BlackBerry Storm 2

There’s talk of the new BlackBerry Storm 2 launching in September of 2009, but don’t count on it. Here’s to hoping for the second-generation TruePress touchscreen and integrated WiFi in the upcoming Storm 2! Perhaps even a slide-out keyboard?

Network Support: Dual–band 800/1900 MHz CDMA/EV–DO Rev. A networks; Quad–Band: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE networks Single–Band: 2100 MHz UMTS/HSPA networks

Memory: 128MB Flash Memory, 192MB RAM, 1GB On–board memory

Display: High resolution (480×360 pixel), 3.25″ color, TFT LCD. Supports over 65k colors

Memory card support: 8GB SanDisk microSD card installed (device supports up to 16GB)

Camera: 3.2 Megapixel Camera w/Flash, auto–focus and Video Capture

Integrated speaker and microphone, Hands–free headset capable (3.5mm 4 Pole)

Bluetooth: (v2.0) including A2DP for Stereo sound

Standard Lithium Cell (1400 mAh)
Usage: Up to 270 minutes of talk time or Standby: Up to 372 hours

SAR Information: 0.50 W/kg at ear; 0.57 W/kg on body

Dimensions: 4.43″ (H) x 2.45″ (W) x 0.55″ (D)

Weight: Approximately 5.47 oz. including battery

When I removed the battery cover (which, to my delight is easy to remove), I saw something that I was not expecting to see – a Verizon branded SIM card. Apparently the BlackBerry Storm is one of Verizon’s World Phones and uses CDMA here in the US, but GSM in other countries. You can also see the microSD card slot next to it.

The touchscreen display is ummmm…. touchy First of all, like the iPhone, it will auto rotate when you turn it from portrait to landscape mode. But it seems to have a very sensitive sensor because it rotates when you barely turn it. Which means, I’m always having to correct the orientation – which gets a little tedious.

When the BlackBerry Storm is in portrait orientation, there are two rows of application icons at the bottom of the display. In reality, there are many more apps available to you. If you try to use your finger to scroll the list, you won’t be able to unless you turn the phone into landscape orientation. Then you can scroll up and down with your finger. If you want do this in portrait orientation, you have to press the menu key first. This isn’t a really big deal, but just something to be aware of.

I made a few calls with the Storm and was happy with the audio quality. Nice and clear with no clipping, static, etc. Great volume too. Most phones I have to crank the volume up to maximum when I am driving, but with the Storm, I had to turn it down to between 50-75%. The in-call display gives you the ability to toggle the speaker phone, mute the call, add another person to the call, flash, bring up the keypad, make notes about the call, go to the home screen, bring up the calendar and bring up the address book.

Tommorow I plan to do some texting, IM’ing and browsing.