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Nov 14, 08 - 06:35 pm Comment from: ericdano

CRN? What is that? Never heard of them. After reading part of this person's "article" I can see why I don't know of them.....

Nov 14, 08 - 06:38 pm Comment from: amyhre

Can you play Super Monkey Ball on it using the accelerometer? Spreadsheets, pshaw. And does it blend? If anything, I see this as more like a small rain shower than a Storm.

Nov 14, 08 - 06:41 pm Comment from: Mac Daddy

The "two touch-screen Titans????" What a crock. There is only one touch-screen Titan, and everything else is just a wanna-be, so far.

At least it's not on a crap network.

And it's secure.

Good enough for me.

hahaha....CRN, they're one of our clients.

Anyway, yeah, their articles are bullsh*t. The Storm won't do anything. At all.

Nov 14, 08 - 06:53 pm Comment from: Crazylegs

MDN must be getting nervous that the Storm might actually deliver a good experience if they feel so compelled to have to trash it over and over again. Why don't we wait until the device gets in the hands of users and then decide?

It's ok to have choices and it's ok if some opinions aren't always 100% pro-apple. I guess opinions are still like assholes - everyone has one and they all stink - including MDN's...

Nov 14, 08 - 06:57 pm Comment from: MacDailyNews Webmaster

Crazylegs,

This is just our third article, total, on RIM's BlackBerry Storm and it only exists because some nimrod at CRN insisted on calling it an "iPhone killer."

Crazylegs,

Including yours.

Nov 14, 08 - 06:59 pm Comment from: Crazylegs

"JD - your opinion doesn't count here. This is a pro-apple site. If you aren't going to write something that is 150% pro-apple then get the hell out of here you jerk."

...a friendly message from MDN...

Nov 14, 08 - 06:59 pm Comment from: Crazylegs

johnlee - yup! mine is especially stinky!

Flame on fanboys... sad you guys can't stomach to give props to anyone other than Apple. If it's not Apple, it sucks is all you ever hear from u fanboys.

How can you so quickly dismiss some rather obvious statements like, the camera is superior, blackberry is still the gold standard for corporate email, and it has a clickable screen providing an extra dimension for navigation? These are not at all debatable points, they are facts. I think it's interesting you chose to leave out the author's comment on cut and paste (again, not debatable).

Look, the Storm has some cool features that are definitely superior to the iphone. Likewise, the iphone has some cool features (none as obvious as the killer OS) that are clearly superior to the Storm.

Would you not praise Apple if they gave you a better camera, cut and paste, zero MobileME issues, a clickable screen, and a higher resolution? Would these features not improve the iphone? Ignoring the truth and acting like your poo don't stink just makes you look stupid.

The iphone is a killer phone, no doubt. There will never be an "iphone killer" because Apple loyalty is legit. Will apple dominate the cell biz like they did with the mp3 players, I doubt it, but I love the competition.

So, bring on the flames...

Nov 14, 08 - 07:03 pm Comment from: Crazylegs

MDN - that is total BS. this site has been trashing BBs for months. come on, at least admit how biased you are. that's all i want, for you to recognize an inherent bias and let it be known that MDN loves him some Apple and hates him some anything else. that is fine as long as you know it.

and the Storm won't kill the iPhone, that is insane. but it still can sell very well, be an excellent device, and provide value to end users. at least admit that much as well.

"MDN must be getting nervous that the Storm might actually deliver a good experience if they feel so compelled to have to trash it over and over again."

LOL, right. I guess MDN is getting nervous about Motorola and Palm, too.

"4. The Storm's touch screen is "clickable."

When I read that the Storm had a clickable screen, one thought entered my mind.

If you are firmly pushing on the screen all of the time to make it click, how will this affect the touch screen long term?

Will Rim be replacing every Storm in 6 months time because the touch screens have dozens of dead pixels?

Does anyone here know?

@divetitot and others of simialr mind--

Notice the underlying assumption in the article? iPhone is the best. It's not about flame-bait, it's that this guy, like so many others did with the iPod and have thankfully quit trying to do, it seems-- is elevate other products to try to tear down Apple's product. They're alway thin arguments though and the "killer" new product has a way of just fading away. Until the next. And the next.

MDN is right. The article's arguments are thin, at best. Of course iPhone isn't perfect. It isn't the most feature-filled. It isn't the lightest, the camera-i-est, the blah blah blah. It's the best overall consumer-driven phone that has a great deal of untapped potential. And that's really it-- this platform has only begun to take off. iPhone is not just a phone, but a new paradigm. Just watch and see if that's not true over time.

The Blackberry Storm or Blackberry Anything will not be credited in the history books for... well... anything. They're playing catch-up to Apple. To RIM's credit, they don't seem to trip over their own feet as M$ does. So yes, bring on the competition!

As a 3G owner, I agree, the iPhone does need a better camera.

Everything else mentioned is a joke.

MDN, as a current iPhone user, what the Apps you speak of that allow editing of documents on the iPhone? This would be very useful.

Nov 14, 08 - 08:39 pm Comment from: winmacguy

2 Terms of Bush has left you guys in a real mess and you say that you can't wait for 2010 - what for the chance to vote for the Repblicans .... again?

Nov 14, 08 - 08:40 pm Comment from: winmacguy

@ Rob - Google docs I think.

Nov 14, 08 - 09:24 pm Comment from: EvilRonin

Nice call crazylegs. The MDN response borders on...FUD.

The "Storm" is still vaporware, folks! GET IT? VAPORWARE? It doesn't exist in the wild yet. GET IT? When it does, we'll talk about how GOOD it is, or how BAD it is, or how MEDIOCRE it is, or . . . . . .

GET IT? IT'S STILL VAPORWARE! Everything about it is bullshit until it falls into the hands of real people. Not reviewers. Not analysts. Not RIM-JOB FANBOYS. Real people.

We'll see THEN how well it fares. Until then it's still . . . VAPORWARE! Nuff said.

(And please leave your ordure-filled political observations in your rectum where it belongs, OK, winmacguy. Nobody, I repeat NOBODY, gives a shit what you think about this or any other administration.)

Nov 14, 08 - 09:32 pm Comment from: 84 Mac Guy

Apple builds the best phone/Internet device on the market last year and you expect by now the competition would be bringing the big guns to tackle the iPhone. But instead, the competition is sending in one retard after another. Is Apple the only company that can innovate?

Nov 14, 08 - 09:41 pm Comment from: Scott in Japan

@crazylegs et al. You are and idiot. By you logic my opinion on a peecee or microshaft news site would carry more weight because I am not a pc/ms fan boy? That is a seriously flawed piece of thinking! Also, do you always lurk on websites concerning tho be you clearly disdain?

Dude.

Decaf.

It's just a phone.

4. The Storm's touch screen is "clickable."

MacDailyNews Take: Big whoop. Minor "feature" that, again, simply does not have the capacity to "kill" iPhone. Strike four.

Now if the iPhone had a click screen, we'd be wetting ourselves over how innovative it was....

Nov 14, 08 - 10:31 pm Comment from: Connor MacBook

About the only advantage any BlackBerry handset has over the iPhone is added data security, which is only of consequence to a fraction of corporate users. In every other aspect the iPhone is light years ahead.

That and complete OTA desktop integration.

Other than that...

CRN published an article based on vapor. There's no indication that the author has even used the Storm (you know, like a pre-release version), so he's basing everything on a FEATURE LIST.

Hasn't everyone learned yet that you can't just compare other products to Apple products based on feature lists? That feature lists just don't capture the Apple experience?

As a dedicated VZW customer, this is exactly the device I was waiting for. Glad to see that RIM has finally taken a step beyond their now long-in-the-tooth interface and is introducing something competitive.

I agree with MDN in that it's no iPhone-killer. But it's certainly something I'd cross-shop against the iPhone. Besides, RIM isn't Microsoft. They didn't make their name by shoving garbage down people's throats. They introduced a great device that carved its own niche - an email-centric phone. It's evolved into more of a smartphone in recent years, but it's still a darned good email device - better than the iPhone, I dare say.

Personally I find it more entertaining when you bash Windows Mobile, which is truly an unworthy competitor if ever there was one. Use one of these devices for any length of time and you'll find yourself scratching your head and getting frustrated - not so much with the BB.

Nov 14, 08 - 11:36 pm Comment from: Crazylegs

Randian - vaporware is just that, vapor. the storm is selling today at vodaphone uk and will be sold next week in the US. how does this classify as vaporware?

R2 - nope. motorola and palm deliver crap with no value add. both of them should fear iphone and bb.

scott in japan - thanks for your wonderful insights.

Nov 14, 08 - 11:51 pm Comment from: KingMel

@ divertito
And a clickable screen offers what advantage to the user?

"BlackBerry is launching its own take on the App Store."
And that vaporware is compared favorably to a thriving App Store? How many failed 'takes' on the iPod have been launched (and later sunk)? It all sounds Microsoftian to me..."we have a strategy, and I like our strategy. I like it a lot."

The Storm's touch screen is "clickable."

Dose this imply plastic screen?

Because after buying and using my original iphone since
day 1 the glass screen has ben it's best feature. I'm a contractor in the concrete industry (huge artificial waterfalls) and my iphone has survived daily abuse of being handled with cement covered hands and hundreds of drops that even my military grade Nextel could not handle.

I was buying new nextels for myself every 6 to 9 months some were $1,200 but all were crap compared to the iphone. Quickly loosing the ability to take a charge after only a few months, completely unreadable screen, and the worst charging connector (no wonder why Motorola is dying). I have ben so surprised by the iphones durability and the glass screen is a big part of it's success in being a great touch phone.

unrelated: Nextel unlimited incoming 1,200min + free night/wkends & free mobil to mobil unlimited walky talky
$350 ea per month I have 2 +1 radio $800 to $900 a mon

AT&T;$130 unlimited and it has internet email !

Here are some key points about Storm:

The clickable touch screen was tested on a machine whose job was just to hit the screen 24/7 & after passing the test it went for mass production.

Then think about the difference between built in quality applications & third party applications(which you might have to buy). Yes, I'm talking about the ms office.

Are you just out of your mind while considering no difference between a 2MP camera and 3.2MP camera plus 30fps video capability?

You can't even transfer a file using bluetooth from an iPhone 3G, which is available even on a BASIC phone.

On the contrary, iPhone has WiFi connectivity and a better web browser. It's sleek & sexy look is second to none.

But, you have to perform in the field. Blackberry Storm is a REAL doer, a serious device for productivity, social organising and also but NOT just for entertainment like iPhone3G, which was aimed for fun experience for both personal and mild business use.

The Storm's screen is glass.

@ anon: 'mild business use'? Bollocks.
WTF is that? The iPhone can be used for anything - as if you need a 'special' phone for 'heavy' business use.
Business types are solipsistic morons.


The storm has a defective screen that will wear out in six months or so. Also the software has some serious glitches.

A rumor site in the UK said that it could be a YEAR before they can release the storm.

if you like using a Blackberry already... then this is for you. and if you have problems with AT&T;then this if for you...

the thing is... everyone that calls something iPhone, iPod - Killer has already been doomed before their launch. Using "killer" has never worked when used against an Apple Product.

The App Store & iTunes are key components to their advantage over Blackberry. Otherwise, Verizon may be better in a different region of the U.S.

One thing is for sure. Apple missed an opportunity when it went exclusive with AT&T;. They could have ruled the smartphone space in North America. They still could if they released a Verizon-based iPhone (and T-Mobile). Maybe they will...

@scott - Yes, that's exactly it. Someone should come up with a name for these types of people. Maybe one syllable, starting with a T...

the clickable screen is either a brilliant alternative or a tacit admission that RIM just couldn't program touch effectively enough

Whenever I see the iPhone I aways think "expensive ripoff"

Rim ain't a iPhone killer, but these arguments are hitting people who wish it would be... who need to believe it. Those will take these dummy statements as religion and still buy some RIMs with the conviction they do the right choice!
Question: who paid this guy for his article?

Facts about the STORM:

WEB BROWSING will work off of the REV-A data network. FAST! go ahead google it.

REMOVABLE BATTERY!!....

EXPANDABLE MEMORY! the damn thing comes with an 8GB microSD (maxes out @16GB)and Global SIM!

CLICK DISPLAY with about the same feel as the new macbook trackpad . but more solid.

PICTURE MESSAGING.

SECURE. major gov't accounts only use RIM for email solutions.

... trust me i'm all about apple... but the iphone is just ok. im suprised no major upgrades were done with the 2nd gen.

I see what everyone is saying but really, if you like the iPhone, no need to defend it. There are no iPhone killers out there because there is nothing that can compare with it. It is the only true smartphone. It's the only device that is MANY more things than just being a phone. It's the best iPod. It's the best portable browser. It is becoming THE handheld gaming device for average gamers and .... for converting non-gamers. It's the only true handheld computer for everyone who doesn't want to struggle to get things done.
It's not an issue since there is no competition.

Seems to me that Blackberry users (or is that Apple-haters?) are VERY concerned that the Storm may not measure up.

iPhone is the one to beat, and all the rhetoric in world isn't going to put the BB Storm ahead of it....

Nov 15, 08 - 08:24 am Comment from: LordRobin

LOL that there are actually rabid Blackberry fanboys. I had no idea.

------RM

Nov 15, 08 - 08:37 am Comment from: MobileAdmin

Storm is going to sell a lot of devices no matter if it's an "iPhone" killer or not. Can we stop comparing everything happening around iPhone to how Apple is the major MP3 hardware seller? The cell phone industry is totally different and while Apple is doing some fantastic things it's also not doing things needed.

Verizon is by far the most popular and highest JD power rated carrier in the states. The fact that iPhone is tied to at&t;for the next 2 years only hurts apple. You can bet a storm version will trickle to every carrier in the next year.

Blackberry is the gold standard for email and if you deny that you just havn't used a BB against the latest BES version. BIS is not as robust but you can now:

- remotely pull down email you've deleted or filed into folders within your mailbox
- wireless reconcile and manage messages on the fly. iPhone is beyond clunky in this. I can plow through 50+ messages and have it reflected in my mailbox in a few minutes. WAAY too much flipping back and forth on the iPhone
- Calendar free / busy lookup when creating meetings, iPhone's calendar functionality is barely above what Palm was doing 4 years ago.
- built-in document EDITING (as well creation), I'll admit iPhones document viewing is very nice but with Documents to GO BB equals if not surpasses with added functionality.
- Seperate mailbox account / SMS-MMS so you can have your business/personal messages in their own "mailbox" if you choose.

I totally get that Apple is by far the best solution if you care most about web / media and gaming. Storm should at least provide a better experience then any previous Blackberry.

The lack of wifi isn't a huge deal to many people, REV A is very fast and Verizon has solid coverage throughout the US. Also the device is QUAD band and will work anywhere on the planet, try that with iPhone (no UMTS support)

The current Blackberry OS (4.6/4.7) will support MicroSD up to 32gb btw.

The Appstore is a great feature for Apple too but RIM will have a decent showing, likely not as many games but if I want that I have my DS, 360, Wii etc. I'm not a casual gamer so I don't game on my phone. The funny thing is a good selection of iPhone apps already are on Blackberry. Current favorite app - SitorSquat

I think the Storm will measure up just fine for what I need it to do.

I need a phone on the Verizon network. Check. iPhone? No.

I use Lotus Notes. Check. iPhone? No contact or calendar sync, iNotes is a weak solution.

I need encryption. Check. iPhone? Not so much.

@ Derek in Milan: You need a better rumor site. Storm is selling in England RIGHT NOW.

The iPhone is great. I wish I could have one for my personal phone, but AT&T;is useless where I live and where I work. I don't want or need the ability to play games.

I'm typing this on a MacBook, I have an iPod touch, there's an iMac in the next room. I'm hardly anti-Apple, but for my business needs the iPhone is a non-issue. I really don't understand why Mac users would rather denigrate every other platform than simply support the one they choose. RIM is a great company that makes great products. They're not Microsoft, they aren't consummate evil.

MDN has you people whipped up into a froth for no good reason. So some nitwit calls the Storm an iPhone killer. BFD. It's not so. It's going to be a good option for a large number of people who need what it does. If anything it legitimizes the iPhone concept in big business where RIM is a big player and Apple is not.

Blah, blah, blah.

Do you like your iPhone? Fine. Be happy with it and don't worry about the competition. I don't. My iPhone works exceptionally well for me.

Do you like your Storm? Fine... oh wait, it's not available yet. Never mind.

I want to know why is it always "iPhone killer"? The media seems to have this obsession with Apple products. How about just (p)reviewing products based on their own merits rather than this need to compare it with other products. Does the media think we as consumers are too stupid to comparison shop for ourselves?

Nov 15, 08 - 09:44 am Comment from: MacDailyNews Webmaster

A reminder that anyone can search for "Storm" or any other word(s) using the "Search MacDailyNews" feature at the bottom of every page of the site.

Searching for "Storm" will confirm that we have published just three articles regarding BlackBerry's wannabe iPhone, including the one you're currently reading.

Thank you.

What inflames the RIM CrackBerry-heads is the headline of this article. It's on Google News and many other places and it deftly and blatantly states RIM's problems in a nutshell.

I would not be surprised if RIM hasn't sent some astroturfers here to try to mitigate this article.

Also, it doesn't help that Apple iPhones have recently been found to be twice as reliable as RIM BlackBerries and that Apple has left RIM in the dust very quickly and is now the world’s #2 smartphone vendor.

Yes, you guessed it, I am an AAPL investor now.

CEO: I want iPhone as my mobile device, it is cool and innovative, fantastic screen, excellent design.

Overworked IT Guy (to himself): How the f*** I am going to support iPhone on corporate BES?

CEO: Where is my iPhone? I want it right now. Perhaps all VPs will be getting iPhones, too. My Blackberry 8700 is ugly.

IT Guy (to himself): I'll have to learn new tricks of iPhone support in enterprise or I am fired...

Verizon/Vodafone: Blackberry Storm, anyone?

IT Guy: I'll get my CEO Storm instead, problem solved!

-------------------------------

AlexBold trake: Blackberry Storm is not Apple iPhone, but it will be killing iPhone in enterprise.