What Laptop logo

RIM Blackberry Storm smartphone - first look

Philip Barker - 18 December 2008 - 1:53pm

Although it started off as the definitive business device, RIM’s BlackBerry has got progressively more consumer-friendly with each iteration, and the latest – the BlackBerry Storm – is the first we’ve seen to truly appeal to all types of user.

 

It arrived in our office at the beginning of this week, and first impressions are favourable. The front of the Storm is covered by a 3.25-inch touchscreen display, similar in style to Apple’s iPhone. It makes media playback a joy, and the high resolution means images are reproduced in pin-sharp accuracy.

 

A key difference to other touchscreen phones is that you’ll actually have to press the screen – the whole thing moves like a large button – rather than just tapping it. We found it slightly unusual at first, but one you get accustomed it’s a great system, as you’re left in no doubt your actions have registered.

 

The menu is typically intuitive, with features and applications divided into finger-friendly buttons. As with all BlackBerrys, it’s easier than ever to setup email accounts and keep in touch with the office, although a lack of Wi-Fi means you’ll have to use the 3G/HSDPA connectivity instead.

 

We've yet to get to grips with all the Storm's features, but keep an eye out here for a full review in the next couple of days.

 

 

 

RIM's Blackberry Storm arrived in our office at the beginning of this week. With a huge touchscreen display and emphasis on media playback, in addition to its excellent corporate credentials, could this be the smartphone to beat Apple's iPhone?

It's definitely not as good

Philip (not verified) - 12 January 2009 - 12:13pm

It's definitely not as good as previous Blackberrys for battery life. Especially if used for media, videos ect. It lasts for a week under extremely light use - but that's obviously not what these phones are about..

Blackberry Storm - no life in the battery lets this phone down

Anonymous (not verified) - 30 December 2008 - 11:50pm

My daughter purchased this on a upgrade with Vodaphone, she was initially pleased with the phone but unfortunately the battery life lets it down and needs charging every other day, as a result she took it back under the 14day home trial and swapped it for another make.

..

Michael (not verified) - 20 December 2008 - 1:00pm

my dream phone.

Post new comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.
Image CAPTCHA
Copy the characters (respecting upper/lower case) from the image.

Hot Review

  • The best netbooks - 14 of the world's greatest netbooks reviewed

    14 of the best netbooksWhen netbooks first arrived on the scene, no one – manufacturers or consumers alike – expected them to take the world by storm. We’d seen tiny laptops at What Laptop before, so were quite surprised at the whirlwind success and the online flurry caused by the first Asus Eee PC netbook.

    Since then, we’ve seen netbooks from nearly every major manufacturer – several in some cases – which is great for the consumer. It also presents a conundrum, however, as with similar sizes and specifications throughout the market, it makes choosing the right netbook for you even more difficult. Here we take a look at the best, making it easy for you to pick your perfect portable.

Hot Review

Latest Issue

  • Issue 126 - on sale NOW!

    Issue 126 - on sale NOW!

    Sub-£399 Laptops
    Four of the best laptops for less than £400

    Ultraportable Laptops
    Stylish and compact sub-2kg portables

    Sub-£799 Laptops
    High performance and hi-def features

Latest Issue