Blackberry Storm Reviews are in

[Muadib]

Originally posted by: gorcorps

Originally posted by: Woofmeister
I just got back from the Verizon store. I tried the Storm and liked it. The keyboard actually feels pretty good and certainly no worse than my current BB 8830 (non-curve). Yes, the OS is a little slow, but it's tolerable and I'm sure they will fix it with a software patch. The lack of WiFi kind of blows but I haven't had WiFi with a Verizon phone since my old Compaq Ipaq smartphone. And no, switching to AT&T's or Sprint's crappy service just to get WiFi is definitely not an option.

I guess I'm in.

Have you used both of those services? As I've had ATT for years and didn't have many problems. I know many happy sprint users as well. Are there problems with ATT and Sprint? Sure, but every carrier has it's share of problems. I don't think any of them are any worse than the others from what I see with all my friends.

While that may be the case for you, that's not the same for everyone. Even though they have some of the lowest plans around, Sprint is still losing about a million customers a quarter. That's a lot of suck.

Verizon sucks if you ask me, because users at my job get crappy, to no phone service at my job. My iPhone works though.

And apparently, Verizon continues to cripple their phones.

In the other Storm thread, someone who bought it says the GPS is pretty much useless, because the satellite part of the system is locked. I bet VZ navigator works though.

 

[Woofmeister]

Originally posted by: gorcorps

Originally posted by: Woofmeister
I just got back from the Verizon store. I tried the Storm and liked it. The keyboard actually feels pretty good and certainly no worse than my current BB 8830 (non-curve). Yes, the OS is a little slow, but it's tolerable and I'm sure they will fix it with a software patch. The lack of WiFi kind of blows but I haven't had WiFi with a Verizon phone since my old Compaq Ipaq smartphone. And no, switching to AT&T's or Sprint's crappy service just to get WiFi is definitely not an option.

I guess I'm in.

Have you used both of those services? As I've had ATT for years and didn't have many problems. I know many happy sprint users as well. Are there problems with ATT and Sprint? Sure, but every carrier has it's share of problems. I don't think any of them are any worse than the others from what I see with all my friends.

I have not, but I often travel with people who use both carriers. Wherever my plane lands in the U.S., I've got 1xEV coverage and other people don't.

Dont' get me wrong, I'm far from a Verizon fanboy, I hate how VZW cripples features and charges for every thing. Their phone choices are always the worst as well. It's just that actual coverage is the thing we require most in cellphones and that's where VZW delivers.

I'd switch to AT&T in a heartbeat if they could promise me 3G coverage everywhere.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Originally posted by: Muadib

Originally posted by: gorcorps

Originally posted by: Woofmeister
I just got back from the Verizon store. I tried the Storm and liked it. The keyboard actually feels pretty good and certainly no worse than my current BB 8830 (non-curve). Yes, the OS is a little slow, but it's tolerable and I'm sure they will fix it with a software patch. The lack of WiFi kind of blows but I haven't had WiFi with a Verizon phone since my old Compaq Ipaq smartphone. And no, switching to AT&T's or Sprint's crappy service just to get WiFi is definitely not an option.

I guess I'm in.

Have you used both of those services? As I've had ATT for years and didn't have many problems. I know many happy sprint users as well. Are there problems with ATT and Sprint? Sure, but every carrier has it's share of problems. I don't think any of them are any worse than the others from what I see with all my friends.

While that may be the case for you, that's not the same for everyone. Even though they have some of the lowest plans around, Sprint is still losing about a million customers a quarter. That's a lot of suck.

Verizon sucks if you ask me, because users at my job get crappy, to no phone service at my job. My iPhone works though.

And apparently, Verizon continues to cripple their phones.

In the other Storm thread, someone who bought it says the GPS is pretty much useless, because the satellite part of the system is locked. I bet VZ navigator works though.

This is incorrect. Check my response in that thread. The Storm GPS is unlocked.

 

[Muadib]

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero

Originally posted by: Muadib

Originally posted by: gorcorps

Originally posted by: Woofmeister
I just got back from the Verizon store. I tried the Storm and liked it. The keyboard actually feels pretty good and certainly no worse than my current BB 8830 (non-curve). Yes, the OS is a little slow, but it's tolerable and I'm sure they will fix it with a software patch. The lack of WiFi kind of blows but I haven't had WiFi with a Verizon phone since my old Compaq Ipaq smartphone. And no, switching to AT&T's or Sprint's crappy service just to get WiFi is definitely not an option.

I guess I'm in.

Have you used both of those services? As I've had ATT for years and didn't have many problems. I know many happy sprint users as well. Are there problems with ATT and Sprint? Sure, but every carrier has it's share of problems. I don't think any of them are any worse than the others from what I see with all my friends.

While that may be the case for you, that's not the same for everyone. Even though they have some of the lowest plans around, Sprint is still losing about a million customers a quarter. That's a lot of suck.

Verizon sucks if you ask me, because users at my job get crappy, to no phone service at my job. My iPhone works though.

And apparently, Verizon continues to cripple their phones.

In the other Storm thread, someone who bought it says the GPS is pretty much useless, because the satellite part of the system is locked. I bet VZ navigator works though.

This is incorrect. Check my response in that thread. The Storm GPS is unlocked.

It seems like your response isn't quite right either. This review says the A-GPS is locked.

 

[Ns1]

Originally posted by: Woofmeister

Originally posted by: gorcorps

Originally posted by: Woofmeister
I just got back from the Verizon store. I tried the Storm and liked it. The keyboard actually feels pretty good and certainly no worse than my current BB 8830 (non-curve). Yes, the OS is a little slow, but it's tolerable and I'm sure they will fix it with a software patch. The lack of WiFi kind of blows but I haven't had WiFi with a Verizon phone since my old Compaq Ipaq smartphone. And no, switching to AT&T's or Sprint's crappy service just to get WiFi is definitely not an option.

I guess I'm in.

Have you used both of those services? As I've had ATT for years and didn't have many problems. I know many happy sprint users as well. Are there problems with ATT and Sprint? Sure, but every carrier has it's share of problems. I don't think any of them are any worse than the others from what I see with all my friends.

I have not, but I often travel with people who use both carriers. Wherever my plane lands in the U.S., I've got 1xEV coverage and other people don't.

Dont' get me wrong, I'm far from a Verizon fanboy, I hate how VZW cripples features and charges for every thing. Their phone choices are always the worst as well. It's just that actual coverage is the thing we require most in cellphones and that's where VZW delivers.

I'd switch to AT&T in a heartbeat if they could promise me 3G coverage everywhere.

x2

friends never get 3g where I (used to) get evdo

 

[DivideBYZero]

Originally posted by: Muadib

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero

Originally posted by: Muadib

Originally posted by: gorcorps

Originally posted by: Woofmeister
I just got back from the Verizon store. I tried the Storm and liked it. The keyboard actually feels pretty good and certainly no worse than my current BB 8830 (non-curve). Yes, the OS is a little slow, but it's tolerable and I'm sure they will fix it with a software patch. The lack of WiFi kind of blows but I haven't had WiFi with a Verizon phone since my old Compaq Ipaq smartphone. And no, switching to AT&T's or Sprint's crappy service just to get WiFi is definitely not an option.

I guess I'm in.

Have you used both of those services? As I've had ATT for years and didn't have many problems. I know many happy sprint users as well. Are there problems with ATT and Sprint? Sure, but every carrier has it's share of problems. I don't think any of them are any worse than the others from what I see with all my friends.

While that may be the case for you, that's not the same for everyone. Even though they have some of the lowest plans around, Sprint is still losing about a million customers a quarter. That's a lot of suck.

Verizon sucks if you ask me, because users at my job get crappy, to no phone service at my job. My iPhone works though.

And apparently, Verizon continues to cripple their phones.

In the other Storm thread, someone who bought it says the GPS is pretty much useless, because the satellite part of the system is locked. I bet VZ navigator works though.

This is incorrect. Check my response in that thread. The Storm GPS is unlocked.

It seems like your response isn't quite right either. This review says the A-GPS is locked.

aGPS != GPS.

The GPS is not locked. I'm not making this up.

 

[palindrome]

I looked at the Storm at the Verizon store on friday thinking that would be my next phone. After spending a few minutes with it, I noticed what everyone else did.

What I noticed that nobody else has mentioned is the floating screen. I asked the verizon tech what is behind the screen to protect the insides of the phone from a stray raindrop or pocket lint, he says "nothing." So I asked what do I do if I have to make a call in the rain? He said, "Yeah, I definitely wouldn't do that with that phone. It would void your warranty and any insurance you have on it." I then asked about pocket lint, and dirt getting under the screen. He replied, "I would not put this phone in your pocket, I would put a case on it and wear it on your belt." I asked him if any of their cases had a screen protector that covered the edges, he said "no."

After that, my last question was, "How many returns do you think you'll get?" He shook his head and said, "We'll see..."


I'm with everyone else, if it wasn't for the coverage in my area, I'd be with a new provider in a heartbeat. But, when I'm way out in the boonies, VZW is the only service that gets a signal (on my 3 year old e815...). I still have yet to find a phone with better reception...

 

[DivideBYZero]

What's stopping pocket lint from getting under the KB of my bold? Nothing.

What's stopping raindrops from entering the top sound hole? Nothing.

Not only that, but Verizon are selling screen protectors(or they should be) in every store. The rep was upselling accessories (not a bad thing!), simple as that. As for the returns comment, he doesn't know, hence the 'we'll see'. No one knows.

To sum up, it's as durable as any other device of it's type, I.e., any cell phone. I don't use mine in the pouring rain. Does anyone?

 

[Pliablemoose]

Yeah, I have to agree with DBZ on this one, waterproof cell phones don't exist, and if the unit is prone to dust under the screen, people would be screaming already.

 

[gorcorps]

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero
What's stopping pocket lint from getting under the KB of my bold? Nothing.

What's stopping raindrops from entering the top sound hole? Nothing.

Not only that, but Verizon are selling screen protectors(or they should be) in every store. The rep was upselling accessories (not a bad thing!), simple as that. As for the returns comment, he doesn't know, hence the 'we'll see'. No one knows.

To sum up, it's as durable as any other device of it's type, I.e., any cell phone. I don't use mine in the pouring rain. Does anyone?

I was going to say something along these lines as well. I haven't used any phone of mine in pouring rain. Who would be dumb enough to do that? And you have no idea how the screen is sealed from the back palindrome, so the lint might not be a problem. Sounds like you're just hating on the storm for the sake of hating on the storm.

 

[palindrome]

Woah, wasn't expecting the hostility. And yes, some people do need to be on a cell phone in the rain (i.e. me sometimes). I'm a security system/home theater specialist and I can say for certain I've had to be in the rain, troubleshooting a problem, while on the phone, in a poor reception area (thus my need for a good phone).

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose
Yeah, I have to agree with DBZ on this one, waterproof cell phones don't exist, and if the unit is prone to dust under the screen, people would be screaming already.

How much dust and lint can someone accumulate in 3 days? Gimme a break... I pointed that out since I cannot stand the stupid belt clip holders. I keep my phone in my pocket, and when the Verizon tech tells me that the sizable gap between the screen and the plastic shell could potentially get dirt inside it an break the phone, I took that as, "Don't buy this phone." God forbid you accidentally dropped your phone at the beach or something.

So, before you fanboys accuse me of bashing yet another Verizon gimmick phone, lets see how the first 2-3 months go (in terms of durability and addressing the firmware issues) and I may, in fact, change my mind if proven wrong (which I hope I am, but doubt it...).

Also, it doesn't make for a credible argument when you have a sig that states that you are a BB addict. If I realized that I was walking into a psuedo apple/mac cult then I wouldn't have posted in the first place.

 

[WelshBloke]

I,ve used plenty of phones in the poring rain and they don't self destruct (but then i live in the uk it rains here a lot).

I think the point about dust is valid as a screen which is movable may well let dust in easier than one which is sealed.
Without seeing how the screen is fixed its hard to say so rather than flaming someone you could just explain how the screen is fixed or how far it moves around the edges.

 

[gotsmack]

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose
Yeah, I have to agree with DBZ on this one, waterproof cell phones don't exist, and if the unit is prone to dust under the screen, people would be screaming already.

FALSE!

http://www.gearlog.com/2008/10...est_phone_sonim_xp.php

Sonim XP3 is one example. I'm sure there exist one or two more new waterproof phones.

 

[Pliablemoose]

Originally posted by: gotsmack

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose
Yeah, I have to agree with DBZ on this one, waterproof cell phones don't exist, and if the unit is prone to dust under the screen, people would be screaming already.

FALSE!

http://www.gearlog.com/2008/10...est_phone_sonim_xp.php

Sonim XP3 is one example. I'm sure there exist one or two more new waterproof phones.

Now find me a waterproof smartphone.

And you have always been able to buy an Otterbox for many phones.

 

[Pliablemoose]

Originally posted by: palindrome
Woah, wasn't expecting the hostility. And yes, some people do need to be on a cell phone in the rain (i.e. me sometimes). I'm a security system/home theater specialist and I can say for certain I've had to be in the rain, troubleshooting a problem, while on the phone, in a poor reception area (thus my need for a good phone).

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose
Yeah, I have to agree with DBZ on this one, waterproof cell phones don't exist, and if the unit is prone to dust under the screen, people would be screaming already.

How much dust and lint can someone accumulate in 3 days? Gimme a break... I pointed that out since I cannot stand the stupid belt clip holders. I keep my phone in my pocket, and when the Verizon tech tells me that the sizable gap between the screen and the plastic shell could potentially get dirt inside it an break the phone, I took that as, "Don't buy this phone." God forbid you accidentally dropped your phone at the beach or something.

So, before you fanboys accuse me of bashing yet another Verizon gimmick phone, lets see how the first 2-3 months go (in terms of durability and addressing the firmware issues) and I may, in fact, change my mind if proven wrong (which I hope I am, but doubt it...).

Also, it doesn't make for a credible argument when you have a sig that states that you are a BB addict. If I realized that I was walking into a psuedo apple/mac cult then I wouldn't have posted in the first place.

Um, ever looked at Howard Forums?

I swear some of those users buy new phones and then put them in a sack with flour or dust to see if they can get dust behind the screen, they freak out if there's a speck of dust behind the screen.

& I just like phones, not a fan of BB's either, I feed DBZ shit about them all the time.

Just got a G1 in the mail tonight from eBay...

If the water resistance is an issue buy an Otterbox or similar case.

 

[gotsmack]

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose

Originally posted by: gotsmack

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose
Yeah, I have to agree with DBZ on this one, waterproof cell phones don't exist, and if the unit is prone to dust under the screen, people would be screaming already.

FALSE!

http://www.gearlog.com/2008/10...est_phone_sonim_xp.php

Sonim XP3 is one example. I'm sure there exist one or two more new waterproof phones.

Now find me a waterproof smartphone.

And you have always been able to buy an Otterbox for many phones.

http://www.digitalworldtokyo.c...g_phone_foma_so902iwp/

The Japanese think of everything. I'm sure we'll be seeing something like this in US markets in a couple of years.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Got a chance to play around with one last night. It was so damn slow that it frustrated me to the point that I stopped using it.

 

[jdoggg12]

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman
Got a chance to play around with one last night. It was so damn slow that it frustrated me to the point that I stopped using it.

+1

1-2 sec delay switching between menus... WTF?

 

[gorcorps]

Originally posted by: jdoggg12

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman
Got a chance to play around with one last night. It was so damn slow that it frustrated me to the point that I stopped using it.

+1

1-2 sec delay switching between menus... WTF?

I think there's a mem leak somewhere in the one of the storm apps it keeps open. There will be an OS update tomorrow so I'm hoping to hear news of that getting fixed.

 

[Babbles]

I have had since the day it was released and I am happier with it each day I use it. It does seem to require a learning curve to use it, but I think that can be the same with any product.

 

[Saint Nick]

I have heard from multiple users that the OS is very slow and cumbersome. You also cannot see where you are typing? WTF?

And no WiFi... EPIC FAILURE.

 

[gorcorps]

Originally posted by: NightDarker
I have heard from multiple users that the OS is very slow and cumbersome. You also cannot see where you are typing? WTF?

And no WiFi... EPIC FAILURE.

The OS has been updated and it's a lot better, but still not flawless. And it's a touchscreen, so your hands may get in the way but it's the same as the iphone or any other touchscreen.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Originally posted by: NightDarker
I have heard from multiple users that the OS is very slow and cumbersome. You also cannot see where you are typing? WTF?

And no WiFi... EPIC FAILURE.

- No WiFi was a Carrier stipulation
- Since when can you see a key if your finger is on it?

 

[SaigonK]

I like my Storm....

 

[Spineshank]

I used one for the first time last night. It seemed decently fast. The type on it is what bothered me. Maybe its just the learning curve..but i type way better on the Curve.