On Friday, Verizon will offer the BlackBerry Storm — a touchscreen-based handset for $250 with a two-year contract. It’s Verizon’s answer to the iPhone, featuring a touchscreen, a 3.2-MP camera and UMTS/HSPA connectivity (but no Wi-Fi). A $50 mail-in rebate will bring the cost inline with Apple’s entry-level offering.
The BlackBerry Storm is a lot of things — but it’s no iPhone says Wired. James Kendrick of JK Ontherun loves it. Apple Insider has a review roundup:
- Wall Street Journal’s Walt Mossberg – “Overall, the Storm is a very capable handheld computer that will appeal to BlackBerry users who have been pining for a touch-controlled device with a larger screen.”
- Wired’s Daniel Dumas – “If you’re locked into a contract with Verizon, want a touchscreen phone, and are willing to put up with an OS that moves like a tranquilized yak, then yes the Storm is for you. Otherwise, your best bet is an iPhone or the very capable BlackBerry Bold.”
- PC World’s Yardena Arar – “But people who were hoping for a credible iPhone alternative fortified with BlackBerry’s strengths as a mobile tool for corporate travelers will likely find the Storm a disappointment. When it comes to touch interfaces, Apple still has no peer.”
- The Chicago Tribune’s Eric Benderoff – “The faithful BlackBerry user may be better off with the Bold, another RIM model with multimedia muscle plus two fast network connections.”
- CNet News.com’s Bonnie Cha — “Die-hard texters, e-mailers, and corporate users may be better served with the BlackBerry Bold or other QWERTY device.”
- Gizmodo’s Matt Buchanan – “The Storm is a strong effort from RIM, but it’s not quite the killer phone that they or Verizon need it to be.”
- Engadget’s Joshua Topolsky – “Ultimately, this could be a great platform with a little more time in the oven, but right now, it feels undercooked.”
- Mobile Tech Review – “Overall the Storm is a pleasing and competent phone– if you like RIM’s new touch screen technology.”
BillShrink helps consumers find the right phone and plan given their personalized usage patterns. Here’s their comparison between Storm vs. iPhone vs. G1 and Storm vs. iPhone vs. G1 vs. Instinct.
