|
Don't be fooled; the
RIM BlackBerry Storm is more than just a pretty
face. As far as phone features, the Storm, like
the RIM BlackBerry 8830 World Edition, offers
dual-mode functionality. This means the phone
switches automatically between CDMA and GSM networks
to offer seamless international roaming--all while
keeping the same phone number. (Note that the
phone does not support domestic GSM bands, and
a SIM card is included in the box.) It also works
on Verizon's EV-DO Rev. A network as well as Europe's
2100MHz UMTS/HSDPA band. There's a full HTML Web
browser (no Flash), and the Storm will also support
Verizon's V Cast Music and Mobile TV services,
though not immediately at launch.
Other wireless options include
Bluetooth 2.0 with support for stereo Bluetooth
headsets and dial-up networking and GPS but no
Wi-Fi. BlackBerry Maps is onboard if you want
text-based turn-by-turn directions, but for more
advanced navigation features, such as voice prompts,
you'll be forced to use Verizon's VZ Navigator
service.
The BlackBerry Storm will
run the latest BlackBerry OS (version 4.7), so
you finally get an updated interface while still
getting support for multiple e-mail accounts (BlackBerry
Enterprise, Microsoft Exchange, Lotus Notes, POP3,
IMAP4, and more) with wireless synchronization.
In addition to an attachment viewer, you can also
do some light editing on Microsoft Word and PowerPoint
files. There's 128MB of flash memory and 1GB of
onboard memory, which is all supplemented by the
microSD/SDHC expansion slot (supports up to 16GB
cards).
Though the BlackBerry is historically
known more as a business device, RIM and Verizon
hope to attract more consumers with the BlackBerry
Storm and it comes with a number of multimedia
capabilities. The media player can handle various
music and video formats, including MP3, AAC, WMA,
WMV, MPEG4, and H.264. The included Media Sync
software will also help you synchronize your iTunes
files with your BlackBerry. The Storm is equipped
with a 3.2-megapixel camera with video recording,
auto focus, and flash.
Finally, it will come preloaded
with instant-messaging clients (Yahoo, Windows
Live, AOL, and ICQ) and a number of social-networking
apps, including Facebook, MySpace, and Flickr.
You'll also be able to download more programs
over the air through the new BlackBerry App Center.
|
