Verizon Blackberry Storm talking points slip out

We're still waiting on Verizon's official launch of the Blackberry Storm, but the anticipation is running high, especially since we just received a list of specs and talking points distributed to store reps about RIM's first touchscreen phone. As expected, the 9530 Storm will feature that controversial "click" touchscreen with built-in tactile feedback, GSM connectivity for global use in addition to EV-DO, visual voicemail, a 3.2 megapixel camera with video, and a full HTML browser. Sadly, there's no pricing information or specific release date, but we've got a feeling we'll get those soon -- stay tuned.

[Thanks, HTCKid]

[Dan Stealth @ Sep 21st 2008 2:24PM]

Meh...

[AC @ Sep 15th 2008 11:07AM]

This will be my next phone. I can't wait to get my hands on it.

[who? @ Sep 16th 2008 7:34PM]

"Hands" is right- you'll need both to even lift it! What a beast! It's as thick as the original GameBoy!

I was really liking it and I was stunned by the multitude of features, but when I saw how thick and heavy it was it all made sense. Maybe the next generation will be thinner. As it is, my pockets are not actually big enough for it, and I can update my wardrobe to accommodate a new phone (don't even get me started on holsters).

[Ike Turner @ Sep 15th 2008 11:09AM]

RIM just got bitchslapped by HTC with the Touch HD!

[Alex G @ Sep 15th 2008 11:10AM]

My thoughts EXACTLY.

[TheAzureKnight @ Sep 15th 2008 11:11AM]

That's exactly what I thought!

Although truth be told RIM has a much bigger market share and has the name that is known throughout the US so I won't be surprised if it sells well.

[Yankees368 @ Sep 15th 2008 11:14AM]

Yeahhh...but HTC still runs windows mobile, which is a complete drag.

I know, I am using a Sprint Mogul.

[TareX @ Sep 15th 2008 11:34AM]

Windows Mobile wins on grounds of 3rd party application availability.

[patriotsn1 @ Sep 15th 2008 11:36AM]

I like windows mobile.

[Jon Graft @ Sep 15th 2008 11:58AM]

As much as I agree the HTC Touch HD does kick the Storms ass in looks, it runs Windows Mobile, and I absolutely HATE Windows Mobile. That is the one reason I believe the Storm will be better. However, I am much anticipating Android however!

[Alex G @ Sep 15th 2008 11:09AM]

*yawn*

[Jacob @ Sep 15th 2008 11:10AM]

"quad-band GSM connectivity for global use in addition to EV-DO"

It's not quad-band GSM -- it's 2 bands with CDMA and 2 bands with GSM. Just a tad confusing the way you have it worded...

[TheAzureKnight @ Sep 15th 2008 11:12AM]

Is this a Verizon exclusive forever?

For some reason I think Verizon and Sprint will both end up having this phone while AT&T gets the HTC Touch HD.

Personally I'll wait until the Touch HD comes out. I've already waited eons it seems for the Touch Pro...whats a few more months?

[From My Cube @ Sep 15th 2008 11:29AM]

you know your playing the waiting game...and youll never be satisfied...by the time the HD comes out there will be HD+ edition that youll end up waiting for...its really a pain in the ass anymore to get the phone you want

[J-Rad @ Sep 15th 2008 3:01PM]

Thats why I just bought a LG Dare even though i have been waiting for this Storm. Well, i should have waited an extra week, but at least i dont have to pay for a data plan. Ill wait for the next BB/smart phone for when i graduate and move to college.

[MMisterio @ Sep 15th 2008 11:20AM]

IPhone, you are the weakest link. Goodbye!

[patriotsn1 @ Sep 15th 2008 11:38AM]

WTF? Is it 2001? Who still makes that reference?!? Thanks, now I'm angry.

[thatrotierkid @ Sep 15th 2008 11:55AM]

You know, I've, I've never heard anyone make that joke before. Hmm. You're the first. I've never heard anyone reference, reference that outside the program before. Because that's what she says on the show right? Isn't it? You are the weakest link goodbye. And, and yet you've taken that and used it out of context to insult the iPhone in this everyday situation. God what a clever, smart girl you must be, to come up with a joke like that all by yourself. That's so fresh too. God you're so funny!

[Jay @ Sep 15th 2008 1:07PM]

That's a good one. I'm sure Apple will just give up after this... LOL.

Anyone know if this will be coming to T-Mobile? The article does mention GSM connectivity.

[Ignatius @ Sep 15th 2008 2:37PM]

Thank you for that beautiful Family Guy quote.

[orky @ Sep 15th 2008 4:15PM]

MMisterio, you're fired!

Look I can reference horrible catch phrases from TV shows also!

[Riles @ Sep 15th 2008 11:17AM]

If you're on Verizon you wouldn't be waiting for the Touch HD, there isn't even an indication that a CDMA variation exists yet or a hint of a U.S. release date period, it could easily be a year until that sees release on VZW.

[wako @ Sep 15th 2008 11:17AM]

I would totally get this phone if the keyboard wasnt so damn ugly, might be just as bad as the instinct

[bob sakamano @ Sep 15th 2008 11:25AM]

title should be "verizon talking up a storm with blackberry storm"

[Jubei @ Sep 15th 2008 11:30AM]

Another company shamelessly copying Apple. RIM is now the second biggest "me too" company to ride on Apples excellent R&D coattails.

A two face liar, RIM insults Apple with their innovative touch screen at first, yet RIM turns around and copies Apples ground breaking initiative. RIM alone probably elevates RIM to the top of the order of "me too" companies.

[L @ Sep 15th 2008 11:39AM]

Just go die already, moron.

[harley @ Sep 15th 2008 11:39AM]

zomg, apple came out with touchscreen first!

[Dorf @ Sep 15th 2008 11:39AM]

Because Apple had the first touch screen phone?

[JR @ Sep 15th 2008 11:41AM]

I'm tired of people complaining about companies that know a good idea when they see one. This isn't the playground anymore. Apple can't "call dibs" on a simple concept like a touchscreen-only handheld, and neither can anyone else. Most of your comment doesn't make sense anyway.

[Zeus.:God @ Sep 15th 2008 11:41AM]

Guys... I have found an easier solution to this situation... Rather than wasting your time typing out any logical argument or anything of the sort, just copy and paste this link when he mentions "'me too'" companies or products...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0UjU0rtavE

[Jubei @ Sep 15th 2008 11:50AM]

@ZG

Perhaps you should copy and paste what MS has done. You will need several pages of this forum in order to complete the list. lol

[Zeus.:God @ Sep 15th 2008 12:00PM]

See what I mean, people? This article really has nothing to do with Microsoft, yet he LOVES to bring them up!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0UjU0rtavE

[Jughead @ Sep 15th 2008 12:03PM]

Is that what you said in the 90's when mobile phones came out and had numbers on them? Oh wait you were probably just born then.

[Josh @ Sep 15th 2008 12:04PM]

zeus: i'd love to, but i'm typing this from an iphone...

[Jubei @ Sep 15th 2008 12:14PM]

Look at that list. Its right off a page from the iPhones feature list and a play of words to copy them. Excited yet? No. Specially when I'm playing Asphalt 4 and soon Need for Speed on my iPhone, among many other excellent offerings that these "me too" players can never achieve.

[Zeus.:God @ Sep 15th 2008 12:31PM]

Oh no, Josh, I understand... That lack of copy and paste can be a hassle!

Here- I'll do it for you. :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0UjU0rtavE

[Dave @ Sep 15th 2008 12:39PM]

At Jubei: I'm not pro anyone. I'm a fan of all technology companies, but wouldn't Apple be a "me too" player considering that they're copying Nintendo's ideas by using a touch screen and gryroscopes for gameplay?

[Zeus.:God @ Sep 15th 2008 12:51PM]

You, sir, are correct, sir...

Dave, you can't really waste time with posting logical arguments to an otherwise illogical debate- with him, it's either best to low rank him, ignore his post and move on, or something similar... See, Jubei is like a broken record... If you even try to prove him wrong, he will just come back with the same exact argument that you demolished, or he'll try to (pitifully) insult your intelligence...

Or, you can join me in reminding him on every one of his posts that his lord and master (Steve Jobs) has admitted, himself, that Apple has been shameless about stealing great ideas. Just copy and paste this link in a reply to any of Jubei's mindless comments.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0UjU0rtavE

[John @ Sep 15th 2008 12:51PM]

@Jubei

Your posts are very obvious attempts to gather attention. In many ways you succeed in getting that attention; but I am here to say that you really need to get professional help. I've been trying to determine if this is stems from your parent's unwillingness to show you affection (which is understandable) or something your uncle may have done (or continues to do) with you when auntie isn't around.

Either way, I really do suggest that you spend less time reading tech blogs and more time researching professional psychiatric care. For reference, you should research "Narcissistic Personality Disorder."

[Jubei @ Sep 15th 2008 12:54PM]

Look at all these responses from the "me too" apologist fans. Associating a passing similarity to a new innovating product from Apple is their only hope. What else can they use to defend their copycat companies. How else can they justify buying into an inferior product, but convince themselves that its been done before. How sad.

[Zeus.:God @ Sep 15th 2008 1:06PM]

Like I said, John. You won't make any progress with intelligent posts such as that. You have to keep it simple, and repeat it numerous times so that he can catch on.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0UjU0rtavE

[TareX @ Sep 15th 2008 11:41AM]

A click-touchscreen could be hit and miss... they should have made it for the keyboard input ONLY i.e. everything else doesn't need a click.

[oturn @ Sep 15th 2008 12:15PM]

"VZ Navigator Capable"

Thanks Verizon, for continuing the policy of locking out GPS on your phones, stifling users AND 3rd party developers. Way to innovate and move technology forward!

Goodbye.

Actually, I'll end up staying with them because their network does kick ass, but it's a shame they give me a reason to hate them, isn't it?

Am I wrong in thinking unlocked GPS won't hurt them financially? It seems their average users will still buy VZ Navigator, while giving more progressive users more freedom to choose...

[skant @ Sep 15th 2008 12:44PM]

What's wrong with vz navigator. it's easily one of the best carrier navigations apps and is pretty well updated. If I had any complaint it's that I can't customize voices and that I have to pay $10/month.

[Josh @ Sep 15th 2008 2:45PM]

i thought the 9.99 was a one time fee...at least it was when i was still on vzw

[theguy @ Sep 15th 2008 2:49PM]

Verizon doesnt block out gps on their blackberries, just every other phone. You can still use different apps for navigation on them.

[Eastman @ Sep 15th 2008 12:30PM]

I aint a fan of windows mobile devices but i gotta say after all that Rim touch phone hype .. this mutha is butt ugly and and the Touch HD is actually damn sexy ..
My fears are though the typical HTC way of making products .. mainly some plastic crap .. :((

But as a apple iPhone lover i do admit that the HTC Touch HD is a hot lookin little bugga :)

[Fed @ Sep 15th 2008 12:36PM]

I hate my BB 8830 that my job forced me to get. I am going to get this as long as the keyboard typing is ok.
I dont like the idea of having to cycle through letters to type in portrait mode.

[Eastman @ Sep 15th 2008 12:38PM]

Now i got it finally ..
that design of the storm reminds me of them classic bulk as f•*k designs by the good old Motorola .. !!!

[Bob @ Sep 15th 2008 12:44PM]

Unless I missed it, I see no mention of Wi-Fi. I hope Verizon doesn't cap usage since there is no Wi-Fi alternative.