Comments on: Verizon Wireless BlackBerry Storm 9530 Unboxing and First Impressions

By: Jmann

Jmann — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 05:57:46 +0000

Do I HAVE to install the blackberry tools and all the verizon crap on my desktop pc? I want to use my realplayer for music and I want to sync my blackberry with Microsoft outlook to get all my contact names and addresses. What else is provided on these two discs?

By: Nick Marshall

Nick Marshall — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:35:01 +0000

A formal review that addresses those issues is in the works. This was more of a first look since the software the BlackBerry Storm shipped with was extremely buggy. Now that the v4.7.0.76 update has been released I think the Storm can receive an accurate review. To be honest the software the Storm shipped with prevented it from being my daily device because the accelerometer would only work half the time and the back button sometimes not at all. Needless to say these issues have been resolved and I am back using the Storm so I think I could give you a good idea of how the device performs in the situations you’ve described above.

Power Cord: Just like all BlackBerry devices you can charge via USB cable or the included power cord. The major difference here is that since the Storm is a World Edition phone it includes the wall adapters for traveling abroad. The connector on the Storm is similar to the Motorola Krave ZN4, but the charger will not work since Motorola always has an odd pin placed in the connector preventing cross compatibility. It is not a standard mini USB connector.

Sunlight: Direct sunlight can best be seen in this photo from my comparison Storm vs G1 gallery. http://www.cellfanatic.com/wp-content/gallery/JPEG/g1vsstorm%20134.jpg You can also visit the entire gallery here http://www.cellfanatic.com/gallery?album=2&gallery=104

Durability: The Storm build quality is very similar to the 8800 Series with the exception of a metal back cover and of course the camera. Dropping the device will definitely slash the edges of the phone, but I would not fear the phone breaking. As far as water goes it is as prone to water damage which will void the warranty as much so as any other phone, doesn’t’ look like any special measures have been taken. The indicator spots are still inside the battery cover and it will be easy for a technician to spot water damage.

Reboots: The Storm users will suffer in much of the same way that first-time iPhone users suffered when switching from physical QWERTY keyboards. On the T-mobile G1 I am able to maintain 35wpm, the iPhone 25wpm and the Storm < 20wpm. The clicking of the keyboard prevents the quick sequential keystrokes that can be performed on the iPhones since you can literally click two letters within fractions of a second. Each time you press in on the screen only counts for one letter so a major sacrifice will need to be made if you are a power email user. Bottom line, I couldn’t imagine sending a hundred emails off a day with this device when I struggle with a few dozen.

I have not had the phone freeze or lock up on me once since installing the new firmware, but I have had the phone become extremely slow when switching between programs. There are also occasional instances where the accelerometer takes a good 3 second count before it rotates and brings up the proper keyboard. I hope I’ve answered your questions, feel free to continue asking and I will incorporate them into the formal reviews, thanks.

By: Jim Gerboc

Jim Gerboc — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 13:34:51 +0000

I would like to see a review by someone who lives with the phone on a day-to-day basis and uses much of the functionality. Unfortunately, many Storm reviews are simply a discussion of the features or specs, which are impressive. However, this phone is being considered by people looking to be more productive. Issues like whether or not someone will have a compatible power cord when you forgot yours?, or can I read the screen on a sunny day in the car?, or does the phone reboot in the middle of a conference call with top customers?, would it appear to sustain an accidental drop in a parking lot?, what about use in the rain waiting a cab?These can be deal breakers for many of us who use these phones. Teenagers who are power users no doubt have different requirements.

By: charity

charity — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 17:35:13 +0000

i am curious about mms. ive had the 3g iphone for about a month now and recently found out i can not send picture msgs to friends phones, only to their email. unless i have their exact phone address, like ###-####@tmomail.com, most people dont even know their phone address and its a big pain in the a**!! i cant even find a zoom on the camera and theres no video! maybe its just me, but im really not impressed with the iphone. when you spend that much on a phone, it should do everything + more than other phones w/out having to download and pay for apps for every little thing! i have always loved blackberry and am considering the switch to storm. how is the camera/mms functionality on the storm and its other apps?

By: Nick Marshall

Nick Marshall — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:43:54 +0000

You always have the option of using Missing Sync for BlackBerry. This would take care of any BlackBerry to Mac syncing including your music library via iTunes.

http://www.markspace.com/products/blackberry/blackberry-sync-mac-software.html

By: GEO

GEO — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 02:53:37 +0000

Thanks for your comments. I will keep abreast.
I have a few months remaining on a VZW contract with RZR . I have desired a smart-phone, and the features such as scrolling thru images to show potential clients.
Storm seems my answer, as with the other device, I am told that AT&T service & signals are terrible here in my area. I will watch for all the reviews I can read…..

I am interested in Storm’s syncing with a Mac! Geo