BlackBerry Storm2

Editor's Review of the Storm2

Another sleek addition to the Blackberry Storm line-up, the BlackBerry Storm2 joins the BlackBerry Storm 9500 and resembles its communication features which have been upgraded. Clad in black casing, it weighs 160 grams and measures 112.5 x 62.2 x 14 millimetres. It impresses with a touch-sensitive TFT LCD screen measuring 81.28 millimetres that displays images and graphics in 65,000 colours on clear resolution on 480 x 360 pixels. It supports ringtones in MP3, MIDI and polyphonic which users may assign for call, text and other alerts.

This Smartphone's touch screen comes with the SurePress and SureType navigation features that allow users to navigate this handset with accurate controls. Users may make text and numeric inputs either through its on-screen QWERTY keyboard, which is viewable in either portrait or landscape modes. For security purposes, the Blackberry Storm2's touch-sensitive screen supports a screen-lock feature on which users may assign a password.

Beyond offering advanced communication features, this handset provides entertainment for its users. It has an onboard 3.2-Megapixel camera complete with flash and auto focus for precision and clarity in every photo output. This integrated snapping device also comes with an image stabiliser to avoid unwanted blurs in pictures. Users may customise their photos with photo effects by tweaking the camera settings. Being a memory keeper, this camera also works as a video recorder. It also enables users to stream and view their footages in H263, H264, WMV and MPEG4 formats. As this handset comes with a dedicated camera, photo snapping or video recording is fun and easy. This mobile phone also offers a media player for the enjoyment of music lovers. It allows users to listen to their favourite tracks in MP3, AAC+, AAC, eAAC+, WMA ProPlus and WMA audio formats. Moreover, users may enjoy this handset as a gaming device because it supports games that may be downloaded from the Internet.

This handset supports SMS and MMS messaging services. Its Internet connectivity also enables users to access their e-mail accounts with attachments. It also has support for instant messaging to allow users to chat with their contacts. This handset also doubles as a virtual scheduler and planning assistant with its organiser tools consisting of a phone book, calendar, alarm clock and vibrating alert option, as well as A-GPS navigation with Blackberry Maps support that provides direction guide. Making or taking calls is also easy with this handset's speakerphone and conference call features.

This handset does not only look classy, but is also packed with full Smartphone easy-to-use features. It is powered by Blackberry v.5 operating system. As a quad band handset, the Blackberry Storm2 functions over GSM 850, GSM 900, GSM 1800, GSM 1900 and HSDPA 2100. This handset makes an ideal companion for travelling users but its network reach depends on its user's service provider. It has a built-in HTML Internet browser that users may utilise to explore the World Wide Web. On-the-go users may go online in designated hotspots through this handset's Wi-Fi support.

In addition, this mobile phone enables users to transfer data with compatible devices such as laptops, personal computers, printers, scanners or other handsets through the USB feature. Hassle-free file transfers are also possible using the wireless Bluetooth connectivity option. This handset runs on GPRS and EDGE technologies which boost Internet connection and data transfer rates. Moreover, this handset is 3G HSDPA-enabled, making it highly efficient in multi-tasking.

The Blackberry Storm2 has 256 Megabytes of flash memory. It is able to store 2 Gigabytes of data, which is expandable with the MicroSD memory card. Users may enjoy talks with their contacts for maximum of 5 hours. This handset also offers 305 hours of standby time when used with its battery fully charged.

Critics of this handset complain that users may need to make harder presses on the touch screen, because it is less responsive and its buttons are not as sensitive as the handset claims. Satisfied users contend, however, that this mobile phone is a quality upgrade to its predecessor, offering good quality of calls. Avid Blackberry users also like the Blackberry Storm2 because it allows users to communicate with ease and in style, consistent with what Blackberry is known for.