The Blackberry Storm finally arrived today via FedEx priority delivery. While I was unable to pick one up the day it was released, I am not going to complain as Verizon offered an instant $50 rebate instead of having to go through the whole mail-in process. I was able to get the phone, a silicone case, a screen protector and car charger all for $202 with a new 2 year contract. This makes the Blackberry Storm a very cost effective purchase.
Having spent some time with the Blackberry Storm today, I can say that so far I am very pleased with the purchase. The functionality of the phone definitely takes some time for adjustment, but I love the clickable screen. It is so nice to hover over something, see what you are going to click before it is registered, then be able to make your selection. The setup was pretty easy as I was able to move all contacts, personal email accounts and media over in under an hour. If you are planning to get this phone, you will want to make sure to install the Blackberry Desktop Manager as there are several device updates already available.
I will admit there are a few areas where the iPhone is much better. The text messaging on the Blackberry Storm, while easier than most phones to manage is not as aesthetically pleasing as the iPhones layout. Then of course there are the applications. The Blackberry Storm does come with a few applications available, including a Facebook app. I really like the Facebook app, but other applications such as Google Maps and Twitterberry are not optimal for frequent users. I imagine Blackberry will roll out some updates for these in the near future. I was able to find a cool site with high-quality home screen images for the Blackberry Storm.
Overall, the Blackberry Storm is a high-quality Smartphone. While it may not be as fashionable as the iPhone and does lack some of the nice features that will come with time…all of the basic functionality that has made Blackberry so successful in the past is there. I am unsure at this point how it is going to compete with the iPhone, but do know that I can’t wait to see what applications Blackberry is going to release in March of 09.
How is your Blackberry Storm working out for you now that you’ve had it for a while?
Thanks for your review
Dustin~
As much as I want to love the phone and as much as I do love it on some days…my opinion changes daily. Some days the phone is great. Everything runs perfectly the accelerometer functions exactly as it should. All applications and phone calls run perfectly. On these days it is right up there with the iPhone- better for business use than the iPhone I think.
Then there are the days when nothing works right. This could be due to the fact that I have installed a leaked update- OS 4.7.0.83 and the latest version that has been released “officially” is 4.7.0.65. I just had to do it though to see if the phone would perform any better. And it does…on certain days. Other times it will lock up at least 2-3 times a day and take FOREVER to adjust orientation through the accelerometer.
I do love the Facebook application, a WeatherBug application I installed, and overall all forms of messaging (text, email, mms) have been very great.
I have never been able to get the camera to work for more than 2 minutes without locking up- very frustrating because this is was a selling point for me on this phone. And TwitterBerry will only work in portrait mode which is a big pain if you are into Twitter.
The thing I try to keep in mind is that it is a NEW phone and there are going to be some issues. Everyone compares it to the iPhone and the iPhone had several issues in their first generation release as well. I am hopeful that things will get better through time as more updates are released and am excited about the new Blackberry Application Store which is coming in March of this year.
I am going to be patient and stick with it in hopes of it living up to the expectations that were set by Verizon. At times the iPhone can be very tempting, but I think I will be able to manage.
I am sure this is far more than you wanted to know. I hope this helps. If you have any more questions about the Blackberry Storm, you know where to find me.
Thanks,
D-Mac
@D-Mac – thanks for the reply
It sounds like you have similar uses for the phone as I would. I think I am going to check it out, take a chance. In hopes that it gets better through time.
I am locked in Verizon from work. So it does not make financial sense to get the Iphone. Although I want one really bad…
No problem. I actually just did a new post on the Blackberry Storm with a more in depth video review to accompany my reply to you. I will post it tomorrow and will also link back your blog.
I was in the same situation as you with not wanting to switch from Verizon to pay the cancellation fee. Hopefully it will get better.
Thanks again,
D-Mac
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