BlackBerry Storm coming next Friday

gallery

The BlackBerry Storm, the touch screen lovechild of Research in Motion (RIM) and Vodafone will go on sale in just over a week’s time.

Contrary to reports suggesting users would be able to get their hands on the device from tomorrow through Vodafone’s retail partner Phones 4u have been dismissed by today's official announcement.

The companies have just one major software update to complete – to optimise browsing and zooming capabilities – before the handset goes on sale.

“We know customers are excited about the Storm and the early pre-orders really emphasise this. We continue to take orders and are excited that customers are responding so enthusiastically,” said the mobile operator’s consumer director Ian Shepherd.

“Our customers told us that they wanted a single phone that would give them the most secure, reliable email and messaging experience possible combined with all the desirable smartphone features, and at a price that’s affordable. The BlackBerry Storm has delivered all of this and more and will give our customers incredible power in their hands to make the most of now.”

IT PRO got a sneak peek of the device earlier today and our first impressions are pretty good. The device weight and size is good and it features a myriad of applications that will keep those intending to use it for both work and play very happy.

And for those worried after previous experiences of unresponsive touch screens and easy-to-break displays, fear not. We’ve been reassured that this aspect of the phone has been tested by a machine whose sole job is to continuously hit the screen. Obviously, it passed with flying colours.

Our sister title Know Your Mobile joined us for the preview and have created a first look video to show you what all the fuss is about.

We should be getting our hands on a device for a full review next week so watch this space for more details.

Email to a friend

Print this page