Verizon Blackberry Storm talking points slip out

by Nilay Patel posted Sep 15th 2008 at 11:04AM

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]

Filed under: Handsets, RIM, Verizon Wireless

Tags: blackberry, blackberry storm, blackberry thunder, BlackberryStorm, BlackberryThunder, rim, storm, thunder, verizon

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Neutral

darkninja @ Sep 15th 2008 11:38AM

When the link talks of "quad-band architecture" it is not saying quad-band GSM. It means 850/1900 on 1X and Ev.Do and 900/800 GSM making it a "quad-band" device. No device in verizon history has ever been released with 850/1900 GSM bands as they are primarily used in the states. And most countries that use GSM on the 850/1900 band also have CDMA coverage as well making the GSM not necessary.

Neutral

darkninja @ Sep 15th 2008 11:37AM

Edit to above comment when i said 900/800 my keyboard left out the 1 so when talking about the gsm frequencies it should read 900/1800. Oops.

Neutral

Curtis @ Sep 15th 2008 11:38AM

Hrmmm, I have an old 7130 for work that needs to be replaced, guess I might snag this one then.

Neutral

Andrew T. @ Sep 15th 2008 12:29PM

Success of the 9530 will be solely based on two (maybe 3 things):

1. Touchscreen: has to be equally or better than the iPhone's multi-touch (can't deny that the functionality of it is pretty smooth)
2. Touch QWERTY keyboard: arguably, the iPhone's touch keyboard was difficult to use to some users (specifically those who have become very familiar with a physical QWERTY keyboard). RIM has advertised that the keyboard will act and feel like a physical keyboard - lets hope they provide a product to back that claim up
3. Operating System: can't argue on having a mobile version of MacOSX. So far, RIM's 4.2, 4.5 and 4.6 OS's don't really contribute to a consumer feel, rather it still makes it feel like a enterprise, messaging device. Hopefully RIM steers away from those OS's and possibly introduce a whole new OS aimed specifically at consumers.

If RIM can nail those (as best they can or as advertised) they might really be a serious competitor to the iPhone.

Neutral

Tor Slettnes @ Sep 15th 2008 4:38PM

'Course, RIM is _already_ outperforming Apple/iPhone:

* More sales, even in the USA (worldwide, neither RIM nor Apple are significant compared to Symbian) - see: http://www.intomobile.com/2008/09/10/report-shows-the-busiest-browsing-handsets.html
* More features (e.g. better cameras w/video recording, a real bluetooth stack w/tethering, a2dp, etc..) - see: http://www.iphonebuzz.com/iphones-bluetooth-is-dumb-purposely-crippled-or-both-151188.php
* J2ME - supports thousands of standard mobile applications (such as AmazeGPS for voice navigation, Skype, etc) - the iPhone only supports specific applications that are "blessed" through Apple's iTunes store.

Neutral

Scott @ Sep 15th 2008 4:54PM

Any try to go to the link? I tried and nothing there yet. Maybe it is too soon?

Highly Ranked

Mr. E @ Sep 15th 2008 12:39PM

The big ? that should be answered is , REV A or only REV 0?
without Wifi, it better have REV A or it's near useless for data,
too darn slow, once u got REV A u won't go back.

Sure they say it's "3G" but I have seen that on a 1X phone so what...

Neutral

D.C.H @ Sep 15th 2008 4:34PM

Ok Verizon, where is it... it's coming up on 5pm EST and still no announcement. What gives?

Neutral

Daniel Perz @ Sep 15th 2008 6:59PM

The term "Quadband" has always been synonymous with "Quadband GSM". Until I see specs that state otherwise I'll stand by that. Regardless, the 9500 for Rogers and Eurasian providers will undoubtedly be Quadband GSM with (at least) Triband HSPA (850/1900/2100).

Neutral