UK 3G Mobile Phones - BlackBerry Storm 9500 Review

Your BlackBerry Storm 9500 Reviews

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Reviewer: Francesca - Hitchin, UK
Date: 17th Dec 2008

Absolutely rubbish phone. I have had a BB for three years (the curve) & only replaced this because I damaged the screen. I echo other user's reviews on this phone. It's a really poor phone. Battery life is shockingly poor, which was very disappointing from BB, I have found previous models excellent. One thinks they should focus more on the business market than the entertainment market & do what they do best & make phones that are actually fit for purpose. Needless to say mine went back, but be warned the delays for returning this phone to Vodafone are huge, it took me 25 calls to get through & I was put on hold for over 25 minutes per call!

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Reviewer: Nick - Hamburg, Germany
Date: 12th Dec 2008

Like others I was really looking forward to this phone, on paper a good mix of styling, functions & of course from the people that make phones for most of the professional/business community, I.e. Easy to set up, operate & completely reliable.

So what do I think so far?

- Packaging, black when ordered, the ones in the shop are Vodafone red, OK, so what? the packaging looks a little like iPod packaging, only much cheaper, pathetic attempt at Apple style. Note, the benchmark for me is the original Motorola V3 extruded aluminium packing case, wildly excessive, but great nonetheless.

- No memory expansion card, despite the fact that 1G costs peanuts today, no problem I had a couple spare.

- Headphones look like they came free with a MacDonald's Happy Meal, junk!

- Pouch or holster thing, what on earth were RIM & Vodafone thinking of? You need a hammer to get the Storm into this thing. It has no loop or clip for attaching to your belt, so couldn't figure out what it was good for.

- Charger, feels cheap & nasty, hard shiny plastic. I didn't think you could do much wrong with such components, but this is poor quality. The US adaptor was fairly tight, but the European one was very loose in the housing, I wonder how long that will last?

- Storm, Nice use of materials, quite heavy but somehow reassuringly so, feels like quality.

- Battery cover, take a close look at those latches at the bottom. You have to push them up to release the cover, but the lugs are at the bottom instead of higher up, so it's quite difficult to get a firm grip on them if you have largish fingers. When replacing the cover the spring loaded lugs look like you should be able to just press the case home, but I found that I had to fiddle around sliding the latches down, irritating.

- Battery in, power on, power on please. What's the mini clock thing for? Why does it take so long to start up. I guessed it was maybe doing an initial authentication to the network or something, but it does it every time the battery is inserted & removed. It also takes an age to shut down (unless you pull the battery out).

- Software for Mac, Great! It even looks like iSync. Only problem is the BB isn't detected by my Mac Book. So, download the latest versions of the software & driver from Blackberry site, still doesn't sync. OK, read all the FAQs, delete system files as suggested (oh dear we are heading for Microsoft territory here), re-install &. Nope still doesn't sync. Now I am starting to get very irritated.

- Trying to touch type on the screen with the device flat in your hand, screen keeps jumping from portrait to landscape mode, not helped by the need to push the screen to confirm each key stroke. Ah yes, the much hyped clickable screen, it's a lot like the clickable track pad on the latest generation Mac Book, not that clever, the whole screen moves, so there is a noticeable gap all around the edge, somehow looks unfinished, or as if a sealing component is missing.

- Last but not least, SLOW.

OK I surrender! After 6 hours of battle I've seen enough. I returned the Storm to Vodafone within 24hrs, truly awful! Not a tool for anyone who expects to use it for work. Maybe a great device for people that like tinkering with, patching up Windows based machines.

I've been a Vodafone customer for over 10 years, this is possibly the worst thing they have offered. I just hope they can survive all the returns they are going to get & I am sure there will be very many! If you choose this, be prepared for some frustrating times ahead.

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Reviewer: Alan - Norwich, UK
Date: 10th Dec 2008

This phone is all promise & zero delivery. Screen orientation is random & will interrupt typing on screen keypad by flipping to portrait. When you want to change you find it stubbornly refuses to do so.

Email sounds great but it delivers these without having to sign in, no security. Only way to stop is to turn it off!

Battery life is appalling. I got it because of my travels. 3 days away & 7, yes 7 recharges were necessary. With the features promised it needs a battery life that will allow you to use them. Screen probably OK when used to its sensitivity, but in less than a week looked older & more scratched than my 2 year old Samsung.

GPS is a joke. Stopwatch will hesitate every six seconds or so. Cannot conceive this phone is useful to anyone. Blackberry seems to be about concept, it should be viewed as a prototype only & should not be sold. Mine went back.

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Reviewer: Sarah - UK
Date: 9th Dec 2008

I was so excited about getting the Blackberry Storm, yet upon arrival I was so disappointed.

Every function on the touch screen takes an age to engage, the screen switches from portrait to landscape so quickly, but takes forever to switch back again & the whilst on a phone call, it is always putting your caller on hold, mute or hands-free.

The battery life is very poor, & the handset itself is far to big & heavy compared to other Blackberry's. I have used my Blackberry for a week & have now sent it back. I am returning to a regular phone.

Very disappointed indeed, I would not recommend this phone for personal use or business to be honest.

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Reviewer: Jamie - Aberdeen, UK
Date: 8th Dec 2008

This phone looks good & has good features but the battery rarely lasts more than a day & the touch screen feature is shabby at best.

I hated this phone so much I took it back to the shop after a week & went back to using my Motorola u9 black.

Avoid this phone (sorry BlackBerry).

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Reviewer: Natalie - Essex, UK
Date: 8th Dec 2008

I have sent this phone back I am not too sure if my one is faulty but it won't let me press letters when typing a text sometimes, it crashes when doing a video, the picture for the first time was fabulous but after the is awful. I did tell them I had nails but they said it would be fine, wrong. It takes about 30 tries for everything to work. It's very slow, SIM contacts are nowhere to be found! On the upside though I liked the idea of the features!

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Reviewer: Gee - Leicester, UK
Date: 6th Dec 2008

Submitted a review on 21.11.08 re this & have just installed the 78 update direct from the Blackberry website. This has had a dramatic effect in the usability of the phone & bought it nearer to what it should have always been. Accelorometer is quick as is switching to & using all the different applications. On board browser has also improved in speed though I installed Opera mini which I find quicker still. The operating system is pure Blackberry which if you are new to them you may find difficult. I have a Bold for work so the operating system is easy for me. The camera still lags a little but I always say if you want a great camera then buy a great camera. Text & e mailing becomes easier the longer you have the phone. Bear in mind, this is a new touch screen system & many people who have complained about its usability haven't had the phone for more than 5 minutes. I have improved the usability score from my previous review & no doubt there may be further firmware updates that will improve the phone further still.

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Reviewer: Mike - Somerset, UK
Date: 5th Dec 2008

I saw bad reviews & bought it anyway, what a mistake! This is the slowest phone I've ever owned. It's almost impossible not to press the wrong buttons, the touch screen moves from side to side, which may be necessary for it to work but looks like its falling apart. I HATED IT WITHIN 5 MINUTES & WANTED TO THROW IT AT the WALL, SENDING IT BACK ASAP! DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME!

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Reviewer: Ben - UK
Date: 1st Dec 2008

Great looking phone & big promises, I had one of the first handsets & due to tech glitches etc & terrible initial software found this phone extremely frustrating. Apparently with software updates etc available, that have been installed on my phone I still stand totally unimpressed with this item.

Found mine crashed if used quickly, the camera is great when you can get it work, is slow at taking the photo, the video recorder crashed the device, massive waiting time for the thing to start up if battery is taken out etc. Unless you have the holster expect your battery life to dwindle to zero within a day even if unused. That said the holster is a fiddle if you want to access your phone quickly from your pocket, ring tone arrives after the vibration.

Great looking phone but absolute rubbish, sorry blackberry! Sony Ericsson for me!

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Reviewer: Dr - Norwich, UK
Date: 22nd Nov 2008

I returned the Storm within 24 hours! Being positive, the screen is excellent, the best on any mobile. The email & business biased applications are all fine as well. What is not good, actually appallingly bad was the build quality. Functional issues aside this is why I returned the phone. The very nature of the touch screen means that there is a gap all the way around the edge sitting ready for an accumulation of dirt & moisture, which means the phone will not have a long life. The touch screen with no need for a stylus is a good idea but is not accurate or reliable enough. This is where some product development will pay dividends. The four function keys at the bottom are as thin as paper & will surely come adrift within days. Then there is the features issue. Dear reader you will have you own view about the lack of Wi Fi. In practice a problem unless you have signed up to Vodafone's data bundle, then you can over look an otherwise major omission. What you cannot avoid condemning is the 3.2 camera with no video calling, no geo tagging, no TV out (vital for business presentations & PowerPoint), no radio. This could have been a great phone, but it was before it's time. More needs to go into case & more development of the UI & much more into the build. Have a close look at the structure of the phone before you part with your cash.

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Reviewer: Gee - Leicester, UK
Date: 21st Nov 2008

Had the phone for around a week now & really not sure on whether to return it at this stage. Battery is hopeless with only moderate usage. You practically watch the gauge going down & you do not want to be away from a charger for too long. Lack of wifi is a big mistake & Internet is slow switching from 3G to GPRS constantly. You tube is totally unusable with blocky video & robotic speech. Touch screen is innovative though takes some getting used to. I also have a Bold issued by my employer which is much more useable with a slightly better battery.

Storm has some great features but I feel that these issues are what may sink a much anticipated & otherwise great phone.

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Reviewer: David Knowles - UK
Date: 20th Nov 2008

Love it! BlackBerry have really moved into the practical phone market now. This model is far better than earlier models & competes with the best. I really use this for my business!

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Reviewer: Steve - UK
Date: 19th Nov 2008

This phones operating system is so slow, Vodafone should never have released it on the market to compete with the iPhone 3G. Mines going back to get the Bold!

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Reviewer: Steve - Warrington, UK
Date: 18th Nov 2008

After waiting weeks for it to arrive, having been delayed numerous times by Blackberry, I finally received it last Saturday & can honestly say it certainly wasn't worth the wait. To say I am disappointed is an understatement.

It looks great & the functions are fabulous but the battery life is terrible. After an intial full charge it only lasted a few hours & that was very moderate usage. I recharged it & after an hour's worth of calls, 19 texts & 29 (short) emails, it was flat again.

It is also a big phone! It's heavy & quite cumbersome.

I also had a problem where the screen suddenly went blank for about 3 seconds then came on again. When I spoke to Vodafone they said Blackberry have released an update on their website which you can download to sort this problem out. Nice of them to launch a very expensive phone & you have to manually fix it when you get it, rather than the manufacturer testing their product thoroughly before launching it.

One other thing, only Vodafone offer the phone on contract currently, & their customer service is horrendous in my opinion. I wasted over an hour being put on hold & passed from department to department with my queries. I wouldn't buy this phone due to their incompetence alone!

I suggest you explore other manufacturers if this is your type of phone as the Blackberry Storm is very disappointing.

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Reviewer: Mark Smith - Kettering, UK
Date: 18th Nov 2008

I have had one for a week now & it is OK, OK only. The biggest problem I have with this phone is the battery life. Where did Blackberry get those figures from? I send about 40 texts a day, check my email about 5 times a day, go surfing on the phone net for in total about 45 minutes a day & I NEARLY get a day's battery life out of it. On the average day I have to charge it from about 6PM or it will go flat before bed at 10PM. This is the only major problem I found with the phone however it is enough for me to send it back & get the Sony X1 instead. The screen quality is outstanding but be aware if you are used to either normal touch screens or number phones this qwerty click touch screen takes a lot of getting used to especially when texting I just could not get the hang of it. Great phone but many draw backs beware.

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Reviewer: Mike - London, UK
Date: 17th Nov 2008

Have used one for a week now, far from impressed. Don't recommend & I am returning mine ASAP!

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Reviewer: Bookem - UK
Date: 15th Nov 2008

Got this phone today. Could not wait to get it back home to have a play with all features!

Well I was a bit disappointed its got loads on there but no Wi-Fi! Also Bluetooth is a pain when I tried to import pictures from my old phone.

Is it worth geting. Maybe its my first BB but I did question myself shall I get another phone? Who knows got 14 days yet but my LG KU990 is screaming take me back! LOL. Will update after the 14 days I guess you will have problems on the first day.

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Reviewer: Hiop - UK
Date: 10th Nov 2008

Don't know what all the fuss is about over this it is way too big. Prefer LG KP500 Cookie & it is over £450 less! DON'T GET.

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Reviewer: Colin - Hall, UK
Date: 31st Oct 2008

Not had a chance to trial one of these yet but the decision not to include WiFi on the device is one I find hard as a consumer to understand. I currently have the 9000 & WiFi has become an integral part of that connectivity I use on a daily basis at home. Not only is it fast. It's free. I expect a revision of the 9500 before the year is out with WiFi included as per Bold.



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