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3 years, 5 months ago

Should I get a Blackberry Storm or an iPhone?

I've been thinking about this for a while and still can't seem to decide. Answers should include the Pros and Cons of each phone, price (including monthly data plan). Note: I am nearing the end of my contract with verizon, so getting an iphone would mean switching to att, while getting a storm wouldn't.
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kenford's Avatar
kenford | 3 years, 5 months ago
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http://blog.wired.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/10/07/bbsvsiphone.jpg

PROS & CONS-
Here’s why I prefer the Storm:-----

Stereo Bluetooth capability
Removable battery
Expandable memory
Video recording
Works as a tethered modem
Tactile feedback
Copy and paste
Multitasking


Here’s why I prefer the iPhone---

It’s now second-generation
Built-in memory
iTunes App Store
iTunes integration
Full QWERY (virtual) keyboard
Wi-Fi support
iPod media player
Safari browser

FULL REVIEW-------
The BlackBerry Storm 9500 is, indeed, causing quite a storm, as more details emerge about its capabilities. This full touchscreen phone is very much consumer-focused, but with its solid business foundations intact. How does it stand up to the iPhone 3G?

Look & Feel-------

Both devices are almost completely touchscreen based, with the Storm having a few more buttons along the bottom edge, and the typical "BlackBerry" logo branding at the top of the screen near the earpiece.

The BlackBerry is definitely more curvy top and bottom, and measures 112.5mm (H) x 62.2mm (W) x 13.95mm (D) -- not much different to the iPhone 3G's 115.5 (H) x 62.1 (W) x 12.3mm (D).

The Storm is a touch heavier at 155g versus 133g.


Screen-----------

The BlackBerry Storm features a high-resolution 360 x 480 touchscreen, which gives it a 4:3 aspect ratio akin to older TVs, versus the iPhone 3G's 320 x 480 touchscreen which is a 3:2 ratio. Not much to choose between the two, though.

Both screens feature light-sensing technology which can be used to set the optimum brightness for the display.

Keyboard--------

http://i43.tinypic.com/qwzp6d.jpg


The Storm offers several virtual keyboard options, including standard QWERTY in landscape mode and SureType in portrait mode (see picture).

The iPhone offers several keypads (QWERTY, numeric, symbols) in both landscape and portrait modes.



Camera---------

The BlackBerry Storm features a modest 3.2 megapixel camera, still beating the iPhone's two megapixel affair. Additionally, it supports video recording out of the box. The specifications don't say whether it has autofocus and flash capability, but regardless of that, the Storm just beats the iPhone.

Multimedia----------

Both handsets can play a wide variety of audio formats, with the Storm pipping the iPhone with WMA and WMA ProPlus, and video formats, the Storm able to handle WMV files. If those types of media are important (more likely for PC users) then the Storm edges ahead.

Navigation---------

The Storm uses BlackBerry Maps and offers Touch Screen Navigation. The iPhone features Google Maps and navigation. You decide which handset wins based on your navigational needs and preferences. My hunch is that the Storm edges it until Google updates Maps on the iPhone.

Communications-------

Both units handle 3G where available, but only the iPhone feature Wi-Fi connectivity. There's also GPS and Bluetooth, with the Storm's Bluetooth implementation is better than the iPhone's.

The Storm can be used as a tethered modem providing that the network operator allows it. At present, the iPhone can only be used this way with a bit of hacking.

Web Browsing------------

Both units feature web browsers, though as far as I'm aware exact information about the Storm's software isn't yet public. Various forums have suggested it's based on "WebKit", which is what Apple's Safari and Google's Chrome (among others) are based on.

Could the Storm have an iPhone-esque browser?



Operating System---------

The Storm appears to be running BlackBerry OS 4.7, whereas the iPhone runs OS X.

Storage------------

The Storm features 1GB of internal memory, 128MB of Flash memory, and support for microSD expansion cards up to 16GB.

Applications-----------

The Storm may well make use of a new "BlackBerry Application Centre", in similar vein to the iPhone App Store and Google's Android Market.

That's not confirmed yet, but based on rumours spotted over the weekend.

Business Credentials----------

The BlackBerry is almost the de facto standard for business users, and as such features strong compatibility and security with popular corporate systems.

The iPhone is still very much a work in progress, depending on individual business needs, and while some companies are adopting the iPhone, particularly after the software upgrade to version two, it still lags when it comes to being supported by standard systems.

Though the Storm is being portrayed as a much more consumer-friendly device, its business credentials still stand.

Pricing & Networks-------

It seems that the Storm will be available on a 24 month contract, exclusively with Vodafone, for a minimum £35 per month (not sure if the handset is free or not).

You know the drill with the iPhone 3G by now - various price points and 18-month contracts from £30pm, or PAYG, on O2.

Conclusion-----------

RIM has definitely pushed some consumer buttons with its latest offering, and gone all out touchscreen (I can't think of a major phone manufacturer that doesn't have some touchscreen goodness happening on at least one of their handsets).

Whether it's a direct attack on the iPhone is another matter. With the likes of Samsung's Omnia and the G1 around, there's plenty of competition in this area of the market.

It's not the prettiest phone around, but looks like it will do the job. It wins on overall connectivity, though the network tie-in is even worse than the iPhone's.

SOME ARTICLES YOU MAY LIKE----

1.The T-Grid: BlackBerry Storm vs. iPhone 3G-
http://technologizer.com/2008/10/07/blackberry-storm-vs-iphone/

2.The BlackBerry Storm is no iPhone-----
http://news.cnet.com/the-blackberry-storm-is-no-iphone/

3.Showdown: BlackBerry Storm VS. iPhone 3G-----
http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/10/showdown-blackb.html

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tko | 3 years, 4 months ago Report

The list is interesting, but I'm amazed no mention has been made of how incredibly unpolished the Storm experience has been so far. Just try using a Storm for 10 minutes, you'll be decided on an iPhone right away. Here's Pogue's review for a fuller explanation: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/27/technology/personaltech/27pogue.html?_r=3&hp

Note: I'm not dissing Blackberry in general. The Bold looks like a beautiful device and were I more in need of a tactile keyboard that's probably the phone I'd go for. RIM just way outside their core competencies on this initial release of the Storm, and it shows: none of the usual advantages of a Blackberry, and a very unfinished product.

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wo | 3 years, 5 months ago
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I say switch to AT&T and get an iPhone. While the Storm is nice, the iPhone experience far exceeds that of the blackberry's. The clicking display on the Storm while feels ok, but slows down typing. I can type much faster and with more accuracy on my iPhone than on any other smart phone that I've tried. I give Apple a lot of credit on the auto correcting with the soft keypad.

The real reason to get an iPhone is apps apps apps. The apps on the iPhone are far better than backberry apps. Also, the browser on the iPhone is nicer as well. The money you'll spend month to month on your bills is pretty much a wash except you may be tempted to buy more apps on the iPhones app store. I struggle with limiting my app purchases.

There are problems with the iPhone, like battery life and a less than wonderful camera, but over all, it's the best internet experience I've seen on a phone. I love my iPhone and there is no way I'd trade it for a Storm.

Get an iPhone and enjoy life.

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spoon | 3 years, 5 months ago
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I'm not going to try and give a detailed pros vs cons (the source below will give you that in a way that is easier to understand).

I can speak from the view of someone that has the storm and I can say it is the best phone I have had. I moved from an HTC windows mobile device to the storm and have never looked back. Since the storm is a new product (while the iPhone is on it's 2nd generation) there are little bugs but a recent update has fixed many of the lag issues that many people had. If you need a device that keeps you connected with email nothing can beat the Storm... if you want a device that gives you tons of applications nothing can beat the iPhone... in the end it really is up to what you need the phone for.

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penguinsix | 3 years, 5 months ago
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You are asking the wrong question, sort of.

The issue is not going to be the iPhone vs. the Storm vs. the Nokia god phone vs. the Google thing vs. the Palm phone.

It's going to be "which operating system will dominate, and which one will people write apps for?"

As you do your research, the thing to seriously consider is which company has the 'staying power' to continue on and even take a loss as they get their product rolled out and operating / app system developed. Apple and Google--they have the money and they are well down the beaten path for application developers (apple probably in the lead). Blackberry, despite a significant lead in this market, is now looking at a new playing field (applications) in which they are woefully behind. Nokia? Umm, maybe. Great phones, but will they get the application writers interested in developing for that platform?

Long term, the applications will be far more important than the hardware. Judge accordingly.

Good luck

(p.s. my two cents are for the iPhone but hey, it's your money)

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aac74 | 3 years, 5 months ago
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Don't forget the blackberry Bold ! Much faster than any other blackberry :)
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fauxpop | 3 years, 5 months ago
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I have an iPhone, and although I was initially resistant, it is the apps that have made the difference. Although Apple isn't as open as anybody would like with their platforms, this particular one has much to offer. Having an iPhone is trendy, which isn't so great, but it is constantly appealing for the constant addition of new apps, many of which are not just games.

I'm not even going to talk about the intuitive user experience, because then I would sound like a shill.

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hellsale | 3 years, 5 months ago
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To be totaly honest the iphone is the best phone ever made.!!!

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slschrs323 | 3 years, 5 months ago
4
basically you'd better get an i phone. way faster way better

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xds | 3 years, 5 months ago
15
Andy I yet to see a blackberry do this.
videos:

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tpnolan | 3 years, 5 months ago Report

holy crap thats crazy!

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srt4cab3 | 3 years, 5 months ago Report

This is a good point. The iPhones have a lot of really convenient, fun and informative applications!!

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andy | 3 years, 5 months ago Report

Wow, that is amazing. That's almost worth it just for that app!

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bmlhailstone | 3 years, 5 months ago
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Blackberry storm. I would never switch to ATT, even if my life depended on it. Verizon may be more expensive, but they have better service. And I hate ATT because I had their home phone service and they are the worst phone company I've ever had to deal with. Not to mention, the iPhone is madly cool, but the blackberry storm is a blackberry, 'nuff said.

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djb1202 | 3 years, 5 months ago
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Get an iPhone.

The Storm clicking feature is very inaccurate.

As you can see, most things are iPhone compatible and will most likely stay that way.

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benau | 3 years, 5 months ago
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Myself and a group of Colleagues had this very (heated) discussion over a picnic this weekend passed. Visualise a crowd of professionals with iPhones and Blackberries in their hands demonstrating and debating the questions.

Consensus: Don't touch the Blackberry Storm. The previous models are much, much better. Blackberry Storm early adopters are unhappy with the product.

Provided your workplace is happy to integrate your iPhone into their Exchange server go iPhone. Otherwise get an older model BlackBerry - but NOT the Storm.

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andy | 3 years, 5 months ago Report

My Boss actually carries around a BlackBerry and an iPhone, so he doesn't have to choose. Unfortunately I can't afford both - so I've got to choose. Most people at my work have iPhones though.

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mrgunn | 3 years, 5 months ago
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Just to add some balance, I've known several people who got an iphone, and decided they hated it and took it back. On other platforms like Symbian, the norm is to be able to easily add and remove files from the phone by mounting the phone(or memory card) as a drive. The norm for installing apps is downloading them and transferring them to the phone, or downloading them directly to the phone via the web browser or text message. It's also expected that there will be plenty of freeware available, distributed by whoever wants to distribute it. If you don't use itunes, you'll hate having to use it to install programs, and you'll not have the freeware available on other platforms.

That said, if you are already a mac person, and used to itunes, you'll probably like it.

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walbold | 3 years, 5 months ago
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I'm not going to deny that the iphone is one of a kind. There isn't anything like it. It's aesthetically pleasing, the apps library is amusing and it did not have any problems with its durability. The screen did not scratch at all (one of my major concerns) and I've only had a few hiccups with the phone freezing a couple of times. The reason why I switched to the blackberry storm and sold my iphone was one simple reason, battery life. I needed to charge my iphone almost everyday. This ended up being more stressful than I expected. I'm sure playing with the apps did not help the battery life and I used my phone a lot, but in a phone I want to be able to sometimes forget about it. Knowing that my battery life was so low, bothered me. I only imagined myself running out of battery when I needed to do something with my phone. Ever since I switched to the Blackberry Storm I've been happier. It's battery life was much better. The apps on the Blackberry was just what I needed, it definitely was not as interesting as the iphone. Reception was great, much like the iphone. I guess the deal breaker for me was the battery life.

I know many people who have the iphone and are completely happy with it. But in a phone, I just need to not have to worry about it dying on me because I forgot to charge it in about a day and half.

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andy | 3 years, 5 months ago Report

Having my cell-phone battery die on me is definitely one of my pet peeves.

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filmkid | 3 years, 5 months ago
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I'm going to give you my two cents on the iPhone. I don't have any experience with the Storm, so take my answer with a grain of salt. I would highly recommend the iPhone for all around Apple consumers. If you have a Mac, this phone will be a godsend. It functions so seamlessly with all your computer applications, such as iCal, Mail, iTunes and iPhoto. The App store is revolutionary. Personalization on this phone is unstoppable and it's so incredibly easy to use. Some of the cons that I've heard on the Storm were its use difficulty and general response speed, but again, those were friends' responses and a few reviews I've read on CNET.

Basically, I just wanted to mention that the iPhone is a perfect phone for Mac users. If you don't own a Mac, it's still an amazing phone, but the Storm may work out just as well in that case.

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andy | 3 years, 5 months ago Report

I did forget to mention in my question that I am a big Apple user. I have a G4 desktop computer and a MacBook laptop - as well as using a Mac at work. While I left it out because i didn't want to skew the answers, it's probably a good idea to mention that.

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filmkid | 3 years, 5 months ago Report

Yep. Perfect phone for you. My iPhone is my best friend.

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mellon | 3 years, 5 months ago
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If you have to get a Blackberry for business reasons, get a blackberry. If your main use for the thing is going to be reading and answering email, consider a blackberry. If on the other hand the feature set of the iPhone appeals to you - watching videos, listening to music, etc., go for the iPhone. It's the first phone I've had that I liked.

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mccallister | 3 years, 5 months ago
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I'm facing a similar decision. Right now the Palm Centro looks great at the price it's at.

The iPhone is a pretty closed device. Blackberry is proprietary too. You might consider a Windows Mobile Device if you like to add apps.

I prefer QWERTY keys over touchscreen. For that reason alone I'd go for a Blackberry.
source(s):
Experience as a Mobile Phone User

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offthedome | 3 years, 5 months ago
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My brother has an iPhone, and he loves it. In fact EVERYONE I know that has the iPhone loves it.

I've tried it myself, and the fact that it can do SO MUCH makes me love it. If I had the company that allows iPhones I would buy it. The fact that it's been tried and tested, and that it's held up to every promise, is what makes me want to keep it.

That said, my other advice to you is, if you can, wait at least a week so that more online reviews and comparisons can be made. They look like extremely equal phones right now, but it could easily be that one of them is far better superior to the other.

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weatherman | 3 years, 5 months ago
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I'm now answering this from my Verizon / Samsung Omnia... I had a storm that sucked. This phone does all of the same & more! It's got days of battery life, wi-fi.. And a 5 megapixel cam/camcorder!

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arvin_singh | 3 years, 5 months ago
BlackBerry Storm! I've used one and overall it is better than the iPhone.

THIS IS A BIASED ANSWER - Keep that in mind :)

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dotnetallday | 3 years, 5 months ago
4
I'm ditching Verizon when my wife's contract is up in March for the iPhone. My vote is for Apple's incredible gadget - it seriously rocks.

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keithold | 3 years, 5 months ago
4
G'day Andy,

Thank you for your question.

I would suggest an Iphone as the Blackberry Storm has received mixed reviews.

http://gizmodo.com/5093715/blackberry-storm-review-verdict-not-quite-a-perfect-storm

http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/rim-blackberry-storm-verizon/4505-6452_7-33311850.html

http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/19/blackberry-storm-review/

However, the Storm may be worth another look in a few months when later models are released.

Regards

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andy | 3 years, 5 months ago Report

Definitely, the mixed reviews are what made me question getting the Storm to begin with.

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