Comments on: More Verizon BlackBerry Storm details surface

More details and specs of the rumored touch-screen RIM BlackBerry Storm for Verizon Wireless leak out.

[Dred242]

Yep, it's loaded, but it still falls short on the wifi. Verizon hates wifi.

[dirty55409]

they hate wifi because they want you to pay more for their specific and expensive bandwidth. Silly verizon

[jverber]

Well if Verizon got WIFI they couldn't keep charging us for MB usage or unlimited plans. And why would they actually want to make their customers happy?

[tomg4255]

Verizon??? So no WIFI. The GPS will be unusable unless you pay Verizon a monthly fee. Many other "features" like Bluetooth will be crippled. Third arty apps will be disabled. Too bad, looked like a cool phone.

[Hforman]

Since when doesn't Verizon have Bluetooth?

[jt_1979]

Why don't we all post comments when we have no clue what we're talking about?

[make_or_break]

Hforman: NO ONE said VZW doesn't have Bluetooth.
jt_1979: good advice, since it's clear that you follow it yourself.

I don't know if they still do it today in the "name of security", but Verizon has had for years a notorious reputation for knee-capping full Bluetooth capabilities. Sure you can hook up a headset or get a VZW phone to talk to your BT-friendly car, but for the longest time you couldn't get a VZW cell w/ Bluetooth to connect to any other BT devices because OBEX protocols were disabled; thus such things like file and data transfers, etc. to pdas, printers, computers, other cell phones, yada yada...were nothing more than wishful thinking on Verizon. BT is much more than just synching your address book or the ability to use a wireless headset.

[boone51]

I have a Blackberry 8830 with Verizon right now. I love the phone. I don't miss not having wifi at all. In fact, when I'm not around wifi, my 8830 can be tethered via usb OR bluetooth (and it's FAST - hi apple). I use my GPS with VZNavigator (GPS is locked from Verizon for 3rd party apps, and that's crappy on VZs part - my only complaint, though) and it works great. I get great reception on it (no dropped calls ever - hi again apple), but I live in FL where it's pretty much flat everywhere you go. Also, I've been copying and pasting on my blackberrys for many many years now (I mean, apple, come on...seriously?). I'll have this phone as soon as it's released. I'm just happy because; 1) it's made by RIM and not some other uber cool company, and 2)it's on Verizon.

[jgalvin1970]

When is the storm and or bold coming out for verizon already??? anyone know??

[skyline6]

storm should come out tomorrow... the 8th...

[smithTT]

Well I spoke to our verzion account rep this morning and he confirmed this will be released in ""cough:: October.

[mjb920]

So the "best" phone will be the Storm? If so, would that help lower the price of the Bold when Verizon begins selling it?

[Mr. HiTek]

With a huge screen like this GPS is a must for 3rd Party apps. I may just have to abandon the Bold (waiting since July) for this. Is this the 9530 or the 9500? Apparently the 9530 will not have flash (like that really matters to me)

[Moykitfung]

I heard from a Verizon Rep. that the Storm will be released on October 1st, but I'm not going to bet all my money on it though. Personally I think that RIM is taking a huge risk about moving away from something that made their product great (a reliable smart phone with real buttons) and jumping into the touchscreen. It'll be interesting to see how it pans out...

[jmannewsie5]

they are not moving away from their core for two reasons:
a) they sell most of their phones to non-corporate entities, aka, regular people
b) touchscreen is the future. everyone will eventually have to get used to it. I don't particularly like it either, but you have to be kidding yourself if you think this is not true.

[kkevin6154]

RIM!!!! It needs a physical keyboard!

They should have put a slider keyboard on it. I think it would sell a lot better than!

[spz_trader]

Read a related article indicating the display is actually a bit better than the Bold . Wow! Have heard 1st week of November as a Release Date. Can't be soon enough. ************* My only frustration is the GPS issue******** Its true the Verizon service is absolutely unbelievable. I have had Verizon for years. Dropped calls. (once every 14-16 months!!!!)

[Knobby84]

As for the new touchscreen blackberry...I'm excited to try it because I love the 8830 but I have tried the LG Dare (don't hate me RIM) and I love the phone but HATED the touch screen texting with a passion. At least with this one, there is the option for the "sure type" texting like on the Pearl. As for details on the phone, I receive the e-mail alerts from Verizon on new products and I accidentally deleted the e-mail. Had to be the biggest mistake I've ever made on a computer ever. I'll keep my eyes open for anything else I can find.

[cardinalblue]

Anyone have anymore information on the verizon/alltel merger? and also if verizon might possibly offer former alltel customers an "one time" upgrade? If not I gotta wait til JUNE to get the storm!!

[jmannewsie5]

Is this going to have Wifi?
or another half crippled product from Verizon?

I am so ready to get an all in one phone to finally throw away my phone and palm and use one device for FREE internet usage and something that can accept medical programs.

PLEASE VERIZON!!! STOP BEING OLD AND CRABBY AND GIVE US SOME FREEDOM!!!

btw, getitnow sucks....incredibly so....

[ttmm456]

why do you need Wifi?

[jietjiang]

Okey, i view this article from head to tail,and also find it present to dznet.com,wow, it looks so good? but any guys notice it cpu? and how it can deal high bitrate or framerate videos, you can use it enjoy youtube video or <a href="http://www.video-to-flash.com/flv_video_converter">convert youtube </a>to your pda:),that's again, i am really want to kwon which bitrate it will be accept? 400kbps or 30 fps?

help me:)

[ferretboy88]

I have a x61 which is very light that I rather use for wifi. I lift weights so bringing an extra 3 lbs is not much for me. Wifi on a 3 inch screen is lame. Flash support is on my laptop.

[tipoo_]

that looks pretty stellar.

[vastplanet]

Was at Verizon store today and they told me October for availability. They showed me some internal specs on the Blackberry Storm and said the company wanted them to keep it very quiet. Overall, looks like an interesting phone. The full touch wide screen format with tactile keys is refreshing from my curve and pearl phones. The pricing was $99/mo for unlimited minutes, $20 for blackberry service, $20 for unlimited text, 5GB transfer, $10 for GPS, $15 for Rhapsody so minimum $140/mo. Other features that were memorable was a 3MP camera and video recording. If the video recorder was good enough could be very handy for on the fly interviews or Youtube clips. Excited to get my hands on one to test it out as its the first real option outside an iphone or htc model from overseas.

[jennifee98]

I was wondering about the VW/Alltel merger also....I am able to upgrade my phone and contract but and not sure if I should. I would like to check this new phone out.....hopefully they offer it. I really hope it happens soon because I don't know how long I can hold off on a phone and Alltel's choice of phones isn't always the best. Any answeres anyone?

[cardinalblue]

I just got a reply from verizon customer service in which i asked about the merger and how they will do the upgrade policy (since alltel is every 2 years). and this is how the email read.

"once you become a Verizon Wireless customer, you will be able to take advantage of our "Annual upgrade" option as long as you maintain a calling plan of $49.99 or higher.

Additionally, our "Standard Upgrade" policy requires you have completed 20 months of your contract in order to take advantage of discount pricing. When participating in our Equipment Upgrade Program, the purchase of your upgraded equipment at a discounted rate is contingent upon your renewal of your Customer Agreement for an additional one or two years."

This works out perfect for me and the wife since our contracts are up in June. I just don't know if i will be able to wait til feb to get the storm with the "standard upgrade" when I can do the "annual upgrade" and get it a month earlier.

[coopdavillage]

i love the blackberry phones but the service is expensive and unless you have the service you will not be able to download anything or send MMS and this applies to all providers.
i plan on not buying another blackberry till they change that problem....

[jmannewsie5]

coopdavillage
what do you mean you cant send MMS without the service?
isn't that regular messaging that would be covered with a text/pic/video messaging plan? anyone?

[ttmm456]

Get a better paying job

[meadxc2]

Talk to my buddies at Verizon. They say they have no effective date on it, but if it is on time then look for it this month, if there are delays (common to happen, I mean look at the damn Bold for AT&T!) then be looking at the latest first weeks of November. There is your word...

~Patrick