My Exercise In Futility

I’ve had my BlackBerry Storm since the second day it has been on the market and I feel that I have owned the device long enough to give you my honest opinion based on a fair trial period. I feel that the BlackBerry Storm is a disappointment and has reaffirmed my original proclamation that a ‘touchscreen’ BlackBerry is not a good idea. My comments are only specific to the device itself, not to the voice and data service provided by Verizon Wireless.

As I stated in an earlier entry (and when I thought the Storm was named Thunder), a BlackBerry is first and foremost a device used to extend the productivity of business users. The features of the BlackBerry Storm are not conducive to business productivity. For instance, the media player and integrated camera work quite well, but they are not features a business user would require on their BlackBerry. Additionally, I think that the touchscreen BlackBerry also decreases productivity significantly. Even after one has practiced and becomes familiar with the touchscreen, the user is still prone to mistakes and typing errors that they should feel compelled to correct before sending their message. (I say ’should’ because I have seen many BlackBerry users add the disclaimer ‘Typos courtesy of my BlackBerry device.’ This is an entirely separate topic of discussion and a major pet peeve of mine.)

I think that RIM had a good idea when they tried to develop a ‘responsive’ touchscreen that clicks when you type. However, I think that the concept was executed poorly with this device. Before I actually received my device, I thought that each letter would click in response to my typing. I was not aware that the entire touchscreen itself was in fact one large button. If you do not press the touchscreen hard enough, your input is not accepted. 

Some of my bias may stem from the fact that I have been a BlackBerry user from the start. Users who have never previously owned a BlackBerry device may feel comfortable with the Storm, but I wouldn’t bet the farm on that idea either. Rumors of the return rate of the BlackBerry Storm are suggested to be somewhere between 35 – 50%. 

I can tell you, my experience has not been pleasant. I am either switching to the Palm Treo 700wx and remaining on the Verizon Wireless network, or I am going to switch back to AT&T and get my iPhone back. I’ll update you later.

As of 10:15 A.M. on Saturday morning, I am officially a Verizon Wireless subscriber. I have wanted a good reason to switch from AT&T to Verizon for some time now. Until the release of the BlackBerry Storm, Verizon really didn’t have any phone that could compete with AT&T’s iPhone. Regular readers of my blog may find it surprising that, first of all, I would even consider replacing my iPhone and that second, it would be with a touchscreen BlackBerry.

I am definitely a fan of all things Apple, and I still am. My reasons for giving up the iPhone have nothing to do with Apple. I think the device itself is brilliant, and I think that in places other than New York City, it probably works on the 3G network beautifully. For example, my roommate is visiting family in Germany with his iPhone right now and he has explained that he doesn’t have half the problems with his iPhone while in Germany as he does when he is here in New York City. Both of us are avid Apple fans and love our iPhones, but we despise not being able to place a call from our iPhones that display four bars or more when we are sitting in the middle of our apartment. The sad part is that this sort of cellular service is par for the course for AT&T users throughout New York City. It is for this reason, and this reason alone, that both Tom and I have converted to Verizon. And believe you me, I plan to take as many people over to the Verizon network with me as possible.

So, those are my reasons for switching. It’s only been 24 hours with the new device on the new network, but so far I feel I have made a great decision. No, the BlackBerry Storm is NOT an iPhone, but it comes pretty close. It has similar features and applications to that of the iPhone. Although they may not be as sleek, they get the job done. But bottom line, I’ve been getting more use out of my BlackBerry Storm in 24 hours than I ever did on my iPhone.

I will write a more thorough review in a feature entry, but I need just a little more time with the device. But to give you a few good points off the top of my head, I list the following positive reasons for using the BlackBerry Storm in New York City:

• The battery life alone is reason enough to make the switch. You can do more for a longer period of time with the BlackBerry Storm.
• The Verizon network has worked everywhere I have tried to use it so far. I have been to every corner of this apartment looking for a dead zone and I haven’ found one yet. I will let you know if the same is true when I head to work tomorrow.
• BlackBerry’s are made for e-mail. Apple is doing a good job of being a BlackBerry competitor, but I feel they still have a little catching up to do.

Look for my review in the next couple of days. But until then, I would be interested to hear from any other people who may have converted from the iPhone or who may own, in tandem, a BlackBerry Storm. Leave me a comment – tell me:

• What city do you live in?
• Have you previously owned a BlackBerry device?
• What do you think of a touch screen BlackBerry?
• How do you think the BlackBerry touch screen compares to the iPhone’s touch screen?

I’m just curious – I don’t know how many techie readers I have, but I’m anxious to hear your opinions if you’re out there.

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I ask because I feel that my previous decisions were made for the wrong reasons. I will explain that statement tomorrow at about 2 P.M. after my review of the BlackBerry Storm.