Best Buy taking BlackBerry Storm pre-orders starting tomorrow?

We're getting mixed results here, but the word on the street is that Best Buys around the colonies will start taking pre-orders for the BlackBerry Storm tomorrow for a stiff $50 deposit -- a pretty good indication that they're expecting elevated (if not outright insane) demand when it finally launches this month. At least one store we've called has corroborated the claim, so you might want to drop by your friendly local big box tomorrow and see what's what if you're keen on being the first kid on your block with one of these monsters.

[Thanks, Thomas]

[Connor @ Nov 5th 2008 8:38PM]

That is one sexy sketch...

[Patrick @ Nov 5th 2008 9:28PM]

true that...a sexy phone makes for a sexy sketch

[Flashpoint @ Nov 5th 2008 8:40PM]

CHANGE HAS COME TO AMERICA.

[KAIKAI @ Nov 5th 2008 8:44PM]

via blackberry ??
were gonna monster thumbs then :D

[JJ @ Nov 5th 2008 8:57PM]

THE ROCK HAS COME BACK TO ENGADGET

[gaforces @ Nov 5th 2008 9:50PM]

I am offended by the colony reference ...

[icantfeelmyface @ Nov 5th 2008 8:44PM]

YES WE CAN!!!

[KAIKAI @ Nov 5th 2008 8:51PM]

i love the
"just $50 to reserve me "

[From My Cube @ Nov 5th 2008 8:51PM]

$50.00 a stiff deposit? Really?

[Nathan @ Nov 5th 2008 9:04PM]

I confirmed this with my local Best Buy. They are actually taking preorders tonight. No word on release date or final price, but the $50 is refundable.

[ScOObyDoo @ Nov 5th 2008 8:57PM]

I just got back from my local BB and they were taking pre-orders today. It is indeed $50 but they could not say when the phone itself would actually arrive.

[sim @ Nov 5th 2008 9:00PM]

what's the maximum flash memory this can take?

[tom @ Nov 5th 2008 9:09PM]

16 GB on microSD

[sim @ Nov 5th 2008 9:17PM]

thanks

[aaron @ Nov 5th 2008 9:05PM]

That's a HUGE bitc...uh Blackberry!

[mark @ Nov 5th 2008 9:28PM]

Yes, this is all very true, I work for BB Mobile and the pre-orders started on the 3rd. As of right now it is going to be a $50 deposit and that will guarantee you a BB storm the day the come out. We still do not know when they are coming out but from what we can figure is between Nov 15 - Nov 20 and the price will be either $199.99 or $299.99. It is not set yet for new or for upgrade. Then as soon as we find out when we will be getting them in we will call you and set up an appointment for you to come in and get it.

[Jon Graft @ Nov 6th 2008 11:11AM]

What happened to Verizon wanting to sell it for $99.99 w/ contract? :-(

[soloman02 @ Nov 5th 2008 9:29PM]

Is this the GSM Model or the CDMA one? Anyone know?

[ethan @ Nov 6th 2008 1:30AM]

Verizon only. CDMA bud, sorry.

[Montevale @ Nov 5th 2008 9:43PM]

This is the CDMA+ GSM version.
The GSM only version Just cleared the FCC approval.

[Valicore @ Nov 5th 2008 9:47PM]

Damn, there are a lot of chubbychasers around here.

[shthappens @ Nov 5th 2008 9:58PM]

Now, I would love to get this phone for my father as he was interested in getting a Bold and I told him to wait for the Storm.
It's out now, but what about wi-fi?? That's a major dealbreaker. Am I confused about the rumors and website specifications?

[urmomFTW @ Nov 5th 2008 10:18PM]

sigh....how many times must this be said...BB STORM does NOT have WIFI.

When it is mandatory to have a data plan with the purchase of the storm, there is little reason to include WiFi, ...well, that and there simply wasn't enough room with all the radios that are in the damn thing.

[Scott @ Nov 6th 2008 12:52AM]

Reasons to have WiFi:

1. Faster than 3G.
2. Most often it's free (or something you've already payed for).
3. Access to local network to browse files on your computer, stream media files, or control your media player.
4. It's almost 2009 and most competing smart phones have WiFi already.

[MediumSizedRob @ Nov 6th 2008 10:12AM]

I really don't see how WiFi is a deal breaker. It has it's uses, but honestly if I'm in a spot with WiFi and I really need to surf faster than 3G for some reason I'm going to have a computer with me. If there's any reason I'd need that kind of speed, there's nothing I could do with it using a blackberry.

[shthappens @ Nov 6th 2008 2:59PM]

What "urmomFTW" said about the data plan being mandatory on purchase is absolutely plausible. On the other hand, in my area, the data plan was mandatory for an iPhone. People who got the iPhone without the data plan either bought it cash, or were able to negotiate with their service provider. Therefore, I'm sure some people will have the Blackberry Storm without a data plan (which brings the need for this discussion).

"Scott's" points are exactly what I feel I would like WiFi for. I have a WiFi enabled cellphone and I take full advantage (use it everyday) of free access and connecting to local networks.

Coming down to "MediumSizedRob", I believe there will be different groups of people who share his opinion or mine. If you are one who has the extra money to pay for a data plan, then I believe you'd be fine with no WiFi (considering you don't need network access). On the other hand, data plans are still not an option the average consumer would be able to comfortably afford.

Also to be mentioned "MediumSizedRob" is absolutely correct when it comes to not needing any faster network speed than 3G. Right now, the average smart phone doesn't really have much free space to be storing large files that you would want to transfer over a network. If you use the phone everyday and also as a multimedia device, your storage is most likely near full.

Last but not least, are two points I would like to bring to attention. In areas where there are not that many WiFi hotspots, a data plan may be the only choice. Second, with the economy on the rocks at the current time, I don't think many people would like to take on a commitment for a data plan every month without an absolute need.


Having a connection to the internet is a necessesity in some cases, and a convenience in others. Being a convenience should not let it be swept under the table. This convenience is a large part of the experience of a smart phone, and we all know we love our smart phones right?

[effinya @ Nov 5th 2008 10:02PM]

Really?
tomorrow , just now.
I wait for the storm months.
Friends give me thanksgiving gift, it's software for blackberry DVD video converter http://www.convert-video-dvd.com/dvd-to-blackberry-suite.html#115 can the balckberry dvd video converter use for the storm?

[Arke @ Nov 6th 2008 12:37AM]

How much did you get in your fourth grade English?

[MediumSizedRob @ Nov 6th 2008 9:59AM]

That's right, the entire world is made up of native English speakers.

[edwardSi @ Nov 5th 2008 10:12PM]

Now, for the second time i ask his question....(since no one answer last time)

SO, if I got a unlocked Storm from UK (from vodafone i suppose), will I be able to use my ATT sim card on it?
no 3G is fine, someone say that 2.5G will still be available right?

OR

should just wait for the GSM version since it is better?

PS: i travel to Asia (mainly China and HK) and europe, any suggestion on which storm for me?

[urmomFTW @ Nov 5th 2008 10:19PM]

Okay,

here is the thing, on one side, in theory it should work but like you said no 3G, just EDGE.

on the other side is rumors going about on if the SIM card is either A) even removable, or B) a proprietary fitting SIM slot, which will only fit the included Verizon/Vodaphone SIM.

As far as I have seen, and I have been following this since day one, there is no confirmation yet as to whether or not the SIM card can be replaced. Should I find out, I will let you know.

[Mitchell @ Nov 5th 2008 10:55PM]

Just letting you guys know he believes Verizon doesn't have SIM capabilities, WRONG.

Go to http://estore.vzwshop.com/storm/ and read the 'Full Specifications' tab.

Its says, IN BOX - Sim Card.

[Valicore @ Nov 5th 2008 11:57PM]

Every GSM device has to have a SIM Card, but I don't know if there is the ability to unlock the GSM portion of the CDMA/GSM model. If there were, that would be some sweetness.

[urmomFTW @ Nov 6th 2008 9:57AM]

I really hope by "him" you are not talking about me....I am certainly aware that it is a world phone thus making it GSM enabled, thus making it required to have a SIM card. And yes it does come with a SIM card, it comes with the Verizon/Vodophone SIM preinstalled. My comment wasn't about whether or not it comes with one or not, it was about the ability to change it out for for a different carrier SIM.

[Ami Schreiber @ Nov 5th 2008 11:22PM]

Verizon will be launching a "Blackberry Storm Hunt" in NYC tomorrow (November 6, 2008 12:00 AM EST).

They are "hiding" 50 Blackberry Storms all over Manhattan. You can win prizes and stuff.

Checkout the link ...

http://estore.vzwshop.com/storm/?cid=BAC-prodrsch

The contest ends on 11/15/2008 so you can bet that is when the Storm will be available to the general public.

[ethan @ Nov 6th 2008 1:30AM]

The preorder was "effective immediately", but we still don't know when it's coming (the email said "mid november", no hard street date. And we don't know the price yet. BUT, if you preorder, you'll DEFINATELY get one day of launch, because preorders will be sent first, and a few for the launch.

Yes, I work there.

[StormHunter @ Nov 6th 2008 11:58AM]

Forget pre-ordering, if you live in NYC you can win one today through the 15th. Check out this fun scavenger hunt Verizon Wireless is sponsoring in NYC. Go to vzw.com/stormhunt to find out how to play, see locations and get clues!

[anon @ Nov 6th 2008 11:45PM]

checked the system earlier at work over at best buy.

release is 11/15 or 11/16. cant remember =P