Blackberry Storm

BLACKBERRY’S STORM is the new kid on the touch-phone block. It was jointly developed by Research in Motion (RIM – makers of BlackBerry) and Vodafone. While BlackBerry may not like the tag, everyone considers it to be the latest “iPhone killer”. Unfortunately, the Storm isn’t very electrifying.

But it’s not all bad. The Storm has great media playback functionality and if the included trailer for Babylon AD is anything to go by, then video playback on a phone has been near-perfected by BlackBerry, which has had the best screen quality in the business since the BlackBerry Bold was launched.

The Storm also includes access to Vodafone Sat Nav, applications for Facebook and instant messaging platforms and an application centre similar to Apple’s iPhone App Store that alerts Storm owners to new software and updates. The built-in 3,2 megapixel camera with zoom and flash is above average and zooming by dragging your finger around the screen is cool.

The Storm is also the world’s first touch-phone with haptic feedback: you actually have to click the screen in when pushing on it. That’s where things get nasty. The on-screen keyboard on the Storm is clunky and difficult to use. With extended use you may get used to it, but I simply couldn’t. That will be a problem for users of email and instant messaging, who will be better served by BlackBerry’s Bold or Curve models that have decent keyboards with real buttons.

The Storm’s accelerometer used to automatically switch the screen to a landscape view when the device is turned on its side is also iffy and often switches when you really don’t want it to. The device mysteriously doesn’t include WiFi, although it does have high-speed HSDPA mobile connectivity to keep you online wherever you go.

The Storm is frustratingly close to being a great smart-phone but I can’t help feeling it was rushed to market and could have used a few extra months in development. But for users who love the BlackBerry platform and also need good functionality in terms of media features, the Storm might be just the thing.

BlackBerry Storm vs Apple iPhone 3G

I just checked the news related to Blackberry Strom Vs Apple iPhone 3G. I came across many features of both. I was surprised by that Blackberry Strom got the great hype instead of iPhone.

As both the phones are touchscreen. But still lots of variations are there. Lets Compare this !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

User interface

The iPhone’s iconic menu home screen looked great when the original model was revealed back in 2007. But it’s been two years since then, and the new BlackBerry OS on the Storm outclasses it both in looks and usability – multi-touch cut and paste being the piece de resistance.

Winner: BlackBerry Storm
Touchscreen talents
It might be worth trying out both, but if like us you’ve got giant digits, you’ll rate the Storm’s tactile, clickable screen, as you’ll know for certain whenever you’ve pressed a key. That said, if your hands are small and precise enough, you’ll be able to tap out emails at speed on the iPhone.

Winner: Tie

Sat-nav skills

No contest here. The Storm comes with Vodafone’s Find & Go service built in, and a six week free trial. The iPhone has GPS built in, but Apple won’t let developers create sat-nav for it. Say what?

Winner: BlackBerry Storm

Camera killer

The Storm beats the iPhone on megapixels alone: a 3.2MP compares to the iPhone’s measly 2.0MPs, so you’ll be abel tos ee the bigger picture, but that’s not all: a tap of the Storm’s tactile touchscreen and it’ll autofocus, with another press capturing the picture. Simple.

Winner: BlackBerry Storm

Screen size
The 3.5 inch screen on Apple’s iPhone 3G just tops the Storm, which taps out at 3. inches. You won’t notice that difference much, mind, especially since both offer the same 480 pixel vertical resolution.

Winner: Apple iPhone 3G

App attack

RIM has plans for a third party application shop for the Storm, but it’s got some catching up to do. Apple’s App Store for iPhone and iPod Touch is already offering thousands of programs to make you phone do just about anything.

Winner: Apple iPhone 3G

Net connection
Both the BlackBerry Storm and the iPhone 3G offers HSDPA speeds for near light speed (well) mobile internet downloads so it’s a close call. The iPhone has Wi-Fi, which boosts things considerably in hotspots, but we’re giving this to the Storm for the ability to tether your laptop.

Winner: BlackBerry Storm

Battery life
Whether you leave them on standby or running multiple apps, the Storm will always outlast the iPhone 3G – the trade off for no Wi-Fi, which is a serious juice drain. That, and there’s the option to remove and replace the battery on it once it’s on its last legs, unlike the iPhone.

Winner: BlackBerry Storm

Overall winner: BlackBerry Storm