View Full Version : Blackberry's iPhone beater (codename Storm)
So what do we reckon to this first touchscreen Blackberry which is going to be out later in the year?
Rumours are that it's only available on Verizon in the States and Vodafone in the UK.
Quad Band
3G
3.2 Megapixel Camera
Full HTML browsing with Flash supported
Removable battery and memory
I've heard it's going to be a belter.
TigaSefi
17-09-2008, 09:47
Pics?
http://crackberry.com/verizon-blackberry-storm-site-live
Are you sure its 3G? Verizon do not have 3G GSM network! From what I have read the Storm will have only EDGE?
mnementh
17-09-2008, 14:34
It is 3G.
edit - removed : old news :)
Really? I thought the Verizon version was 3G but not the 3G as we know it, but actually CDMA or similar? I have nto done much research as I am after the Bold which is 3G on normal GSM style networks.
3G in Europe certainly but yes the States are not that quick to pick up the whole 3G thing. It's quad band anyway so will work 3G over here on Vodafone.
My mate is working on testing with this phone and that is all he will tell me about it as he has had to sign an NDA, so it must be pretty damn good.
Are you sure its 3G? Verizon do not have 3G GSM network! From what I have read the Storm will have only EDGE?
Verizon IS America's largest 3G network
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It's not the only 'iphone killer' that's on the horizon...
There's also the HTC Touch HD...
http://gizmodo.com/5047830/htc-touch-hd-looks-big-and-beautiful
Verizon IS America's largest 3G network
Correct, but its EV-DO CDMA!
It does seem that Europe will get a different version of this phone that is normal 3G that the rest of the world uses though!
http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/23/gsm-only-blackberry-storm-thunder-leaks-out/
Ok I was right, the rest of the world will get a different version to the US that is actually GSM/HSDPA and not CDMA/3G
raymondlin
24-09-2008, 14:17
The greatest thing about the iphone is not so much about what it can do, its how it does it, the UI is everything and no phone i've come across before or since has a UI so intuitive.
looks good, although i've purchased a blackberry bold sim free and unlocked to upgrade my pearl 8120.
Doubt anything is going to beat the iphone for a longtime yet.
All down to personal preference as I reckon the N95 UI pees all over and and in terms of features and flaws it's a definite winner.
mnementh
04-10-2008, 09:01
Saw a Storm last week - very nice but heavier than I expected. Also played with a Javelin. Narrower than a Curve and they've changed to micro-usb.
All down to personal preference as I reckon the N95 UI pees all over and and in terms of features and flaws it's a definite winner.
Over the iPhone? :nuts:
The N95 UI is just horribly bloated - the vast amount of features just overwhelm it and makes finding settings and phone features more difficult that it should.
nmayling
16-10-2008, 12:03
getting closer to release now
details here Vodafone Blackberry Site (http://blackberry.vodafone.co.uk/storm/specifications/)
* Quad-Band: 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE networks.
* Single-Band: 2100 MHz UMTS/HSPA networks.
* Dual-Band: 800/1900 MHz CDMA/EVDO Rev A networks.
Whats that mean in real money ? is it 3G or not ?
kippa2k1
16-10-2008, 14:01
On that very Voda page...
Mobile internet
* Thanks to its HSPDA technology (think super-fast 3G) you can browse the web at warp speed and multitask to your heart's content. Take calls while sending and responding to emails, or when browsing the internet, and access your favourite websites – from Google to the BBC, YouTube to eBay – when you're out and about. Keep in touch with your friends and spread a bit of fun with social networking applications like Facebook® for BlackBerry smartphones and Flickr™ Photo Uploader for BlackBerry smartphones.
nmayling
16-10-2008, 15:03
On that very Voda page...
Doh ....... Thanks - my speed reading needs improving ;)
I like the look of the new blackberry storm, thing is what advantages do you get with a blackberry over a normal phone, both can browse the web and have email so why choose a blackberry over say my present LG Viewty?
Merging into current BB Storm thread
VintageWhino
04-11-2008, 17:18
Ordered mine today, should have it on release day.
alanmcg21
05-11-2008, 00:51
Shame they omitted wifi on it looks a nice phone.
Dragon Ninja
05-11-2008, 00:53
Yeaah...great iPhone beater with no Wi-Fi.
What a joke. I much prefer the Bold over the storm.
VintageWhino
05-11-2008, 10:02
Wifi really isn't an issue though. My Storm comes with unltd web browsing.
Everywhere I go that has wifi is generally locked and can't be used.
Not at all fussed with the whole Wi Fi thing..
I think the blackberry bold looks better than this.
snowball
05-11-2008, 22:43
I like the look of the new blackberry storm, thing is what advantages do you get with a blackberry over a normal phone, both can browse the web and have email so why choose a blackberry over say my present LG Viewty?
Push email is the blackberry's strong point...and..err thats it from what i can gather. I'm sure some blackberry owners will add more to this though ;)
VintageWhino
06-11-2008, 13:17
Looks like it has been delayed.. again... so maybe I'll get it next week
So its a status thing then?
Dial-a-Phone (http://www.thedvdforums.com/affiliatelink.php?localaffiliateid=365) currently have the BlackBerry Storm in stock for delivery on Nov 19 and free on 18 and 24 month contracts. Be one of the first to get these new smart phones.
<center><img src="http://www.thedvdforums.com/protectedimage.php?image=Kryten/storm.jpg_07112008"></center>
BlackBerry Storm Link (http://www.thedvdforums.com/affiliatelink.php?localaffiliateid=365&url=http://www.dialaphone.co.uk/phone/BlackBerry_Storm_9500/)
We've been given a provisional release date of 18th November on our business contract - put back a week from the 11th.
I wonder who will get fired for the "great" decision of omitting wi-fi...
VintageWhino
07-11-2008, 16:05
I wonder who will get fired for the "great" decision of omitting wi-fi...
Why should anyone get fired?
That was my obviously poor attempt at humour.
I was alluding to the fact that it is beyond rediculous that a phone banded around to be an "iPhone Killer" lacks the most basic of functions. We don't all work in a 3G saturated area.
Well agreed, the main point and real seeling point of this phone is that it kills everything else in terms of Email capabilties so from a business point of views it's just THE one to go for.
Also the other thing is that it has a dimple effect on the screen that allows you actually push the screen in which gets rid of the most annoying thing about tocuh screen phone and that's pressing or swiping the screen and selecting the wrong menu. Gone are the days of that with the Storm. I've played with one and have to say for me it's definitely a nicer unit to use than the iphone .
As said about not having wi-fi is a complete oversight BUT i very rarely use mine, in fact i use GPRS for all email data and very rarely even use the 3G so for mails and surfing you can cope with the GPRS (2.5G) signal.
Unfortunately I do lot of work remotely and in server rooms, where the only access is wi-fi, as I expect many of the users this phone was designed for do.
The mitigation of "GPRS will do" may have been good in 2005, but in the current communications era it simply wont do... ever tried to download a 1.5mb PDF manual on GPRS? This just stinks of Blackberry either cutting corners on cost, development or a tactic to later release the version they should have, like iPhone 3G I might add.
alanmcg21
08-11-2008, 17:09
Could well have been the iphone killer but no wifi is either very stupid or a deliberate ommision so the storm2 will have it.Will have to stick to the iphone 3g for now.
Unfortunately I do lot of work remotely and in server rooms, where the only access is wi-fi, as I expect many of the users this phone was designed for do.
The mitigation of "GPRS will do" may have been good in 2005, but in the current communications era it simply wont do... ever tried to download a 1.5mb PDF manual on GPRS? This just stinks of Blackberry either cutting corners on cost, development or a tactic to later release the version they should have, like iPhone 3G I might add.
Well then there's something wrong with your business methods if you are using an iphone to read .pdf's in a server room :lol:
I use either the UMPC or my Dell, both with Wifi built in and spend up to 12 hours in server rooms. I've not once ever used my phone to look or read .pdfs.
KennyVader
08-11-2008, 22:07
Well then there's something wrong with your business methods if you are using an iphone to read .pdf's in a server room :lol:
Why? Who wants to lug multiple devices around, when in this day and age, phones (except Blackberrys it seems) are becoming perfectly capable of displaying PDFs and graphics-heavy websites?
For what it's worth, specifically on PDF, various websites display their output in PDF form, TfL's timetable site is an example, everything's in PDF there, admittedly not 1.5mb each timetable though.
Think also of people uploading photos directly from their phone, that sort of thing. Or roaming abroad when there's a free wifi access point sitting there. There's loads of uses where GPRS won't cut it, and neither will the lack of WiFi.
Phones even like the iphone are still not the same as reading web pages on a UPM laptop like Asus EEE.
I would still use something like the Asus EEE for internet rather than the iphone or blackberry.
Why? Who wants to lug multiple devices around, when in this day and age, phones (except Blackberrys it seems) are becoming perfectly capable of displaying PDFs and graphics-heavy websites?
For what it's worth, specifically on PDF, various websites display their output in PDF form, TfL's timetable site is an example, everything's in PDF there, admittedly not 1.5mb each timetable though.
Think also of people uploading photos directly from their phone, that sort of thing. Or roaming abroad when there's a free wifi access point sitting there. There's loads of uses where GPRS won't cut it, and neither will the lack of WiFi.
Yes. I'm sure my client will be well pleased when I turn up onsite at BBC, Sky, ITV, Channel 4, ESPN or whichever leading broadcaster and ask if I perform some maintenance on their server. Mind if I jump on your Wifi connection? No not on my laptop, it's my iphone and I'll just download a few .pdfs onto it :lol:
It's just not going to happen, plus there's no serial connection for coinnecting to HP or Cisco switches and evertything else under the Sun that a PC can do that a 3G iphone or blackberry can do!
snowball
08-11-2008, 22:51
Phones even like the iphone are still not the same as reading web pages on a UPM laptop like Asus EEE.
I would still use something like the Asus EEE for internet rather than the iphone or blackberry.
Can you put the Asus EEE in your pocket and surf whenever and wherever you wish ;)
KennyVader
08-11-2008, 22:57
Yes. I'm sure my client will be well pleased when I turn up onsite at BBC, Sky, ITV, Channel 4, ESPN or whichever leading broadcaster and ask if I perform some maintenance on their server. Mind if I jump on your Wifi connection? No not on my laptop, it's my iphone and I'll just download a few .pdfs onto it :lol:
It's just not going to happen, plus there's no serial connection for coinnecting to HP or Cisco switches and evertything else under the Sun that a PC can do that a 3G iphone or blackberry can do!
You think everyone works the way you do or does the same job? Just because you need/prefer to carry a laptop around with you too doesn't negate everyone else's needs/requirements you know :lol:
I'm not saying it does, it's just the comments from the fly were that if you work in a server room then you can use wifi on your iphone, I can honestly say I've never seen anyone relying soley on a 3G phone with Wifi to work that's all.
It seems like a real fanboys retort to debunk a quality phone because it doesn't have Wifi,
iphone doesn't support flash which imo is fundamental to wseb browsing, so what?
Can you put the Asus EEE in your pocket and surf whenever and wherever you wish ;)
No, as I said I would use something like the EEE for surfing on the move i.e on the train, airport, coffes shops, hotels etc as it is small and light and can easily be carried in a small bag.
The only time I would use a phone for the internet is if I had to desperately check up somthing whilst on the move.
Same here, it's useful when out and about and I want to get some directions or an address etc from google or I want to know the latest sports results but no way would I ever use it for anything like large downloads.
The other thing I have is an outlook client on there for mail but I only read the headers and leave attachments for my pc.
iphone doesn't support flash which imo is fundamental to wseb browsing, so what?
Well I've decided I'm going to get myself a Storm, but for some reason I have to wait until they are released without pre-ordering as Vodafone apparently aren't able to port the numbers once the contract has been initiated (which the other networks are happy to do). So pre–orders are for new numbers only. :cuckoo:
Regarding the above however, this is something I had a little look into a few days ago and I have a horrible feeling that the Storm doesn't support flash either, I mean really hope it does, but I think it's just been misreported in a few previews/reviews. From what I was able to gather sadly it appears not to be true. :(
I would love to be proved wrong however! :)
For some inexplicable reason the iPhone has just never appealed to me, despite the enormous cachet it seems to garner. I've been more than happy with my N95 until now but I just fancy something which makes browsing a little easier and less of a chore. With regard to wifi then I'm not that fussed, I wouldn't say no as it's certainly a nice to have but I could probably count the number of times I've used it with my current phone in the last year on one hand.
Mark
Me an iPhone fanboy? You couldn't be further from the truth! I am actively looking for a replacement for this thing, I was very disappointed that the Storm doesn't have wifi because it was one of the the contenders to replace my iPhone. There is nothing wrong with my business practices, I work in a variety of locations within my site and need something small, flexible, clear and capable of rendering a google search as quickly as a site on our own fault recording website. We have thousands of different types of equipment, from PDP-11s to totally bespoke kit and frankly, I doubt I could carry documentation for all of the around with me. Give me an alternative and I'll happily hoof my iphone in the bin.
raymondlin
13-11-2008, 09:09
No, as I said I would use something like the EEE for surfing on the move i.e on the train, airport, coffes shops, hotels etc as it is small and light and can easily be carried in a small bag.
The only time I would use a phone for the internet is if I had to desperately check up somthing whilst on the move.
Carrying an Asus or an iPhone are 2 totally different mindset. With the Asus you have to really have the intention at the start of the day to use it, like you knew you are going to be sat down in a particular place for a length of time - Library, Train, Starbucks....etc. With the iPhone it is pretty much go anywhere, forget about it, and if you got 2 mins to spare, like waiting in the queue for your Latte to go in starbucks, you can surf and read the forum, or hit the Mail button and check if you have any emails. While standing up in the queue, while the music is playing in your headphones.
The experience of surfing the net is obviously different between the 2 but the iPhone is not worse, it is different. Yes, in some respect it isn't as good, but in a lot of ways the Asus cannot compete.
Carrying an Asus or an iPhone are 2 totally different mindset. With the Asus you have to really have the intention at the start of the day to use it, like you knew you are going to be sat down in a particular place for a length of time - Library, Train, Starbucks....etc. With the iPhone it is pretty much go anywhere, forget about it, and if you got 2 mins to spare, like waiting in the queue for your Latte to go in starbucks, you can surf and read the forum, or hit the Mail button and check if you have any emails. While standing up in the queue, while the music is playing in your headphones.
The experience of surfing the net is obviously different between the 2 but the iPhone is not worse, it is different. Yes, in some respect it isn't as good, but in a lot of ways the Asus cannot compete.
As I said, for prolonged web surfing at a café, hotel, airport, etc then an ultra portable netbook for definite. Phone only for checking stuff whilst out and about.
I had the iphone and returned it as I still think that browsing is not on par with something like an Asus EEE. You have to keep zooming in with the iphone to read stuff and it’s just too fiddly to browse properly plus no flash support.
Until a device comes out that offers browsing closer to an ultra portable netbook, then it’s something like an Asus EEE all the way.
VintageWhino
14-11-2008, 10:34
mine got delivered this morning... at home... So will have to wait uintil this evening before I get to have a play.
Will come post inital thoughts as soon as I get the chance...
I'll be very interested in how the tactile touchscreen feels like. :)
Sprout Crumble
18-11-2008, 11:30
What a piece of crap. Ten minutes of calls and five hours standby on a dead quiet morning and the battery's dead. Takes forever to charge as well.
I usually do well over 1000 minutes a month as well as shed-loads of emails and texts. I'd need five spare batteries to get me through a normal day.
Shocking that the phone was even released in this state.
Did you make sure Wi-Fi wasn't enabled... oh, wait.. ;)
lol so if I wanted to browse the net properly whilst out and about and check email whats the best phone/smart phone to use, at present I have an LG Viewty.
Sprout Crumble
19-11-2008, 13:09
Battery life now MUCH improved. A few full charges and discharges has helped no end.
Battery life now MUCH improved. A few full charges and discharges has helped no end.
I was going to post the same, mine has improved a LOT after a couple of charges. As long as it's got enough power enough to last a full day (while being used) then the battery life will be acceptable to me. Obviously longer would be better though.
Sprout Crumble
27-11-2008, 07:04
We had three here on release day. All three going back today. Its sluggish, flakey and the battery life remains ridiculous with any real use.
In general, a well designed bit of kit with superb email/text support, but its simply not finished in its current state. Back to looking for a Vodafone alternative at a time when bugger all really impresses.
How about the bold, I only use mine for personal use but think its a great p
hone
Doesnt the LG Viewty do all this.
cjanderson
27-11-2008, 22:01
Battery life now MUCH improved. A few full charges and discharges has helped no end.
idiots in Phones4U (http://www.thedvdforums.com/affiliatelink.php?localaffiliateid=137)told us to "charge for 3 hours at first" then let flat, then another 3. battery life was shocking so now got a new battery from the idiots and can do it proberly - full 16 hour charge at start etc. Looks nice!!
Sprout Crumble
27-11-2008, 22:56
We did battery conditioning as well and though it improves, it still runs a battery down pretty quick with any real use, which my managers do.
Another director has gone back to his Bold and the manager has ordered a Sony Experia X-1. I don't know what to get. I'll have a look at the X-1 when it comes but I'm not hopeful.
This single network crap makes my blood boil. With the iPhone, Storm, Android G1 and the Touch HD all tied to a single provider, choice is non-existant.
N95 or N96 really or the new Nokia Xpress music tube with it's nice touchscreen feature.
http://stuff.tv/Review/Nokia-XpressMusic-5800-Tube/
Sprout Crumble
27-11-2008, 23:56
Had N95's for ages. Okay phones with a sound OS, but the physical format is flawed. The N96 is just a tart-up job.
Chesley Noah
28-11-2008, 06:33
BlackBerry Storm v iPhone 3G – is this the Apple killer...?Touchscreen......
The iPhone's touchscreen has been top of the pile since day one. Until now that is. RIM's clickable multitouch effort means you no longer drop into dodgy websites or open unwanted attachments with the slip of a finger. The Storm's screen is essentially a big button and that makes it even cooler than the iPhone
Copied from here: http://stuff.tv/news/BlackBerry-Storm-v-iPhone-3G-is-this-the-Apple-killer/11187/
BlackBerry Storm v iPhone 3G – is this the Apple killer...?Touchscreen......
The iPhone's touchscreen has been top of the pile since day one. Until now that is. RIM's clickable multitouch effort means you no longer drop into dodgy websites or open unwanted attachments with the slip of a finger. The Storm's screen is essentially a big button and that makes it even cooler than the iPhone
Copied from here: http://stuff.tv/news/BlackBerry-Storm-v-iPhone-3G-is-this-the-Apple-killer/11187/
Stuff.tv?
It's been getting slated on a fair few sites by different people...especially for that button.
http://gizmodo.com/5099720/stephen-fry-slams-the-blackberry-storm
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/27/technology/personaltech/27pogue.html?_r=3&hp
The Bold seems to be getting good reviews though...
Fixes on the way...
http://www.itpro.co.uk/608733/blackberry-storm-fixes-on-the-way?CMP=NLC-Newsletters
rbullivant
05-12-2008, 18:45
Was considering this phone, but don't really want a phone that lasts a day and needs charging. What are the alternatives?
the ghost
06-12-2008, 10:53
had mine a week now quite like it some iffy bits on it typing hitting the correct keys(as i have large fingers)the battery life is goingto be the big problem withthis phone more you use the large screen the faster the battery level drops
but other than that im liking it
Some new firmware is now available which seems to have improved the battery usage somewhat! :thumbs:
Mark
I still cant decide if to get this as my FREE upgrade.
snowball
08-12-2008, 18:58
I still cant decide if to get this as my FREE upgrade.
judging by the reviews here, I would say no. Go for the Iphone if you want a proper smartphone ;)
I use LG Viewty at present.
tigercage
24-12-2008, 12:29
Got this the other day there, quite impressed so far. Any decent apps out there worth taking a look at?
Got this the other day there, quite impressed so far. Any decent apps out there worth taking a look at?
TwitterBerry (http://www.orangatame.com/products/twitterberry/), if you like that sort of thing. :)
Has the battery issue been improved on this? I'm looking at this or the Bold but as long as it has 3G and GPS then I'm rosy.
My old Curve would easily go 3 or 4 days with a decent amount of use.
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