BlackBerry Storm Review (after 1 week)
12-04-2008, 02:51 PM
#1
BlackBerry Storm Review (after 1 week)
So I bit the bullet and got the BlackBerry Storm. At first I wasn't going to because of the cost of the plans they listed on-line, but then after going to the store I asked about the plans and they said I could get the phone by adding the $30/month unlimited data plan. Basically, the cheapest BB plan that Verizon lists on their website is $80, but the cheapest way of getting the Storm is to have the $40 voice plan and the $30 data plan.
Right out of the box the phone is a looker! The screen is big and clear. A hard re-boot of the phone takes a long time, maybe 2-3 minutes, but just a quick turn-off and turn-on does not take very long. When I first started playing with the phone, I was definitely confused. Part of it is never before having a phone with BB software, and part of it was getting used to the phone itself. But as the saying goes, practice makes perfect, and it definitely applies to this phone.
I was having trouble clicking on things because the default text size is very small, but I figured out that I can increase the font size and even the font itself for the phone. I guess I probably should have read the manual
. After increasing the font size and changing the touch screen sensitivity to my liking, using the phone became a LOT easier.
Setting up e-mail accounts is very easy, and it receives e-mails almost instantly. The BB web browser works pretty well, but I also downloaded Opera Mini as an alternative.
The media player works well enough for me. I haven't tried watching any videos on it yet, but I'm sure they will look great on the screen.
The camera is OK, but definitely not great. It does have a flash.
There is a lot I can speak about, but I'm not sure what things people want to know, so if there is anything specific please ask. Basically, once you customize your phone to your liking it works well.
There are some negatives also. One, the battery lasts 1-1.5 days, but that is somewhat expected from a phone that requires you use the full screen to work it. Also, I play with it a lot and browse the web so that definitely uses more battery. Also, it is sometimes a bit laggy, and sometimes the screen doesn't rotate when I turn the phone. But those two issues are supposed to be addressed in a software update which should be out soon. Another issue I have with the phone is that it only has one alarm. I like having a different alarm time for weekdays and weekends, but unless I haven't found out how to do it yet, there is only one alarm option. There's probably a couple of other things, but I can't think of them now.
If you have any specific questions, please ask.
Right out of the box the phone is a looker! The screen is big and clear. A hard re-boot of the phone takes a long time, maybe 2-3 minutes, but just a quick turn-off and turn-on does not take very long. When I first started playing with the phone, I was definitely confused. Part of it is never before having a phone with BB software, and part of it was getting used to the phone itself. But as the saying goes, practice makes perfect, and it definitely applies to this phone.
I was having trouble clicking on things because the default text size is very small, but I figured out that I can increase the font size and even the font itself for the phone. I guess I probably should have read the manual
. After increasing the font size and changing the touch screen sensitivity to my liking, using the phone became a LOT easier. Setting up e-mail accounts is very easy, and it receives e-mails almost instantly. The BB web browser works pretty well, but I also downloaded Opera Mini as an alternative.
The media player works well enough for me. I haven't tried watching any videos on it yet, but I'm sure they will look great on the screen.
The camera is OK, but definitely not great. It does have a flash.
There is a lot I can speak about, but I'm not sure what things people want to know, so if there is anything specific please ask. Basically, once you customize your phone to your liking it works well.
There are some negatives also. One, the battery lasts 1-1.5 days, but that is somewhat expected from a phone that requires you use the full screen to work it. Also, I play with it a lot and browse the web so that definitely uses more battery. Also, it is sometimes a bit laggy, and sometimes the screen doesn't rotate when I turn the phone. But those two issues are supposed to be addressed in a software update which should be out soon. Another issue I have with the phone is that it only has one alarm. I like having a different alarm time for weekdays and weekends, but unless I haven't found out how to do it yet, there is only one alarm option. There's probably a couple of other things, but I can't think of them now.
If you have any specific questions, please ask.
12-04-2008, 03:04 PM
#2
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Yeah there is only one alarm setting. You can of course make your own alarm tones which I've done.
There are some programs out there for multiple alarms, might want to do a search on that.
There are some programs out there for multiple alarms, might want to do a search on that.
12-04-2008, 03:55 PM
#4
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Good review, mine should be arriving around the 15th or so. I'm not really concerned about the battery life cuz that's actually longer than what I get out of my Motorola Q right now. Depending on what I'm doing, text, internet, or games which I dont do a lot of any of those my battery will last like half a day or maybe a day. If I dont use the phone at all during the except for maybe one phone call my battery will last almost one day.
12-04-2008, 04:00 PM
#5
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I have it too and basically have the some complaints. The screen rotation get hung up a lot so hopefully the new update will help. I'm on the fence about hangin with this thing for two years though. i have a few more days to return it and I gotta say its a pretty agonizing decision. I love it as much as I hate it.
The screen rotation, battery life, my sausage fingers and often people tell me they can barely hear me when I lean it on my shoulder when i need both hands (I do that constantly so thats quite annoying). Those are the major issues Im not sure i can live with for two years.
The screen rotation, battery life, my sausage fingers and often people tell me they can barely hear me when I lean it on my shoulder when i need both hands (I do that constantly so thats quite annoying). Those are the major issues Im not sure i can live with for two years.
12-04-2008, 04:02 PM
#7
is learning to moonwalk i
Nice summary.
Just to confirm what I was told:
This covers BB email and internet, right? Not text/picture messages? Also, no GPS without VZ Navigator? Can you still access google maps?
So I bit the bullet and got the BlackBerry Storm. At first I wasn't going to because of the cost of the plans they listed on-line, but then after going to the store I asked about the plans and they said I could get the phone by adding the $30/month unlimited data plan. Basically, the cheapest BB plan that Verizon lists on their website is $80, but the cheapest way of getting the Storm is to have the $40 voice plan and the $30 data plan.
This covers BB email and internet, right? Not text/picture messages? Also, no GPS without VZ Navigator? Can you still access google maps?
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12-04-2008, 04:03 PM
#8
is learning to moonwalk i
I have it too and basically have the some complaints. The screen rotation get hung up a lot so hopefully the new update will help. I'm on the fence about hangin with this thing for two years though. i have a few more days to return it and I gotta say its a pretty agonizing decision. I love it as much as I hate it.
The screen rotation, battery life, my sausage fingers and often people tell me they can barely hear me when I lean it on my shoulder when i need both hands (I do that constantly so thats quite annoying). Those are the major issues Im not sure i can live with for two years.
The screen rotation, battery life, my sausage fingers and often people tell me they can barely hear me when I lean it on my shoulder when i need both hands (I do that constantly so thats quite annoying). Those are the major issues Im not sure i can live with for two years.
12-04-2008, 04:03 PM
#9
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I got a blackberry flip a few days ago and I am still getting used to it. The phone does so many things its not even funny. Like how the screen dims based on the lightning. So far I like it. 
I cant review it because I haven't had it long enough yet....
I cant review it because I haven't had it long enough yet....
12-04-2008, 04:11 PM
#10
You can see how accurate it is, the blue dot is where the GPS is locating the device, and the Star with the 1 is my actual location. I haven't used Google Maps at all on my BB yet, so I still need to see all the features. Can you use Google Maps as a GPS? There is also a BB Maps program that I haven't played with yet.
Last edited by AMGala; 12-04-2008 at 04:14 PM.
12-04-2008, 04:15 PM
#11
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Sure that's an option, but when you're just trolling around the house and answer the phone while doing dishes in your pajamas - I'd rather not have to be that prepared for a phone call. It really is annoying not being able to rest a phone on your shoulder, blue tooth or not.
12-04-2008, 04:18 PM
#12
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Sure that's an option, but when you're just trolling around the house and answer the phone while doing dishes in your pajamas - I'd rather not have to be that prepared for a phone call. It really is annoying not being able to rest a phone on your shoulder, blue tooth or not.
12-04-2008, 04:25 PM
#13
I have it too and basically have the some complaints. The screen rotation get hung up a lot so hopefully the new update will help. I'm on the fence about hangin with this thing for two years though. i have a few more days to return it and I gotta say its a pretty agonizing decision. I love it as much as I hate it.
The screen rotation, battery life, my sausage fingers and often people tell me they can barely hear me when I lean it on my shoulder when i need both hands (I do that constantly so thats quite annoying). Those are the major issues Im not sure i can live with for two years.
The screen rotation, battery life, my sausage fingers and often people tell me they can barely hear me when I lean it on my shoulder when i need both hands (I do that constantly so thats quite annoying). Those are the major issues Im not sure i can live with for two years.
Regarding the phone leaning on shoulder issue, when I run into that issue I just turn on the speakerphone and put it on my desk or something, but obviously that won't be possible for everyone.
12-04-2008, 04:26 PM
#14
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I couldnt find my bluetooth while on the phone last night and I started unloading the dishwasher. The person I was talking to kept saying I sound like Im under the couch. i finally gave up and sat on the couch for two hours on the phone because I'd start doin stuff and unconsciously lay it on my shoulder again and my caller would start complaining.
12-04-2008, 04:30 PM
#15
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To help with the screen rotation problem, try to remove as many icons from the menu as possible. Also, I removed Visual Voicemail which I don't use (and I think VZW charges extra for) and it sped things up.
Regarding the phone leaning on shoulder issue, when I run into that issue I just turn on the speakerphone and put it on my desk or something, but obviously that won't be possible for everyone.
Regarding the phone leaning on shoulder issue, when I run into that issue I just turn on the speakerphone and put it on my desk or something, but obviously that won't be possible for everyone.
Oh, and my cheek has pressed the mute button while on a call a few times. That sucks too.
12-04-2008, 04:39 PM
#16
I've actually been in the habit of using the speaker phone when im alone and wont be annoying anyone. Its helped a lot but only practical when nobody is sharing the room with me.
Oh, and my cheek has pressed the mute button while on a call a few times. That sucks too.
Oh, and my cheek has pressed the mute button while on a call a few times. That sucks too.
I've done that too. I wish the screen would "lock" when you are in a call so you have to click the screen once to enable it, just like when the screen goes black.
12-04-2008, 05:34 PM
#19
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For the lag times on the screen changing positions, install the latest patch for the storm. This should fix alot of the bugs that have been discovered. Here is the link
https://www.blackberry.com/Downloads...OzUItzzx43IxJw**
https://www.blackberry.com/Downloads...OzUItzzx43IxJw**
You'll never find it! Meanwhile I'll steal your car!
12-04-2008, 05:38 PM
#21
For the lag times on the screen changing positions, install the latest patch for the storm. This should fix alot of the bugs that have been discovered. Here is the link
https://www.blackberry.com/Downloads...OzUItzzx43IxJw**
https://www.blackberry.com/Downloads...OzUItzzx43IxJw**
12-04-2008, 05:44 PM
#22
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Try this one, it takes you straight to the registration to downlad the software
https://www.blackberry.com/Downloads...0FAF63FB5466B9
https://www.blackberry.com/Downloads...0FAF63FB5466B9
Last edited by wickedk24; 12-04-2008 at 05:47 PM.
12-04-2008, 05:53 PM
#25
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12-04-2008, 06:42 PM
#28
You just need to delete the vendor.xml so that desktop manager recognizes it for your phone.
here is all you will ever need. This topic is the first post ATM.
http://crackberry.com/
here is all you will ever need. This topic is the first post ATM.
http://crackberry.com/
12-05-2008, 08:59 AM
#32
Good review. The leaked .75 update helped with my the major annoyances I had with the phone, like the screen orientation wouldn't change when you unlocked the phone, unless you clicked the screen first then unlocked it! Today's update should make things even better, overall I am satisfied with the phone also. It requires a bit of a learning curve/getting used to.
12-05-2008, 10:02 AM
#33
Good review. The leaked .75 update helped with my the major annoyances I had with the phone, like the screen orientation wouldn't change when you unlocked the phone, unless you clicked the screen first then unlocked it! Today's update should make things even better, overall I am satisfied with the phone also. It requires a bit of a learning curve/getting used to.
12-05-2008, 08:34 PM
#34
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Correct, that is for e-mail and internet. Text is extra. VZ Navigator is also extra, but I was reading that the GPS feature is unlocked in this phone, so you can use another GPS software and it should work. Google maps does work, and it can locate your current position:
You can see how accurate it is, the blue dot is where the GPS is locating the device, and the Star with the 1 is my actual location. I haven't used Google Maps at all on my BB yet, so I still need to see all the features. Can you use Google Maps as a GPS? There is also a BB Maps program that I haven't played with yet.
You can see how accurate it is, the blue dot is where the GPS is locating the device, and the Star with the 1 is my actual location. I haven't used Google Maps at all on my BB yet, so I still need to see all the features. Can you use Google Maps as a GPS? There is also a BB Maps program that I haven't played with yet.
Does it have a GPS chip or is it using cell towers for triangulation?
Were you indoors when you were testing?
I have an XV6800, and updated the firmware, which unlocked the GPS. It is pretty accurate, always within a few feet.
How did you do the screencap? Does the phone have this capability built in?
12-07-2008, 07:02 PM
#37
Sure that's an option, but when you're just trolling around the house and answer the phone while doing dishes in your pajamas - I'd rather not have to be that prepared for a phone call. It really is annoying not being able to rest a phone on your shoulder, blue tooth or not.
In other situations where you just didn't wake up in your pajamas doing dishes, bluetooth as suggested is an excellent option.
EDIT: Also, can someone just clarify for me. I'm a little confused on what has been said back and forth about pricing. What would it cost for a minimum plan if I am not already a verizon customer?
12-07-2008, 07:47 PM
#38
It would be 249 for the phone with a 2 yr contract. plus a $50 MIR so it would be 199.
Cheapest Voice 450 mins for 39.99
Cheapest data is $29.99 so ur looking for $70 a month.
one thing I'm confused about is...
Whats the difference between the 2 data plan Verizon offers for BB's?
BlackBerry Email
Blackberry® Solution Unlimited Data Usage $44.99/month
Email and Web for BlackBerry® $29.99/month
Wouldn't the lesser on have a limit on how much data you could use? I know like AT&T, before they went to a straight Unlimited plan they had cheaper ones with a data limit. However, I can't find anything in my readings on VW website that states a data limit.
Whats the difference in plans is what I'm basically trying to get at?
Cheapest Voice 450 mins for 39.99
Cheapest data is $29.99 so ur looking for $70 a month.
one thing I'm confused about is...
Whats the difference between the 2 data plan Verizon offers for BB's?
BlackBerry Email
Blackberry® Solution Unlimited Data Usage $44.99/month
Email and Web for BlackBerry® $29.99/month
Wouldn't the lesser on have a limit on how much data you could use? I know like AT&T, before they went to a straight Unlimited plan they had cheaper ones with a data limit. However, I can't find anything in my readings on VW website that states a data limit.
Whats the difference in plans is what I'm basically trying to get at?
12-08-2008, 01:37 AM
#39
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I guess it's only appropriate that I reply to this as well, considering I've had the phone since day 1.
All in all, the phone is fantastic. Sure there are software glitches, but look at the release of the iPhone when it first came out, along w/ the 3g iPhone. There are/will be software updates for this phone that will fix the problems/annoyances just as Apple/AT&T did with the iPhone, so give it some time.
Here is my take on a few things:
1) GPS - It is unlocked/locked. aGPS apparently is locked to VZNav, but GPS is unlocked in general. I've tried telenav, BBmaps, and google maps so far along w/ VZNav (which btw I got rid of since I don't need it, and it slows down the phone quite a bit). Both TeleNav and BBMaps use the GPS, where Google Maps (for now) only used triangulation, hence the inaccuracy. Otherwise, bbmaps and telenav work like a charm.
2) Media player - I think it's absolutely awesome. Not sure if this is known, but if you hover your finger over an artist for a couple seconds, it will search that artist and bring up every song you have by them in the present playlist. Sound/Video quality is beyond excellent on this phone. You can literally hear the speaker from the other side of the house ... CLEARLY lol.
3) Browser - Not bad. Maybe it's just me using a phone for the first time, but I really don't think 3G is fast at all, and yes I've used the iPhone and others. It's actually a lot slower than I thought, but for a phone it's rather quick I guess? WiFi would be nice here, oh well.
4) Typing - Yes, it takes time to get used to it, but once you do, it's pretty damn easy, and not to mention fun
. I love the fact that you have to click the screen. Makes errors almost obsolete.
Now a few gripes...
I've heard on a few occassions that I'm hard to hear, as if I'm mumbling. Now, I just might be, but I really don't feel like I am most of the time. Seems that I don't have the issue when I use speakerphone though, so it might be a software problem which could be fixed.
Also, things could be a bit quicker, but again, OS updates should fix that. Lastly, the battery on this thing blows. I'm lucky to get 16hrs out of it w/ moderate use. Looks like I might have to get an extended battery (oem size) and car charger for this one. I'm typing this one up pretty quick and I had a few glasses of wine tonight so bare w/ me If I missed things or if my sentences are jumbled. If you have any questions just reply of PM me.
`John
P.S. The $45 plan is for BES users (corporate email). Therefore, if you don't have one, just get the $30 plan which IS unlimited data/email. I am rocking the $40 voice and $30 BB plan w/ $5 txt and $3 Visual Voicemail fyi
All in all, the phone is fantastic. Sure there are software glitches, but look at the release of the iPhone when it first came out, along w/ the 3g iPhone. There are/will be software updates for this phone that will fix the problems/annoyances just as Apple/AT&T did with the iPhone, so give it some time.
Here is my take on a few things:
1) GPS - It is unlocked/locked. aGPS apparently is locked to VZNav, but GPS is unlocked in general. I've tried telenav, BBmaps, and google maps so far along w/ VZNav (which btw I got rid of since I don't need it, and it slows down the phone quite a bit). Both TeleNav and BBMaps use the GPS, where Google Maps (for now) only used triangulation, hence the inaccuracy. Otherwise, bbmaps and telenav work like a charm.
2) Media player - I think it's absolutely awesome. Not sure if this is known, but if you hover your finger over an artist for a couple seconds, it will search that artist and bring up every song you have by them in the present playlist. Sound/Video quality is beyond excellent on this phone. You can literally hear the speaker from the other side of the house ... CLEARLY lol.
3) Browser - Not bad. Maybe it's just me using a phone for the first time, but I really don't think 3G is fast at all, and yes I've used the iPhone and others. It's actually a lot slower than I thought, but for a phone it's rather quick I guess? WiFi would be nice here, oh well.
4) Typing - Yes, it takes time to get used to it, but once you do, it's pretty damn easy, and not to mention fun
. I love the fact that you have to click the screen. Makes errors almost obsolete.Now a few gripes...
I've heard on a few occassions that I'm hard to hear, as if I'm mumbling. Now, I just might be, but I really don't feel like I am most of the time. Seems that I don't have the issue when I use speakerphone though, so it might be a software problem which could be fixed.
Also, things could be a bit quicker, but again, OS updates should fix that. Lastly, the battery on this thing blows. I'm lucky to get 16hrs out of it w/ moderate use. Looks like I might have to get an extended battery (oem size) and car charger for this one. I'm typing this one up pretty quick and I had a few glasses of wine tonight so bare w/ me If I missed things or if my sentences are jumbled. If you have any questions just reply of PM me.
`John
P.S. The $45 plan is for BES users (corporate email). Therefore, if you don't have one, just get the $30 plan which IS unlimited data/email. I am rocking the $40 voice and $30 BB plan w/ $5 txt and $3 Visual Voicemail fyi
12-08-2008, 09:23 AM
#40
Thanks.They couldn't just say BIS for $30 or BES for $40 right? Too much work apparently.