BlackBerry Storm
RIM's BlackBerry Storm is often compared (and contrasted) with the renowned Apple smartphone, the iPhone. Although similar in appearance, the Storm provides a few key options that are a departure from that of the standard smartphone, including proprietary BlackBerry software features.
Phone Size and Appearance
Measuring 62.2 mm x 112 mm x 13.85 mm, the BlackBerry Storm features an exterior shape and style reminiscent of Apple's iPhone. The exterior is a typical but stylish basic glossy black with chrome accents. The device weighs in at 5.46 oz.
Device Screen Size and Features
The BlackBerry Storm features a high resolution 480x360 pixel color display. The display is Transmissive TFT LCD and offers light-sensing and user-selected font size. At 3.25 inches, the device's display screen allows for both portrait-oriented as well as landscape-oriented use.
The device's screen is touch-sensitive (users will still find prominent keys for initiating and ending calls, as well as a “return” key). A unique feature of the Storm's touch-responsive screen is the “clickable screen”. Pressing on the digital keys provides users with a tactile feeling of the keys being pressed and released.
Audio Options
The Storm offers high-quality voice options and provides users with advanced features including voice activated dialing, speakerphone, conference calling, and a playback feature for voicemail attachments. The included Roxio Media Manager software allows users to store, organize, and access music files. The BlackBerry Media Sync option makes it possible to sync the device with the user's personal iTunes music files. Multimedia audio options include support for MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, WMA, and WMA ProPlus formats. The device also includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack and stereo Bluetooth capabilities.
Data Output Capabilities
The BlackBerry Storm offers a myriad of text-based communication solutions. Users will be able to send and receive email via both personal/web-based email accounts as well as business accounts. Both SMS and MMS messaging options are available. Users will even be able to access online networking sites (such as Facebook and MySpace) with ease.
Simultaneous Connectivity Options
Designed for multi-tasking, the BlackBerry Storm allows users to receive phone calls while accessing the Internet and even while sending email messages (feature is available only on a HPSA GSM network). Additionally, users will be able to perform simultaneous tasks such as clicking photographs or accessing the device's GPS functions while taking a call and creating and editing Office documents while using the device's speakerphone function.
Device Extras
The BlackBerry Storm features a built-in 3.2 megapixel camera capable of capturing both still and video footage (with sound). The camera provides auto flash, auto focus, digital zoom, and creates print-quality photos.
The device is stocked with 1 GB internal memory but allows users the option of expansion (up to 16 more GB) with microSD memory cards (not included).
Users will also have access to built-in GPS capabilities. The BlackBerry Storm is also compatible with BlackBerry Maps as well as other location-based software.
Battery Specifications
The device's removable 1400 mAh Lithium-Ion battery provides 5.5 hours of talk time. Users can expect to receive about 360 hours of standby time from the Storm's battery.
BlackBerry Storm Pros
- Simultaneous voice and data functionality allows users to increase productivity
- Hefty 1 GB built-in memory and option of upgrade via microSD creates great storage capacity
- Unique “SurePress” touchscreen offers users a more substantial tactile experience when accessing features with the digital keypad
- An abundance of multimedia options makes the BlackBerry Storm useful for both personal entertainment as well as professional productivity purposes
BlackBerry Storm Cons
- The interface may respond sluggishly at times
- Does not include Wi-Fi
- Device color and styling offerings are limited
Click on the photo for more information on the BlackBerry Storm
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