By now most of us have heard this story in one way or another: when Steve Jobs and Apple iPhone are in the planning stages, the first carrier they brought the device to was America's largest network, Verizon. Even if you have not Heard how the tale ends - Verizon refused and Jobs took his multi-billion dollar ball to AT & T - you surely know the outcome. Even if you have not heard how the story ends - Verizon refused and Jobs took a multi-billion dollar ball to AT & T - you surely know the outcome. The iPhone has soared to Become the ultimate smartphone, the must-have accessory That everyone from celebrities to your mom wants - nay, need s - to have in Their Pocket. The iPhone has soared to the major smartphones, must-have accessory that everyone from celebrities to your mom wants - even, need s - exist in their pockets. It's changed the landscape of modern cellphones, put a serious dent in the sales of competing devices (just recently overtaking the Venerable RAZR as the best-selling domestic handset), and unquestionably raised the bar Pls it comes to expectations for features in new handsets. It changed the landscape of modern cell phones, putting a serious dent in the sales of competing devices (just overtake the RAZR honored as the best-selling domestic handset), and no doubt raised the bar when it comes to expectations for features in new handsets.
It may seem unfair to open up the review of RIM's latest BlackBerry - the Storm - with a history lesson on the iPhone, but if you understand the market, the which Verizon and RIM hope to capture, then you understand the Storm, and it helps Critique put this in perspective. It may seem unfair to open a review of RIM's latest BlackBerry - Storm - with a history lesson on the iPhone, but if you understand the market which Verizon and RIM hope to capture, then you understand the Storm, and helps put this critique in perspective. The Storm, a widescreen, touchscreen device boasts many of the same features as the iPhone, but adds Innovations like a clickable display, and comes packed with RIM's legendary email and messaging services. Storm, devices, wide touch screen offers many of the same features as the iPhone, but adds innovations like a clickable display, and comes packed with RIM's legendary email and messaging services. Mainlined into The Biggest (and some say best) network in the States, the Storm is an almost deafening blast to the competition at first glance, but does it hold up on closer inspection? Mainlined to the network (and some say best), the largest in America, the Storm is an almost deafening blast to the competition at first glance, but does it hold up on closer inspection? Read on to find out. Read on to find out.
Industrial design
The Storm is a striking device. Storm is a striking device. From the second you lay eyes on it, it's clear That a lot of time and care went into crafting this phone. From the second you lay eyes on it, it is clear that a lot of time and attention into crafting this phone. The majority of the front panel is display, a large 25.3-inch (480 x 360) touchscreen sitting just shy of flush with a silver bezel That runs around the sides, top, and bottom of the device. Most of the front panel is display, a large 3.25-inch (480 x 360) touchscreen sitting just shy of flush with a silver frame that runs around the sides, top, and bottom of the device. The bands seem to be plastic, not metal, and trace the outline of the moderately thick (0.55-inch) phone, looping around the back, while the rest of the surface is a high gloss, piano black plastic. The bands seem to plastic, not metal, and trace the outline of the phone (0.55 inches) thick, looping in the back, while the rest of the surface of high gloss, piano black plastic. Below the screen are four familiar BlackBerry keys (phone, menu, back, and end / power), along the left is a convenience key and a micro USB port (RIM has eschewed the more common mini USB slot for the lower profile of the newer variation, though That seems a to be the way the industry is headed), and on the right side is another convenience key, volume rocker, and (yay!) 3.5mm headphone jack. Below the screen are four familiar BlackBerry keys (phone, menu, back, and end / power), along the left side is the key to comfort and a micro USB port (RIM has avoided the slot of the more common mini USB to a lower profile than the newer variation, although it seems to be the way the industry is headed), and on the right side is another convenience key, volume rocker, and (yay!) 3.5mm headphone jack. Around back, the battery cover is made from a solid piece of brushed aluminum, and the camera and flash sit atop the plate, covered by a glossy plastic strip. Around back, the battery cover is made from solid piece of brushed aluminum, and the camera and flash sit on a plate, covered by a glossy plastic strip. Along the top of the phone there's a single LED to the right, and lock and mute keys incorporated into either side of the casing like soft rockers - a nice touch. Along the top of the phone there is one LED to the right, and lock and mute keys incorporated into either side of the casing like soft rockers - a nice touch. Generally, the construction of the hardware and components used seem higher in quality than previous devices from the company, with buttons That click tightly and a heft That tries (and succeeds) to Communicate an understated class. In general, building hardware and components used seem higher in quality than previous devices from the company, with buttons that click tightly and weight who tried (and succeeded) to communicate with understated class.
It's not completely rainbows and unicorns, however. We noticed backlight leaking in through the sides of the screen, the which partially killed the continuity of the design (and Had us raise eyebrows at build quality), and the screen sort of slides around Pls it's pressed down and held (more on That later) . We see the backlight leaking through the sides of the screen, which partially killed the continuity of the design (and we have raised eyebrows at build quality), and type of screen slides around when it is pressed down and held (more on that later). No deal breakers, but Certainly a couple minor niggles We Wish We hadn't seen. No deal breakers, but certainly a few minor niggles we wish we did not see.
Touchscreen
The touchscreen is where most of the attention on this phone Will be focused, and rightfully so. The touchscreen is where most of the attention will be focused on this phone, and rightfully so. Unlike similarly stacked competitors (the iPhone and Instinct come to mind) the Storm does not just Boast a capacitive touch display, it also utilizes a completely unique "click" technology SurePress Called Actually the which allows you to click the screen down like a mouse button . Unlike similar competitors are stacked (the iPhone and Instinct come to mind) the Storm does not just boast a capacitive touch screen, it also uses the "click" a truly unique technology called SurePress which actually allows you to click the screen down like a mouse button. The purpose of this technology, ostensibly, is to Provide two aspects to touch screens the which are currently lacking in most devices: the ability to "hover" without selecting or moving an on-screen element, and the physical sensation of "clicking" Pls you type or navigate. The purpose of this technology, ostensibly, is to provide two aspects to touch screens that are currently lacking in most devices: the ability to "hover" without selecting or moving an element on the screen, and the physical sensation of "clicking" when you type or navigate. The Storm's screen Certainly provides Those two Things in spades, but our question is whether or not They Actually Improve the experience of using this sort of device - and in our opinion, They do not. Storm screen certainly provides two things in spades, but our question is whether or not they actually improve the experience of using this kind of device - and in our opinion, they do not.
Before we plunge into why we feel the hardware does not work here, we need an introduction with some information about the software. You can not really talk about one without the other. You can not really talk about one without the other.
Should know what you first Is that the operating system used on this phone is almost identical to previous BlackBerry OSS - Notably 4.6, as seen on the Bold. What you first need to know is that the operating system used on this phone is almost identical to previous BlackBerry OS - notably 4.6, as seen on the Bold. The main reason for stating That Is Because you must Understand the basis for the UI design. The main reason for that is because you have to understand the basis for UI design. All modern BlackBerrys use a QWERTY or SureType keypad coupled with a trackball for navigation, in Addition to the heavy emphasis on a pop-up menu accessible by the "menu" key from pretty much every section of the OS. All modern BlackBerry using a QWERTY or SureType keypad coupled with a trackball for navigation, in addition to the emphasis on pop-up menu can be accessed by the "menu" of almost all parts of the OS. The difference in 4.7 is not a paradigmatic shift away from this approach, rather, the company has added touch and multitouch functionality to take the place of trackball movements. 4.7 The difference is not a paradigm shift from this approach, instead, the company has added touch and multitouch functionality to replace the trackball movement. What this means Is that unlike the iPhone, the which is most Certainly the Closest competitor on the market to this phone, the Storm's UI is not custom built for touch navigation - touch navigation is added after the fact. What this means is that unlike the iPhone, which most certainly the closest competitor in the market for this phone, the Storm UI is not custom built for touch navigation - touch navigation is added after the fact. Things the which flow naturally on an iPhone - flicking through lists, scrolling for a contact, moving around in a webpage or looking through photos - feel inelegant and uncomfortable on the Storm. The things that flow naturally on an iPhone - flicking through lists, scrolling for a contact, moving around in a web page or look through photos - feel awkward and uncomfortable on the Storm. There's no inertia to movement, no assurance That your finger is the lynchpin to control of the device. There is no inertia to movement, there is no guarantee that your finger is the lynchpin to control the device. The screen is sensitive enough, surely, but how its software reacts to Those touches makes all the difference, and here the feeling is That you're never completely in charge of the phone. The screen is sensitive enough, surely, but how the software reacts to those touches makes all the difference, and here the feeling is that you never really responsible for the phone.
BlackBerry has garnered an almost mythical stature as a mobile phone for email and messaging. One of the components of RIM's success for that model has been the inclusion of QWERTY keypads (and more recently the halved QWERTY SureType keyboards) on Their phones. One component of RIM's success for a model that has been the inclusion of QWERTY keypads (and more recently the halved QWERTY SureType keyboards) on their phones. As any email addict Will tell you, very few devices can Compete. As an email addict will tell you, very few devices can compete. The slant from RIM's PR on the Storm Is that the new clickable touchscreen delivers another high caliber typist's dream to Their roster - but That could not be Further from the truth. The slope of RIM's PR on the Storm is that the new clickable touchscreen provides high caliber typist's dream of another to the list of their names - but that could not be further from the truth. Rather than the click making Things Easier, Actually it makes Them more Difficult. Instead of clicking makes things easier, it actually makes them more difficult. As you press down to engage a "key," you're required to release before moving to another, the which means That you can only type so Quickly. When you press to engage "key," you are required to release before moving on to another, which means that you can only type so fast. In our tests, We Were Constantly frustrated by the staggering, laggy movement Pls Trying to type with any speed. In our tests, we were constantly frustrated by the movement, surprisingly laggy when trying to type with any speed. You have to let the click depress before you can strike another character, And that makes for a stuttery input process. You have to let clicking depressed before you can attack other characters, and it makes for a stuttery input process. Additionally, hovering over characters is Represented by a blue glow, the which looks nice Pls moving around, but in practice does not do a very good job of letting you know what key you're Touching. Additionally, hovering over characters is represented by light blue, which looks nice when moving around, but in practice it does not do a very good job of letting you know what key you're touching. We had spelling errors aplenty. We have so many spelling mistakes. All of this would be helped greatly by an intelligent software component guessed That what you Meant to type - much like the iPhone's predictive element. All this will be assisted by a highly intelligent software component that guessed what you meant to type - such as predictive elements of the iPhone. Unfortunately, what RIM provides is more of a glorified T9, the which means if you type "fo," it does not know you Meant to type "do." Unfortunately, what RIM provides is more than glorified T9, which means if you type "for," do not know you meant to type "do." Ultimately We found Ourselves SLOWLY and carefully pecking out messages That Should have taken less time to put together, clicking screen or not. Eventually we found ourselves slowly and carefully pecking out messages that should have taken less time to put together, clicking screen or not.
If not, there are several implementations of the screen - copying and pasting, which is the norm on RIM phones, is fully represented here with elegant multitouch functionality. You just grab the beginning and end of a section of text you want to Snag with two fingers, and a menu pops up along the bottom for copy / paste duties. You just grab the beginning and end of the text you want to snag with two fingers, and the menu appears along the bottom for copy / paste job. In the browser, you can hover above a link with your finger before clicking it (a big help on crowded pages), and you can double tap (not click) to zoom into pages, though there's no way to back out other than hitting the minus magnifying glass. In the browser, you can hover over the link with your finger before clicking it (a big help on crowded pages), and you can double press (no click) to zoom into the page, even though there is no way to return in addition to hitting the minus magnifying glass. We do not think the technology used for the screen is a dead-end by any measure, but it has a long way to go before it's honestly competing with the iPhone for virtual keyboard Domination. We do not think the technology used for the screen is clogged, by any measure, but has a long way to go before it's honestly competing with the iPhone for virtual keyboard domination. Right now it's a nice idea with less in the way of usability than We need. Now it's a good idea with less in the way of usability than we need. If speed is not a concern, Probably you'll find it manageable, but for BlackBerry addicts and Those accustomed to typing on the iPhone, Will this be a disappointment. If speed is not a concern, you may find manageable, but for BlackBerry addicts and those accustomed to typing on the iPhone, this will disappoint.
Besides the new technology behind the display, the screen is fairly Tremendous Itself. In addition to the new technology behind the screen, the screen itself is quite remarkable. Colors are rich, and contrast is solid. Rich color, and contrast is solid. The brightness is not quite as eye-Searing as the iPhone at full tilt, and does not even approach the supernova 8830 we've got here, but frankly, how bright do you need it? Brightness is not quite as eye-burning as the iPhone at full speed, and did not even approach the supernova 8830 we got here, but frankly, how bright do you need? Everything looked sharp and clear, though we've gotten a little spoiled by the Bold's incredible pixel density, and now other phones seem to pale in comparison. Everything looks sharp and clear, although we have a little spoiled by the incredible pixel density of the Bold, and now other phones seem to pale in comparison.
BlackBerry has garnered an almost mythical stature as a mobile phone for email and messaging. One of the components of RIM's success for that model has been the inclusion of QWERTY keypads (and more recently the halved QWERTY SureType keyboards) on Their phones. One component of RIM's success for a model that has been the inclusion of QWERTY keypads (and more recently the halved QWERTY SureType keyboards) on their phones. As any email addict Will tell you, very few devices can Compete. As an email addict will tell you, very few devices can compete. The slant from RIM's PR on the Storm Is that the new clickable touchscreen delivers another high caliber typist's dream to Their roster - but That could not be Further from the truth. The slope of RIM's PR on the Storm is that the new clickable touchscreen provides high caliber typist's dream of another to the list of their names - but that could not be further from the truth. Rather than the click making Things Easier, Actually it makes Them more Difficult. Instead of clicking makes things easier, it actually makes them more difficult. As you press down to engage a "key," you're required to release before moving to another, the which means That you can only type so Quickly. When you press to engage "key," you are required to release before moving on to another, which means that you can only type so fast. In our tests, We Were Constantly frustrated by the staggering, laggy movement Pls Trying to type with any speed. In our tests, we were constantly frustrated by the movement, surprisingly laggy when trying to type with any speed. You have to let the click depress before you can strike another character, And that makes for a stuttery input process. You have to let clicking depressed before you can attack other characters, and it makes for a stuttery input process. Additionally, hovering over characters is Represented by a blue glow, the which looks nice Pls moving around, but in practice does not do a very good job of letting you know what key you're Touching. Additionally, hovering over characters is represented by light blue, which looks nice when moving around, but in practice it does not do a very good job of letting you know what key you're touching. We had spelling errors aplenty. We have so many spelling mistakes. All of this would be helped greatly by an intelligent software component guessed That what you Meant to type - much like the iPhone's predictive element. All this will be assisted by a highly intelligent software component that guessed what you meant to type - such as predictive elements of the iPhone. Unfortunately, what RIM provides is more of a glorified T9, the which means if you type "fo," it does not know you Meant to type "do." Unfortunately, what RIM provides is more than glorified T9, which means if you type "for," do not know you meant to type "do." Ultimately We found Ourselves SLOWLY and carefully pecking out messages That Should have taken less time to put together, clicking screen or not. Eventually we found ourselves slowly and carefully pecking out messages that should have taken less time to put together, clicking screen or not.
Software
As We said, 4.7 is not a huge step up over 4.6, but there are a number of improvements worth mentioning. As we said, 4.7 is not a big step above 4.6, but there are a number of improvements worth mentioning. Navigating through menus and the home screen is still very much a typical BlackBerry experience though. Navigate through menus and home screen is still very much a typical BlackBerry experience though. The phone has two levels of "application" screens, the initial landing screen, the which Gives you eight app icons of your choosing, and a deeper level of the which displays all of your folders and programs. The phone has two levels of screen "applications", the initial landing screen, which will give you eight app icons of your choice, and a deeper level which displays all the folders and programs. You can use the touchscreen to hover (or select) each of the icons, giving it that blue glow, but We found it annoying That you could not drag your finger across the selections and have the glow follow you (as it does Pls typing ). You can use the touchscreen to hover (or select) each icon, providing a shining blue, but we found annoying that you can not drag your finger on the options and have a light that follows you (such as when typing). It gets stuck on the first thing you touch, and you have to re-press to move to another icon - it seems a like it would be more convenient to have the selection follow your movements, but the phone does not seem to know the difference the between a quick flick up or down and a selection. It gets stuck on the first thing you touch, and you must re-press to move to another icon - it seems like it would be easier to have the choice to follow your movements, but the phone does not seem to know the difference between movies that quickly rise or fall and the choice . You click down on the screen to launch an app or the make a selection in a list, and you can swipe up and down to move through the list of apps, though it's not Nearly as smooth as it Should Be. You click down on the display to launch an application or make a choice in the list, and you can slide up and down to move through the list of applications, although not nearly as smooth as it should. BlackBerry fans used to a real keyboard and shortcuts Might find themselves a bit lost here Pls Quickly Trying to get around - you can set one of the convenience keys to pop open the virtual keyboard, but it does not seem to Recognize long presses, shortcuts, or find-as-you-type contact searches like traditional RIM devices (typing on the Storm just takes you to the dialer, Why We do not know). BlackBerry fans used to a real keyboard and shortcuts might find themselves a bit lost here when trying to get around quickly - you can set one of the convenience keys to pop open the virtual keyboard, but apparently did not recognize the old press, shortcuts, or find-as -you-type contact searches like traditional RIM devices (typing on the Storm just takes you to the dialer, why we do not know).
Most components of the UI is the which require scrolling do not seem drastically changed, but you can now jump through lists by up-down gestures. Most of the UI components that require scrolling do not seem to change drastically, but you can now jump through lists by up-down motion. Again, We found That the lack of inertia made this seem stiffer than expected, though it worked well enough Pls moving around the phone. Once again, we found that the lack of inertia makes it more rigid than expected, although it worked well enough when moving around the phone. RIM has added A Few visual tweaks to the OS on the Storm, like crossfades and sideways swipes of pages the which admittedly give it a bit more polish, although They seem largely superfluous (do not worry, We feel the same way about the iPhone's zooms and scrolls). RIM has added a few visual tweaks to the OS on the Storm, like crossfades and the friction side of the page that is recognized to give a little more polish, though they mostly seem excessive (do not worry, we feel the same about raising iPhone and rolls). Overall, Transitions the between screens and inside of apps do seem a bit more sluggish than the performance on the Bold, but whether this is due to Those new effects or a higher CPU load given the touch recognition and screen size, We can not say. Overall, the transition between the screen and the application seems a bit slower than the performance of the Bold, but whether this is due to the effects of new or higher CPU load given the touch recognition and screen size, we can not say. We did find Ourselves missing the speedy response of a traditional BlackBerry, and also felt like responses lagged behind our movements enough to be annoying. We do not find ourselves missing the quick response of a traditional BlackBerry, and also felt like responses lagged our movement is quite disturbing. There seemed to be A Few noticeable bugs floating around, and at least one ground That the phone to almost a halt - Pls quitting the browser on a page That was still loading, it turned the navigation on the home screen to molasses. It seems there are a few noticeable bugs floating around, and at least one that ground the phone almost quit - quit the browser when the page is still loading, it turns out the navigation on the home screen molasses. Another flaw We had crop up was accelerometer related, an irksome bug That rendered the portrait-to-landscape switching (and vice versa) non-existent. Our other defects appear is related to an accelerometer, an annoying bug that given switching portrait-to-landscape (and vice versa) does not exist. We can not say if That was a hardware or software related, but the details count, and Those little snags take points away. We can not say whether it is hardware or software related, but the number of details, and those little snags take points away.
Thankfully the browser has been much updated. If you have any experience with RIM's last Attempt at mobile browsers (the Bold), then you know what manna from heaven any fixes would be. If you have any experience with RIM's last attempt at mobile browsers (the Bold), then you know what manna from heaven any fixes would be. 4.6 's browser is, in a word, unusable. 4.6 'browsers are, in a word, can not be used. Load times are painful, rendering is only Sometimes accurate, and Mostly it's just a tortuous mess to get around in. We can honestly say That the Storm's implementation is LEAPS and bounds beyond what the company has Previously Offered. Load times are painful, rendering is only sometimes accurate, and mostly it's just a tortuous mess to get around in. We can honestly say that the implementation of the Storm is a leap beyond what the company previously offered. Quickly load pages and are Generally formatted correctly, navigation is much snappier (zooms do not take hours to redraw), and scrolling is tolerable, if not as smooth as We prefer Buttery. Pages load quickly and are usually formatted correctly, navigation is much snappier (zoom does not take hours to redraw), and scrolling is tolerable, if not as butter smooth as we want. And ultimately, that's a point That must be made - while the browser is much better than Earlier versions, and is an admirable Attempt, it's still a bit behind Mobile Safari and the G1's Webkit-based "Chrome light," lacking support for more advanced features like multiple tabs. And ultimately, that's the point to be made - while the browser is much better than previous versions, and is an admirable effort, it's still a bit behind Mobile Safari and the G1's Webkit-based "Chrome light," more or less support advanced features like multiple tabs. Why RIM does not build something from scratch (or buy a license from Opera) is a question for the ages - We can not imagine anyone has any real affection for this experience. Why RIM does not build something from scratch (or buy a license from Opera) is a question for the ages - we can not imagine someone having a real affection for this experience. Still, for casual tasks and most browsing, You Could Certainly do worse, and it's nice to know that a lot of energy went into this update. However, for tasks of the most relaxing and browsing, you could certainly do worse, and it's nice to know that a lot of energy going into this update.
On the messaging and email front, very little has changed here from Earlier RIM phones, save for some of That visual flair. In front of an email message and, very little has changed here from earlier RIM phones, except for a portion of the visual flair. Pls Particularly it comes to email, the use of screen real estate and selection of fonts seems a dated Pls compared with the iPhone. Especially when it comes to email, the use of screen real estate and selection of fonts seems dated when compared with the iPhone. We will not complain about the email service Itself, delivery of messages was rock solid (of course), but a quick glance at the iPhone versus a quick glance at the Storm provides a strong juxtaposition of design languages. We will not complain about their own email service, message delivery is rock solid (of course), but the iPhone versus a quick glance at the Storm provides a strong juxtaposition of design languages. Reading email on the BlackBerry was an Inconsistent experience, and highlighted the feeling That not too much trouble Had been taken to freshen up this UI and format it for the bigger screen. Reading email on the BlackBerry is a consistent experience, and highlighted the feeling that not too much trouble has been taken to freshen up this UI and format it to a larger screen. Under the hood, We found account management simple enough, but Those looking for solid Gmail integration (like, say, all the people Verizon and RIM hope to lure away from Apple's camp) will be Seriously let down. Under the hood, we found account management simple enough, but those looking for solid Gmail integration (like, say, all the people Verizon and RIM hope to lure from Apple's camp) will be seriously disappointed. There does not seem to be any decent alternative for getting Gmail the way you're used to, save for Google's own app (which is remarkably good save for A Few issues). There does not seem to be no viable alternative for getting Gmail the way you used to, save for Google's own applications (which is very good except for some problems).
On that note, third-party software is still somewhat weak for the platform, and basically do not exist for the Storm itself. It does not look like using this phone Will break any (or most) of the software is already out for BlackBerry devices, but there's also not much taking advantage of the new format and screen real estate. This does not look like using this phone will break any (or most) of the software already out for BlackBerry devices, but there is also not much taking advantage of the new format and screen real estate. In particular, something like the Facebook application - the which Verizon and RIM are pushing hard with the launch of the Storm - is a poor stand-ins for the iPhone offering, sporting exactly the same functionality it does on an older RIM devices. In particular, something like a Facebook application - which Verizon and RIM are pushing hard with the launch of the Storm - is a poor stand-ins to offer the iPhone, sporting exactly the same functions that are not on an older RIM devices. Reps from the company assured us That Their version of the App Store was coming, and They do have a tidy application manager on the phone already, so we're Hoping That third parties really step up Their game with the introduction of the Storm. Reps from the company assured us that their version of the App Store will come, and they have a tidy application manager on the phone already, so we hope that the third party really improve their game with the introduction of the Storm.
Because the phone is being marketed as a convergence device, it's got an extra emphasis on media functions. Because the phone is being marketed as a convergence device, it's got an extra emphasis on media functions. In truth, the media players / browsers are almost identical to 4.6 's options, though again there's some nice visual flair added. Actually, media players / browsers are almost identical with a choice of 4.6 's, although again there are some nice visual flair added. The bigger screen allows for larger artwork to be shown off, and it's a match made in heaven for video playback. The larger screen allows for larger artwork to be shown off, and it's a match made in heaven for video playback. Management of media is still pretty standard - We copied files back and forth the between the microSD card (8GB is included with the phone), but there's no flashy Cover Flow or anything. Media management is still pretty standard - we copied files back and forth between the microSD card (8GB is included with the phone), but there are no flashy Cover Flow or anything. In fact, We noticed a slight graphic glitch Pls moving from portrait to landscape, the which Might Be nothing, or may be due to the fact the phone has no hardware acceleration for graphics. In fact, we see little graphic errors when moving from portrait to landscape, which may be nothing, or perhaps because of the fact the phone does not have hardware acceleration for graphics.
Because the phone is being marketed as a convergence device, it's got an extra emphasis on media functions. Because the phone is being marketed as a convergence device, it's got an extra emphasis on media functions. In truth, the media players / browsers are almost identical to 4.6 's options, though again there's some nice visual flair added. Actually, media players / browsers are almost identical with a choice of 4.6 's, although again there are some nice visual flair added. The bigger screen allows for larger artwork to be shown off, and it's a match made in heaven for video playback. The larger screen allows for larger artwork to be shown off, and it's a match made in heaven for video playback. Management of media is still pretty standard - We copied files back and forth the between the microSD card (8GB is included with the phone), but there's no flashy Cover Flow or anything. Media management is still pretty standard - we copied files back and forth between the microSD card (8GB is included with the phone), but there are no flashy Cover Flow or anything. In fact, We noticed a slight graphic glitch Pls moving from portrait to landscape, the which Might Be nothing, or may be due to the fact the phone has no hardware acceleration for graphics. In fact, we see little graphic errors when moving from portrait to landscape, which may be nothing, or perhaps because of the fact the phone does not have hardware acceleration for graphics.
All in all, the software feature-set phone ships with is very strong. There's a broad selection of applications, including the "To Go" suite That allow you to view and edit Word, PowerPoint, and Excel documents. There is a wide range of applications, including a suite "To Go" which allows you to view and edit Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Average (and even not so average) users will from be hard pressed to find something that's missing, and RIM makes it easy enough to grab key software if someone wants it. On average (and even not so average) users will be hard pressed to find something missing, and RIM makes it fairly easy to grab key software if someone wants it. You have to hand it to Them, They pretty much cover all the bases ... You have to hand it to them, they cover pretty much all the bases ... save for one nasty omission. except for one nasty omission.
We were a bit stunned to find out That we could not sync the Storm with our Mac out of the box. We were somewhat surprised to learn that we can not sync the Storm with our Mac out of the box. We do not mean "hey we could not sync with iTunes" (we're not insane), We mean, "hey, We can not sync this, at all, in any way." We do not mean "hey we can not sync with iTunes" (we are not crazy), we mean, "hey, we can not sync this, at all, by any means." For the Few Mac users That also Happen to dig BlackBerrys, there's a piece of software RIM offers free of charge Called PocketMac, the which does a half decent job of at least throwing your contacts, calendars, and other assorted must-haves onto your device - - but you're out of luck if you buy a Storm. For some Mac users who also happen to dig the BlackBerry, there is a piece of software RIM offers free of charge called PocketMac, which does a decent job and a half at least throwing your contacts, calendars, and other various kinds of must-haves to your device - - but you're lucky if you buy a Storm. Apparently, the software needs an update badly, and if you expect to enjoy the same service it provides to something like a Bold, you'll be surprised and annoyed (as We Were) to find this does not let you sync your data. Apparently, the software needs updating badly, and if you wish to enjoy the same services provided for something like the Bold, you'll be surprised and annoyed (like us) to find it does not let you sync your data. For that, right now, you're going to have to go download (and pay for) something like Missing Sync. For that, now, you'll have to go download (and pay for) something like Missing Sync. It's pretty outrageous to us That in crafting a device so obviously aimed at the iPhone's marketshare no one thought to make it accessible to Apple users even a little. That's pretty outrageous to us that in preparing the device so obviously aimed at the iPhone market share did not think to make accessible to Apple users even a little. Look, We know it's not a huge segment of the market, but it's there, and if history has taught us anything, it's a segment to be reckoned with. Look, we know it's not a large segment of the market, but it's there, and if history has taught us anything, it's a segment that must be taken into account.
We were a bit stunned to find out That we could not sync the Storm with our Mac out of the box. We were somewhat surprised to learn that we can not sync the Storm with our Mac out of the box. We do not mean "hey we could not sync with iTunes" (we're not insane), We mean, "hey, We can not sync this, at all, in any way." We do not mean "hey we can not sync with iTunes" (we are not crazy), we mean, "hey, we can not sync this, at all, by any means." For the Few Mac users That also Happen to dig BlackBerrys, there's a piece of software RIM offers free of charge Called PocketMac, the which does a half decent job of at least throwing your contacts, calendars, and other assorted must-haves onto your device - - but you're out of luck if you buy a Storm. For some Mac users who also happen to dig the BlackBerry, there is a piece of software RIM offers free of charge called PocketMac, which does a decent job and a half at least throwing your contacts, calendars, and other various kinds of must-haves to your device - - but you're lucky if you buy a Storm. Apparently, the software needs an update badly, and if you expect to enjoy the same service it provides to something like a Bold, you'll be surprised and annoyed (as We Were) to find this does not let you sync your data. Apparently, the software needs updating badly, and if you wish to enjoy the same services provided for something like the Bold, you'll be surprised and annoyed (like us) to find it does not let you sync your data. For that, right now, you're going to have to go download (and pay for) something like Missing Sync. For that, now, you'll have to go download (and pay for) something like Missing Sync. It's pretty outrageous to us That in crafting a device so obviously aimed at the iPhone's marketshare no one thought to make it accessible to Apple users even a little. That's pretty outrageous to us that in preparing the device so obviously aimed at the iPhone market share did not think to make accessible to Apple users even a little. Look, We know it's not a huge segment of the market, but it's there, and if history has taught us anything, it's a segment to be reckoned with. Look, we know it's not a large segment of the market, but it's there, and if history has taught us anything, it's a segment that must be taken into account.
Telephone / Data
When it comes to sound quality and reception for making actual phone calls, you can not beat this combination. When it comes to sound quality and reception for making actual phone calls, you can not beat this combination. Generally RIM phones have loud and clear earpieces and speakerphones, and Verizon - love it or hate it - has a great network. RIM phones generally have loud and clear earpieces and speakerphones, and Verizon - love it or hate it - has a large network. Those two facts are apparent Pls Certainly it comes to the Storm. These two facts certainly clear when it comes to the Storm. We found the earpiece to be plenty loud, and the speakerphone equally booming. We found a hole that will be much harder, and the same booming speakerphone. If We had a complaint, We'd say the mid-range was a bit shrill on the phone. If you have a complaint, we would say mid-range bit shrill on the phone. The Bold, by comparison, has a much warmer, well-rounded output. Bold, by comparison, has, much warmer well-rounded output. Still, that's a pretty minor complaint, and if you're looking for sheer network-clutching goodness, this is a pretty damn good choice. However, it's a pretty small complaint, and if you are looking for sheer network clutching goodness, this is pretty damn good choice. In Addition to Verizon's CDMA, EV-DO Rev. A madness, the Storm sports a GSM radio (a number of Them), so you can grab HSPA in the rest of the world, and truck on some sweet, sweet EDGE here in the States. In addition to Verizon's CDMA, EV-DO, Rev. A madness, the Storm sports a GSM radio (some of them), so you can grab HSPA in the whole world, and the truck on some EDGE, sweet sweet here in the United States.
Speaking of That EV-DO, the download speeds and network stability of the Storm seem pretty tight. Speaking of that EV-DO download speeds and network stability Storm seem pretty tight. Although the phone omits WiFi, as long as you stay inside decent Verizon coverage areas, you will not feel That sting too badly. Although eliminating WiFi phone, as long as you stay inside decent Verizon coverage areas, you will not feel that sting too badly.
When it comes to sound quality and reception for making actual phone calls, you can not beat this combination. When it comes to sound quality and reception for making actual phone calls, you can not beat this combination. Generally RIM phones have loud and clear earpieces and speakerphones, and Verizon - love it or hate it - has a great network. RIM phones generally have loud and clear earpieces and speakerphones, and Verizon - love it or hate it - has a large network. Those two facts are apparent Pls Certainly it comes to the Storm. These two facts certainly clear when it comes to the Storm. We found the earpiece to be plenty loud, and the speakerphone equally booming. We found a hole that will be much harder, and the same booming speakerphone. If We had a complaint, We'd say the mid-range was a bit shrill on the phone. If you have a complaint, we would say mid-range bit shrill on the phone. The Bold, by comparison, has a much warmer, well-rounded output. Bold, by comparison, has, much warmer well-rounded output. Still, that's a pretty minor complaint, and if you're looking for sheer network-clutching goodness, this is a pretty damn good choice. However, it's a pretty small complaint, and if you are looking for sheer network clutching goodness, this is pretty damn good choice. In Addition to Verizon's CDMA, EV-DO Rev. A madness, the Storm sports a GSM radio (a number of Them), so you can grab HSPA in the rest of the world, and truck on some sweet, sweet EDGE here in the States. In addition to Verizon's CDMA, EV-DO, Rev. A madness, the Storm sports a GSM radio (some of them), so you can grab HSPA in the whole world, and the truck on some EDGE, sweet sweet here in the United States.
Speaking of That EV-DO, the download speeds and network stability of the Storm seem pretty tight. Speaking of that EV-DO download speeds and network stability Storm seem pretty tight. Although the phone omits WiFi, as long as you stay inside decent Verizon coverage areas, you will not feel That sting too badly. Although eliminating WiFi phone, as long as you stay inside decent Verizon coverage areas, you will not feel that sting too badly.
Camera / GPS / Battery life
In general, image quality is very good on camera, which offers a healthy 3.2-megapixel resolution. The only problem We had - and it was a big one - was the fact That it took ages to focus and snap a shot. The only problem we are - and it is a big one - is the fact that it took ages to focus and snap shots. There were the resource persons Pls numerous times Trying to photograph something That We Lost the shot Because of the length of time it took the camera to kick in. In broad daylight, Things fared a slight bit better, but Pls using the flash, it was pretty hard to get good results. There were several times when trying to photograph something that we lose the shot because of the length of time it takes the camera to kick in. In broad daylight, things fared a little better a little, but when using the flash, it's pretty hard to get good results. This seems a like something That Could take a simple software tweak to fix - We know the camera looks nice, We just need it to take photos faster. This seems like something that could take a simple software tweak to fix - we know the camera looks good, we just need to take photos faster. A lot faster. Many fast.
One nice thing about Storm is that it is not only capable of still image, but can record video as well. Results are mediocre, allowing capture up to 320 x 240, with quite a bit of heavy artifacting. The results are mediocre, allowing capture up to 320 x 240, with quite a bit of heavy artifacting. Still, knowing That you can pull this out to grab something reminds us - yet again - that this is a Necessary basic for modern cellphones. However, knowing that you can pull this out to grab something reminds us - again - that this is the necessary basis for a modern mobile phone.
Using the device for navigation garnered excellent results in terms of signal reception and tracking, but having to slug through the abysmal Verizon Navigator software is not exactly Joyous (dudes, that intro animation is the worst thing we've ever seen). Using a navigation device for collecting very good results in terms of signal reception and tracking, but must go through the abysmal Verizon Navigator software slugs are not exactly joyous (dudes, that intro animation is the worst thing we've ever seen). It would be nice to see some third party options on the device for PND duties, though at least Verizon tries to throw a lot of content into the mix (movie times, traffic, local search), no matter how heavy handed it feels (real , real heavy handed). It would be nice to see some third-party options on the device for PND duties, though at least Verizon tries to throw a lot of content into the mix (movie times, traffic, local search), no matter how heavy the hand it feels (real, real heavy handed) .
Since We had a very, very limited time to test the phone, We can not really give you solid figures on battery life. Because we have a very, very limited to test the phone, we can not really give a solid number on the battery. In casual use, however, the Storm seems a to be going strong even after a heavy workload: browsing, media player, and phone calls. In ordinary usage, however, the Storm seems to be strong even after the heavy workload: browsing, media player, and phone calls. We've Had the phone on and chugging all day, and it's only seeing about about a 30 percent drop in life so far. We have phone and drank all day, and it only saw about 30 percent of the decline in life so far. If this keeps up, you can color us impressed with the juice Officially you can pull out of this thing. If this keeps up, you can color us officially impressed with the juice you can pull out of this.
Using the device for navigation garnered excellent results in terms of signal reception and tracking, but having to slug through the abysmal Verizon Navigator software is not exactly Joyous (dudes, that intro animation is the worst thing we've ever seen). Using a navigation device for collecting very good results in terms of signal reception and tracking, but must go through the abysmal Verizon Navigator software slugs are not exactly joyous (dudes, that intro animation is the worst thing we've ever seen). It would be nice to see some third party options on the device for PND duties, though at least Verizon tries to throw a lot of content into the mix (movie times, traffic, local search), no matter how heavy handed it feels (real , real heavy handed). It would be nice to see some third-party options on the device for PND duties, though at least Verizon tries to throw a lot of content into the mix (movie times, traffic, local search), no matter how heavy the hand it feels (real, real heavy handed) .
Since We had a very, very limited time to test the phone, We can not really give you solid figures on battery life. Because we have a very, very limited to test the phone, we can not really give a solid number on the battery. In casual use, however, the Storm seems a to be going strong even after a heavy workload: browsing, media player, and phone calls. In ordinary usage, however, the Storm seems to be strong even after the heavy workload: browsing, media player, and phone calls. We've Had the phone on and chugging all day, and it's only seeing about about a 30 percent drop in life so far. We have phone and drank all day, and it only saw about 30 percent of the decline in life so far. If this keeps up, you can color us impressed with the juice Officially you can pull out of this thing. If this keeps up, you can color us officially impressed with the juice you can pull out of this.
Summary
It's clear from the Device Itself and the massive promotional push That Both RIM and Verizon are giving the Storm That They view this as a proper threat to the iPhone's dominance in the smartphone market. It was clear from the device itself and the massive promotional push that both RIM and Verizon gave the Storm that they view this as a proper threat to the dominance of the iPhone in the smartphone market. Over the last few weeks we've been bombarded with commercials, leaks, press releases, and special events all Celebrating the arrival of the Storm, Both here and abroad. Over the last few weeks we have been bombarded with ads, leaks, press releases, and special events all celebrating the arrival of the Storm, both here and abroad. So it seems a fairly obvious That yes, the companies believe They have a real Contender on Their Hands - and in many Airways They do. So it seems pretty clear that yes, the company believes that they have a real contender on their hands - and in many cases they do. The selling points are easy: the phone is gorgeous to look at and hold, it's designed and backed by RIM (now almost a household name thanks to Their prevalence in the business and entertainment markets), and it's packed with features that, at first glance , make it seem not only as good as the iPhone, but better. Selling points are easy: the phone pretty to look at and hold, it's designed and backed by RIM (now almost a household name thanks to their prevalence in the business and entertainment markets), and it is packed with features that, at first glance, makes it seem not only as well as the iPhone, but better. The only hitch in this plan is a major one: it's not as easy, enjoyable, or consistent to use as the iPhone, and the one place where everyone is sure They have an upper hand - that wow-inducing clickable screen - just All That is not great. The only hitch in this plan is the main one: it is not easy, enjoyable, or consistent to use as the iPhone, and one place where everyone is sure they have the upper hand - that wow-inducing clickable screen - just not all that great . For casual users, the learning curve and complexity of this phone will of feel like an instant turn off, and for power users, the lack of a decent typing option and considerable lagginess in software Them Will give pause. For ordinary users, the learning curve and complexity of this phone will feel like an instant turn off, and for power users, the lack of a viable option and typing lagginess enough in the software will give them pause. RIM tried to strike some middle ground the between form and function, and unfortunately CAME up short on Both. RIM tried to strike some middle ground between form and function, and unfortunately appears briefly on both.
Going into this review, We really wanted to love this phone. Going into this review, we really wanted to love this phone. On paper it sounds like the perfect antidote to our gripes about the iPhone, and in some Airways it lives up to Those promises - but more Often than not while using the Storm, We felt let down or frustrated. On paper it sounds like the perfect antidote to our complaints about the iPhone, and in some cases live up to the promises - but more often than not when using the Storm, we feel disappointed or frustrated. Ultimately, this Could be a great platform with a little more time in the oven, but right now, it feels undercooked - and that's not enough for us. Ultimately, this could be a great platform with a little more time in the oven, but now, it feels undercooked - and that's not enough for us.
It's clear from the Device Itself and the massive promotional push That Both RIM and Verizon are giving the Storm That They view this as a proper threat to the iPhone's dominance in the smartphone market. It was clear from the device itself and the massive promotional push that both RIM and Verizon gave the Storm that they view this as a proper threat to the dominance of the iPhone in the smartphone market. Over the last few weeks we've been bombarded with commercials, leaks, press releases, and special events all Celebrating the arrival of the Storm, Both here and abroad. Over the last few weeks we have been bombarded with ads, leaks, press releases, and special events all celebrating the arrival of the Storm, both here and abroad. So it seems a fairly obvious That yes, the companies believe They have a real Contender on Their Hands - and in many Airways They do. So it seems pretty clear that yes, the company believes that they have a real contender on their hands - and in many cases they do. The selling points are easy: the phone is gorgeous to look at and hold, it's designed and backed by RIM (now almost a household name thanks to Their prevalence in the business and entertainment markets), and it's packed with features that, at first glance , make it seem not only as good as the iPhone, but better. Selling points are easy: the phone pretty to look at and hold, it's designed and backed by RIM (now almost a household name thanks to their prevalence in the business and entertainment markets), and it is packed with features that, at first glance, makes it seem not only as well as the iPhone, but better. The only hitch in this plan is a major one: it's not as easy, enjoyable, or consistent to use as the iPhone, and the one place where everyone is sure They have an upper hand - that wow-inducing clickable screen - just All That is not great. The only hitch in this plan is the main one: it is not easy, enjoyable, or consistent to use as the iPhone, and one place where everyone is sure they have the upper hand - that wow-inducing clickable screen - just not all that great . For casual users, the learning curve and complexity of this phone will of feel like an instant turn off, and for power users, the lack of a decent typing option and considerable lagginess in software Them Will give pause. For ordinary users, the learning curve and complexity of this phone will feel like an instant turn off, and for power users, the lack of a viable option and typing lagginess enough in the software will give them pause. RIM tried to strike some middle ground the between form and function, and unfortunately CAME up short on Both. RIM tried to strike some middle ground between form and function, and unfortunately appears briefly on both.
Going into this review, We really wanted to love this phone. Going into this review, we really wanted to love this phone. On paper it sounds like the perfect antidote to our gripes about the iPhone, and in some Airways it lives up to Those promises - but more Often than not while using the Storm, We felt let down or frustrated. On paper it sounds like the perfect antidote to our complaints about the iPhone, and in some cases live up to the promises - but more often than not when using the Storm, we feel disappointed or frustrated. Ultimately, this Could be a great platform with a little more time in the oven, but right now, it feels undercooked - and that's not enough for us. Ultimately, this could be a great platform with a little more time in the oven, but now, it feels undercooked - and that's not enough for us.
1 komentar:
A very detailed review, but it took two days to read it ... just kidding bro. And thanks for your visit
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