BlackBerry Storm

BlackBerry Storm questions and answers

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Q: blackberry storm?
has anyone heard of a release date for the widely anticipated iphone killer the blackberry storm. apparently blackberry have decided to cement their dominace of the smartphone market & blow the klunky iphone 3g right out of market with their touchscreen blackberry storm ( mistakenly called thunder by some). of course we all want one but i cant find any firm details. please help.

A: i can't find any information on the release date other than "Quarter 3" of this year.. I hope it's soon because my phone just broke today and I don't want to waste any money on another phone if I know I'm going to be buying the Storm within a couple of months....

Q: Did the blackberry storm live up to its expectations?
I've had the iphone 3g and was very happy with it, a beautiful phone indeed. So now the blackberry storm is out. Right now I have no carrier I can move back to at&t or any other carrier. I haven't played with the storm yet, but is it a phone that will keep iphone users happy? I know the phone is $200, but how much is the plan?

A: Try it for yourself. That's the best personal advice I can give you. For me personally, I loved the phone and ordered one a few days ago. Although I don't like comparing it to the IPhone, since you said you own an IPhone I will try and compare it in terms of what you're used to. BB Storm has basically all the same features the IPhone has except the ability of WiFi. However, in my opinion, this disadvantage is nullified since Verizon's 3G network is superior to AT&T's. Overall, Verizon's coverage has proven to be the best available. With that said, you may find that where you live, Verizon coverage is poor, so once again, it works wonders to simply try the phone out before buying it. In terms of features, the BB Storm has a full HTML browser, can view Youtube, etc. The Browser has a few kinks, but in the recent update by RIM, most of them have been removed and the speed is identical to that of the IPhone 3G. It has full multimedia capabilites including be able to transfer your music over, including ITunes. And unlike the IPhone where you cannot get more memory storage, the BB Storm allows you to buy MicroSD Cards for a very fair price; so now you wont have to worry about running out of storage space. The BB Storm has a stunning screen and videos look tremendous on it. It includes a 3.2 MP camera as opposed to IPhone 2.0. It also allows video capture. Some things the BB Storm has but the IPhone doesn't: Copy/Paste Feature MMS Unrivaled 'Push' E-mail. (The IPhone has been trying to catch up with this technology, but RIM is truly in a league of its own. You will be amazed by the e-mail features of a Blackberry.) SurePress Screen (More on this in a second) Additional storage capabilities Video Capture Better Network (Let's face it, although IPhone is a good phone, AT&T is a drag compared to Verizon's coverage. Though this could be different in your area.) The Big thing about the BB Storm is its Sure-Press Screen. It is not like a normal touch screen on the IPhone. When you touch the screen, you 'hover' over your selection. But in order to make any selection, you actually have to push in to the screen, similar to that of a mouse click. This (in theory) makes selecting choices much more reliable, removes the possibility of error in typing, and allows more intuitive features in browsing. This technology is not for everyone, and it definitely has a learning curve to get used to it. I didn't like it at first, but the more I played with it, the more I liked it. I'm not sure if this is true, because I don't have mine yet, but I have heard that if you don't like the Sure-Press, you can go to the Phone Settings and allow double-taps to also select options. It should be noted again, that there are still looming bugs in the Storm's software. But this is to be expected when a new phone is released. There is no reason not to assume RIM will be taking care of these issues through continuous updates. Beyond what I have said, and I am sure I have missed a lot, you could also check out some reviews of the Storm on Youtube. I found this one most useful: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RXagnb8oPQ It's long, but hey: there's so many features, it is hard to be any more concise without leaving out some of the content. Edit: As far as the pricing goes, yes, for a 2 yr contract, it is $250 with a $50 rebate, thus dropping it to $200. You will be required to purchase a data plan with it which includes unlimited web browsing and e-mail for $29.95. For an additional $15, you can use your BB Storm as a wireless broadband modem for your laptop as it does have that technology. The plans vary for minutes and texting, so you would be best checking out the Verizon website for that information.

Q: How much money would a monthy plan for the Blackberry Storm cost?
so im thinking about getting the blackberry storm. i have the Green LG enV right now. About how much money will it cost per month to have the black berry storm. becuase im new to this whole blackberry thing, so i dont understand these 'data plans' can u get like unlimited txt and calling like i have on my enV for 1 flat fee? so this is what i would have on my blackberry so if you could give me an estimate of the price range? Unlimited Text and Calling and Internet and thats all. thanks for all the help!!!

A: The phone itself costs $249.99 with a new, two-year contract. You'll receive a voucher for a $50 mail-in rebate with that, making the effective price $199.99. Verizon also sells all of their phones with one year contracts ($349.99) and month-to-month ($399.99). You must buy this phone with an applicable data plan. The minimum plan for this phone is $49.99 for data only, no voice. For both voice and data, you'll pay at least $69.99 total; $29.99 for the personal data plan and $39.99 for a 450-minute voice plan. That includes e-mail and Web browsing, but it doesn't include SMS text messaging. SMS messaging packages range from $5 to $20/month depending on how many messages they include. If you use the BlackBerry with a corporate server, add another $15. If you want to use it as a modem for your PC, add another $15. If you want to use it in foreign countries, add $10 or $20 depending on your existing plan. --- You will be able to go through vzw.com and price it yourself once it is available (tomorrow 11/21)

Q: How can I get the new blackberry storm at the 2yr contract price?
I have verizon and I got the blackberry curve 4 months ago. I have had so many problems with the phone that I've had it replaced 3 times already. I am having problems with my 4th one, and I am fed up and don't want a new curve. I want the new storm with the new system, but I don't want to pay for the full price. Is there any way I get the 2yr contract price, even though I just started a new contract a few months ago?

A: You can always make deals with carriers and Verizon is no exception. Just go into the negotiation knowing that is what you want. I can't imagine Verizon not wanting you to sign on for 2 years, that's what every carrier wants, but you may have to pay a cancellation fee on the phone. But everything is negotiable. Carriers take hit on the handsets, even when they are not free. They have to subzidize them by having customers sign on for long periods and putting in the cancellation fee. Ask if you could sign a 3 year contract if you can get out of your original one. That might do it. Be creative. You could try this site for more information. http://www.shopblackberrystorm.com

Q: How hard is it to find a blackberry storm now?
Hey guys, my 2 year contract with my Juke just ended and I'm sick of it lol. I want to get a Blackberry storm and I was planning to get one tomorrow but someone online told me they were impossible to find, is that true? I was really hoping to get it tomorrow but is it gonna take time to find?

A: The Storm faced a few issues when it was released but looks to be headed towards solid ground now that a new OS update was released which fixed a lot of the bugs. Your best bet for getting one is through an online dealer as stores are only shipped limited quantities. Try here: http://www.bbgeeks.com/provider-reviews/products/storm.html

Q: How much does the blackberry storm cost?
My 2 year-contract is up if i renew my contract the phone is cheaper. So how much will the blackberry storm cost WITH a 2-year contract?

A: $199 after a $50 mail in rebate. If your using New every 2 then you would get $100 or $50 off making it $100. If you buy it from Best Buy you don't have to wait for the rebate. And for others Full Retail is $499 with NO rebate 1 year pricing is $269.99 after mail in rebate

Q: Is the blackberry storm only available at verizon wireless?
I really want the new blackberry storm phone, but it's only on the verizon wireless website. I have at&t and i'm wondering if it will come to at&t?

A: it is exclusively for Verizon. We have an agreement with RIM and AT&T, T Mobile, Sprint are not going to get it. It is exclusively for Verizon Wireless Customers. it comes out on November 21st priced at 249.99 (2yr) and has a $50 MIR making the phone potentially 199.99. But it is only on the Verizon Wireless network.

Q: How fast are you getting the blackberry storm?
I just ordered my blackberry storm at the verizon store on Friday around 2pm. I am so upset that best buy doesn't do early upgrades or I would have one in my hand, has anyone else ordered theirs? and how long did it take for you to get it?

A: I ordered mine on November 24 and got it December 4th. http://blackberrystormphone.blogspot.com

Q: What makes the Blackberry Storm better than the iPhone and G1?
I'm trying to decide if the Blackberry Storm is worth staying with Verizon or should I just switch to T-mobile for the G1? So what makes it better than both the iPhone and the G1. Also, side question, is there anyway to fix the aim issue with Verizon. Basically have the html aim instead of having to move all your buddies to mobile buddies?

A: Personally (and of course, all of the answers are opinions) there are strong points and weaknesses for each phone. As the owner of all 3 phones (for at least a week) I personally LOVE the new Storm. Yeah, I over payed for it on ebay to get it early, but that's nothing new for me. I know this sounds crazy, and there are way more important things to talk about, but the "click" that the Storm makes is absolutely amazing. I have big hands, and I'm not a HUGE fan of touchscreen keyboards (which is why I liked the G1), but the clicking noise lets me focus better and actually type something out without "fat fingering" it. Not to mention reading PDFs on the Storm is a delight, among other things. It may not be able to compete application wise yet, but I'm sure that will change in the future. Hope that helps!

Q: Would an unlocked Blackberry Storm work on the Sprint Network?
If i buy an unlocked Blackberry Storm, Would i be able to activate it with Sprint? What are the Pro's and Con's of having your phone unlocked?

A: The Blackberry storm even though it has a SIM card cannot be used on Sprint CDMA as the net packages such as Vision and Verizon network is different causing the phone to likely crash. The other difficulty is that it requires a sublock code, which employees can be terminated for giving out. On the other hand Blackberry storm does have a SIM Card slot which you can be used when you are international on GSM networks. By the way, I got a the storm for only $99 bucks! Making this phone the best phone that you can use on a GSM network.

Q: How much does the Blackberry Storm plan cost for a 2 year Verizon customer?
I'm hopefully getting a Blackberry storm and I was wondering if you could get a pick and choose type plan, or integrate your current plan plus extra features.

A: The new Storm is $249.99 with a $50 mail-in-rebate. So $199.99 total. HOWEVER- You must add a required $29.99 per month data and email plan to get this phone at this price.

Q: How much will the blackberry storm cost for me?
We already have a family plan. I got a new phone almost half a year ago so I don't get an upgrade anytime soon. So how much will the blackberry storm cost me? All i want to do is get the phone and use the service we already have...

A: around 200 but the blackberry storm isnt the best touch screen for verizon i just got it and i press the top corner and in the middle it will select something else.. im not really happy with it

Q: If I get the blackberry storm, do i have to have a special plan for picture messaging ?
I have the voyager now and i have an update coming up at the end of the month. I want the blackberry storm, but my dad said he didn't want to pay another extra $30 for picture messaging because I already have the unlimited unlimited massaging.

A: BlackBerry devices DO have picture messaging (MMS messaging). Not sure what the first reply is talking about. Verizon doesn't allow MMS messages from BlackBerrys without a camera, but that is just them. I am able to send MMS messages to people on T-Mobile with my current BlackBerry 8700g, and it doesn't have a camera. Verizon requires new sign ups for BlackBerry devices to purchase the BlackBerry data plan. There is not a way around it. If he doesn't want to get that plan, then he will need to get a different device. But the BlackBerry data plan will allow you to send MMS messages to other phones if you use the Storm, as it comes with a camera.

Q: Does the blackberry storm have everything a sidekick 2008 has?
Ok, so I have a sidekick 2008 and I might get a blackberry storm for Christmas..I was wondering does it have all the features that the sidekick has? Like picture messaging, video messaging, plus more?

A: It does have even more than the sidekick. First the camera is a 3.2 Mega pixels. You have your regular IM's, Yahoo, MSN, Google Talk, AOL. Plus the exclusive BlackBerry messaging. it comes also with Facebook and Flickr. You can setup 10 E-mail accounts, I think the sidekick has only 5 accounts. do not forget the Web browser, Visual voice mail and the navigator GPS. I do like it allot. you can check my experience on my blog http://blackberrystormphone.blogspot.com

Q: How much does the new blackberry storm cost?
So I can upgrade my phone as of october and i am thinking about the new blackberry storm. however, i was wondering how much does it cost? i have read anywhere from $199-$699.

A: i just ordered one! the phone with the 2 year plan is 150 or 200 without its like 250 however you have to get some extra thing with e-mail you gave to choose between one that is 30 or 50. Mine was 270 but im so excited hope i could help!