Released on November 21, 2008, the Blackberry Storm is the first BlackBerry to sport a touchscreen. The screen utilizes a special ClickThrough technology, involving a suspension system under the screen that makes each tap of the virtual keyboard feel like pressing a physical key.Gizmodo: Blackberry Storm: First Hands On (October 8, 2008) Verizon Wireless offers the Storm for $199 with a new two year contract.Engadget: Verizon schedules Storm for November 21 release, $199.99 on contract (November 13, 2008)
On May 5, 2009, Research In Motion announced that a second-generation Blackberry Storm was in the works. Details of the new model or an expected release date were not announced.Information Week: RIM CEO Confirms Sequel To Storm
Recently announced the Blackberry Storm 2 is now available. Reported improvements include touch screen as well as now supporting Wi-Fi. http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/10/storm2/http://news.vzw.com/news/2009/10/pr2009-10-24.html
Features
The BlackBerry Storm features a design similar to the iPhone, with the trademark BlackBerry keyboard replaced by a touchscreen. The Storm has a built-in accelerometer, optimized for both right and left-handed users, to rotate the screen when tilted. Applications can be downloaded from the BlackBerry Application Center.CNet: Verizon officially debuts RIM BlackBerry Storm (October 7, 2008)
Reviews
"The RIM BlackBerry Storm may blow in a frenzy for Verizon Wireless subscribers wanting a touch screen similar to the Apple iPhone. However, there are bugs and performance issues that prevent the Storm from delivering its full potential."—CNET Reviewshttp://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/rim-blackberry-storm-verizon/4505-6452_7-33311850.html
"Appealing to the consumer in all of us, RIM stabs at the heart of Apple's iPhone, and comes out on top in many respects."—Information Weekhttp://www.informationweek.com/blog/main/archives/2008/10/blackberry_stor.html;jsessionid=4WO3QDTEWISHRQE1GHRSKHWATMY32JVN
"The touch screen isn't the only innovation here. There's a lot going on under the hood, too. This is the first phone we've seen with dual-mic noise cancellation, a feature borrowed from Bluetooth headsets that improves voice transmission quality by measuring and then canceling outside noise using a microphone on the back of the handset."—PC Magazinehttp://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2331979,00.asp
BlackBerry Storm Review
In this video, PhoneScoop.com gives a walkthrough review of the new BlackBerry Storm for Verizon Wireless. The functionality of the touchscreen is shown, as well as the four buttons located at the base of the phone, the locking button and mute key on the top of the phone, the application key on the left side of the phone, the Micro SD port, and the second application key on the right side of the phone. The volume toggle, the zoom functions and the headset jack are all mentioned. Camera functions are briefly covered then the phone is opened and the additional 8 GB Micro SD card is shown. The demonstration then goes into the software functions and walks through some of the menu structure and features.
References
Fast Facts
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Manufacturer
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Release date
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Carrier
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Price
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Size
4.4" x 2.4" x 0.55"
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Weight
5.46 oz
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Memory
128 MB RAM, 1 GB eMMC
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Expandable memory
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Display
480 x 360, Transmissive TFT LCD
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Camera
3.2 MP with flash and autofocus
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Sound
Integrated speaker and microphone
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GPS
Stand-alone and Assisted GPS; pre-loaded with BlackBerry Maps
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Fact:
Bluetooth 2.0
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Fact:
