October 14, 2009 9:01 PM PDT

RIM BlackBerry Storm 2 previewed

by Bonnie Cha
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Let's be honest. Research In Motion's first foray in the world of the touch-screen smartphones wasn't exactly a smashing success. The RIM BlackBerry Storm was riddled with bugs and performance issues, which were resolved with subsequent software updates, but still, the damage had been done. However, there are high hopes that the RIM BlackBerry Storm 2 will wash away all those bad memories and start afresh.

As of press time, Verizon Wireless did not reveal pricing or an exact release date for the Storm successor, but RIM dropped by our offices and left us a near-final product to check out. Its revamped SurePress touch screen, updated software, and new features definitely make it better than its predecessor, but there were a couple of troublesome performance issues. Also, Verizon has the Samsung Omnia 2 and two Google Android devices coming up, so the smartphone is going to face some stiff competition.

Though specific details weren't released, we expect the RIM BlackBerry Storm 2 to ship in November for around the same price as the original Storm, which was about $200 with a two-year contract. We'll let you know as soon as we have the information, and we'll update the review with a rating after receiving the final product. In the meantime, here's our preview of the RIM BlackBerry Storm 2 and a hands-on photo gallery.

RIM BlackBerry Storm 2 photos

Bonnie Cha is a senior editor for CNET, covering smartphones and GPS. When she's not testing the latest gadgets, you can find her chasing after her crazy lab or surfing in the chilly waters of Northern California. E-mail Bonnie.
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News

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RIM BlackBerry Storm 2,

Verizon Wireless,

smartphones

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by livingaudio October 15, 2009 4:13 AM PDT
Great post, my gf will be happy to hear RIM is fixing/updating what is already a phone she enjoys very much!
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by slinky317 October 15, 2009 8:10 AM PDT
Although most of this review is valid, why are you basing part of your negative aspect on the BING app? That app is still in beta, and giving negative points to the phone when it's resetting, based on your account, because of an application that's still in the beta phase is disappointing. It makes it look like C-Net was trying to go out of its way to find negative things about this phone.
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by akentosh October 15, 2009 8:27 AM PDT
Not to mention she talks about Verizon's VZ Navigator which is a paid navigation service on the phone. Any Blackberry user knows they can get GPS navigation via Blackberry maps and they don't have to pay for it. I have an original Storm and the navigation via Blackberry maps was quick and accurate. Looking at the Crackberry review of the Storm 2 they mention the navigation and say the GPS located them within several seconds. if it's as good as the original Storm I will be happy.
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by Shawn7676 October 15, 2009 9:51 AM PDT
Oh God, it looks the same as before!
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by AppleSuxLeo October 15, 2009 10:34 AM PDT
To be honest , the sudden release of all the new Android phones , including ones with 4 inch hi-rez screens and Snapdragon processors (1gigahertz+3D acceleration) soon makes all these others seem irrelevant.
Most analysts see Android overtaking iPhone by 2012 , and with the plethora of choices it offers I can see why. Even the guy on Macbreak Weekly has an Archos 5 Android tablet.
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by chriscooksey October 15, 2009 11:23 AM PDT
really? overtaking iPhone by 2012? I'll believe it when I see it. Maybe the Sony walkman will overtake iPod, or the Playstation 3 will overtake Xbox. An Android fanboy, how funny
by EvanSei October 15, 2009 11:18 AM PDT
wow I forgot all about the Storm, maybe it will work for them this time... I don't think so :)
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by abltrojans October 15, 2009 12:56 PM PDT
I stopped this video right after you said there are no design changes on this phone. How about no buttons on the front?? Is that new? I can?t believe what some people get paid to do. What?s even worse is your boss is clueless that you have no idea what you?re talking about. Great Job!
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by bonnie.cha October 15, 2009 2:56 PM PDT
I do talk about the changes to the buttons and the new SurePress touch screen later on in the video. I was talking more about the overall shape and size, when I said no changes.
by HardcorePooka October 17, 2009 5:15 AM PDT
All in all, not a bad review. I don't like that you didn't mention(at least not that I heard) that the system software is not in it's final version. Also, VZ Navigator has *NEVER* been a good navigation app. BB Maps or Google Maps always have extremely fast GPS location for me. The few times I've used VZ Navigator it's been ridiculously slow. I personally am really looking forward to this phone. I've had the Storm1 since March and I've loved it. Almost every software issue with the Storm1 was fixed via updates(which happens... how long did the iPhone go without MMS?) and it seems like every single hardware issue with the original Storm1 has been fixed in this version. I don't know if you mentioned the change to the side buttons(the new rubberized ones vs. the not so great silver plastic ones on the original).

Like I said, overall decent review, and there are plenty of other reviews out there as well for people to look at. The review didn't make my mind up one way or the other but I think it's a good start for people looking for information.
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by Griffman73 October 21, 2009 8:37 PM PDT
To do a review without bias is to say that one could go without charging any smartphone for a week with heavy use... This was a good review and served its purpose well. I got to see little fingers touching an all to familiar looking screen with a much better desired effect than that of the first device RIM put out with touch technology. I also got to see what I wanted to see with regards to size and design on this new version of the Storm. CNET, I applaud your reviews and thank you for all your hard work over the years no matter what your bias' may be! You've helped me make much more informed decisions throughout the years. Bottom line, either you're a little Apple boy or girl or your a devout Blackberry Junkie. They've never been close to being the same and they never will be. Of course, there will always be those media driven people that think otherwise, but everyone knows who they are. My take is my take and yours s yours. Go RIM and Go Apple! Either way the Droids and Windows devices have a long way to go...
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by Griffman73 October 21, 2009 8:46 PM PDT
As a side note here... one may want to study coverage maps very closely and look at future coverage forecasts and technology very closely before locking into any company or device for 2 years. Much will change over the next 2 years. Remember, a slow and clumsy device is frustrating but having no coverage while your buddy sitting next to you with another company is talking or typing away can create a nuclear cloud in your head!
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Whether it's for just making calls or for cramming your entire life into one device, the ubiquitous cell phone continues to evolve. Each Wednesday cell phone editors Kent German, Bonnie Cha and Nicole Lee meet to discuss the latest cell phone news and answer your questions. Join us to find out what's in, what's out and what's coming next.

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Bonnie Cha Bonnie Cha reviews the latest smart phones, PDAs, and GPS devices, helping CNET readers get their hands on the latest mobile electronics. See profile
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