read that you could replace the tracking ball on the blackberry 8330 curve I need to buy the ring that goes around the tracking ball to keep the tracking ball from falling out.  Where can I purchase the ring?

[esquare]

Hi.  Where did you purchase the new trackball?

[Bgnome]

here ya go esquire,  this should help you

amazon BBtrackball replacment

[jenshinefiery]

My rollerball rolls just fine, but when I press it nothing happens now