[phungy]

Where to start?

Seidio's Desktop Cradle comes in a white box with two contents:
1) The desktop charging cradle
2) mini USB to USB cord (See picture 1)

The finish of the cradle I'm assuming is the exact same as the rubberized case if not better. It's smoother and really nice..

The cradle itself is small and compact that doesn't take up much desk space plus it matches my all black setup

It's really a no brainer to get this setup. The cord is very long, five feet to be exact, which is great because I can mess around with the cord to have my desktop "cordless".

[phungy]

In the first attached picture you can see the cradle powered on. Green light indicator. The light turns on when the cradle is plugged into the USB and always stays on.

The Pearl easily slides into the cradle though you have to make sure the gold plates on the back touches the gold chargers on the cradle or else the Pearl won't start charging.

Now the Pearl looks stylish sitting on the cradle on top of your desk

One downside I thought was that the cradle does not accept the Pearl with a case or skin (See third attachment). So for those with the rubberized case/clear case/silicone cases then you may want to think twice before getting the desktop cradle if you feel it is a hassle to take off the case to charge the Pearl via the desktop cradle.

EDIT: I stand corrected. I did not know I had to remove the insert. Thank you Corey!

But for those that have the invisible skin or no skin at all, this is a sexy alternative to charge your Pearl. I haven't calculated or timed to see if the desktop cradle charges quicker than the mini USB/USB cord that came with the 8100 but I'm assuming that it is the same.

Overall:
4.9 out of 5 Blackberries because I like the rubberized case and would like rather charge the pearl without the hassle of taking off the case, then reapplying the case whenever I go out.

EDIT: Rating has been up-ed to 5 out of 5. This is perfect! I removed the insert and now the Pearl charges WITH the rubberized case. I love it!

[mckinneycm]

It will work with a case. You have to remove the insert that is inside the cradle.

Excerpt from Seidio's website:

One of the most important aspects of this Charging Cradle is that you can charge your Pearl without removing your case! Whether you use a Crystal Case, Skin Case, or Rubberized Case, you never have to remove it to charge your 8100!

[TheBigNewt]

Yeah, it's supposed to charge in the case. In fact, photo #3 shows a rubberized case on the Pearl in the charger.

[phungy]

Originally Posted by TheBigNewt

Yeah, it's supposed to charge in the case. In fact, photo #3 shows a rubberized case on the Pearl in the charger.

I forgot to take the insert out so its actually hover right above the gold plates and not actually charging. But thanks for Corey, I can charge the 8100 with the case.

[TheBigNewt]

You sly dog, posting a picture with it not even charging in the case. Shame on you!

[phungy]

Originally Posted by TheBigNewt

You sly dog, posting a picture with it not even charging in the case. Shame on you!

Haha, I was trying to point out that the 8100 couldn't fit with a case but afterwards found out that it did. I'll post another pic up.

[tchao]

Better solution here.

charge plus sync and much cheaper

Seidio's cradle doesn't sync

eBay: BlackBerry 8100 Pearl USB Sync Cradle w/Travel Charger (item 230082872621 end time Jan-24-07 19:15:37 PST)

[phungy]

Well Seidio has a Desktop Cradle that syncs too.

SEIDIO'S RIM BLACKBERRY USB DESKTOP CRADLE - *BD2-CRDSIBBX1-BK

Granted the price difference but Seidio's Desktop Cradle can charge the 8100 with a case as the eBay charger can not.