Comments on: BlackBerry Storm: First look at its first touch-screen phone http://gadgetress.freedomblogging.com/2008/11/19/blackberry-storm-first-look-at-its-first-touch-screen-phone/5242/ TV, mobile and Internet: Covering technology's monthly bill Thu, 01 Jul 2010 02:41:21 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: RickB http://gadgetress.freedomblogging.com/2008/11/19/blackberry-storm-first-look-at-its-first-touch-screen-phone/5242/comment-page-1/#comment-4212 RickB Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:23:09 +0000 http://gadgetress.freedomblogging.com/?p=5242#comment-4212 If it takes more than a week to become accustomed to a cell phone, there's something wrong on one or more sides of the interface (device, or user). Normally I'd assume the device was unintuitive, but as these were marketing folks...who knows? If it takes more than a week to become accustomed to a cell phone, there’s something wrong on one or more sides of the interface (device, or user). Normally I’d assume the device was unintuitive, but as these were marketing folks…who knows?

]]> By: JK Mem http://gadgetress.freedomblogging.com/2008/11/19/blackberry-storm-first-look-at-its-first-touch-screen-phone/5242/comment-page-1/#comment-4200 JK Mem Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:46:26 +0000 http://gadgetress.freedomblogging.com/?p=5242#comment-4200 Personally -- and this is purely a matter of taste -- as someone who has an iPhone extensively for work I have always found the touch screen TOO responsive. Occasionally both my index and middle finger will hit the screen simultaneously, sending odd, contradictory signals that clearly confuse the unit (so wait...do you want me to zoom in or close the window? Make up your mind!). But others say it's probably a setting thing. And why does visual voicemail continue to get lauded as a futuristic feature? Any self-respecting businessman with an advanced 800 through Gotvmail can get it on their pda. It's pretty much becoming the industry standard for us folks who need our messages, like, 5 minutes ago. Personally — and this is purely a matter of taste — as someone who has an iPhone extensively for work I have always found the touch screen TOO responsive. Occasionally both my index and middle finger will hit the screen simultaneously, sending odd, contradictory signals that clearly confuse the unit (so wait…do you want me to zoom in or close the window? Make up your mind!). But others say it’s probably a setting thing.

And why does visual voicemail continue to get lauded as a futuristic feature? Any self-respecting businessman with an advanced 800 through Gotvmail can get it on their pda. It’s pretty much becoming the industry standard for us folks who need our messages, like, 5 minutes ago.

]]> By: JohnnyDop http://gadgetress.freedomblogging.com/2008/11/19/blackberry-storm-first-look-at-its-first-touch-screen-phone/5242/comment-page-1/#comment-4196 JohnnyDop Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:30:14 +0000 http://gadgetress.freedomblogging.com/?p=5242#comment-4196 The one you have seen is clearly running an older version of the OS or doesnt have the sensitivity level set at the right leve because the video below clearly shows the touch screen being very sensitive. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9QGvdHIGwI The one you have seen is clearly running an older version of the OS or doesnt have the sensitivity level set at the right leve because the video below clearly shows the touch screen being very sensitive.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9QGvdHIGwI

]]> By: salma http://gadgetress.freedomblogging.com/2008/11/19/blackberry-storm-first-look-at-its-first-touch-screen-phone/5242/comment-page-1/#comment-4194 salma Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:13:59 +0000 http://gadgetress.freedomblogging.com/?p=5242#comment-4194 Once you get used to using a Blackberry, you'll understand the Crackberry addicition. The ability to have so much information and communication avenues available at your finger tips is what you ultimately get used to. WiFi may be missing, however, if you're sitting indoors, why wouldn't you use a PC or laptop if such a connection is available? Regardless, the data plan covers you with unlimited usage, does it really matter where you are as long as you are on the network? Plus, using the VZ network eats less juice then using WiFi. Another important thing to note is that Blackberry allows you to tether a laptop if needed. The iPhone, which is now in its 2nd generation, still cannot do this. In regards to the price comparison between the iPhone to the Storm; you may recall that the iPhone was $599 for the 8GB when it came out in June of 2007, only a little over a year ago. The storm is being released with a 1GB built in memory and an extra 8GB miniSD memory card for $199 after a $50 mail in rebate. The value is obvious considering what the Storm offers, and the price is quite competitive. At the $599, which was the WITH contract price, the iPhone had many annoying limitations. Aside from the perception of high quality and style that the iPhone has brilliantly generated with its marketing campaigns, the iPhone has too many shortcomings to be considered for my needs. Every single one of my friends who own one have had the following headaches: -Battery dies after normal usage around 4-5 PM. One friend carries a charger at ALL times. -Can't replace battery. -Can't expand memory -Copy & pasting of text not available -Speakerphone turns on when they are talking (cheek activates) -3G connections unpredictable in many areas -Photos can't be forwarded (are you kidding?) The scrolling with fingers is a great feature to play and interact with, but that's about it. Any device that has this feature is cool, but shouldn't be the deciding factor. It's like giving a monkey a new toy. Everyone starts to chimp and make strange noises. It only lasts for a while though. The above noted shortcomings start to annoy more when daily functionality is limited. Once you get used to using a Blackberry, you’ll understand the Crackberry addicition. The ability to have so much information and communication avenues available at your finger tips is what you ultimately get used to.

WiFi may be missing, however, if you’re sitting indoors, why wouldn’t you use a PC or laptop if such a connection is available? Regardless, the data plan covers you with unlimited usage, does it really matter where you are as long as you are on the network? Plus, using the VZ network eats less juice then using WiFi.

Another important thing to note is that Blackberry allows you to tether a laptop if needed. The iPhone, which is now in its 2nd generation, still cannot do this.

In regards to the price comparison between the iPhone to the Storm; you may recall that the iPhone was $599 for the 8GB when it came out in June of 2007, only a little over a year ago. The storm is being released with a 1GB built in memory and an extra 8GB miniSD memory card for $199 after a $50 mail in rebate. The value is obvious considering what the Storm offers, and the price is quite competitive. At the $599, which was the WITH contract price, the iPhone had many annoying limitations.

Aside from the perception of high quality and style that the iPhone has brilliantly generated with its marketing campaigns, the iPhone has too many shortcomings to be considered for my needs.

Every single one of my friends who own one have had the following headaches:
-Battery dies after normal usage around 4-5 PM. One friend carries a charger at ALL times.
-Can’t replace battery.
-Can’t expand memory
-Copy & pasting of text not available
-Speakerphone turns on when they are talking (cheek activates)
-3G connections unpredictable in many areas
-Photos can’t be forwarded (are you kidding?)

The scrolling with fingers is a great feature to play and interact with, but that’s about it. Any device that has this feature is cool, but shouldn’t be the deciding factor. It’s like giving a monkey a new toy. Everyone starts to chimp and make strange noises. It only lasts for a while though. The above noted shortcomings start to annoy more when daily functionality is limited.

]]> By: Lauren http://gadgetress.freedomblogging.com/2008/11/19/blackberry-storm-first-look-at-its-first-touch-screen-phone/5242/comment-page-1/#comment-4192 Lauren Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:24:51 +0000 http://gadgetress.freedomblogging.com/?p=5242#comment-4192 I thought it would be cheaper. When an 1phone and the G1 are both $200 why is the blackberry $250? I thought it would be cheaper. When an 1phone and the G1 are both $200 why is the blackberry $250?

]]> By: anon http://gadgetress.freedomblogging.com/2008/11/19/blackberry-storm-first-look-at-its-first-touch-screen-phone/5242/comment-page-1/#comment-4188 anon Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:02:35 +0000 http://gadgetress.freedomblogging.com/?p=5242#comment-4188 The Screen Sensitivity is ADJUSTABLE. These verizon reps just got their hands on it a week ago so they're still pretty new to it. VZ is really screwing up the PR by rushing it out without letting the reps understand all of the options but that's the price for getting it out before Black Friday. The Screen Sensitivity is ADJUSTABLE. These verizon reps just got their hands on it a week ago so they’re still pretty new to it. VZ is really screwing up the PR by rushing it out without letting the reps understand all of the options but that’s the price for getting it out before Black Friday.

]]> By: Gadgetress http://gadgetress.freedomblogging.com/2008/11/19/blackberry-storm-first-look-at-its-first-touch-screen-phone/5242/comment-page-1/#comment-4176 Gadgetress Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:02:35 +0000 http://gadgetress.freedomblogging.com/?p=5242#comment-4176 Of course I know <em>why </em>the nickname exists. But since I'm not a crackberry addict myself, I really can't fathom the addiction. Of course I know why the nickname exists. But since I’m not a crackberry addict myself, I really can’t fathom the addiction.

]]> By: dru http://gadgetress.freedomblogging.com/2008/11/19/blackberry-storm-first-look-at-its-first-touch-screen-phone/5242/comment-page-1/#comment-4174 dru Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:40:29 +0000 http://gadgetress.freedomblogging.com/?p=5242#comment-4174 The nickname crackberry is used because of people's addiction and how they just can't stop using it. Just like the drug, crack. Har har. The nickname crackberry is used because of people’s addiction and how they just can’t stop using it. Just like the drug, crack. Har har.

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