RIM BlackBerry Storm (Verizon Wireless)
Manufacturer: Research In Motion Ltd. Part number: Storm (Verizon)
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The RIM BlackBerry Storm may blow in a frenzy for Verizon Wireless subscribers wanting a touch screen similar to the Apple iPhone. However, there are bugs and performance issues that prevent the Storm from delivering its full potential.
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CNET editors' review
RIM BlackBerry Storm (Verizon Wireless)
price range: $199.99 - $599.99
- Reviewed by: Bonnie Cha
- Reviewed on: 11/19/2008
- Updated on:12/12/2008
- Released on: 11/21/2008
The good: The RIM BlackBerry Storm features an innovative touch screen that provides tactile feedback to confirm your selection. The Storm offers dual-mode functionality for world-roaming capabilities as well as EV-DO Rev. A and UMTS/HSDPA support. Other highlights include GPS and a 3.2-megapixel camera.
The bad: The Storm's SurePress touch-screen takes some acclimation and the onscreen keyboard is a bit cramped. The smartphone can be sluggish and buggy even after the firmware update.. Speakerphone quality was a bit choppy
The bottom line: The RIM BlackBerry Storm may blow in a frenzy for Verizon Wireless subscribers wanting a touch screen similar to the Apple iPhone. However, there are bugs and performance issues that prevent the Storm from delivering its full potential.
Editors' note: We have updated the review since its original publish date to include changes to performance after installing the official firmware update for the BlackBerry Storm released by Verizon Wireless on December 5, 2008.
The RIM BlackBerry Storm brewed up a lot of hype and excitement as the first touch-screen BlackBerry. The touch capabilities were news enough alone but add to that Research in Motion's SurePress functionality (the technology that makes the screen clickable), an impressive feature list, and the competitive $199.99 pricing, and there were a lot of expectations for the BlackBerry Storm to succeed. However, when the Storm finally blew into town, it was a definite letdown because of the phone's sluggish performance and bugginess.
Verizon Wireless has since released a firmware update that improves some of the issues but not completely. The Storm is a faster, better device after the upgrade, including the responsiveness of the accelerometer, and improved battery life. However, the phone still has various bugs and just doesn't feel quite like final product. There may be subsequent updates that resolve all the problems, but we would have preferred RIM and Verizon waited a while longer to make sure the BlackBerry Storm was stable and solid before releasing the device, even if it meant missing the holiday rush.
Design
In terms of form factor, the RIM BlackBerry Storm doesn't stray far from the other full touch-screen smartphones on the market today, including the Samsung Omnia and Apple iPhone. Sporting a black casing with silver accents, the handset is a bit blocky and heavy at 4.4 inches tall by 2.4 inches wide by 0.5 inch deep and weighs 5.6 ounces, so it feels a bit wide when you hold it in your hand and it'll make for a tight fit in a pants pocket. That said, the Storm is a well-constructed smartphone. It has a nice, solid feel and the edges have a soft-touch finish to provide a better grip.
While the Storm's design might not be the most inspiring, the smartphone's display is another story. Obviously, the fact that the Storm is the first touch-screen BlackBerry is news enough, but its 3.25-inch VGA glass display also demands attention for its sharpness and brightness, showing 65,000 colors at a crisp 480x360-pixel resolution. We weren't as impressed with the Storm's screen as the BlackBerry Bold, but it's still beautiful. You can also adjust the backlighting, font size, and type. The Storm is also equipped with an accelerometer, so the screen orientation will switch from portrait to landscape mode when you rotate the phone from a vertical position to a horizontal one, left or right.
Moving onto the touch-screen capabilities, the BlackBerry Storm uses SurePress, so that when you select an application or enter text, you actually push the screen down like you would any other tactile button. You can see a bit of a gap at the top and bottom of the screen, which but makes the phone. In terms of text extry, the BlackBerry Storm features a SureType keyboard when the smartphone is in portrait mode and then switches to a full QWERTY keyboard in landscape mode (See Performance section for more information). When using the keyboard or selecting applications, you do a simple finger touch over the item until it's highlighted and then you press down on the screen to register the action.
In addition to the SurePress technology, you can also use a number of finger taps or swipes to perform certain actions. For example, you can tap on the screen twice to zoom in on a Web page or map, or do quick finger swipes to scroll though a page. Also, to copy/paste text, you just touch the screen at the start of the text and then with a second finger, touch the end of the block of text you want to copy. You can adjust the tap interval, hover point, and swipe sensitivity in the Options > Screen/Keyboard menu.
While the SurePress technology is cool, it definitely takes some acclimation. It's not a natural feeling to physically push down on the screen, and we often found ourselves forgetting to actually press down; instead just tapping or double tapping on the letter button or link. You do get used to it after a while though, but as far as e-mail creation or text messages, we missed having a tactile keyboard. We couldn't comfortably type long messages as fast as we wanted and when we tried, the message was riddled with errors. The keyboard buttons are just a bit too small and cramped. If I had problems with my small hands, I can only imagine it would be worse for users with larger thumbs.
Below the display, you do get a set of tactile navigation controls that consists of Talk and End/Power buttons, a Menu key, and a clear button. Unlike other BlackBerry models, there is no trackball navigator and we have to admit that we missed it. It may be that we're just used to having the trackball, and often we found our thumb automatically looking for the control while trying to scroll through pages and menus. However, even beyond that, we think it wouldn't hurt to have a trackball navigator since it allows for easier one-handed operation. Also, you wouldn't always have to rely on the touch screen and it would be useful for certain operations like for selecting links on a Web page.
On the left side, there's a user-programmable shortcut key and a micro USB port, while the right spine has a 3.5mm headphone jack, a volume rocker, and another customizable button, which is set as the camera activation/capture key by default. The camera lens and flash are located on the backside, and behind the battery cover, you'll find the microSD/SDHC card holder and SIM card slot. Finally, though not readily apparent, there is a device lock and mute button on the top edge of the Storm.
Verizon Wireless packages the RIM BlackBerry Strom with healthy set of accessories, including a travel charger with various adapters, a USB cable, an 8GB microSD card, a SIM card, a wired headset, a software CD, and reference material. For more add-ons, please check our cell phone accessories, ringtones, and help page.
Features
While the RIM BlackBerry Storm might be the first touch screen for Research in Motion, the company wanted to make sure the smartphone offered the same feel and functionality of previous and current BlackBerrys. The Storm runs the latest BlackBerry OS 4.7, bringing an updated user interface much like the BlackBerry Bold and the BlackBerry Pearl Flip. You now get DataViz Documents To Go Standard Edition, so you can now edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files as well. If you want the capability to create new documents, you will have to upgrade to the Premium Edition. We had no problems opening and working on Word and Excel documents, but we can't imagine doing more than minor edits on the Bold or any other smartphone for that matter. Other PIM applications include a Calendar, a task list, a memo pad, a voice recorder, a calculator, a password keeper, and more.
The BlackBerry Storm also has the new BlackBerry Application Center where you can download more programs and utilities to your device. The full store is anticipated to launch in Sprint 2009 (though developers can submit their applications in December for approval), but there are eight applications currently available, including Facebook, Flickr, and various instant messaging clients.
For e-mail, the Storm can sync with your company's BlackBerry Enterprise server, with support for Microsoft Exchange, IBM Lotus Domino, or Novell GroupWise, to deliver corporate e-mail in real time. You can also access up to 10 personal/business POP3 or IMAP4 e-mail accounts via the BlackBerry Internet Service. Like all recent BlackBerry models, the Storm has a spell-check feature that will look for errors in e-mails and memos, but not text messages. There's also an attachment viewer for opening Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Corel WordPerfect, PDF, JPEG, GIF, and more.
As a phone, the BlackBerry Storm offers dual-mode functionality, so the phone switches automatically between CDMA and GSM networks to offer seamless international roaming--all while keeping the same phone number. (Note that the phone does not support domestic GSM bands.) In all, you get voice coverage in 157 countries (22 of those on CDMA) and e-mail coverage in 62 countries. Just be aware that you'll still incur roaming rates, which range from $0.69 to $2.49 a minute. Verizon also offers technical support if you need help while overseas. First, there's a 24-hour Global Help Desk that's open seven days a week. In addition, you get a calling card for free support calls while traveling outside of the United States from any landline phone to technical support your BlackBerry Storm is lost, broken, or stolen.
The address book is only limited by the available memory with room in each entry multiple phone numbers, e-mail addresses, work and home address, job title, and more. For caller ID purposes, you can assign a photo, group category, or one of 32 polyphonic ringtones. Other voice features include a speakerphone, voice-activated dialing, smart dialing, conference calling, speed dial, and text and multimedia messaging. You can also download Visual Voice mail from the BlackBerry Application Center. Bluetooth 2.0 is onboard with support for a mono and stereo Bluetooth headsets, serial port profile, phone book access, and dial-up networking. To use the Storm as a wireless modem for your laptop, you will need a subscription to one of Verizon's BroadbandAccess plans, which start at $15 per month.
The BlackBerry Storm runs on Verizon's EV-DO Rev. A network, which allows for faster Web browsing, e-mail, and downloads. The Rev. A offers an extra boost over regular EV-DO, bringing download speeds up to the 450Kbps-to-800Kbps range versus 400Kbps-to-700Kbps, while upload speeds will average around 300Kpbs to 400Kpbs (compared with EV-DO's 50Kpbs to 70Kbps). Of course, this is all dependent if you live in a coverage area (you can find a coverage map from Verizon's Web site. The smartphone also offers support for the 2,100MHz UMTS/HSDPA, so you can get 3G support while overseas. Unfortunately, there's no integrated Wi-Fi, which we find disappointing. We realize and understand the argument that the 3G radios does away with the need for Wi-Fi, but we still like having that option, especially if you drop out of range or don't live in a coverage area.
The BlackBerry Storm has a full HTML Web browser that you can view in Internet Explorer or Firefox mode, depending on your preference. You can check out sites in page view or column view, and navigate via pan mode or cursor mode. In pan mode, you can move around pages simply by dragging your finger and then double-tapping the screen to zoom in. To select a hyperlink, you just highlight the link and then click. Meanwhile, in cursor mode, you can just place the cursor over the link and click or use the onscreen magnifying glass to zoom in. There's also a collapsible toolbar along the bottom that lets you go to new sites, change views, and more. There is support for streaming media, including YouTube's mobile site. As we've said before, the BlackBerry browser has greatly improved over the years, but it's still not as easy to use as the iPhone and its multitouch screen.
Last but not least of the wireless radios is integrated GPS. You can use the BlackBerry Storm as a handheld navigator, but to get real-time turn-by-turn directions, traffic data, and more , you will need to subscribe to Verizon's VZ Navigator location-based service, which costs $9.99 per month or $2.99 per day.
Moving onto multimedia features, the BlackBerry Storm is equipped with a 3.2-megapixel camera with video recording capabilities, as well a flash, auto focus, 2x zoom, and image stabilization. In camera mode, you get a choice of three picture sizes and three picture qualities. There are white balance settings, and you can add various effects to your photos, such as black and white, and sepia. With the built-in GPS, you can also geotag photos. As usual, options are more limited in camcorder mode as you only get a choice of two video formats (normal and MMS) and three color effects. The volume rocker can be used to zoom in and out in both camera and video mode.
Picture quality was subpar. While we could identify objects in the picture, they looked a bit soft and the colors were completely washed out. Video quality, on the other hand, was pretty impressive with good light and better image quality than other smartphones we've tested.
The Storm's built-in media player can play various music and video formats, including MP3, WMA, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, AMR-NB, and MIDI music files, and MPEG4, WMV, DivX4, XviD (partial support), and H.263 video clips. There's a search function, playlist creation, shuffle and repeat, and you get a full-screen mode for video playback. The included software CD also contains a copy of Roxio Easy Media Creator, so you can create MP3s from CDs and add audio tags. Like the latest BlackBerrys, the Storm also works with the BlackBerry Media Sync application so you can load your iTunes library. There's 1GB of onboard memory and 128MB of flash memory onboard, while the microSD/SDHC expansion slot can accept up to 16GB cards. Unfortunately, for now, it looks like the BlackBerry Storm will not support Verizon's V Cast music and video services.
Performance
We tested the RIM BlackBerry Storm in San Francisco using Verizon Wireless service, and call quality was quite good. We enjoyed clear audio with no noticeable background noise or voice distortion, and we didn't experience any dropped calls during our test period. There were also no problems using an airline's voice automated response system. On the other end, our friends reported similarly positive results and said they had no problems hearing us. Unfortunately, the speakerphone didn't fare as well. Both sides experienced choppy call quality as words occasionally were cut off. There was also some slight voice distortion on our end. Overall, we were able to carry on full conversations and volume was not a problem, but we definitely had to ask our callers to repeat themselves on more than one occasion. Finally, we successfully paired the Storm with the Logitech Mobile Traveller Bluetooth headset and the Motorola S9 Bluetooth Active Headphones.
The firmware update definitely improved performance, but there are still multiple issues. We downloaded the software upgrade using the desktop manager, and the entire process went smoothly with no problems. The biggest improvement we noticed was the improvement in the accelerometer. The Storm was much faster to change the screen orientation when we rotated the phone. However, page redraws are still on the slow side and there's continued bugginess. For example, while checking out a Web page, we turned the phone to check it out in landscape mode and the screen went on the fritz for a couple of seconds and went completely blank, though eventually the site came back up. Also, when we were listening to music, we changed orientation and the player controls started to flicker. Launching and using multimedia applications like the camera and multimedia player were definitely better, however, with faster response times and the problems with the inconsistent camera toolbar looks to be resolved.
Music playback through the phone's speakers sounded blown out, though there was plenty of volume. Thankfully, the built-in 3.5mm headphone jack so should allow you to enjoy better sound quality. Video performance wasn't quite as dazzling as the BlackBerry Bold's. There was a bit more pixilation, but we still enjoyed smooth playback. Web browsing was pleasantly swift thanks to Verizon's EV-DO Rev. A network. It took about 25 seconds to 30 seconds for graphics-intensive sites such as CNET to fully load, while the mobile sites for CNN and ESPN loaded in about 10 seconds.
The Storm's GPS capabilities were great. It took the smartphone only about two minutes to get a fix on our location, and we used VZ Navigator to plot a course from the Marina District of San Francisco to CNET's downtown headquarters. Route creation was quick and it was able to get us back on course in a timely matter after we purposely missed several turns. That said, the voice-guided directions sounded blown out at the medium-high level and too soft at the medium level, so that was a bit of a struggle.
The BlackBerry Storm comes with a 1,400mAh lithium ion battery with a rated talk time of 5.5 hours and up to 15 days of standby time. In our battery drain tests, the Storm offered 7 hours of continuous talk time on a single charge. The battery performance in day-to-day usage was better. Before the firmware update, the battery would already be at 50 percent after just a couple hours of using the phone, Web, and multimedia applications, but after the update, it would only be drained about 25 percent. One thing we noticed, however, after a period of use the phone gets a bit warm where the battery is located on the back.
User reviews
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Enough!! Wi-Fi is NOT a make or break on this device.
by MB0320TB on October 9, 2008
Pros: 1) Blackberry Product Quality
2) Tremendous battery life
3) Strong network support with Verizon (unlike someone else we know)Cons: 1) The App Store is truly the make or break here (sorry, not Wi-Fi) and it's success will be critical!!
2) Speaking of Apple, I love my iTunes. Can the Storm manage my library?? Hmmm
3) FINE!!!! No Wi-Fi. But I put it third so take that!!Summary: I don't write for any sites & this is my first review ever, so easy on the criticism. What I can say is that I'm as much of ...
Summary: I don't write for any sites & this is my first review ever, so easy on the criticism. What I can say is that I'm as much of a Geek as the next guy & I probably know more about the Storm than most. Enough with the disclaimer & onto the review...
I own an iTouch (I understand the functionality of the iPhone outside of making calls), I own an LG Dare, & I own both a Blackberry Pearl & the 8830. I refuse to go on in case my wife is reading & realizes where all of our money has gone but this shows my user experience.
When it all boils down, what are the critical components of phone? A strong network so my calls can go through & strong enough battery life so it doesn't crap out. Everything else today is a 'creature comfort' but we have grown to expect all the bells & whistles to be shoe-horned into an all-in-one device. Trust me, I want my phone to be jammed with the 'coolness factor' items but what good does all of that do me if I can?t get a signal or my battery dies?
The sole reason I'm writing this review is that most reviews I've read are really pissing me off. Wi-Fi? It's THAT critical? Come on now! Am I disappointed that the Storm won't have it? Sure! Do I think this one omission is deserving of a full star reduction (or maybe even two) in its overall rating? Really?
I've read practically every blog, website and fact sheet that's out there, including CNET, BGR, Howard Forums and Crackberry. I will again preface that this is my only means of gathering data so take it for what it is. Like the saying goes, opinions are like.....well, nevermind.
Looking at my key needs for a phone, battery life & network, the Blackberry line has always been known for outstanding battery life. Specifically, the Storm is sporting a 1400 mAhr battery & claims 15 days standby & 5.5 hours of talk time. Now, hasn't battery life been a critical issue for the iPhone? Agree with me here that battery life clearly favors the Storm.
Network, again...I haven't used an iPhone for calls so I have no frame of reference. Bottom line, it really depends on where you live & who has better coverage. That being said, I live in the New York Metro area. I have had several instances where I have been with an AT&T user & I, as a Verizon user, have had a full signal while my friend has had none. For example, in the IZOD Center, beneath Manhattan on the subway systems and once locked in an iron box with David Blaine buried 65 feet below the Hudson...okay, I lied about the last one. Simply, Verizon is known for having a superior network but it really depends on where you live. As a Verizon user I have never had anything but superior network connectivity.
Now the Wi-Fi. Why is this really such a make or break? I can see if perhaps, down the road, Wi-Max actually becomes an option, or if Google Wi-Fi gets serious but as of now? The only thing Wi-Fi can be used for is wireless synchronization at a hot spot (usually your home router) & maybe....MAYBE using a Wi-Fi based application on your iPhone to make your calls. If you're making Wi-Fi calls on your iPhone, isn't that kind of defeating the purpose of even having it though? You can use Vonage or Skype & pay a heckuva lot less a month. Right??
So where does that leave us? The "Creature Comforts". The Storm is going to be packed but again, I?ll stick to the major points here. The screen will set a new standard with a resolution of 480x360 or 184ppi which surpasses the iPhone at 480x320 or 163ppi. The Storm has Stand-alone GPS and Assisted GPS but also, you'll have your choice software with VZ Navigator, Google Maps or Blackberry Maps as options. The Storm will have all of the functionality of a Blackberry from industry defining e-mail capabilities to Microsoft document support to built-in Text, Picture & Instant Messaging functionality. It's got a 3.2 MP camera with auto-flash & auto-focus as well as video recording. The Storm has an accelerometer & HTML browsing like the iPhone & it'll finally reveal its much touted ClickThrough technology. It's also my understanding that it may have future VZ Mobile TV capabilities (SWEET! Don't quote me).
The bottom line is that this phone will be a serious competitor to the iPhone. What is the make or break for me is how successful the Blackberry App Store will be since the Apple App Store is the standard. Also, can I sync my iTunes crap to the Storm because iTunes is hands-down (my opinion so quit your eye rolling) the best multi-media application out there. I'm not so concerned about the size because it is smaller than the iPhone except for the thickness for which the iPhone has a .05" advantage. Regarding weight, the iPhone is 4.7oz/133g & the Storm is 5.46oz/155g. In 1907, Dr. Duncan MacDougall theorized that the soul weighs 21 ounces. Just assume that 'massive' weight discrepancy between the Storm & the iPhone as the iPhone just doesn't have a soul!
Thanks for your patience & remember...it's just one man's opinion but I can't wait.35 out of 48 users found this user opinion helpful.
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How can you rate this phone when you have no experience
by dmcquade on November 4, 2008
Pros: It is ridiculous that people are complaining/raving about features this phone might or might not have. All of you who have rated this phone should really have waited until you were able to get your hands on one; your reviews are worthless.
Cons: The fact that CNet allows morons to review products that have not been released.
Summary: It is ridiculous that people are complaining/raving about features this phone might or might not have. All of you who have rated this phone should really have waited until ...
Summary: It is ridiculous that people are complaining/raving about features this phone might or might not have. All of you who have rated this phone should really have waited until you were able to get your hands on one; your reviews are worthless.
40 out of 66 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Finally an iPhone killer to get the job done!
by nks1521 on October 9, 2008
Pros: -ClickTouch technology
-Blackberry dependability
-Full HTML
-Streaming Video in browser
-3g Verizon Network
-MMS/SMS(iPhone has no MMS)
-GPS
-Visual Voicemail
-1gb onboard memory(8gb sansdisk included in package for card reader)
-Multitouch/gesturesCons: -no WiFi(not really an issue to me and ill explain why but it is unfortunately a con)
-Apps in app store are relegated by the carrier(this is what ive heard)
-on Verizon so no sim card shenanigans for the AT.T / TMobile users of the world.Summary: pros continued:
had to finish off the extensive list
-attachments downloadable from within browser
-3.5 headphone jack
-removable/replaceable battery
-full virtual qwerty and suretype
-edit Word,Excel, Powerpoint ...Summary: pros continued:
some sneak peek pictures
had to finish off the extensive list
-attachments downloadable from within browser
-3.5 headphone jack
-removable/replaceable battery
-full virtual qwerty and suretype
-edit Word,Excel, Powerpoint docs
-accelerometer
-CDMA / EV-DO Rev. A, quadband EDGE, and 2100MHz HSPA, making it one of the most global phones ever to hit the market
-Media Player(music/video)
-Video Recording as well as 3.2 megapix cam
-Memory is upgradable to 16gb of flash mem via card reader
-screen res: 184ppi(storm) vs 163ppi(iPhone)
-bluetooth
-full-on BlackBerry e-mail support, complete with push e-mail and access to POP and IMAP e-mail servers. Also on board: SMS, picture and instant messaging.
this thing looks amazing. ive held a 3g iphone in my hands as im sure most of you have and this thing is only .01 inches thicker. so its gonna feel great. add that to this massive list of features(believe me there is more but i dont have the character space) and you have something that will finally make the iPhone meet its successor. i pointed out in the lists the things that the Storm will offer that the iPhone doesnt but i'll reiterate them really quick:
-MMS(iPhone does not have picture or video messaging)
-Upgradable Memory(card slot)
-ClickTouch
-SureType keyboard
-removable/replaceable battery
-video recording
among many others..
let me take a second to address the WiFi issue that everyone seems to be taking..lol its funny actually. plain and simple wifi doesnt matter. using it and constantly searching for it drain your battery fast enough to make your head spin. ask anyone with an iphone if they have their wifi turned off. theyll probably say yes. with the storm you will most likely get unlimited data. i cant think of any reason why anyone who is buying a blackberry would not get unlimited data. so couple that with verizons 3g and boom you are set. 3g is fast. anyone whos touched an iphone could tell you that. so i really dont see the issue. something to whine about i guess.
ill say a little about the App store here too. from what i know the carrier will have to approve the third party apps. my solution to that is crackberryappstore.com. and also the Apps are installed via the browser i think.
Updated on Oct 9, 2008
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Updated on Oct 9, 2008-id just like to note that the GPS is usable with google maps, blackberry maps, or VZ navigation thingy
Updated on Oct 9, 2008great slide show
http://www.pcmag.com/slideshow_viewer/0,1205,l=232789&a=232729&po=1,00.asp?p=y
informative captions
Updated on Oct 9, 2008you move your finger over the screen to highlight and press down to select. this is an example of ClickTouch technology.
Updated on Oct 9, 2008http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/19/0,1425,sz=1&i=193607,00.jpg
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Updated on Oct 11, 2008you have in your cons that your wondering about snycing with your itunes. from what i know that is a feature for the device.
Updated on Oct 11, 2008on my cons i have no SIM card. from what i know now there will be a SIM card. not sure how itll work exactly though. as in im not sure if youll be able to pop that SIM card into your ATT, Tmobile or unlocked phone and suddenly have your verizon service on a european HTC Touch Diamond...
Updated on Oct 11, 2008UPDATE ON THE SIM CARD
its pre-installed. ie: no slot. that stinks but whatever. itll work overseas. sweet.
Updated on Oct 11, 2008box revealed apparently:
pic
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2008/08/blackberry-storm-verizon-box.jpg26 out of 38 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Give it some time...It will take you by Storm
by absorber on December 5, 2008
Pros: 1. solid, well built design
2. excellent screen quality
3 click screen improves on standard touchscreen
4 best BB browser to date.
5. global phone
6. removable battery
7. good camera if you turn on stabilization feature
8 good sound qualityCons: 1. Software bugs need corrected:
- most have been fix with release of OS ver. 4.7.0.75
2. spelling auto correction complicates typing (disable it)
3. BB interface not intuitive, steeper learning curve
4. Track ball would have been niceSummary: I have used the Storm for my business now for 2 weeks, The Storm has a solid, quality build. It is heftier than other touch screen or BB offerings. The ...
Summary: I have used the Storm for my business now for 2 weeks, The Storm has a solid, quality build. It is heftier than other touch screen or BB offerings. The battery accounts for about 20% of weight. Width is about the same as a BB Curve. Turning it on, the screen quality is immediately impressive. Even small (7-8 pt font) print is crisp and clear. Better the Curve. Just by touching or tapping the screen icons, the phone instantly knows your there, highlighting the choice. Activate or select by pushing down until you feel (and hear) the click. Pushing causes the whole screen to travel down about 1 mm. The tactile feel is quite good. Opening menus and applications is fairly quickly. (especially after upgrading to 4.7.0.75)
I used this phone last week on a trip to Japan. The phone worked even better than in the US. All 3G connections. Dialing and connection time was even faster than in my home area. Call quality was superior to other phones I have used while abroad, including Japan. Email came through easily from my home server. A fellow traveler with the iphone could not use it for calls or email while in Japan.
Typing at first was harder than hoped. Targeting the proper key can be difficult when you are not familiar with a touch screen. Many reviewers have complained about the typing problems of the Storm. I have actually come to like typing on the Storm. I would agree at first I had mixed feelings, but with practice, and now with in the OS upgrade, typing is much easier and efficient. The click screen increases accuracy. But go into the options file and customize the screen/keyboard and spell check options. I recommend disabling auto correction and increase word size to 4 letters from 2 letter. In the keyboard options you can adjust touch screen tap interval, senstivity and hover time. This will help customize to your personal feel and improve the typing experience.
The click screen is a good solution to avoid many touch screen problems, like accidentally pressing keys, activating applications, or calling listed contacts. The click screen takes more than a touch to active an action. This a big plus for the user experience. Finger scrolling through the menu or email list takes some practice, but becomes easier with practice. A trackball on the Storm would have been a plus for navigation lists and menus, but the size of screen does not allow for good placement. Once you get accustomed to finger scrolling, hovering and tapping to select, a trackball is not as missed. .
Some reviewers down grade the phone for Verizon service, like no wifi, or expensive contract services. Still if you going to get the Storm, Verizon is the provider. I also tested an iPhone while considering AT&T service. It was fun to use. Loved the screen, applications, and connectivity options. But the iPhone is not a good option for our business use. The iphone is first and foremost a video ipod with phone, messaging and camera capability. It messaging seemed more dedicated to social networking than business email and scheduling capability.
with BB Email is the key advantage. The Storm meets the BB performance and provides a bridge for Verizon to users who wished they had access to an iphone-like features.
Web pages load faster on the Storm than other BB models. The Storm browser seems friendlier too. You can even tether the Storm to your laptop for Broadband internet access. Speaking as one who has had a Verizon broadband card now for about 15 months, it is the way to go when traveling. The Storm's Verizon Broadband service is really all you need. Relying on WiFi can be more expensive when using it in airports, hotels and other locations. The Verizon service is overall cheaper than having to pay wifi daily charges over the course of a month. So for all those complaining that the Storm does not having WiFi, remember that no Verizon phone offers Wifi. Verizon sells a better internet service. I am sure Wifi will be available when other mobile companies have the Storm in their offering, . So if Wifi is a must for you, stay away from the Storm and Verizon service for now. Plus, web page viewing on telephones screens is suitable only for checking airline schedules and stock quotes at best.
The Storm, as with all BB models, has non-intuitive operation and complicated menus. The Storm may be more so. The OS that comes with the Storm is Version 4.7.0.5. Replace it immediately, this is the one causing the problems cited by most reviews. The upgraded version is much better. Lag times are reduced and the OS is speedier than before. Reading the manual is a must with the Storm to getting through the menus and interface basics. Still RIM put so much business emphasis on the Storm interface that it is slightly complcated to make basic phone calls. It assumes all calls are made by speed dial, or contact list selection or voice command. The key pad likes to disaapear after dialing forcing you to file the recall the key pad. Which is a hassle when needing to dial in an extension or paasword. Hopefully, future upgrade will improve on the key pad usage.
I recommend the Storm to someone who wants a touch screem smartphone for business. If you are looking for an iPhone, then go buy an iPhone. The Storm is not same. In many ways it is better. Still The Storm is not a perfect smartphone, but give it some time to grow on you.
Updated on Dec 19, 2008
today is my 28th day with this phone.. it is not perfect, as I said in my first review. The phone sometimes lags at the strangest times, but so does the iphone. I plan to keep it this phone past the 30 day grace period at Verizon. The pluses far outweigh the minuses, It is a very good, production business phone, that seems to only get better with age and experience .15 out of 16 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Planned to buy it, glad I spent 45 minutes with it
by offroader80106 on November 22, 2008
Pros: It's still a Blackberry (1 star) It's still on Verizon's great network (1 star) The screen is larger, which makes web browsing easier (1/2 star)
Cons: The device is terribly slow. The transition from land scape to portrait view was ridiculously slow, scrolling on the device was choppy, jerky and slow. Application selection and launch was slow. Had to reboot the device after about 10 minutes.
Summary: Don't buy it, save your money. Stay on the Curve, Bold or 8830 World Edition if you have them, you'll be happier. If there aren't already plans ...
Summary: Don't buy it, save your money. Stay on the Curve, Bold or 8830 World Edition if you have them, you'll be happier. If there aren't already plans to release a software update to fix the speed issues, RIM better get on it. iPhone killer? I think not, the meteorologists forecasted this storm wrong, it's a dud.
I've used Blackberries for about 8 years and have loved every one, I'm glad I was able to test this one and didn't order it online. I would have been POed, big time. Anyhow, I won't be making the upgrade any time soon.
When I get a new device, I expect it to perform better than the one I'm replacing. This one doesn't come close, this thing is terribly slow and I'm really not impressed with the touch screen, Apple's implementation is much nicer. I've got to wonder how many maintenance issues RIM will have the screen.
WiFi, while not required, is a really nice add on. Especially when you're in as many airports as I am and don't want to boot up a laptop to check news, scores or do some quick searches and have a less than quality signal on the carrier network.
I did find that typing was quite accurate and easy in normal BB fashion, even with my giant meathooks, but I couldn't get past the terrible response from the system every time I tried to get it to something.
I'll keep my eye on the reports, forums, etc and if some of these issues might get fixed, I might reconsider.
I gave it 2 1/2 stars because it's not terrible, but it's not worthy of "Good" or "Average" that a 3 star rating insinuates.15 out of 18 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Good-touch screen Bad-Touchscreen
by rgor on November 21, 2008
Pros: Great touchscreen. Good interface. Intuitive. Easy setup. Gets the job done.
Cons: No wifi. Touch screen (not for texting and emailing). Anemic Browser. Minor performance and bugs noted.
Summary: Don't get this phone if:
You do a lot of typing i.e texting,email, web browsing, scrolling
Why? Touch screen ALWAYS loses to QWERTY keyboards
You work or ...Summary: Don't get this phone if:
You do a lot of typing i.e texting,email, web browsing, scrolling
Why? Touch screen ALWAYS loses to QWERTY keyboards
You work or live in an area with poor reception?
Why? No wife
You are not an early adopter.
Why? Minor performance and interface issues that will be corrected w/ storm 2.0
Get this phone if:
1. You do the occassional typing, some browsing, and are in need of a really good organizer (blackberry is the best)
2. You need a simple interface that is intuitive and easy to navigate.
3. You live and work in a verizon evdo friendly area both INDOORS AND OUTDOORS.
Overall, I would say it is a great phone. I do a lot of emails and txt so I am going to have to let it go...not for the phone's design or feature set because the philosophy of a touchscreen does not meld well with my need for a phone and email intensive client. I also work in an office w/ poor reception and my home has a little less than optimum reception...so....no wifi means I will suffer with an anemic data plan for my purposes.12 out of 13 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Good Phone (read this detailed review)
by smiddyy2k on November 22, 2008
Pros: Great Screen
Strong design
Great user interfaceCons: No Wi-fi
Touch screen
Battery could be betterSummary: REVIEW:
I have had this phone now for 14 days and let me set a few things straight. I have had the Iphone for months in the past and this ...Summary: REVIEW:
I have had this phone now for 14 days and let me set a few things straight. I have had the Iphone for months in the past and this phone beats it by miles. Apple made the iphone with the phone function least important and the music function important where as Blackberry have made the Storm the other way round (rightly so).
The Storm delivery great phone call quality and Email that is the best ever. The texting does take some time to get used to with the touch screen but it does come to you in the end. The camera quality is as good as any and much better that the Iphones camera. My onl;y big issue with this phone is the battery power as it only lasts a day when using the internet.
Alot of people seem to be upset about lack of WIFI and i agree on some levels but Vodafone contracts with this phone come with free internet acess so what is the problem.13 out of 17 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Not as bad as people and some reviews are saying
by Bozhed on November 25, 2008
Pros: Call quality - excellent with my Jawbone 2
Excellent Screen
8 GB MicroSD card
Push email
Facebook
Yahoo MessengerCons: A little slow
Landscape mode keyboard a little crampedSummary: I am not one of the individuals who does have the Storm but is still writing a review. I have had the Storm now for 2 days and I have ...
Summary: I am not one of the individuals who does have the Storm but is still writing a review. I have had the Storm now for 2 days and I have to say it is actually a pretty nice device. Yes, it is a little slow but it is acceptible for my uses. I also have to say the depending upon what I am typing I sometime prefer the Pearl style keyboard (Portrait) over the full keyboard. The full keyboard is nice for password entry but the prefer the larger Pearl style when typing emails and texts.
Oh - It also does have video capture and a SIM Card so not sure what people are talking about.
I do also want to note that I did upgrade the core applications last night via my home PC and yes, there are also still some quirks that Blackberry needs to work out. A couple that I have noticed include:
Can modify profiles but doesn't pay attention to your changes - :-)
Can't get my iTunes music on the MicroSD card. (Not sure if this is a storm issue or a PocketMac/Missing Sync issue)
Updated on Nov 25, 2008
Updated on Nov 30, 2008Ok. Well I made it almost a week with the phone but I just can't see spending the 200 for a phone with as many bugs as this one has. I have updated the core applications via Blackberry's online software twice but still can't see sticking with it for the price.
For me the biggest annoyance was the profile bug. While I could edit the profiles, the software didn't recognize the changes.
And I have to say....watching the latest advertisements are laughable. There is no way the blackberry Storm is as fast as the advertisement depicts. They should have to remove the false advertising just like apple had to in Europe. It is blatant false advertising.
Don't get me wrong, I am still a blackberry fan but I am very disappointed in the lack of quality in this Storm product. I returned it for a Curve. Much faster and things work like they are supposed to. Also battery life is way way better.
Updated on Dec 1, 2008Oh, and one other item....the vibration mode on the Storm is extremely weak compared to other blackberrys. You can't even feel it when in a holster so pretty much useless.7 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Awfully slow does nothing good for business.
by markl720 on November 22, 2008
Pros: Looks great, has potential with other features. Great world capabilities
Cons: Slowest most sluggish phone ever. Nearly ruined my day yesterday after buying it. Nothing good for my workflow.
Summary: This phone is beyond slow and the keyboard is terrible. I cant tell you how many times i made typos and accidentally deleted my message. The phone is SO SLOW ...
Summary: This phone is beyond slow and the keyboard is terrible. I cant tell you how many times i made typos and accidentally deleted my message. The phone is SO SLOW that anyone who thinks anything good is gonna happen to their workflow is out of their mind. It takes MINUTES longer to do simple things that i flew threw on even non QWERTY phones. I bought the phone at 9am yesterday and returned it at 9am today.
Why anyone would try and stick with a phone that absolutely SLOWS YOU DOWN i wouldnt understand. Especially use business minded people who bought the phone to keep ourselves organized and speed up the work day. The potential for a great phone is there but all i got was A LOT OF WASTED TIME.
This phone should have never been release with this version of the software. What the hell where they thinking?11 out of 17 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A solid product with excellent features
by musicmank on November 24, 2008
Pros: 1. Great screen - clear and easy to read
2. Love the click through touch screen
3. Blackberry OS and all that goes with it.
4. Email compatibility with multiple systems
5. Verizon Network!!Cons: 1. The clip on holster available on day one is worthless
2. The accelerometer is a little slow to react when moving from portrait to landscape and back.Summary: As a long time BB user I have been waiting for the Storm with much anticipation. I could not be more satisfied. BB has done it right with their first ...
Summary: As a long time BB user I have been waiting for the Storm with much anticipation. I could not be more satisfied. BB has done it right with their first entry into the touch screen market. The phone is not perfect, but it meets or exceeds every one of my expectations. The complaints about difficulty using the keyboard are just silly. I have fat fingers and am able to type as fast or faster than I could on my QWRTY keyboard on my old BB phone. The speed for web access is awesome, and the clarity of images is incredible. The Verizon network is still the best in the US. I travel throughout the US and very seldom have any trouble connecting to the network. Where I do have trouble, I can't usually find a wi-fi hotspot either. So all the fuss about no wi-fi is just techy whining as far as I can tell.
8 out of 10 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Research In Motion Ltd.
- Part number: Storm (Verizon)
- Description: With the BlackBerry Storm smartphone, select and type using touch technology - the screen is the keyboard. Typing is easy - highlight the letter on the touch screen and press the screen to make it appear in your message or document. And navigation is a breeze. Like a mouse, your fingertip moves the cursor across the screen. At 3.2 megapixels, you can take sharp, print-quality pictures using the BlackBerry Storm smartphone. You can also rely on the auto focus and auto flash to help you capture the moment. Whether you want to watch a video clip or tune out the rest of the world by listening to your favorite songs, your BlackBerry Storm smartphone delivers visual and sound quality that keeps up with your needs. Stay in the know even when you're on the go with access to the mobile versions of news, television and other media sites.
Telecom
- Email protocols supported IMAP4, POP3
- Data services E-Mail, WWW, Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, SMS, AOL Instant Messenger, MMS
- Modem Integrated Wireless cellular modem
- Cellular enhancement protocol HSPA, EDGE, UMTS, CDMA 2000 1X EV-DO Rev. A, GPRS, GSM
General
- Built-in devices Music player, Camera
- Dimensions (W x D x H) 2.4 in x 0.6 in x 4.4 in
- Band / mode GSM 850/900/1800/1900 (Quadband) / UMTS 2100 / CDMA 800/1900 (Dual Band)
- Weight 5.5 oz
- Standby time 360 h
- Vibrating Alert Yes
- Combined with With digital camera / digital player
Operating System / Software
- OS provided BlackBerry Handheld Software
- Software included Microsoft Outlook, Web Access, IBM Lotus Domino, Microsoft Exchange, Novell GroupWise
Memory
- Installed RAM 128 MB
- Flash memory installed 1 GB
Phone
- Call features Caller ID
Input Device
- Input device type Keyboard, Touch-screen
Digital Camera
- Digital zoom 2
- Features Video recording
PDA Features
- Flash memory installed 1 GB
Audio
- Digital audio standards supported MIDI, MP3
- Audio input type Microphone
- Audio output type Speaker(s)
- Voice recording capability Yes
Display
- Display type TFT active matrix
- Color support 16-bit (64K colors)
- Max resolution 480 x 360
Power
- Battery installed ( max ) 1 Lithium ion
- Max supported batteries 1
- Talk time 330 min
- Power supply device Power adapter
- Power device type Power adapter
Expansion / Connectivity
- Wireless connectivity Bluetooth 2.0
- Port / Connector Type:Interface 1Headset
- Expansion slot(s) total (free) 1 MicroSD
Physical Characteristics
- Width 2.4 in
- Depth 0.6 in
- Height 4.4 in
GPS
- GPS System / GPS Navigation GPS receiver
Manufacturer info
- Research In Motion Ltd.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Research In Motion Ltd. products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.rim.net
- Address:
295 Phillip Street
Waterloo, Ontario
Canada N2L 3W8, Waterloo, ON - Phone: 519/888-7465
- Email: webinfo@rim.net
- Fax: 519-888-7884
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