BlackBerry Storm 9530 Smartphone (Verizon Wireless) - Harry Potter 6 Books

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #83 in Cell Phone Accessories
• Color: Black
• Brand: BlackBerry
• Model: Storm
• Released on: 2008-11-16

Features

• First BlackBerry touchscreen phone packed with messaging, document editing, and multimedia features; international GSM roaming
• Access V Cast, Music and Video services via fast EV-DO data network; GPS-enabled for turn-by-turn directions; use phone as a modem for your laptop
• 3.2-megapixel camera/camcorder, Bluetooth stereo music; MicroSD expansion to 16 GB; access to personal email and instant messaging
• Up to 6 hours of talk time, up to 360 hours (15 days) of standby time
• What's in the Box: handset, removable battery, international charger, USB cable, 8 GB MicroSD card, user manual

Amazon.com Product Description
Designed to satisfy the needs of both consumers and business customers, the BlackBerry Storm smartphone offers a revolutionary touchscreen that dramatically enhances the touch interface and enables easy and precise typing. The world's first "clickable" touchscreen responds much like a physical keyboard and also supports single-touch, multi-touch and gestures for intuitive and efficient application navigation. Whether traveling to Europe or Asia, the Storm provides globetrotters the freedom of reliable global connectivity with Verizon Wireless's reliable, high-speed 3G CDMA network here in the United States and compatibility with GSM networks abroad.

The SurePress touchscreen with tactile click response allows you to accurately navigate and type messages on the BlackBerry Storm.

The Storm's built-in accelerometer automatically switches the screen between landscape mode and portrait modes as it rotates. See larger version.

It's compatible with the V Cast Music and V CAST Music with Rhapsody services, which enables you to purchase songs through your phone and download them via Verizon Wireless's fast EV-DO data network. You'll also benefit from the phone's A-GPS receiver, which enables you to access Verizon Wireless's VZ Navigator service for turn-by-turn directions. Other features include a 3.2-megapixel camera/camcorder, Bluetooth connectivity for handsfree devices and stereo music streaming, 1 GB internal memory, MicroSD memory expansion to 16 GB, support for up to 10 personal and corporate email accounts, access to popular instant messaging services, and up to 6 hours of talk time.

Verizon Wireless Service
With support for the EV-DO high-speed data standard, you'll enjoy fast access to the Internet and Verizon Wireless's multimedia services (additional charges applicable), with average download speeds ranging from 400 to 700 Kbps and peak rates up to 2 Mbps. (Learn more about where EV-DO coverage is offered.) The V Cast Music service enables you to download songs instantly to your phone, or purchase music through your PC and transfer the files to your phone. If purchased from your phone, you'll receive two copies of the song: a Windows Media Audio Pro Plus format at 64Kbps stereo is sent to your phone, and a Windows Media Audio 9 format at 160Kbps stereo is sent to your account in the V CAST Music online store for downloading to your PC. V Cast Music offers nearly 2 million songs, with more being added all the time.

In addition to the V Cast Music service, this phone is also compatible with Verizon Wireless's V CAST Music with Rhapsody, which enables you to access this exclusive digital music service for RealNetworks and for MTV Networks. V CAST Music with Rhapsody delivers unlimited monthly access to music on up to three Rhapsody-compatible mobile phones and players and online on multiple PCs and Web browsers. In addition, customers who purchase music over-the-air are able to download the master copy of the songs or albums to their PCs free of digital rights management (DRM) software that restricts how and where music can be played.

The V Cast Video service enables you to stream or download video clips to your phone from a variety of news, entertainment, sports, and weather channels, including CNN, ABC News, E!, CBS Sports, The Weather Channel, and VH1.

With this GPS-enabled phone, you'll be able to access Verizon Wireless's VZ Navigator service (additional charges applicable) for voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions, heads-up alerts, local search of nearly 14 million points of interest in the US (such as landmarks, restaurants and ATMs), and detailed color maps. And Verizon Wireless's Chaperone service lets you easily locate your loved ones from your cell phone phone or PC in real time. After defining a zone, such as an area designating a school or summer camp, you'll be sent an alert via text message when the Chaperone handset enters or leaves the zone.

With BroadbandAccess Connect (subscription required), you can use your smartphone as a modem for your notebook when you connect the two using a USB cable--or open a Bluetooth connection--enabling you to access the Internet or your company intranet. The tethered modem capability is ideal when you're traveling and need to use your notebook to check email, access corporate networks, or download large files like presentations and reports. And with BroadbandAccess Connect, you won't have to buy an extra PC Card or other devices.

With Visual Voice Mail, you can delete, reply and forward voice mail messages without having to listen to prior messages or voice instructions. Visual Voice Mail is the ideal tool for the busy mobile professional who may need to prioritize which messages he or she listens to first.

In addition to its messaging capabilities, the Storm features a 3.2-megapixel camera and multi-format media player. See larger version.

Global Connectivity
The BlackBerry Storm allows for global roaming--from Europe to South America to Asia--and also provides 3G data speeds on select international networks, giving you high-speed connectivity when you're abroad. The Storm offers Verizon Wireless's fast 3G EV-DO Rev. A/CDMA connectivity in the United States, and UMTS/HSPA (2100 MHz) and quad-band GSM/EDGE/GPRS connectivity for use outside the U.S. The Storm comes pre-installed with a SIM card, so customers who plan to travel abroad can activate global service at the time of purchase or by calling Verizon Wireless prior to leaving the U.S. For those who travel abroad frequently, the company's Global Value Plan offers discounted roaming charges on calls made to and from 130 countries.

Phone Features
The first BlackBerry to feature a touchscreen interface, the Storm's large 3.25-inch LCD (360 x 480-pixel resolution) actually depresses ever so slightly when the screen is pressed, giving you the distinct feeling that the screen is being pressed and released with a gentle "click"--similar to the feeling of a key on a physical keyboard or a button on a mouse. The "clickable" touchscreen gives you positive confirmation that you've made a selection, resulting in a highly-intuitive typing experience. In addition to the familiar navigation keys (phone, menu and escape) that are common to other BlackBerry smartphones, the Storm adds support for multi-touches, taps, slides and other touch-screen gestures, so you can easily highlight, scroll, pan and zoom for smooth navigation.

The BlackBerry Storm smartphone also features a built-in accelerometer, allowing its touchscreen to automatically switch between landscape mode and portrait mode as the you rotate the handset--RIM's SureType keyboard layout is available in portrait mode and a full QWERTY keyboard layout is available in landscape mode. Other relevant features, such as cut and paste, are only a touch away for the ultimate smartphone experience.

Blackberry's efficient SureType hybrid alpha-numeric/QWERTY keyboard appears in portrait mode.

The on-screen SureType hybrid alpha-numeric/QWERTY keyboard, first introduced with BlackBerry Pearl phones, places two letters on each button of the keyboard layout and the Storm automatically determines which letter is the intended one based on what it predicts you are trying to spell. SureType also learns the words you use most often, further enhancing your typing speed.

View your favorite web sites the way they were meant to be seen with the high-performance web browser that works in either portrait or landscape orientation. Navigating Web sites is fast and easy with the touch-screen interface that lets users double tap to zoom in and slide their fingers to scroll and pan. Icons along the bottom of the display allow for quickly accessing Web sites, switching between Page View and Column View as well as the ability to toggle between Pan mode and Cursor mode. The enhanced browser supports file downloading, streaming audio and video (RTSP), and built-in RSS support--enabling content from supported Web sites to be automatically pushed to directly to you.

Whether you're on the clock or out-and-about, the Storm has the tools to keep you productive. Access up to ten supported personal and corporate email accounts, including the most popular ISP email servers, using BlackBerry Internet Service. View and revise Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint files using Word To-Go or Slideshow To-Go. And keep your schedule on track with the advance calendar function, which allows you to check appointments or make new ones in just a few clicks.

In addition to the industry's leading mobile email and messaging solution, the Storm supports text (SMS), picture (MMS) and instant messaging (IM) on today's most popular platforms as well as social networking sites. Take your social life on-the-go with Facebook for BlackBerry and Flickr Photo Uploader for BlackBerry applications (pre-installed on the Storm). A Mobile IM feature provides access to Google Talk, MSN, Yahoo!, Windows Live, and AIM instant messaging services.

Handsfree communication is easy thanks to the integrated speakerphone. This phone also provides Bluetooth wireless connectivity (version 2.0), and includes profiles for communication headset, handsfree car kits, and file transfer. With the A2DP Bluetooth profile, you can stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones. You can connect your laptop (either via Bluetooth or wired USB) and enjoy dial-up networking--surf the Internet, send email, and access files from a server.

The media player can play movies smoothly in full-screen mode, display pictures and slideshows quickly and manage an entire music collection (compatible with MP3, WMA, and AAC/AAC+/eAAC+ formats). Playlists can be created directly on the handset and there's an equalizer with 11 preset filters--including Lounge, Jazz and Hip Hop--for customized audio ranges when using wired headphones or external speakers. The Storm has 1 GB of internal memory--enough to store 250 tunes--which can be expanded via optional MicroSD/SDHD memory cards (up to 16 GB in size).

Other features include:

• 3.2 megapixel camera with variable zoom, auto focus and a powerful flash that also provides continuous lighting when recording video
• Built-in GPS supports location-based applications and services, as well as geotagging of photos
• An ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts backlighting for ideal screen viewing and an accelerometer that allows customers to view applications in either portrait or landscape mode by simply rotating the handset
• Visual voicemail allows you to browse your in-box and choose the messages to listen to with just a few clicks.
• Record and send verbal reminders to yourself and others with the easy-to-use Voice Notes feature, which allows you to recored, pause, and resume your voice notes in the push of a button.
• Enhanced noise cancellation to offset background noise
• Low-distortion speakerphone
• 3.5 mm stereo headset jack
• Polyphonic and MP3 real-music ringtones
• MicroUSB connector for charging and data transfer
• Removable battery
• Bluetooth version 2.0 with the following profiles: A2DP (stereo music streaming), AVRC (remote control), HFP (hands-free car kits), HSP (communication headsets), DUN (dial-up networking), FTP (file transfer), PBA (transfer contacts)

Vital Statistics
The BlackBerry Storm weighs 5.5 ounces and measures 4.43 x 2.45 x 0.55 inches. Its 1400 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 6 hours of talk time, and up to 15 days of standby time. It runs on Verizon Wireless's 800/1900 CDMA/EV-DO frequencies while in the United States, and it can connect to 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE networks as well as 2100 MHz UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA 3G frequencies when outside the U.S.

Customer Reviews

Sleek looking but not practical for business
This is my first Blackberry, I was so excited to start the New Year, organizing all my business contacts, calendar etc., into one unit. Well, that is not going to happen with the Storm keyboard unless I have lots of time to type and re-type when it chooses the wrong letter, under my finger. As you can tell I am not a techie, but was hoping to get up to speed, I guess I need to go back and start all over with the Curve. I know from all my colleagues that it is practical and works.

Smartphone for smart people...
Note that anyone looking to buy this phone should consider two things.

1) Most early reviews were based off of a pseudo-beta initial release of the phone software (v65). The phone has since been updated and works exceptionally well. Look for reviews AFTER 12/15/2008.

2) This phone is a powerful productivity tool, NOT a toy. For users wanting an entertainment device with plenty of games, buy the iPhone. For users wanting an unmatched phone, email client, contact/task database, all rolled into a high-res screen with sufficient multimedia ability, buy the Storm. Many reviewers are blaming the phone for their own inability. Yes, it might seem complicated at first but it gets the job done unlike any other phone. If you want a simple toy/ipod, again, look elsewhere.

Also, the iPhone vs Storm comparisons are getting way out of hand (see first review: Grant). These two phones are completely different with one exception, the touchscreen. To prove the point, below is a cut/paste from a post I ran across in another forum (note I can't vouch for all info, still it should be useful when considering this purchase):

Hope this helps.
MD

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Storm vs iPhone (aka: Storm DOES have, iPhone *DOES NOT* have):

- 3D click-through screen (capacitive touch PLUS tactile click)
- MMS (TXT messages with pictures attached)
- ability to record videos
- WMV video support
- WMA audio support
- 3GPP RTSP website audio/video streaming
- copy/paste via multitouch
- better camera (3.2mp vs 2mp = 60% improvement)
- 2x digital camera zoom (vs none)
- camera flash
- camera autofocus & image stabilization
- better screen resolution (480x360 vs 480x320 = 12% improvement)
- full QWERTY keyboard (PLUS SureType)
- second mic for active noise cancellation during phone calls
- removable/replaceable battery
- better battery life w/ 1400 mAhr (5.5-6.0hrs vs 5.0hrs = 10-20% improvement) (+ even more with Seidio extended 1600mAhr battery!)
- replaceable metal backing (vs plastic, non-replaceable)
- MicroSD memory card expandable up to 32GB
- 10x hard buttons (4 front, 2 top, 4 side)
- voice-command dialing
- global phone: CDMA/EVDO.A/UMTS/HSPA/EDGE/GPRS/GSM (works on VZW and includes a SIM card for travel abroad)
- true, lean email push w/ compression (vs battery draining ping-pong workaround)
- DOD-level encryption and security (with remote management via BES or Unite)
- syncronize contacts, tasks, memos, calendar with Yahoo! PIM, Outlook, Lotus Notes, etc
- save attachments & send attachments from media card or internal memory
- open PDF, DOC, XLS, PPT files
- invite attendees to calendar meetings
- ability to use any music manager (vs iTunes-only restriction)
- high-speed PC modem via USB tethering
- third-party application multitasking (aka background applications)
- Assisted GPS for turn-by-turn voice navigation with third-party applications (VZNavigator, Garmin, TeleNav)
- mass storage mode (allows drag/drop of files via Windows Explorer)
- BlueTooth 2.0 with stereo headset, A2DP/AVRCP audio streaming, file-sharing, wireless printing, etc
- horizontal charging dock for "clock mode" and movie viewing
- better Verizon contracts and cheaper price plans
- better 3G network (Verizon EVDO Rev. A vs AT&T HSDPA scarce coverage and slower uploads)
- open architecture app install (vs Apple collecting a buck for EVERYTHING you buy)

On AT&T, spotty 3G coverage requires the WiFi alternative...
VZW 3G coverage is everywhere, hence no need to compensate with an additional chip that would raise prices and reduce battery life.

iPhone, game over.
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STORM? Maybe just a little rain.
PROS: I had been with T-Mobile for over 10 years and in spite of ATT and Verizon having better phones I remained a loyal T-Mobile customer until the STORM!!!

CONS: I early termed my contract with T-Moble and purchased what I though was the MUST HAVE Storm. I was a little concerned after the first day but, by the 3rd day I was utterly frustrated with too many issues with the phone. The accelerometer frequenly would get hung up. I would turn the phone and have to wait a second for the screen to adjust to the new position. The lag time was crazy. I actually liked the touch screen concept but even with the blue guiding light you can not tell what damn letter you are touching. If you send a lot of e-mails or other text well, take a deep breath and try not to throw your phone against the wall. And the keyboard -- has a mind of it's own. Appearing out of nowhere, there is no shortcut key to "hide keyboard". Also when I put the phone to my ear, I would either end up hitting the mute key or the speaker key. The Iphone has sensitivity built in which hinders this when the phone is put to your ear, the Storm does not.

CONS: I was not impressed with the browser which lagged and some pages would never open. I aslo wish there was an App Store. The camera takes forever but that is not a major issue for me. The lack of WiFi was a major mistake. Scrolling through items on the screen is not smooth or fluid as the iphone as there seems to be a bit of a stagger/studder. Navigating between menus is not a smooth process long and in some cases progams freezed.

PROS: Now the screen display is amazing and puts a real hurting on the iphone. The Storm has so many features. I loved and purchased the Ringback tones--this feature allows you to assign music to individuals so that is what they hear when they call you. The Voice GPS was perfect very time. The sound is in stereo and I was amazed at the qaulity.

CONS: The problem for me is that the features about the Storm that I like are already found in my digital camera, my iTouch, my Ipod and my Garmin. What I desired most in a phone the STORM lacks. Had RIM waited longer to fine tune the Storm, they would have really put the iPhone in check. Now that being said, I left my 10 year relationship with T-mobile and purchased my Storm on 12/24 and by 12/31, seven days later, I returned to Verizon and cancelled my contract (well within the 30 day period).

If I was going to stay with a touch screen I felt I might as well go with who has the best at this time so, on 12/31 I joined ATT and am the happy owner of an Iphone -- Pretty close to perfection. There is no Storm...not yet...just a mild rain. I am still shaking my head because I really was expecting so much more.