This isn’t the first video review of the BlackBerry Storm 2, but, it is probably the most detailed. I cannot wait until I can get my hands on one of these…
[Via The BlackBerry Zone]
BlackBerry Storm 2 Video Review
by Robb Dunewood | Aug 15, 2009 | BlackBerry | 21 comments
21 Comments
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WOW! Looks like RIM got it right this time!
I’m sold. This will replace my Pearl in 3 months (if it’s out by then)…
On the AT&T network, huh? I thought it was going to be a Verizon phone…
Running on standard, open, global GSM via the AT&T network! Very good RIM go head to head with the iPhone.
If this video is the closest to the final version then the Storm 2 is still not there. It seems more like Storm 1.4.
Yes, it seems more responsive, but I still didn’t see a Wi-Fi option in ‘Manage Connections’. That’s the biggest complaint I hear from all of the BB Storm users I support.
The fact that the Storm 2 in this video is on AT&T only shows that it can be unlocked. Just like the Storm 1. Note that his data connection is ‘edge’ (lower-case). The same thing happens when you unlock a Storm 1 and replace the Verizon SIM with an AT&T SIM. The Storm 1 can’t communicate on the 3G frequency of AT&T’s data network and it looks like the Storm 2 won’t be able to either.
And in regard to ‘The Rock’s’ comment about going head to head with the iPhone. There are thousands of links on the web comparing the iPhone to the Storm 1 and the iPhone still comes out on top. Not to mention the iPhone’s new 3.0 OS and the App Store.
Anyway, I’m not pro iPhone or pro Blackberry… I’m for the right tool for the right job. If web surfing is where you spend most of your time with your mobile device then the iPhone is the way to go. If you’re a texting, mobile typewriting-machine then a Blackberry with a full keyboard (with actual keys) is for you.
Lastly, I still argue that the benefit of a touch screen is that you can “touch” it… not press it. Pressing the screen essentially makes it one gigantic button. Sorry Blackberry, but typing on an iPhone is much easier than typing on a Storm. To Blackberry’s defense, typing on a Bold is hands down the fastest and easiest way to enter text into a mobile device.
Keep an open mind to all devices people. If you’re restricted to a carrier due to work or contract then your first question should be “How do I plan on using this device?” Web vs. messaging is typically what it all comes down to.
AJ
I was too late! The videos were removed at the request of RIM! Well, I guess I was a couple of hours late, and a Storm Video short (sob)…
Freda,
The video at the top of this thread still works. What video’s are you talking about with “The videos were removed at the request of RIM!”?
RIM,
Sell the Storm II through ALL providers, Sell the Storm II unbranded and unlocked direct. Give smartphone customers a reason to look at at the RIM BB Storm II instead of or in addition to buying the iPhone.
@The Rock,
You say something to this effect in what seems like every other comment. My question to you is, other than personally feeling this is the right thing to do, why should RIM do this? Give me the business reasons and possibly a bit of data to back your position up that RIM should sell unbranded and direct and tell us how this will ultimately benefit RIM share holders.
Why “RIM should sell unbranded and direct and tell us how this will ultimately benefit RIM share holders.”?
In addition to sales through carriers RIM, by selling (at unsubsidized prices) unbranded, unlocked and direct would sell more BB’s which would benefit RIM and RIM share holders. Thinking and acting outside the box sells. Of course as we all know the iPhone mostly, completely negated BB users on other providers from being upset about the Storm only being available through big red, but it’s a good example where RIM could have sold alot more BB’s if they are available through all providers and also available direct unbranded and unlocked.
RIM gain’s = the amount of BB’s out there
RIM gain’s = giving consumers choice, not getting screwed by exclusive carrier deals
RIM gain’s = giving customers a direct link to RIM no matter if it’s buying hardware direct, service, sales, training, innovation…. Having a direct link with BB customers is priceless. Remember RIM is not just hardware, but also software and BES and BIS.
And Why “RIM should sell unbranded and direct and tell us how this will ultimately benefit RIM share holders.”? Because they can, Because some/most new RIM BB smartphones are designed to be able to be used by both CDMA and GSM networks. That’s a benefit they should run with. By selling direct (at unsubsidized prices) it gives smart consumers the choice to use THEIR BB on what ever carrier THEY chose.
Also in doing so RIM reminds customers they are also customers of RIM, that the service provider is just that, the wireless pipe that RIM uses to provide BB customers data service. It might be a verizon BB, a T-Mo BB, a Sprint BB, or a AT&T BB but at the end of the day it’s a RIM BB. RIM is also providing the day to day BB server back end. RIM in more control of the hardware will correct a bunch of the problems due to carriers overstepping or understepping actions when it comes to RIM’s BB’s.
Hey ‘The Rock’,
Neither RIM, Apple, Nokia, SE, LG or any manufacturer has chosen to build a mobile device that would communicate on ALL of the various data and communication frequencies regulated by the FCC. Such a device would last only about 30 minutes on a full charged battery. Not including Wi-Fi and bluetooth usage.
Additionally, each carrier pays for certain frequencies of bandwidth. T-Mobile, for example uses frequencies 1700 + 2100 MHz for its 3G network while AT&T uses 850 + 1900 MHz for its 3G network. Verizon uses 800 + 1900 MHz, but in order for a device to use their 3G network it needs to be able to communicate on both frequencies (send and receive). That’s why the Storm 2 in the video had a lowercase ‘edge’ displayed… it was using an AT&T SIM and couldn’t communicate with the correct frequencies.
The point I’m trying to make is that carriers make exclusive deals with manufactures so that they can offer more choices to their customers. If the carrier wants exclusivity, then they’ll have to ‘pay’ for such caché. AT&T paid Apple a pretty penny to be the exclusive distributor of the iPhone and I’m sure Sprint paid a lot to exclusively carry the Palm Pre. Verizon obviously did the same with RIM and the Storm.
Hope this helps answer questions and clarify the relationships between device manufacturer, mobile carrier and the FCC.
My $0.02,
AJ
@ The Rock,
I don’t disagree that these are all good opinions as to why RIM should sell all their device unlocked, unbranded, and direct, however, what I believe that you failing to consider is the fact that the carriers pay a hefty premium to have devices carrier branded, locked exclusively to their network, and sold exclusively on their network.
There are enormous benefits to RIM when they can sell millions of devices to one customer that owns the network on which said devices run as compared to trying to sell each of those devices individually to consumers.
“enormous benefits” “that the carriers pay a hefty premium” is all well and good however there should always be a option for RIM to provide sales, service, training, for BB customers directly. Of course the devices would be priced higher since they are not subsidized and the greater sales would be through the wireless service providers but think about RIM fans, think about those who prefer to just buy their devices and not have to deal with service providers device upgrade rules, think about those who need to replace their BB for what ever reason and why not pay retail to RIM the manufacture instead of paying retail to one of the four orifices. Those are just a few reasons why RIM should in addition to carrier sales, provide sales, service, training, for BB customers directly. To again point out RIM is also a service provider, (RIM is more than just a device manufacture) a direct line between RIM and it’s customers is priceless as the industry moves forward and more realize that the four orifices are just a wireless pipe and that they shouldn’t / won’t have all the control they try to keep over manufactures and consumers.
IE my Blackberry is a RIM Blackberry with name of one of the four orifices being my wireless provider, NOT my Blackberry is [a name of one of the four orifices] Blackberry.
IE my iPhone is a Apple iPhone with name of one of the four orifices being my wireless provider, NOT my iPhone is a [name of one of the four orifices] iPhone.
There are only positives for RIM to provide unsubsidized sales, service, training, for BB customers directly, at what ever scale makes the most sense in addition to subsidized sales through service providers.
“there should always be a option for RIM to provide sales, service, training, for BB customers directly”
Once again, this is an opinion. Give me data to back up that opinion.
@The Rock The links at The Blackberry Zone. I am looking at this thread in Mobile Version…so no links at the top.
Freda,
Darn. When you get a sec bring up rimarkable the youtube video posted looks pretty good for the Storm II
While I think both of you make GREAT points – I do not believe the majority of consumers care.
They want a cool device on their network – they don’t care if it’s open – especially if it means they have to pay more up front….
Remember – most consumers are not geeks with political agenda’s against capitalism 😉
I agree with you wholeheartedly which is, in my opinion, the way the system is the way that it is.
It is just that the Rock has stated that RIM should sell devices open and unlocked so many times that I want to hear reasons why that aren’t his personal opinion, but, something that can be backed up as a good business decision based on actual data and facts.
Robb looks like you too need to start thinking and acting outside the box, there is plenty of “good business decision based on actual data and facts” out there to support my call for RIM to step up and not be completely beholden to the whims of the four orifices. You might even admit/agree RIM’s agenda is much different than the agenda of the four orifices. We all know factory stores do not work for everyone (dell, gateway mismanagement, poor quality), but there are factory stores which have moved some tech companies to the next level. Those same companies also left sales, service, training to 3rd party and realized being completely beholden to the whims of 3rd parties is a good way towards lack of sales, and poor customer knowledge and poor perception of the manufacture and their products.
RIM needs to take the next step forward and provide unsubsidized sales, service, training, for BB customers directly, at what ever scale makes the most sense in addition to subsidized sales through service providers.
I would love to hear some of that good ole’ data and facts from you Rock. You can’t expect Rob to make your point for you. Enlighten us all on how RIM investors would benefit by RIM not signing exlcusivity deals with carriers, not selling millions of devices to a single customer, and not reaping all the benfits of carrier branded advertising on devices exlusive to them by selling unlocked and unbranded devices individually.
Ideologically I agree with you, Rock, but ideology does not a good business practice make…
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