To BB, or Not to BB: The Blackberry Storm 9530

Touch screen lovers everywhere couldn't contain themselves when the world's first "click screen" phone was introduced. Like every other fad, the Blackberry Storm was a must-have, then a just-had. In due time the nicks and glitches of the phone revealed themselves.

There have been claims of the Storm feeling "loose" in its casing, not being comfortable to hold, and the dreadful lag of the oh-so-cool click screen. The main feature of this phone is of course the clicking touch screen. Anyone who has used an iPhone understands the annoyance of touch screen keyboards. The issue with this amazing screen is the amount of time that has lapsed from when you "click" a button to when you get a response. So if you're fast typing, the delayed action might not appeal to you too much. It also takes some getting used to, you have to actually push down on the buttons, not just tap away. So for us girls with manicures, not much of a nail friendly phone!

The Storm has also been reported to frequently freeze as well as be time consuming to reboot. But you have decent battery life, clear calls, and the ability to turn your favorite songs into a ringtone. No more ringtone sites! My HTC Touch Pro had this feature and I worshipped it. Applications remain the same, great as with all Blackberries. The display is also a thumbs up; you have the usual call send/end buttons, a menu button, and a back button. While in calls you have the same options on the screen as well as options to add a caller, mute, and use speakerphone as opposed to going into a menu for these items. That was a downside to my Blackberry Curve.

Depending on your type of email account (eg. POP3, IMAP) there could be issues getting external email. If your type of account uses two different servers for sending and receiving mail, you won't be too happy. As for accounts such as Hotmail, you will be able to send and receive mail, just not in a timely manner. Incoming mail can be delayed for over 10 minutes!

Although many Blackberry models are used widely among businesses, the Storm may not be your top choice. As a business phone the Storm cannot keep up with your typing and even browsing; the top complaint. But all in all, it's a phone! Any Storm owners must be anxious for the Storm 2 which promises to be faster and lose the lag.