It's GREAT for typing. It's actually great for everything except media play back (and by that I just mean it's no iPod). You're probably not going to find a better typing experience in that small a form factor on a candy bar phone. I love mine. My only gripe is that its processor is on the slow side. But it is getting a little out of date. That's why I'm going with an iPhone 3G on 7/11
If email is your big thing, the Pearl is a good choice. Nobody does email better than RIM/BlackBerry. You might want to look at the new BB Bold/9000, but if size is really important to you, go with the Pearl. I've had mine for a year and I've loved it, but I'm moving on due to it's last gen processor.
