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]

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 17th 2008 1:19PM]

Umm, how in the world can you have a full HTML experience without WiFi? And what sort of multimedia experience can I expect without iTunes or Rhapshody? Can I watch a movie or video? Can I download music wirelessly? Can I go online and purchase tickets to a movie?
How about other applications? Will I have all of the other 3rd party applications that Blackberry users are used too? While the iPhone 3G isn't perfect, this storm seems much more like a summer shower than a competitor with the 3G iPhone.

[Mactacular Posted Sep 15th 2008 3:12PM]

Amazing! This coming from the company that for the last year has tried to convince everyone a touchscreen isn't good to use or do e-mail with.

Leave it for what it is. They are already two generations behind the iphone. It will take them at least three years to catch the current one. They should stick with what they do best. Convincing everyone they need a business only email machine that has to have a physical keyboard. Similar to how MS has convinced everyone that viruses, spam and malware are a necessary evil of computing.

[LetsHaveWaffles Posted Sep 15th 2008 8:18PM]

"They are already two generations behind the iphone. It will take them at least three years to catch the current one."

WTF are you talking about?! The Iphone (bar the OS) was and is far behind. 1.) 2 Mp camera without flash...lame. 2.) No SMS Messaging...Dumb. 3.) The first Iphone had no 3G? WHY? The only things the Iphone has going for it is that it's an APPLE product and its the "LOOK AT THAT I CAN TOUCH IT" mentality. The OS is amazing as is the processor but the phone as a whole (hardware wise) is extremely lame. That's why I was and still am not impressed by it.

[Chickenatr Posted Sep 15th 2008 3:14PM]

*yawn*

[heshmati4 Posted Sep 15th 2008 4:50PM]

I guess the rumors of this having Multi-touch are false.... Sigh....

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 16th 2008 9:32AM]

Umm, this phone doesn't have WiFi - nor does it have GPS or a music service like iTunes connected to it - as much as those Verizon lovers will say that the EVDO is good enough for them, well - good luck getting your browsers to download content in a HTML format. While I like the concept - if they upgrade to the WiFi it would be worth looking at, but dudes come on, how can you have a new gen phone to compete with a 3G iPhone without WiFi or GPS or the 3G network?

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 23rd 2008 9:51AM]

I'm not sure I'm convince of the Verizon hype.... They've been misleading in the past.
We'll see I guess.


Carmelo Lisciotto

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 26th 2008 12:02AM]

My wife and I have been steady Verizon customers, waiting and hoping that Verizon would come up with SOMETHING to compete with the iPhone 3G. I'm not fond of AT&T. Today (Sept. 25) we got this 5" X 7" card in the mail from Verizon, telling us that - Golly! We're going to have a chance to buy a Blackberry Storm - sometime in "Fall 2008." Direct quote follows: "Go online now and register ro receive the latest news and updates on the anticipated release of the Blackberry Storm. verizonwireless.com/storm"

Anticipated? Fall 2008? Yeah, sure. I go to the website and guess what? No details. Nada. Just a line to register my e-mail for updates - WHEN and IF Verizon decides to send out any details. This is pathetic marketing born out of desperation to hold people like my wife and me off from buying iPhone 3Gs, which are on track to sell 10 MILLION units worldwide by yearend.

Sure, I'd buy a Storm - I might even hold off for one - if the Verizon BSers would consent to at least tell me the dimensions of the unit and list the features. But even so, it'll be an uphill battle. I'm a big listener to music and audiobooks, and I've had the last few generations of iPods, most recently an iPod Touch. Every Apple unit has exceeded my expectations, and the Touch is downright terrific with wi-fi, iTunes, its Maps feature and the App Store. We've shopped the 3Gs and like the form factor (almost identical to the Touch) camera, wi-fi, and self-contained GPS. The one and only thing I'd like to have that Apple doesn't offer is cut and paste capability for text.

But with only Verizon's vaporware to go by - and pretty thin vapor at that - the Storm is a non-starter. Our Verizon contract is up on Oct.16. On Oct. 17 we'll be in our nearby Apple retail store getting fitted out with new 3Gs.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 30th 2008 1:05AM]

I'm hearing October 13th VZW "launch", which probably means that they'll start to take orders mid-October and have inventory and deliver in November.

-Jake_0