RIM BlackBerry Storm: Possible iPhone Challenger?
RIM’s BlackBerry Storm 9500 could possibly be the first credible touchscreen device to challenge Apple’s iPhone. Although BlackBerry Storm 9500 may in no way resemble an iPhone, RIM’s device has enough neat functions to steal demand from the iPhone.
The BlackBerry Storm 9500 is RIM’s first venture into the world of touchscreen phones. Interestingly, for its first model, RIM has decided to come up with a fully clickable touchscreen called the “ClickThrough” touchscreen. The phone’s 3.25-inch screen can be pressed downward like one very big button. Pressing the screen down is prompted by the menu in order to activate certain functions.
Storm attempts to be very flexible in terms of user typing preferences. Three keypad types are available and easily switched from one to the other. When the device is held in the portrait mode, RIM’s signature SureType keypad comes out but it can also be changed to the more classic Multitap input if you prefer. When the device is held in the landscape mode, a QWERTY keypad, powered by an accelerometer, is launched.
Storm’s keypad has its advantages and disadvantages. The keypad is quite large which means easier typing but also translates to limited view of what you’re typing. Like most touchscreen keypads, Storm’s keypad may take a while to get accustomed. The keypad’s responsiveness and accelerometer is also known to be sluggish, too. Thankfully, Copy and Paste works—a function which doesn’t exist in the iPhone.
Communication is a strong point for the Storm as expected from RIM products. Email can be accessed and managed efficiently. Viewing, editing and attaching documents are smoothly done with DataViz. Calendar and address books can also be synced seamlessly with a PC. Instant messaging and social networking apps are integrated into the Storm’s backbone. Most tasks can be done with a single click.
Blackberry Storm 9500 has a workable camera and a simple but impressive music player. Movie-watching is also possible since the phone’s got 1G of onboard memory plus up to 16GB of expandable memory. Storm is equipped with HSDPA, USB and BlueTooth Stereo but sadly, lacks WiFi capability. Reportedly, Storm also has compatibility issues with Macs. Obviously, RIM’s made it personal with Apple.
BlackBerry Storm 9500 is available at Amazon.com for $488.97.
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