Comments on: BlackBerry Storm 9530 is BlackBerry Thunder, BlackBerry Thunder is BlackBerry Storm, for realz

By: Matt

Matt — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 18:03:44 +0000

Will a version be available that doesn’t have a camera?

-1

By: Bill

Bill — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 02:19:18 +0000

Verizon BlackBerry Storm 9530 Quick Facts

* The Storm is Research in Motion’s first touchscreen smartphone
* The Storm features a “click” touchscreen, making it easy to input text precisely
* The resolution on the Storm will be the highest ever produced by RIM
* The BlackBerry Storm features a 3.2 megapixel camera
* The Storm is a global device with quad band architecture, good in 195 countries
* The Storm features full HTML web browsing, visual voicemail and will be VZ Navigator capable (with audible turn by turn capabilities for directions)
* And the BlackBerry Storm will only be available on Verizon

By: Bill

Bill — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 02:14:50 +0000

Who cares about the free stick of memory that’s expandable? Who cares about the name or it’s origin? I’ve owned the BB Verizon World Edition/Qualcomm 3G CDMA for over a year now and love it. I love the track ball. I use my device constantly. I reply on email notifications for work on a daily basis and require internet access quick to accept work orders, or someone else sitting at home will get my work. I feel intimidated by the Apple Iphone. It appears to work the internet faster, but I think I get my emails faster with my BB. I’m always a sucker for better and think the touch screen is cool, but not effective enough to switch phones. I can’t wait to get the facts on this device and compare it to what I have. If any of you can suggest the best device I can buy that will achieve the fastest internet SAP connectivity and email send/receive. I would greatly appreciate it your input and feedback as I have read all the posts and it is apearent that this blog has some brilliant insightful people. Kindly, just a novice end user who knows nothing. Just trying to better my portable communication.

By: bootsboy

bootsboy — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 23:59:06 +0000

I’ve been with ATT for years, and am getting so tired of waiting for the Bold, that if Vrz gets Storm before ATT gets Bold, I’ll probably change.

Here in New Orleans area, every major storm we lose ATT service for a week to 10 days (no phone, no web, only occasional text), but Vrz and Alltel still have service.

BTW, I tried Instinct. The phone is great but Sprint in my home only got 1 bar and I’m very close to the interstate where service would normally be very strong.

So I’m ready to try something new.

Just my opinion.

By: bob

bob — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 17:58:24 +0000

the Bold will have WiFI but who knows when verizon will get it

By: treo2bb2what

treo2bb2what — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 11:14:33 +0000

While Verizon’s coverage is absolutely the best and the EVDO’s performance is stunning, there are interior rooms where I work that I get NO COVERAGE. This is not Verizon’s fault… the physics of radio make this coverage
impossible without in-building repeaters.

That being said, our company has outstanding WiFi coverage… so I would still be able to get my email in these locations if the 9530 had WiFi.

I am one of those business professionals that you talk about that would benefit from WiFi. I do consider the lack of WiFi a show stopper.

With the announcement of new firmware for the iPhone that supposedly solves the dropped call problem in marginal areas, the iPhone is looking more attractive, simply because of the WiFi.

I agree the Windows based phones are not an option… for so many reasons.

I work for a Fortune 500 company and more then one person in the c-suite have iPhones. The guy who supports Microsoft Exchange for the company has an iPhone. That is not a reason for me to get an iPhone… but these are business professionals who need exceptional phones and email functionality everywhere in the company. They are not people playing YouTube: their iPhones are business tools.

I think that Verizon and RIM had better pay close attention here. WiFi does matter for business professionals.

I would hate to be in Verizon’s position: release too early with the device not being stable and they get a slew of bad comments. Wait too long and they face attrition.

I can only hope that the device is further along that BGR reports and has WiFi. If BGR is correct, I will pay the termination penalty and I am off to AT&T.

By: Lei

Lei — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 20:28:24 +0000

All this hub-bub over the 8gb card. I have an 8830 on Verizon and hate the fact that I can’t actually put anything on my 2gb card besides media. At least Palm let’s you install apps on their card. I am constantly running out of system space whenever I want to install a new cool app that I come across. And what’s with no camera again? Having to go to VZPix to view pix sent to me is a pain in the butt.

Why can’t we get a Verizon world phone that has a camera, bluetooth, wifi, and the ability to install apps on the card?

By: Brent K

Brent K — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:29:54 +0000

How much is this going to cost for a 2 year contract? Anyone have an actual idea?

By: jwork

jwork — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:54:02 +0000

I completely agree with Anonymous loser. Well stated.

By: Anonymous loser

Anonymous loser — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:03:03 +0000

Just because this is to have a touch GUI doesn’t mean its an iPhone competitor. A Treo had a touch screen interface for many years. The same people looking for a Treo aren’t necessarily the same as the iPhone buyers.

All I know is I’m looking for a blackberry that will give a better web experience than current blackberrys. I need a good/secure email/cal/contact sync (MobileMe wasnt a well thought out option), a phone, text messaging and decent web experience. I prefer a touch GUI over trackballs which is why I always liked the Treos (they did touch screen long before the iPhone).

This phone will meet all of my needs. iPhone is more about videos, music and doesn’t have the quality of apps (yet) for the items I need. I don’t see these as competitors. Storm for business users like me. iPhone for my kids that care more about watching YouTube videos since they dont have jobs requiring desktops, laptop and cell phones full of important data to be synced.

By: Pete

Pete — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 21:14:51 +0000

From a Canadian perspective, I’m intrigued by the notion this phone will go to Rogers. I find that highly unlikely. RIM rarely makes terrible business decisions and putting this touchscreen smartphone with the only carrier in Canada to carry the iPhone, doesn’t seem too smart… I really don’t see it. Any Rogers customer who wants to be “cool” and get a touchscreen is going to opt for the iPhone. The Storm/Thunder will be totally lost with Rogers.

Rogers’ tag line for the iPhone is “The phone you’ve been waiting for, is finally here.” So how do they then turn around and try to market this BB? I really don’t see it happening. Add to that, it’s a definite this phone is going to Verizon in the US, and Telus and Verizon are very closely connected and seem to mirror (to some degree) each other’s offerings phone-wise.

I think Telus is a pretty safe bet for this phone in Canada.

By: Dave

Dave — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 00:17:25 +0000

And why pay extra for that global data plan when the phone has WiFi built in? If Verizon disables the 9530’s WiFi then bye bye Verizon for me. I’ve had enough of Verizon crippling of phones, like forcing the VZ Nav on us and locking the GPS on phones which have it. (Non BB phones of course, just to keep the peace around here… )

By: joe

joe — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 21:42:54 +0000

and when you travel abroad, use the 64.99 global data plan so you don’t incur roaming data charges

By: joe

joe — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 21:40:58 +0000

all i have to say is who needs wi-fi when you have vzw’s evdo coverage.

By: Dave

Dave — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:33:18 +0000

@ griff

WiFi can be important IF you are outside the US and do not want to rack up extra roaming charges for wireless data access. Having WiFi in those circumstances can be beneficial. For example, if I go to Canada to visit friends if I have WiFi on my BB I can use that to check my e-mail, etc. and save $$$.

By: griff

griff — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:27:01 +0000

@ Mark “wow for the last time, you “Cellphone professionals” don’t understand, Verizon does not cripple GPS on ANY blackberry device, NEVER has and NEVER will, Wi-Fi on a blackberry that you are required to get the data plan with is just plain stupid, because Verizon’s REV.A network covers over 85% of the US pop. so the chances of you not being in an coverage area is just out of the question, all of the 3rd party GPS apps work perfectly fine, after all it IS a blackberry…..”

3rd party GPS apps DO NOT WORK WITH THE VERIZON BLACKBERRIES!!

By: Joan Mitchell

Joan Mitchell — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:00:47 +0000

I’m consolidating my Razor and Dell Axium to one device. Tried the DARE and found the touch keypad unresponsive and need other apps and Outlook sync. Took it back and now have the Blackberry 8330 which has cool features and app potential, but HATE the trackball, missed the touch. Tracball is very awkward and slow. So what do I do? Take this back and wait for the new Thunder/Storm? Try The XV6900? Try something else? My requirements are: Phone, Email, Browser, Outlook Sync, Pin Safe, Mortgage Calc. Any suggestions are much appreciated. My phone store let me return the DARE, I don’t know how many phones they’ll let try. Thanks! Joan in VA

By: The One

The One — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:44:39 +0000

@ Mike,

Yeah hopefully it does have all of those features.

By: Mattnshilp

Mattnshilp — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:01:02 +0000

I currently own a Dare and got rid of the VZW9800. As expected windows just sucks, no matter what you put it on…

I had a Verizon 8800 and loved it but needed full HTML browsing. But when comparing Verizons BB to any other carrier, it was obvious Verizon made RIM pull features that other services offered to make sure the phone was as stable, crash-free, battery-efficient and “reliable” as possible. Annoying but appreciated (I guess).

I’m sure Verizon is pulling the same thing with the Storm. And lest we keep in mind that Verizon is usually the LAST one to get any new phone. They have to be crapping in their pants taking the first run of a BB instead of letting it get beta-tested to the nth degree on T-mobile, ATT, etc…

I just want a BB with all of the normal BB features AND full HTML web browsing. OK, WiFi would be really nice but it’s not a deal breaker…

Since I’m a devoted Verizon customer (their service is just unrivaled) I can’t go iPhone, so the BB Storm is about all I’ll have to get me the features I need…

I think BGR is doing an amazing job of getting us this info. Considering everything (including the fact that 98% of all of the other sites like this use BGR as THEIR source!!!) I think the info is relatively accurate and gives us what we need –> Enough info to make the decision to buy what is currently out or wait for what is coming.

Thanks BGR!

-Matt

By: mike

mike — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:43:48 +0000

@ the one

The Storm is built to battle the iphone. Hopefully it has all the features available, including GPS, Wifi, etc. etc.

By: The One

The One — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:32:56 +0000

@Mike,

Complete sentences please. Your statement:

“mike Said:

@ the one

Doesn’t the iphone? Isn’t this blackberry built to beat the iphone?”

By: Mario

Mario — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 05:17:35 +0000

Here’s one possible explanation for the name change. I appears that the New NBA team in Oklahoma has applied for trademarks for the new team name. One of those trademarks just happens to be Thunder. Since RIM is talking and there isn’t a better explanation I guess this will have to do.

By: Scott

Scott — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 01:52:21 +0000

You’d be stupid to think that Telus won’t be getting this device. Telus was in the top 5 overall sellers of RIM handsets in North America last quarter. This is mainly due to their great smartphone marketing on the Pearl and Curve. A touchscreen berry is just one more step for Telus’ smartphone for all marketing…

By: Mark

Mark — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 01:46:19 +0000

wow for the last time, you “Cellphone professionals” don’t understand, Verizon does not cripple GPS on ANY blackberry device, NEVER has and NEVER will, Wi-Fi on a blackberry that you are required to get the data plan with is just plain stupid, because Verizon’s REV.A network covers over 85% of the US pop. so the chances of you not being in an coverage area is just out of the question, all of the 3rd party GPS apps work perfectly fine, after all it IS a blackberry…..

By: matrix2004 from HOFO

matrix2004 from HOFO — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:50:07 +0000

Keep in mind Verizon has a Samsung i770 to be released this quarter that is also a world phone with GSM/CDMA and it has WI-FI. You guys that say the Storm has no WI-FI, where are you geting that from? No one has confirmed it does or doesn’t. So just wait until someone leaks it.

By: MadMike

MadMike — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:37:55 +0000

Are there any phones on Verizon that have WiFi?

By: Ivan

Ivan — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 22:08:00 +0000

@csnarpy

I’m with Bell, is that just a guess about them having it?

By: hipkik

hipkik — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 21:31:57 +0000

@ mrHidefinition

lol some one sees it my way

By: csnarpy

csnarpy — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 21:30:35 +0000

It won’t be on telus, it is going to Bell and maybe Rogers.

By: Kooney

Kooney — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 21:21:16 +0000

While Wi-Fi isn’t listed on the box, I believe that this phone HAS to have it. The reason the other items are listed (3.5 mm headphone, microSD, SIMM card) are because they are physical items that are shipped. None of the characteristics of the phone are listed (connectivity, etc). It says nothing about CDMA/GSM, 3G/4G/HSPDA, Bluetooth, etc. so it shouldn’t be inferred that Wi-Fi is not included just because it isn’t on the box.