Comments on: A Week with the BlackBerry Storm Smartphone Day 3 http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/01/09/a-week-with-the-blackberry-storm-smartphone-day-3/ Gadget reviews and news by Julie Strietelmeier and friends since 1997 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:52:51 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= By: Joe R. http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/01/09/a-week-with-the-blackberry-storm-smartphone-day-3/comment-page-1/#comment-38121 Joe R. Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:36:05 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=11577#comment-38121 all of you diephone fanboys need to go and find somebody else to bother. it seems that whenever a better phone threatens the iphones existance, you guy's pull your d*** out of your "sexy" (do you all have objectophelia or something?) iphone's headphone jack for a couple minutes to attempt to bash new technologies that are beyond your very understanding. Have any of you even tried to use linux? I'd be willing to bet that all of you iphony's would go to all of the linux forums, telling everybody "windows is a godsend and everything else is crap". now for my ten cents. The Storm is like nothing else, obviously. This means THERE ARE GOING TO BE FLAWS. RIM had nobody to copy off of (shut up you iphony). I am currently running official os version .148. OS .148 has addressed many issues, many of which I have not seen yet because I did not bother to view the changelog. My favorite (besides the reliability) is the translucent control panel for the camera so you can see the rest of the picture before you take it. text editing was improved with a new selection cursor. screen rotation has sped up. autodim was improved. the phone doesn't lockup when taking video like .74 was notorious for doing. aesthetics were improved a bit. the screen seems more responsive. the camera takes less time to focus. the flash duration was dramatically shortened. there is now a full keyboard in portrait view. All in all, The storm is now at an unfair advantage to the iphone. -Joe p.s. I am not a storm fanboy, I prefer the pre, but I don't get coverage in my area and don't feel like moving just for a masterpiece of a cell phone. all of you diephone fanboys need to go and find somebody else to bother. it seems that whenever a better phone threatens the iphones existance, you guy’s pull your d*** out of your “sexy” (do you all have objectophelia or something?) iphone’s headphone jack for a couple minutes to attempt to bash new technologies that are beyond your very understanding.

Have any of you even tried to use linux? I’d be willing to bet that all of you iphony’s would go to all of the linux forums, telling everybody “windows is a godsend and everything else is crap”.

now for my ten cents. The Storm is like nothing else, obviously. This means THERE ARE GOING TO BE FLAWS. RIM had nobody to copy off of (shut up you iphony). I am currently running official os version .148. OS .148 has addressed many issues, many of which I have not seen yet because I did not bother to view the changelog. My favorite (besides the reliability) is the translucent control panel for the camera so you can see the rest of the picture before you take it. text editing was improved with a new selection cursor. screen rotation has sped up. autodim was improved. the phone doesn’t lockup when taking video like .74 was notorious for doing. aesthetics were improved a bit. the screen seems more responsive. the camera takes less time to focus. the flash duration was dramatically shortened. there is now a full keyboard in portrait view.

All in all, The storm is now at an unfair advantage to the iphone.

-Joe

p.s. I am not a storm fanboy, I prefer the pre, but I don’t get coverage in my area and don’t feel like moving just for a masterpiece of a cell phone.

]]> By: theNES http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/01/09/a-week-with-the-blackberry-storm-smartphone-day-3/comment-page-1/#comment-34796 theNES Thu, 07 May 2009 15:49:35 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=11577#comment-34796 I LOVE MY STORM! :] I disagree completely! It is the easiest thing I've EVER used. All the free apps are a HUGE plus, and the customization is UH-MAAAY-ZIIIIING. I've never had a problem with the rotation or the keyboard, I mess up in the exact same ways I did my old phone's Alias & Dare (simple spelling errors when typing too fast :D). I LOVE MY STORM! :] I disagree completely! It is the easiest thing I’ve EVER used. All the free apps are a HUGE plus, and the customization is UH-MAAAY-ZIIIIING. I’ve never had a problem with the rotation or the keyboard, I mess up in the exact same ways I did my old phone’s Alias & Dare (simple spelling errors when typing too fast :D ).

]]> By: Kylie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/01/09/a-week-with-the-blackberry-storm-smartphone-day-3/comment-page-1/#comment-32158 Kylie Mon, 23 Mar 2009 11:32:31 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=11577#comment-32158 Im thinking about getting my daughter this cell phone when her 2 year contract ends.She is visiting her aunt thats 1,000 miles away from here all summer so that will give me some time to think about it. Her old phone deletes EVERYTHING! Plus it is really slow. She needs something that she can have through highschool.She has the SMALLEST fingers so she will be extremely good at texting and surfing the web and all that good stuff. I know some people who have the iPhone and they told me NOT to get it for her. So please comment back!! Thanks --Kylie A. Im thinking about getting my daughter this cell phone when her 2 year contract ends.She is visiting her aunt thats 1,000 miles away from here all summer so that will give me some time to think about it. Her old phone deletes EVERYTHING! Plus it is really slow. She needs something that she can have through highschool.She has the SMALLEST fingers so she will be extremely good at texting and surfing the web and all that good stuff. I know some people who have the iPhone and they told me NOT to get it for her. So please comment back!! Thanks

–Kylie A.

]]> By: Caroline from Oz http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/01/09/a-week-with-the-blackberry-storm-smartphone-day-3/comment-page-1/#comment-29356 Caroline from Oz Tue, 13 Jan 2009 02:55:33 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=11577#comment-29356 I'm Down Under with a Vodafone 3G Storm 9500, have been using it for about a month. I have longish fingernails (as in they go past my fingertips) and this makes using the touch screen quite tricky as I have to use finger pads rather than finger tips (so not accurate enough)... I am getting better with practice but it still takes me ages to type messages. I find myself making calls in preference to sending SMS coz it's just easier. Before the Storm I was using an iMate K-Jam - I loved the pressure sensitive screen, great with fingernails for menu selection, and I could handwrite War and Peace in an SMS with a stylus in no time flat. I never used the keyboard though, so I was looking for a keyless touchscreen in my next phone. I love being able to surf the internet free on the BlackBerry Storm, although I think there is room for improvement with the Browser - but I haven't used any other mobile browser so I am making no comparisons. I looked up a phone number on a web page the other day, and clicking on the number on the webpage activated the phone and called it direct - I didn't have to copy the number and open the phone app. How cool is that?!! I was looking forward to using Vodafone Compass (the GPS app) but refuse to pay another $8 a month for it on top of my contracted $79 a month. Google Maps seems to work ok though, so I'm not going to get lost. I use a BlueAnt bluetooth headset which works reasonably well most of the time, although sometimes the Storm decides not to send the call to the headset, very annoying when I am driving (it's illegal to use your hands on your phone while driving here). Am very pleased that the voice dialling app works well on my bluetooth - even though the app has an American accent, it has managed to understand my Australian accent and select the right contact every time. I could not get my old Nokia or iMate phones to talk to the Storm via Bluetooth - the Storm discovered them but refused to communicate. I synch my Storm with my Outlook 2003 calendar, tasks and contacts every day with no problems at all. I have email set up on the Storm which is good - it only downloads the header information. I choose whether to download any attachments. Facebook works ok - and it alerts me when I get a Facebook update just like it does with SMS and emails. I have to charge the Storm every night docked to the computer - I can barely get through 2 days without going flat - but I can talk under wet cement :) And it plays music and all the other media stuff too... wish I could get some new themes, no one has released any yet :( Overall, I am very happy with the Storm - just wish the screen was pressure sensitive... I’m Down Under with a Vodafone 3G Storm 9500, have been using it for about a month. I have longish fingernails (as in they go past my fingertips) and this makes using the touch screen quite tricky as I have to use finger pads rather than finger tips (so not accurate enough)… I am getting better with practice but it still takes me ages to type messages. I find myself making calls in preference to sending SMS coz it’s just easier. Before the Storm I was using an iMate K-Jam – I loved the pressure sensitive screen, great with fingernails for menu selection, and I could handwrite War and Peace in an SMS with a stylus in no time flat. I never used the keyboard though, so I was looking for a keyless touchscreen in my next phone. I love being able to surf the internet free on the BlackBerry Storm, although I think there is room for improvement with the Browser – but I haven’t used any other mobile browser so I am making no comparisons. I looked up a phone number on a web page the other day, and clicking on the number on the webpage activated the phone and called it direct – I didn’t have to copy the number and open the phone app. How cool is that?!! I was looking forward to using Vodafone Compass (the GPS app) but refuse to pay another $8 a month for it on top of my contracted $79 a month. Google Maps seems to work ok though, so I’m not going to get lost. I use a BlueAnt bluetooth headset which works reasonably well most of the time, although sometimes the Storm decides not to send the call to the headset, very annoying when I am driving (it’s illegal to use your hands on your phone while driving here). Am very pleased that the voice dialling app works well on my bluetooth – even though the app has an American accent, it has managed to understand my Australian accent and select the right contact every time. I could not get my old Nokia or iMate phones to talk to the Storm via Bluetooth – the Storm discovered them but refused to communicate. I synch my Storm with my Outlook 2003 calendar, tasks and contacts every day with no problems at all. I have email set up on the Storm which is good – it only downloads the header information. I choose whether to download any attachments. Facebook works ok – and it alerts me when I get a Facebook update just like it does with SMS and emails. I have to charge the Storm every night docked to the computer – I can barely get through 2 days without going flat – but I can talk under wet cement :) And it plays music and all the other media stuff too… wish I could get some new themes, no one has released any yet :( Overall, I am very happy with the Storm – just wish the screen was pressure sensitive…

]]> By: David http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/01/09/a-week-with-the-blackberry-storm-smartphone-day-3/comment-page-1/#comment-29349 David Mon, 12 Jan 2009 23:25:48 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=11577#comment-29349 Very good review so far. We should keep in mind that when GM first started using buttons instead of dials on stereos and climate controls in cars that we had a similar reaction. I have an iPod Touch and the Storm. The iPhone is not available here in Montucky and I would not leave Verizon if it were. Buttons on previous Blackberrys are more "normal" feeling than the touch screen, even if the screen clicks. For me typing on the Storm versus the Touch is much more intuitive. Neither are as easy as the old Curve was! We'll call it a "learning" curve. For it's flaws, it is a superior phone for call quality and internet browsing. As my eyes age, it is also much easier for e-mails and attachments. Typing and dialing out of the contacts is coming to me. You must learn to manipulate the device. Today was a very good day with the Storm as I spent some of Sunday setting it up so that it would be easier to dial and easier in general. As I get to know the device better, I am liking it more. The iPhone is sexy and I would love to have one if Verizon and Apple ever come to terms. In the mean time, I have very much enjoyed every Blackberry I have owned and believe this one will be no different. Give it time and work it. It will then work for you. Very good review so far. We should keep in mind that when GM first started using buttons instead of dials on stereos and climate controls in cars that we had a similar reaction. I have an iPod Touch and the Storm. The iPhone is not available here in Montucky and I would not leave Verizon if it were. Buttons on previous Blackberrys are more “normal” feeling than the touch screen, even if the screen clicks. For me typing on the Storm versus the Touch is much more intuitive. Neither are as easy as the old Curve was! We’ll call it a “learning” curve. For it’s flaws, it is a superior phone for call quality and internet browsing. As my eyes age, it is also much easier for e-mails and attachments. Typing and dialing out of the contacts is coming to me. You must learn to manipulate the device. Today was a very good day with the Storm as I spent some of Sunday setting it up so that it would be easier to dial and easier in general. As I get to know the device better, I am liking it more. The iPhone is sexy and I would love to have one if Verizon and Apple ever come to terms. In the mean time, I have very much enjoyed every Blackberry I have owned and believe this one will be no different. Give it time and work it. It will then work for you.

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/01/09/a-week-with-the-blackberry-storm-smartphone-day-3/comment-page-1/#comment-29347 Julie Mon, 12 Jan 2009 22:02:36 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=11577#comment-29347 @Richard Miller: Since I don't have any trips planned to Europe in the next 2 days, I won't be able to comment... Hopefully someone else will chime in :) @Richard Miller: Since I don’t have any trips planned to Europe in the next 2 days, I won’t be able to comment… Hopefully someone else will chime in :)

]]> By: Richard Miller http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/01/09/a-week-with-the-blackberry-storm-smartphone-day-3/comment-page-1/#comment-29346 Richard Miller Mon, 12 Jan 2009 21:58:40 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=11577#comment-29346 So what about the International calling capability of the Strom? I use my Blackberry World Phone 8830 (Verizon) all over the world and I am amazed with the capabilities and clarity of this phone when making / receiving calls and use of the internet / SMS. I have traveled all over Europe, Singapore, Japan, China, View Nam, Thailand, New Zealand, Australia, and more, and never missed a call. So how does the Storm perform overseas?? After all, this is supposed to be one of the World Phones from Verizon. So what about the International calling capability of the Strom? I use my Blackberry World Phone 8830 (Verizon) all over the world and I am amazed with the capabilities and clarity of this phone when making / receiving calls and use of the internet / SMS. I have traveled all over Europe, Singapore, Japan, China, View Nam, Thailand, New Zealand, Australia, and more, and never missed a call.

So how does the Storm perform overseas?? After all, this is supposed to be one of the World Phones from Verizon.

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/01/09/a-week-with-the-blackberry-storm-smartphone-day-3/comment-page-1/#comment-29344 Julie Mon, 12 Jan 2009 21:51:57 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=11577#comment-29344 @Denzel: I'll shoot an email off to my person at Verizon right now. The specs on RIM's own site say: 1GB onboard memory, 128 MB Flash (flash memory). Not sure if that means you can only save files to 128mbs.. I'll find out. @Denzel: I’ll shoot an email off to my person at Verizon right now. The specs on RIM’s own site say: 1GB onboard memory, 128 MB Flash (flash memory). Not sure if that means you can only save files to 128mbs.. I’ll find out.

]]> By: Des http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/01/09/a-week-with-the-blackberry-storm-smartphone-day-3/comment-page-1/#comment-29340 Des Mon, 12 Jan 2009 20:47:02 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=11577#comment-29340 The Storm has a definite learning curve. I've had one since they launched here and I'm just getting to grips with the keyboard which takes a lot of practice. The camera is nifty as is the video function. Video playback is magnificent - the loaded sample of Babylon is excellent. Battery life is good too but I wish they didn't change the usb port. 8 gigs capacity out-of-the box is good too. Pity that RIMs media sync doesn't work with Tiger. I got a few storms to evaluate but don't envisage deploying them to my users - the learning curve is too much. The Storm has a definite learning curve. I’ve had one since they launched here and I’m just getting to grips with the keyboard which takes a lot of practice.

The camera is nifty as is the video function. Video playback is magnificent – the loaded sample of Babylon is excellent. Battery life is good too but I wish they didn’t change the usb port. 8 gigs capacity out-of-the box is good too. Pity that RIMs media sync doesn’t work with Tiger.

I got a few storms to evaluate but don’t envisage deploying them to my users – the learning curve is too much.

]]> By: mark palmos http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/01/09/a-week-with-the-blackberry-storm-smartphone-day-3/comment-page-1/#comment-29335 mark palmos Mon, 12 Jan 2009 19:42:21 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=11577#comment-29335 Boy, all this makes me pretty glad I (eventually) chose the Touch HD... (not without gotchas and snags, but a fantastic all rounder) on the train now using it as a modem while listening to music... Boy, all this makes me pretty glad I (eventually) chose the Touch HD…

(not without gotchas and snags, but a fantastic all rounder)

on the train now using it as a modem while listening to music…

]]> By: Denzel Hankinson http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/01/09/a-week-with-the-blackberry-storm-smartphone-day-3/comment-page-1/#comment-29328 Denzel Hankinson Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:53:49 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=11577#comment-29328 Hi Julie - Leslie's comment, "Reading above that the Storm has 1gb internal memory, but only uses 64mb of it for apps" is news to me also. Can you confirm or qualify that sometime over the next few of days? Hi Julie – Leslie’s comment, “Reading above that the Storm has 1gb internal memory, but only uses 64mb of it for apps” is news to me also. Can you confirm or qualify that sometime over the next few of days?

]]> By: Leslie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/01/09/a-week-with-the-blackberry-storm-smartphone-day-3/comment-page-1/#comment-29324 Leslie Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:20:17 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=11577#comment-29324 I am in the process of reviewing phones so I can switch out of the bberry 8830 world phone from VZW. I can't handle the lack of a camera and am really tired of going to vzwpix to view pix that friends send me in text messages. M other peeve is the lack of true internal memory to run apps (yes, my text messages and emails get wiped when I max out on memory). I have been torn between the iPhone (my company may force me to go with AT&T) and the Storm (if I can get my company to support it). Getting confirmation that the iPhone doesn't support MMS, playing with their keyboard on a friends phone, and reading about the horrible battery life pretty much takes the iPhone out of the running for me. Reading above that the Storm has 1gb internal memory, but only uses 64mb of it for apps is extremely disappointing. Here I was all set to buy an unlocked Storm on eBay too. I guess I'll just have to wait until my roommate can get me her employee discount on an unlocked Palm Pre so I can try it out on Verizon. I am in the process of reviewing phones so I can switch out of the bberry 8830 world phone from VZW. I can’t handle the lack of a camera and am really tired of going to vzwpix to view pix that friends send me in text messages. M other peeve is the lack of true internal memory to run apps (yes, my text messages and emails get wiped when I max out on memory).

I have been torn between the iPhone (my company may force me to go with AT&T) and the Storm (if I can get my company to support it). Getting confirmation that the iPhone doesn’t support MMS, playing with their keyboard on a friends phone, and reading about the horrible battery life pretty much takes the iPhone out of the running for me.

Reading above that the Storm has 1gb internal memory, but only uses 64mb of it for apps is extremely disappointing. Here I was all set to buy an unlocked Storm on eBay too.

I guess I’ll just have to wait until my roommate can get me her employee discount on an unlocked Palm Pre so I can try it out on Verizon.

]]> By: Bill http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/01/09/a-week-with-the-blackberry-storm-smartphone-day-3/comment-page-1/#comment-29319 Bill Mon, 12 Jan 2009 17:11:55 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=11577#comment-29319 I am pleased wiht my Storm, I also have a 2nd gen Iphone for work, but the phone portion of the device is terrible. I love the apps, but without them, the iphone is very poor choice for anyone. I will say as with the Iphone it will take BB a few revs of OS to get it running at peak (think about how many the Iphone has had (6-7?). I am pleased wiht my Storm, I also have a 2nd gen Iphone for work, but the phone portion of the device is terrible. I love the apps, but without them, the iphone is very poor choice for anyone.

I will say as with the Iphone it will take BB a few revs of OS to get it running at peak (think about how many the Iphone has had (6-7?).

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/01/09/a-week-with-the-blackberry-storm-smartphone-day-3/comment-page-1/#comment-29316 Julie Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:32:36 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=11577#comment-29316 @Marc: What feature did you feel I glossed over and would like me to explore further? Was it the file send feature in the Yahoo! chat client? I had planned to try again and will add my findings either today or to my last installment on Wednesday. @Marc: What feature did you feel I glossed over and would like me to explore further? Was it the file send feature in the Yahoo! chat client? I had planned to try again and will add my findings either today or to my last installment on Wednesday.

]]> By: Marc http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/01/09/a-week-with-the-blackberry-storm-smartphone-day-3/comment-page-1/#comment-29315 Marc Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:24:37 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=11577#comment-29315 @Mark R: No, no anger at all. It's just sad that every... --EVERY-- review is either full on fanboy or full on hate. I'm clearly not a Storm fanboy.. to me a cell phone is a PHONE.. it makes and receives calls. I have, enjoy, and see no reason for more than, a motorola krzr (2?). Even that is a bit much. However, I like most of us am intrigued by what else is out there. I fully understand and have seen the touchscreen issues first hand. No qualms there. Virtually every first gen device is worth avoiding, really. Julie does great work. I rarely have a qualm or a question after reading an article here. But to discuss a fairly big feature, then dismiss it, lackluster. My apologies for coming off strong, but with the Storm, I've yet to see a decent flat out, *full* review with no bias in either direction. I understand this is more a usage model article than a review, but lets be honest, that should be part of a review in the first place. @Mark R: No, no anger at all. It’s just sad that every… –EVERY– review is either full on fanboy or full on hate. I’m clearly not a Storm fanboy.. to me a cell phone is a PHONE.. it makes and receives calls. I have, enjoy, and see no reason for more than, a motorola krzr (2?). Even that is a bit much. However, I like most of us am intrigued by what else is out there. I fully understand and have seen the touchscreen issues first hand. No qualms there. Virtually every first gen device is worth avoiding, really. Julie does great work. I rarely have a qualm or a question after reading an article here. But to discuss a fairly big feature, then dismiss it, lackluster.

My apologies for coming off strong, but with the Storm, I’ve yet to see a decent flat out, *full* review with no bias in either direction.

I understand this is more a usage model article than a review, but lets be honest, that should be part of a review in the first place.

]]> By: Angela http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/01/09/a-week-with-the-blackberry-storm-smartphone-day-3/comment-page-1/#comment-29310 Angela Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:01:33 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=11577#comment-29310 I think your feedback represent my findings. There are features about the storm I absolutely love however, I miss Treo's ability to type a message in a second or so. I think the Palm Pre may be the solution to our concern on that front. It will combine the touchscreen capability with a real keyboard. I cannot wait until it is released. I think your feedback represent my findings. There are features about the storm I absolutely love however, I miss Treo’s ability to type a message in a second or so. I think the Palm Pre may be the solution to our concern on that front. It will combine the touchscreen capability with a real keyboard. I cannot wait until it is released.

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/01/09/a-week-with-the-blackberry-storm-smartphone-day-3/comment-page-1/#comment-29306 Julie Mon, 12 Jan 2009 12:51:27 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=11577#comment-29306 @Larry: Yes, I fully admit that I like buttons. The more buttons, the happier I am ;) I keep trying to like the touch screen on the BB, but I still haven't 'bonded' with it. For general use, it's fine and I have no problem. But when you need to pick an option from a menu list, I have to slow down and be precise to accurately select the desired option. @Stephen: Can you share a URL of a site you're trying to access with the Storm? I'd like to try it with the built in browser and then with Opera. @Larry: Yes, I fully admit that I like buttons. The more buttons, the happier I am ;) I keep trying to like the touch screen on the BB, but I still haven’t ‘bonded’ with it. For general use, it’s fine and I have no problem. But when you need to pick an option from a menu list, I have to slow down and be precise to accurately select the desired option.

@Stephen: Can you share a URL of a site you’re trying to access with the Storm? I’d like to try it with the built in browser and then with Opera.

]]> By: Mark R http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/01/09/a-week-with-the-blackberry-storm-smartphone-day-3/comment-page-1/#comment-29297 Mark R Mon, 12 Jan 2009 11:04:13 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=11577#comment-29297 Wow, Marc, do I sense anger? The path to the dark side that is. Julie does reviews for normal people, on the actual real-life usage of the device. She is experiencing frustrations that most ordinary people will experience and reporting them. You want a technically thorough review, you get a Storm and do one yourself!!! Some people are never satisfied... Wow, Marc, do I sense anger? The path to the dark side that is. Julie does reviews for normal people, on the actual real-life usage of the device. She is experiencing frustrations that most ordinary people will experience and reporting them. You want a technically thorough review, you get a Storm and do one yourself!!! Some people are never satisfied…

]]> By: Stephen Mcconville http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/01/09/a-week-with-the-blackberry-storm-smartphone-day-3/comment-page-1/#comment-29295 Stephen Mcconville Mon, 12 Jan 2009 10:43:32 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=11577#comment-29295 I have been using the storm now for 3 weeks, the keyboard get alot less annoying the more you use it. I simply could not handle an iphone as i like sending picture messages if i see something worth snapping. The only major gripe i have is, I enjoy using .asp sites, and as far as i can tell the browser can not handle sessions in this language! I hope an update deals with this, however i could probably live without it. Other than that, i'd like to see support for wmv when playing videos as i like to view clips downloaded off the net. Overall happy with the phone though, i live in england and my provider also gives me live tv channels through the phone. A great bonus when you spend alot of your life travelling on coaches, trains etc.... I have been using the storm now for 3 weeks, the keyboard get alot less annoying the more you use it. I simply could not handle an iphone as i like sending picture messages if i see something worth snapping.

The only major gripe i have is, I enjoy using .asp sites, and as far as i can tell the browser can not handle sessions in this language! I hope an update deals with this, however i could probably live without it. Other than that, i’d like to see support for wmv when playing videos as i like to view clips downloaded off the net.

Overall happy with the phone though, i live in england and my provider also gives me live tv channels through the phone. A great bonus when you spend alot of your life travelling on coaches, trains etc….

]]> By: Denzel Hankinson http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/01/09/a-week-with-the-blackberry-storm-smartphone-day-3/comment-page-1/#comment-29284 Denzel Hankinson Mon, 12 Jan 2009 02:10:40 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=11577#comment-29284 Marc - pretty much in 'your own words': "Try and be" attentive by reading the first paragraph of day #1, "and try not to be so obviously" "a disgrace to real" readers and appreciators of Julie’s efforts to rise above the white-wash of most reviewers. Denzel Hankinson Marc – pretty much in ‘your own words’:
“Try and be” attentive by reading the first paragraph of day #1, “and try not to be so obviously” “a disgrace to real” readers and appreciators of Julie’s efforts to rise above the white-wash of most reviewers.

Denzel Hankinson

]]> By: Larry Bank http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/01/09/a-week-with-the-blackberry-storm-smartphone-day-3/comment-page-1/#comment-29282 Larry Bank Sun, 11 Jan 2009 23:34:51 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=11577#comment-29282 A common theme I keep seeing through this thread is the frustration with the lack of real keyboard. I have tried various touchscreen phones and I always end up with the same conclusion. For fiddling with application software, touchscreens can sometimes save time, but in general, a phone needs real buttons/keyboard. My favorite device with a keyboard is the HTC Vox. It's a tiny phone with real numeric buttons and a comfortable slide-out keyboard. The devices with permanently exposed keyboards (e.g. Blackjack, Moto Q) tend to have smaller keys with hard to use numeric sub-keys. A common theme I keep seeing through this thread is the frustration with the lack of real keyboard. I have tried various touchscreen phones and I always end up with the same conclusion. For fiddling with application software, touchscreens can sometimes save time, but in general, a phone needs real buttons/keyboard. My favorite device with a keyboard is the HTC Vox. It’s a tiny phone with real numeric buttons and a comfortable slide-out keyboard. The devices with permanently exposed keyboards (e.g. Blackjack, Moto Q) tend to have smaller keys with hard to use numeric sub-keys.

]]> By: Marc http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/01/09/a-week-with-the-blackberry-storm-smartphone-day-3/comment-page-1/#comment-29273 Marc Sun, 11 Jan 2009 17:52:37 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=11577#comment-29273 I would hardly call this a review. Trying a feature, it not working, blaming it on -maybe- being the remote clients fault and moving on is a disgrace to real "reviewers". Try and be thorough, and try not to be so obviously biased. Trying to get a spot at engadget? :( I would hardly call this a review. Trying a feature, it not working, blaming it on -maybe- being the remote clients fault and moving on is a disgrace to real “reviewers”. Try and be thorough, and try not to be so obviously biased. Trying to get a spot at engadget? :(

]]> By: Joe http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/01/09/a-week-with-the-blackberry-storm-smartphone-day-3/comment-page-1/#comment-29265 Joe Sun, 11 Jan 2009 14:29:01 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=11577#comment-29265 Where I live in South Florida Verizon & AT&T have great coverage the deciding factor is that Verizon phones lack Wifi. I like the choice and wifi is faster than 3g. Phones is allot of personal preference, I go for range of choice and technology. GSM is used around the world and if travel is the way to go. Not to mention AT&T prices are much lower and have better deals than Verizon. Where I live in South Florida Verizon & AT&T have great coverage the deciding factor is that Verizon phones lack Wifi. I like the choice and wifi is faster than 3g. Phones is allot of personal preference, I go for range of choice and technology. GSM is used around the world and if travel is the way to go. Not to mention AT&T prices are much lower and have better deals than Verizon.

]]> By: Charles http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/01/09/a-week-with-the-blackberry-storm-smartphone-day-3/comment-page-1/#comment-29263 Charles Sun, 11 Jan 2009 13:05:11 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=11577#comment-29263 Howard, why does Fran have to be a VZW employee to like the Storm? I personally have never used the iPhone, becuase I did not want to leave VZW service just for a phone. But I love the Storm, maybe there is something better out there, but not for me at the moment. I read a lot of complaints about the keyboard, but I love it. I love not having to grab my stylus to punch miniature keys. It took some getting used to, maybe a day or two but that was it for me. Actually at first I noticed some battery issues, but in a few days I was charging it no more often than the Samsung this phone replaced. So was it just not fully charged? Or was I just playing with it to much? One thing I have learned about technology, is it is very personal. One person may hate the device because of this and that. And usually both sides will stand in amazement as to why the other person is so for or against it, wondering why they do not love or hate the product. AMD or Intel. Ford or Chevrolet. iPhone or Storm. All in all, they are all good products that get the job done, it is just boils down to personal preference and you do not have to be a hater or an employee to truly love the product. Howard, why does Fran have to be a VZW employee to like the Storm?

I personally have never used the iPhone, becuase I did not want to leave VZW service just for a phone. But I love the Storm, maybe there is something better out there, but not for me at the moment. I read a lot of complaints about the keyboard, but I love it. I love not having to grab my stylus to punch miniature keys. It took some getting used to, maybe a day or two but that was it for me.

Actually at first I noticed some battery issues, but in a few days I was charging it no more often than the Samsung this phone replaced. So was it just not fully charged? Or was I just playing with it to much?

One thing I have learned about technology, is it is very personal. One person may hate the device because of this and that. And usually both sides will stand in amazement as to why the other person is so for or against it, wondering why they do not love or hate the product.

AMD or Intel. Ford or Chevrolet. iPhone or Storm. All in all, they are all good products that get the job done, it is just boils down to personal preference and you do not have to be a hater or an employee to truly love the product.

]]> By: Howard http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/01/09/a-week-with-the-blackberry-storm-smartphone-day-3/comment-page-1/#comment-29259 Howard Sun, 11 Jan 2009 06:20:16 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=11577#comment-29259 Fran first off, it sounded like you are one of VZW employee or a Apple hater. Have you tried the iPhone before? because everything you said about the iphone were true, but sounded like you were will trainned by VZW. I owned both iPhone and storm (not any more, paid $35 restock fees to VZW and got myself a Omnia) and here are a couple things I have noticed about both devices. Storm: Battery - Horrible battery life, with very little usage (No chatting, no texting, and very few brief phone calls) and my battery was down to 50% about 10 hours after charge. Virtual Keyboard - This phone's keyboard made me felt like VZW's Samsung Glide. it was the most annoying keyboard I have ever typed on. I can be trying to type S and it will come out with A and try to type N it can come out with M. Email - They now support HTML (finally), however the format is still way off, make it so difficult and annoying to read emails. Web Browser - Improved compared to Pearl and Curve but it's still no Mobile Safari, I can't even login to my Bank account. Camera - Yes, it is better than iPhone, but not by far. The good thing is you can send video and picture to others. Memory - 1GB?? but what good is it if you can't use it to store and run program with it? I gues that 1GB + 8GB microSD is mainly for you to store movies, music and pictures. So you still only have 64MB program storage and only approx 50MB available for you and 48MB (I can be wrong on the number as I don't own the storm any more.) to run your program on and if that memory goes 0, you will get the famous Pearl effect, where it will erase all your text messages. All in all, my main reason why I return the storm was because it's keyboard and lagg (yes, I have the lastest firmware from VZW .75), it made the storm virtually useless as a basic phone and email or text device. so what good is it to have a camera if everything else blows? Yes, iPhone built-in battery sucks, and I do hope they chage it in the future, but iPhone does everything else gracefully unlike Storm, tried so hard to be a iPhone and yet failed so miserably. Hope their second try will improve. My opinion, if you are a VZW customer and thinking of staying with them and you must have a blackberry, pick Curve or 8830 World Phone (No Camera) it's so much better than storm! If you want a touch device, I would prefer to new Samsung Omnia, it's got a better camera, better touch screen and come with Windows Mobile 6.1 Proessional. and if you can switch to another carrier, then what can I say? get the iPhone. btw, I am not a Apple fan boy, simply stating the fact, unlike my wife, she is truly a Apple fan girl! Fran first off, it sounded like you are one of VZW employee or a Apple hater. Have you tried the iPhone before? because everything you said about the iphone were true, but sounded like you were will trainned by VZW. I owned both iPhone and storm (not any more, paid $35 restock fees to VZW and got myself a Omnia) and here are a couple things I have noticed about both devices.

Storm:
Battery – Horrible battery life, with very little usage (No chatting, no texting, and very few brief phone calls) and my battery was down to 50% about 10 hours after charge.
Virtual Keyboard – This phone’s keyboard made me felt like VZW’s Samsung Glide. it was the most annoying keyboard I have ever typed on. I can be trying to type S and it will come out with A and try to type N it can come out with M.
Email – They now support HTML (finally), however the format is still way off, make it so difficult and annoying to read emails.
Web Browser – Improved compared to Pearl and Curve but it’s still no Mobile Safari, I can’t even login to my Bank account.
Camera – Yes, it is better than iPhone, but not by far. The good thing is you can send video and picture to others.
Memory – 1GB?? but what good is it if you can’t use it to store and run program with it? I gues that 1GB + 8GB microSD is mainly for you to store movies, music and pictures. So you still only have 64MB program storage and only approx 50MB available for you and 48MB (I can be wrong on the number as I don’t own the storm any more.) to run your program on and if that memory goes 0, you will get the famous Pearl effect, where it will erase all your text messages.

All in all, my main reason why I return the storm was because it’s keyboard and lagg (yes, I have the lastest firmware from VZW .75), it made the storm virtually useless as a basic phone and email or text device. so what good is it to have a camera if everything else blows?
Yes, iPhone built-in battery sucks, and I do hope they chage it in the future, but iPhone does everything else gracefully unlike Storm, tried so hard to be a iPhone and yet failed so miserably. Hope their second try will improve.

My opinion, if you are a VZW customer and thinking of staying with them and you must have a blackberry, pick Curve or 8830 World Phone (No Camera) it’s so much better than storm! If you want a touch device, I would prefer to new Samsung Omnia, it’s got a better camera, better touch screen and come with Windows Mobile 6.1 Proessional. and if you can switch to another carrier, then what can I say? get the iPhone. btw, I am not a Apple fan boy, simply stating the fact, unlike my wife, she is truly a Apple fan girl!

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