I'll admit that this rumor perplexes me a bit, given RIM's history with SureType.  According to tips sent to BGR, RIM will launch a Pearl 9105 with a T9 keypad.  Yep, you heard right - T9.  That's not to say that there won't be a 9110 with SureType, but a recently leaked 9100 OS lends credence to support for the 9105 model.  It could make sense, as RIM hasn't used the "5" designation in some time (lately, they've been going up by the 10's - 8100, 8110, 8120, etc.).

Very interesting indeed, as "featurephone" comes to mind when I hear T9, and that's not a thought that I envision RIM wanting me to have.  The rumor (and it's a rumor in every sense of the word) has the T9-equipped 9105 landing in Europe this May or June, so we'll find out then.

What do you think?  Love it?  Hate it?

Via BGR