There are a lot of different cradle solutions for the wide range of BlackBerry devices on the market - but there's nothing wrong with taking a look at the best. Here we examine the best desktop cradles for the BlackBerry Pearl and BlackBerry Bold series of smartphones
Cradles - Perfect Solution
In many situations it's vital to be able to keep your BlackBerry somewhere on your desk, but out of the way.
A desktop cradle is the perfect solution to this problem, and also offers the added advantages of being able to charge your BlackBerry via a mains or PC connection as well as manage data synchronisation via a USB cable.
All BlackBerry devices have a cradle to suit them, and here we look at the best desktop cradles for the Pearl and the Bold series of smartphones.
Cradle for the BlackBerry Pearl
Forget the basic cradle that comes pre-packaged with many BlackBerry devices (particularly corporate units). The Amzer Desktop Cradle is the daddy for Pearl (8100 series) users, combining a snug fit, accurate mini USB port positioning for synching and charging your BlackBerry with a useful multicharger function.
Although it doesn't come with a second battery, this multicharger function means that the Amzer Cradle will charge a battery on its own, meaning you can effectively run your BlackBerry without recharging it.
Angled to firmly hold your BlackBerry at a comfortable reading angle, the Amzer Desktop Cradle can be bought for a mere $30 (£19).
Cradle for the BlackBerry Bold
By far and away the best solution for the Bold is the 
BerryBUDDY Desktop Cradle.
This isn't a cradle that has been adjusted from another model in order to cut costs - it's specifically designed for the BlackBerry Bold, to compliment it in both form and functionality.
Sturdy due to its injection moulded construction, it's finished with a distinctive 'Piano Black' finish to match the finish on the BlackBerry Bold, and comes with useful power and sync LED indicators, USB cabling and a mains adaptor.
The BerryBUDDY Desktop Cradle usually retails for $50 (£30).
One Size Fits All!
There is another option, however - an alternative that suits both devices.
The Seidio Desktop Cradle is a solid base unit with the usual mains or USB connection to the PC or Mac, and also has a short mini USB cable running from the cradle so that you can connect your BlackBerry device to be charged or synced.
What Seidio have done however is design a cradle that will fit both the Pearl and the Bold BlackBerry handsets, very useful if you're upgrading or intend to upgrade from the bottom of the range Pearl.
It's a great price too - just $33 (£20) from all good online BlackBerry retailers.
Top Picks
These three top picks are the cream of the crop when it comes to BlackBerry Bold and BlackBerry Pearl desktop cradles.
While quite different in pricing, the two device-specific cradles are most recommended, offering the maximum functionality and ease of use.
The universal nature of the Seidio Desktop Cradle however - coupled with its excellent pricing - means that for anyone reluctant to splash out on the more expensive top of the range Bold cradle from BerryBUDDY the versatility of the Seidio device is an attractive alternative.
Choosing the Right Cradle for Your BlackBerry
This series looks at the best cradles for the current BlackBerry device series, and gives pointers on how to make the right choice in your purchase