Blackberry Pearl 8110 or Curve 8310?

OK, I've never had a PDA phone before & I'm looking to upgrade my cell. I'm with AT&T & do not have a contract so I'm buying my phone whole sale. I'm a basic person and like to use my phone without hle. I've been told that blackberrys are not that great because you have to do toooo many steps to do such basic things like text or send an email or take a pic. Those are the basics that I enjoy doing!! My question is, which phone do you think a beginner would prefer?? I like more smaller phones & I've noticed the Pearl 8110 & Curve 8310 are the size I prefer. Please HELP a sistah out :))