Yep, I’m all excited about the new phone. I must admit it’s a little frustrating — even for a self-proclaimed geek like myself who likes to think there isn’t a single piece of software tough enough to stump me — to struggle with a device like this. No matter, though. I spent some time on it yesterday, and I’m a lot farther along than I was. I will get it, though. Mark me.
So yeah, my BlackBerry Storm is pretty cool, I must say. However, as with any new phone, people rush to judge it without really playing with it long enough. I read a review in PC Magazine where the journalist didn’t even know the most basic functions that can be executed by simply reading the owner’s manual. Anyway. Here’s my Storm, all prettied up with a violin background:
Getting used to a phone with no keypad has been interesting. It’s just a different set of steps you have to go through.
I really like the text messaging and email setup, though. That’s probably my favorite feature. (And the web access doesn’t bite, either.) Turning the phone horizontally reveals a full text keyboard, which I really like.
Lots of upsides to this phone make it worth using for me; namely, the text-messaging and email. Amazing, both. There are a few annoying disadvantages, however.
- The learning curve is sizable. I’ve heard from sales people that folks often buy these phones, only to return them in frustration a few days later. Be prepared to outlast the head-scratching. It’s been just under 48 hours for me, and I’m starting to see daylight.
- If you don’t have tiny little hands, forget about easily typing on the keyboard.
- I have yet to figure out how the two-letters-per-key keypad works. It types seemingly at random when I try to use it. Fortunately, I prefer the full keyboard, so no biggy.
So, not 100% intuitive, but that’s OK with me. I still love it. And this wasn’t exactly a Wired-worthy review of the Storm, but hey, it’s 5:54. Have a great Monday, my fiends. Today we start Year Two.
FO
Wow that’s great! I’d love to have a phone with a keyboard on it. Can you get a “stick” or some kind of stick doo-hicky to type with? Know what I mean?
A stylus! You know, I thought about that, Suz. I think I’d be pretty good with one of those thingys. The “Sure Type” technology on the Storm requires that you actually press down when you type — the entire front of the phone is a “button” that you depress. It’s kind of cool, but obviously not everyone’s cup of tea. (I happen to like it…I type like I play piano: ape arms.)
If you have a strong typing style, you’ll like this.
Yes, a stylus! I knew you’d know that.
I’m one of those unfortunate ones with large hands. When i tried out your phone today I hit 3 of the “giant” buttons on the main menu. I’ll just do with a phone that works. I’m in that generation that learned texting through number/letter relation anyhow. It would take quite some familiarity training for me to use the qwerty keyboard on a phone.
I’m about to get this phone, actually.
Awesome, Ted. Like I said, it’s not for everyone, but I’m really liking it more and more. For texting and email (which I do much more than talk on the thing — it’s kind of square and bulky for something you hold up to your head), it’s unbeatable for what I need. I’ve never used an iPhone, but two people I know very well have them, and it’s very similar to what they can do.
I especially like the different horizontal view. Cool.