I had attended a BlackBerry launch party in Los Angeles for the Verizon Wireless Pink Pearl, which is based on the BlackBerry 8130 platform. Not only did Research in Motion, the makers of the BlackBerry, throw a fantastic party, which was decked out in pink as the theme of the night, they were able to bring together a star-studded event with members talking about their BlackBerry passion.

Since the introduction of the Pearl, BlackBerry had successfully turned around its image from a boring corporate product to a natural consumer extension. Although there was no official endorsement, celebrities like Michael Vartan and Nicollette Sheridan were on hand among others, and Paris Hilton did attend the New York launch. Complete LA launch list can be seen here.

After having used the BlackBerry 8800 for several months as my daily driver, I must say that BlackBerries are so simple and easy to use. Is that the key to success that makes “CrackBerry” a part of the BlackBerry mystique? I have seen Windows Mobile users love their phones, and there are a few of them here at Pocketnow.com, but I have never really witnessed the sheer mobile passion that BlackBerry users share, or even iPhone users for that matter. What makes a platform so loved that an iconic brand is created?

Had there been more financial calculator options available on the BlackBerry platform, the affordable availability of viewing and editing Microsoft documents on the platform, as well as Sling Player, I would have stuck with the BlackBerry 8800. It looks like BlackBerry will try and change things up a little in the coming months. They have recently filed for a patent for a touchscreen, so having a financial calculator may be feasible considering that there are so many buttons on a financial calculator and tapping a button on the screen should be a cinch now. Documents To Go is also coming to the platform for seamless viewing and editing of Microsoft Office documents. And lastly, Sling Player will soon be coming to the BlackBerry. For me, the major selling points of Windows Mobile are getting eroded. What, in your opinion, does Microsoft need to do to gain and retain users?

Below is a photo of my friend posing shamelessly with Michael Vartan at the Pink Pearl launch party.