RIM Blackberry Storm smartphone - review

We’ve had the Blackberry Storm for over a month now, and while first impressions were really favourable, we’ve found a few issues since.

The screen is one of the best we’ve seen to date on a smartphone, proving every bit as good as Apple’s iPhone when it comes to movie playback. It measures 3.25-inches, but it’s the pin-sharp resolution that steals the show, with images that appear in near high-definition clarity.

It’s also the first screen we’ve seen where you actually have to press it – like an oversized button – leaving you in no doubt that your actions have registered. It takes a little getting used to, but once accustomed we found it offers great usability. 

With the phone held in portrait mode, you’ll find a choice of phone-like multi-tap setups offered. Flip the phone into landscape, with an accelerometer automatically turning the display, and you’ll get a full QWERTY board.

Those who use their Blackberry for the fast typing speeds they can achieve may find the Storm a step backwards. The onscreen keyboard is no match for a regular hardware keypad, and it’s not as good as an iPhone due to poorer correction software. It’s better than most touchscreen devices, but the fact that you have to actually press the screen prevents you from hitting several keys a second.

We found the Blackberry operating system a lot easier to use than the Windows Mobile OS offered on most other touchscreen phones, with no need to use a stylus. Shortcuts on the home page let you access your favourite applications, with a comprehensive list officered when you press the menu button. It’s a shame there’s no rollerball for scrolling, as it can be a slightly laborious process. 

Email setup is typically simple for a Blackberry, using the Blackberry server. Business users will lament the lack of Wi-Fi, making it impossible to join your company’s network when in the office, but 3G/HSDPA connectivity offers rapid download speeds and makes it easy to send attachments.

Features include a 3.2-megapixel camera, which we found incredibly slow to focus, and integrated GPS. Along with Google Maps, you’ll be able to use the Storm for navigation. Software is comprehensive, with a full office suite provided to view or edit your work on the go.

Build quality is excellent, with a mix of hardy plastics and tough brushed aluminium used. A silver strip of plastic around the sides of the device contrast stylishly with the dark casing. It’s not the lightest device – at 155g – but the weight helps to give it a quality feel.

The lack of Wi-Fi lets the Storm down most as a corporate tool and touchscreen typing is still slower than using a proper keypad, but there’s no denying the appeal as a multimedia device. If you’re after a touchscreen phone this is the first we’ve seen to offer valid competition to Apple’s iPhone.