UK mobile phone reviews - BlackBerry Storm 9500 Review

Your BlackBerry Storm 9500 Reviews

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Reviewer: De - London, UK
Date: 12th Aug 2009

Now on my 4th or 5th replacement. First one fine until software problem. Since then all replacements have had same problem with the sound profiles not working as they should.

Positives.
- Design.
- Features.
- Build & handling.

Negatives.
- Battery life (don't go out without a spare or two).
- Sound profile issues.
- Poor reception (my previous BB models much better).

The concept of the Storm is great & if or when they can sort the problems this will be a fine phone BUT until then unless you simply like gadgets stay clear.

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Reviewer: Lez - UK
Date: 7th Aug 2009

Didn't buy this phone for a month after reading bad reviews but I was surprised to find it an absolutely fantastic phone, I have been using it for about 4 month's now & it has NEVER frozen. It is extremely fast & reliable writing texts or emails is a doddle! Setting it up is also easy peezy! The phone is so customizable it's a joke. The screen is the best I have ever seen, basically everything is so good the easiest way is to point the flaws. Hard to find any compared to other models.

Just had an upgrade so got an iPhone 3Gs thought it would be good. Sent it back not a patch on the Storm.

Enjoy.

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Reviewer: Pm - UK
Date: 2nd Jul 2009

What a shame that reviews are written by people that buy a phone for all the wrong reasons. & review without having spent any time learning their new phone. If you want a feature rich phone then read on, but if you want a toy phone stop now.

The Blackberry Storm is for an educated person that needs quality in a phone that is not based on gimmicks & more so in sensible mature ability.

The Storm is a leader in providing instant access to mail services & application interaction. Other phones just fail to measure up to these abilities to interact immediately, not just upon receipt but, to manipulate & edit any content.

No, the Storm does not have a 20,000 megapixel Camera, well, who does. Unless I am missing a major point the lenses on all Mobile phones are far too small to gain a reasonable image. Push the boat out & buy a camera :-).

& yet the Storm delivers with Media. Music, Video are as good as any Media phone out there. The screen is awesome & it has been used for this purpose many times even though this was never a wish list when changing to this phone.

Internet access is good too & again better than most. Screen touch is responsive & highly intuitive.

Battery life? Fair cop. The battery needed changing first off as apparently there was a known issue.

New battery & no issues at all, runs media, calls, Internet, 3G TV for days. Maybe a call to the provider would have resolved the issues for some of the other impatient reviewers.

& then we hit the crux of what this phone is really all about.

What do you want on your phone?

- Email, Yes, Proper email & not some pseudo version that tells you you have mail & retrieve it. Add to that you can actually open all the attachments properly. & email is push & not pull.

- Contacts & Calendar, What a relief! Multiple contact groups! Not a stream of names & numbers set up the client & categorise them both.

- Media, all there & as good as any. No, not on the front panel by default (but it can be).

- Applications, the storm excels here. Not a cut down front end but real workable applications.

In short the Blackberry Storm is a powerful tool & infinitely customisable to your specific needs. If you want a phone that delivers power in ALL areas you cannot go too far wrong going for this one.

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Reviewer: Bob - Kent, UK
Date: 31st May 2009

This phone looks good but the touch screen is severely under developed, making the simplest of tasks almost impossible. My advice would be to avoid this phone at all costs, it's probably quicker to send a letter by Royal Mail or smoke signals than to try & communicate using this useless brick.

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Reviewer: Jen Dillane - Bristol, UK
Date: 27th May 2009

I loved BlackBerry's & upgraded to this one from the Pearl.

Love the fact that the whole screen is a button & FaceBook is easy t use, it isn't a patch on the Pearl.

Good features, probably better for a business person rather than the pearl which was for anyone.

It's slower & has a delay when you press a button, it recently upgraded itself & now when I lock the phone it unlocks when the screen is touched which doesn't help if you have it in your pocket.

Am still forming a final opinion but a good phone overall.

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Reviewer: Domhnall - UK
Date: 24th May 2009

Battery life dreadful, don't except a full day, according to Vodafone customer services, signal varies wildly even when sitting still, resulting in calls failing mid way through even when you have a full strength 3G signal.

Once you're signed up there's no way out unless you pay the balance of your contract. Avoid like the plague, it's a poor excuse for a phone.

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Reviewer: Ms - Ruislip, UK
Date: 14th May 2009

Had the phone for a whole day & have sent it back to Vodafone for a Nokia N96!

The design is great but it is such a user unfriendly phone, the touch screen is sometimes slow to respond & when you press the touch screen 8 times out of ten you end up pressing the caption you have selected several times as nothing happens. The phone is so difficult to use compared to a Nokia. The camera is not as good as the old N95 & the reaction time compared to the Nokia is much slower to respond.

It looks good but that's all.

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Reviewer: Vinny Anthony - Somerset, UK
Date: 12th May 2009

I have had mine since the first week it's been out & I love it, after looking at tips on youtube the usability has been greatly improved on my handset also found new themes:).

Keypad took some getting used to but now I can text quickly without a problem.

Overall I am a happy chappy :).

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Reviewer: Lez Pearson - UK
Date: 11th Apr 2009

Fantastic phone, nearly didn't buy it as I read bad reviews but this phone is fantastic, it's never froze on me & I have had it 2 month's now if I had one complaint it would be that it can be a little slow to activate when pulled out of his holster but overall its mega.

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Reviewer: Cw - Westminster, UK
Date: 25th Mar 2009

Brilliant phone, people say they do not like it because they probably don't understand how to use it. It does take patience but once you're used to it, it's such a good phone!

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Reviewer: Ammad Zafar - Dewsbury, UK
Date: 16th Mar 2009

Storm was my first Blackberry phone ever. Really impressive the way it looks & the feel of it. Great features but unfortunately is not going to be able to make it till the destination!

Found QWERTY keyboard a bit difficult to use as kept pressing the key next to the one I wanted to press, too small keys for my fingers, especially when they are touch keys.

Overall I wouldn't recommend the phone. I have instead advised a couple of friends against it. Returned the phone to Vodafone & now very happy with my good old N96 8GB.

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Reviewer: Jertzy - Exeter, UK
Date: 14th Mar 2009

Had the phone 2 months now, love the interface, the instant emails are superb, camera isn't bad, media player is great & videos look superb on it. Applications like FaceBook & Google maps work well, YouTube is patchy. It's not too big or heavy for my pocket. Texting takes a while to get used to but I am quite quick now. Downside is that the battery usually won't last more than 2 days of average use, the phone sometimes lags but I am hoping an overdue firmware update will sort these issues.

Vodafone coverage is great & I have no problem getting a good 3G signal. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a smart phone.

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Reviewer: Laura Mccafferty - Irvine, UK
Date: 10th Mar 2009

I love this phone. I just wish I had it! My boyfriend just got this phone & it is amazing. I love the features & find it very easy to use. I like the way the screen changes when I turn it round. Surfing the web & emailing is very easy.

The full qwerty keyboard is fantastic & it even has mobile esc buttons.

The camera is very good but the light is really REALLY bright! Can be good in dark situations!

The only issue I have is the sensitivity of the keyboard. Sometimes when I try to press E it comes up as are. The only thing it tells me though is that I need more precise fingers!

Other than the minor flaw it is a great phone. I love it to bits. I might invest in one myself.

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Reviewer: Kirsten - Dorset, UK
Date: 7th Mar 2009

Appalling, I lasted 3 days, then it went right back to the shop. This thing would make a saint swear. I honestly can't think of a redeeming factor on this phone, STEER CLEAR NO MATTER HOW GOOD the OFFER LOOKS!

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Reviewer: Mike Gerrard - Gateshead, UK
Date: 27th Feb 2009

First impressions were good. Email brilliant. After about a month things started going wrong. It came back from first & second repairs with more wrong than before repair. Has now been away for almost 4 weeks on third repair & the latest estimate for return is the end of next week 5 weeks after I put it in. Disastrous phone & seems impossible to get out of it.

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Reviewer: Shan - Birmingham, UK
Date: 22nd Feb 2009

Well what can I say BUT I have found this phone difficult to use & understand. I upgraded with Vodafone on Tuesday 16th February 2009 the hand book wasn't helpful at all plus tonight in went down to the shops & put the phone in my pocket I didn't lock it. Came home received a text message went to open it so I could read my text message the phone screen is locked by itself I just rang Vodafone they couldn't help me so rang Blackberry help line they wanted to charge me for their support asked for my credit card. I said it's OK rang Vodafone back & told them I have had the phone 5 days & I am not happy. She is sending me another Blackberry in the post within 48 hours.

I am planning on not opening the new box just yet & planning on going to Carphone Warehouse to see what other better models are out at the moment.

It's a shame but I will be sticking with Nokia phones from now on!

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Reviewer: Paul Smith - Sunderland, UK
Date: 18th Feb 2009

Just to echo many of the comments on here, it is a great looking phone & in principle should be fantastic. It does not deliver however so I thought I would list what I see to be the major problems (I understand that everyone will differ in their opinions as to what makes a problem)

- Screen, it keeps switching into landscape mode & can be difficult to switch back, you have to turn the phone several times on some occasions.

- the clickable screen seemed clever at first but quickly becomes an irritation when typing long messages. I also found the cursor would jump around & it is difficult to reposition will all but the smallest of hands.

- There is a distinct lack of applications & games available for download.

- When you make a call & need to enter a pin number of select an option from an IVR you need to press a button to re-activate the keyboard first

- No Wi-Fi, this is a problem as Vodafone have a pretty poor 3G coverage in my area & the Wi-Fi is useful for quickly downloading emails or watching mobile TV.

- the biggest problem the BATTERY IS AWFUL, as it is a feature phone I did not expect days of battery life but I did not even manage one day during the week I used it. With light use I got around 12 to 14 hours at best & this was light use.

The outcome is for the first time ever I have returned a phone, I was not sure I could live with it long term & had a suspicion the build quality would become an issue.

The Storm is almost great but needs another year's development before it is ready.

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Reviewer: Fiona - Devon, UK
Date: 11th Feb 2009

Well, I am still trying to fall in love with my bb, I love the look of this phone & the facebook application is fabulous & other applications e.g. Google maps work well!

My emails are delivered promptly & calling & texts are easy to use after getting used to the click screen! I have to say the same as everyone. The battery life is shocking, a few calls, maybe 20 texts, check facebook a few times & the battery dies, not good!

Also I am not impressed with the camera, sounds great 3.2 megapixel, but slow on the uptake & results not spectacular!

All in all I don't think my relationship with this phone is going to last long which is a real shame as I was so looking forward to it arriving!

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Reviewer: Jason - Chester, UK
Date: 6th Feb 2009

In a nutshell this phone is really bad.

- Bad battery life.
- Does things on its own.
- Turns callers on to hold.
- Screen & operations are slow.

Awful went back within 24 hours.

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Reviewer: Arran - Bristol, UK
Date: 29th Jan 2009

It freezes too much & its too bad, never get it.

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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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