Storm vs Omnia vs ???

[Atty]

Need a new phone from Verizon, been looking at the Storm and Omnia but I'm not sure which I want, can anyone help me out here?

 

[DivideBYZero]

Originally posted by: iAtticus
Need a new phone from Verizon, been looking at the Storm and Omnia but I'm not sure which I want, can anyone help me out here?

From an editor at Trusted Reviews:

If it?s a choice between the Storm and an Omnia, go for the Storm every time. If you?ve got the choice between an iPhone or a Storm, that?s a bit more tricky.

See sig, I AM biased.

 

[bonkers325]

what do you want in a phone?

the omnia is a great multimedia phone, but does not work outside of the country and is CDMA only. the storm works internationally and u can use it on any network when your contract is up.

 

[Atty]

I'm not planning to venture outside the country anytime soon (well, except for some vacationing in the Caribbean, where my phone will stay off.) So that's not a huge concern. I'm looking for an all in one device, on the go internet, email, and perhaps a bit of multimedia usage but for the most part I want mobile internet, email, and messaging. Battery life is high on my list of needs, since I don't always make it home every night to charge it and can be without a charger on my persons for sometime.

My main concern against the Storm is that it lacks WiFi, which I don't think will be too much of a problem because of the 3G network but it would be nice since I'm constantly in a WiFi area and am sometimes in areas without cell reception. I've also heard of rumors of a updated Storm, anyone here anything on this?

 

[CrimsonWolf]

Never tried an Omnia but love my Storm. It does all the things your looking for well. Battery life is good too (at least compared to the iPhone, I've heard). Even on days with heavy use, there's battery life left to spare by the time I go to bed.

I wondered about WiFi too, but I haven't needed it much. I consistently get a good signal from the 3G. Maybe if you are deep inside buildings often, WiFi might be good. I haven't heard anything about an updated Storm, but who knows. That might be referring to the firmware updates that get released for the Storm. Apparently they were buggy at first but they released updated firmware. I got mine after the update, and I haven't noticed any issues.

 

[bonkers325]

the storm that Rogers offers is wi-fi capable. its the blackberry 9520, verizon's is 9530, vodafones is 9500.

the omnia is good to use if u dont really care that you're on the winmo platform. samsung does a good job covering up the crappy winmo UI and the phone is great if you are comfortable with the stock UI. i'd suggest go with the omnia, u can use it as a GPS even if u are outside the verizon network. u can install iGo or some GPS software and just use it when u need to. the omnia has wi-fi too, but u are required to get the $30/mo data plan regardless.

 

[DivideBYZero]

FYI The VZ 9530 & Voda 9500 are identical.

 

[bonkers325]

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero
FYI The VZ 9530 & Voda 9500 are identical.

the operating systems are different and one does not work on the other. worth mentioning if u like to beta test OS

 

[Atty]

How about the Storm vs iPhone?

I could switch to AT&T when my contract is up, really, the iPhone is all I've wanted in a phone and then some, doesn't help that I love all things Apple (they just appeal to me, I'll never give up my PC or reasonably priced electronics that work just as well or better but aren't as pretty, but still...) and I'm only looking at the Storm as an iPhone cope on Verizon.

 

[CrimsonWolf]

I had the same debate. After scouring the web, the closest consensus I could come up with was that people were very happy with the iPhone, but regretted that it is tied to AT&T service. Basically, great phone, crappy network. Poor coverage (making WiFi more necessary) and dropped calls seemed irritating. Also, the iPhone seems more "multimedia friendly", and the Storm is more "business friendly."

So I stuck with Verizon since I've been very happy with them. But network issues are probably pretty geographically sensitive. If you're interested in an iPhone, see if anyone you know has one. If they are happy with the service, I'd keep it in mind.

 

[Atty]

I know there are a lot of dead areas in my town specifically for AT&T and Verizon is pretty king on reliability here. I travel out of state quite a bit and everyone I travel with and I have had Verizon and have never encountered a problem with our service in any way no matter where we've been, it even worked perfectly outside the country, so I don't want to switch services, but I really do like the iPhone.

Like I said before, all I really need is on the go internet access, text messaging, and email support, along with a good quality phone, the extra multimedia features are just a bonus, but I am quite fond of the range of applications offered on the iPhone which is what makes it so appealing to me, that and it's just so easy to use, the Storm's that I've gotten to use in Verizon outlets were pieces of crap, they were buggy as hell and wouldn't do anything without reverting to bedside mode or some other retarded screen you couldn't get out of, I'm just putting that off to idiots abusing them in store all the time and not being properly updated and maintained but still, I can't get an accurate assesment of how easy they are to use/function.

 

[anxi80]

just wait then. the world mobile conference in barcelona is coming up in a few weeks and it'll give you an idea of what may be coming out to the market soon. i have a samsung i760 and love it to death, but its starting to show its age. i considered a storm, even went as far as standing outside release morning with the huddled masses patiently waiting for one. but when they finally let us in and i got to use one i was let down by the bugs and the lag of the device so i left as they were calling my name. i know a lot of those bugs have been fixed but now that i've heard that verizon is anticipating releasing something similiar to the htc touch hd by years end im just going to wait for that. so my advice is wait and see what happens in a few weeks and then go off that.

 

[Atty]

Well I'm not buying it until 2/25, since that's the day my contract is up and I'm allowed to buy a new phone (well, at 2yr discount price, not paying full price.) So I'll see what the conference has to offer.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Originally posted by: bonkers325

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero
FYI The VZ 9530 & Voda 9500 are identical.

the operating systems are different and one does not work on the other. worth mentioning if u like to beta test OS

Incorrect. The Verizon OS will work perfectly on a Voda unit and vice versa as the hardware is identical for both carriers. The only difference will be with the Rogers 9520, which has not been released.

 

[bonkers325]

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero

Originally posted by: bonkers325

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero
FYI The VZ 9530 & Voda 9500 are identical.

the operating systems are different and one does not work on the other. worth mentioning if u like to beta test OS

Incorrect. The Verizon OS will work perfectly on a Voda unit and vice versa as the hardware is identical for both carriers. The only difference will be with the Rogers 9520, which has not been released.

seems contrary to many of the posts i've read on crackberry's OS/beta forum. but maybe im just mistaken, i cant actually find any posts that say they're not interchangeable - but i remember people saying the voda version wont work on the verizon version.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Originally posted by: bonkers325

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero

Originally posted by: bonkers325

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero
FYI The VZ 9530 & Voda 9500 are identical.

the operating systems are different and one does not work on the other. worth mentioning if u like to beta test OS

Incorrect. The Verizon OS will work perfectly on a Voda unit and vice versa as the hardware is identical for both carriers. The only difference will be with the Rogers 9520, which has not been released.

seems contrary to many of the posts i've read on crackberry's OS/beta forum. but maybe im just mistaken, i cant actually find any posts that say they're not interchangeable - but i remember people saying the voda version wont work on the verizon version.

Actually you may be right. Sorry, I usually double check my facts before posting and didn't this time. The hardware is identical, and TBH I don't have each to test on right now.

 

[DukeFan21]

I believe you can use VZ beta OSes on a Vodafone Storm if you remove the vendor.xml file. Don't hold me to that though.

 

[QueBert]

Originally posted by: iAtticus
How about the Storm vs iPhone?

I could switch to AT&T when my contract is up, really, the iPhone is all I've wanted in a phone and then some, doesn't help that I love all things Apple (they just appeal to me, I'll never give up my PC or reasonably priced electronics that work just as well or better but aren't as pretty, but still...) and I'm only looking at the Storm as an iPhone cope on Verizon.

if you don't need it for Email reasons, there is nothing about the Storm worth it. The screen SUCKS, the OS isn't as responsive as the iPhone. I own a Blackberry, not a Storm though. And I'm not an Apple Fanboi. If you decide to stay with Verizon there are better touch screen phones. If AT&T works for you the iPhone is great. If you Jailbreak it you can get full MMS and Copy+Paste now. Plus the best web browser, best screen and best IU of any phone. And Flash is coming to the iPhone. Once Flash is released it's a wrap as far as what phone to get.

I played with the Storm and seriously the screen is horrible and the way it works is a huge gimmick that could be the definition of Epic Fail. I bet within 9 months everyone who owns one will have problems. I played with one for 10 minutes and thought the screen was going to bust right in front of me.

Also iPhone has the Apps store which has tons of apps. If you stay with Verizon I would seriously recommend the LG Dare over the Storm.

 

[Topweasel]

Different strokes for different folks. Love my storm. It really isn't as laggy as implied, their is built in lag on the Accelerameter (SP?) that you can trick for a couple of seconds. Outside that it is pretty responsive. It is almost as customizable as the Iphone but we have to see the app store to see if that's true. The screen is debatable it looks great feels great, some people will see the clickable part as a gimmick I myself see it as the most important part. I have always worried about touch screens because I am a fat fingerer, the storm erases that. I also enjoy typing with it.

I have heard all previous black berry users tend to hate it but then again their phones are not going anywhere. The phone is not perfect the software has gotten better. It needed a good 6 months of incubation for both the OS and the AP center (still not open).

It does everything you want and need while using an OS made for a true finger touched interface. I consider it the cool phone for business users.

Edit: I am not editing that above because it would take to long, but I do recognize the fact it is poorly written.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Originally posted by: QueBert

Originally posted by: iAtticus
How about the Storm vs iPhone?

I could switch to AT&T when my contract is up, really, the iPhone is all I've wanted in a phone and then some, doesn't help that I love all things Apple (they just appeal to me, I'll never give up my PC or reasonably priced electronics that work just as well or better but aren't as pretty, but still...) and I'm only looking at the Storm as an iPhone cope on Verizon.

if you don't need it for Email reasons, there is nothing about the Storm worth it. The screen SUCKS, the OS isn't as responsive as the iPhone. I own a Blackberry, not a Storm though. And I'm not an Apple Fanboi. If you decide to stay with Verizon there are better touch screen phones. If AT&T works for you the iPhone is great. If you Jailbreak it you can get full MMS and Copy+Paste now. Plus the best web browser, best screen and best IU of any phone. And Flash is coming to the iPhone. Once Flash is released it's a wrap as far as what phone to get.

I played with the Storm and seriously the screen is horrible and the way it works is a huge gimmick that could be the definition of Epic Fail. I bet within 9 months everyone who owns one will have problems. I played with one for 10 minutes and thought the screen was going to bust right in front of me.

Also iPhone has the Apps store which has tons of apps. If you stay with Verizon I would seriously recommend the LG Dare over the Storm.

You are the very definition of a hater.

 

[bonkers325]

the omnia has wifi, winmo 6.1 (you can customize teh crap out of it if u know where to find programs/shells), supports DivX/XviD, and has a widescreen display, 5mp camera

the storm has NO WIFI, supports XviD, has a big 4:3 displaym 3.2mp camera, and is getting better with every OS release.

---- if it boils down to wifi, pick up an omnia or wait for an HTC Touch Diamond for Verizon. personally i like the storm over the omnia, its more versatile and after the contract is up u can goto another carrier. you can do the same with the omnia and touch diamond (probably) but u'd be limited to verizon and sprint (the only CDMA networks in the USA)

 

[QueBert]

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero

Originally posted by: QueBert

Originally posted by: iAtticus
How about the Storm vs iPhone?

I could switch to AT&T when my contract is up, really, the iPhone is all I've wanted in a phone and then some, doesn't help that I love all things Apple (they just appeal to me, I'll never give up my PC or reasonably priced electronics that work just as well or better but aren't as pretty, but still...) and I'm only looking at the Storm as an iPhone cope on Verizon.

if you don't need it for Email reasons, there is nothing about the Storm worth it. The screen SUCKS, the OS isn't as responsive as the iPhone. I own a Blackberry, not a Storm though. And I'm not an Apple Fanboi. If you decide to stay with Verizon there are better touch screen phones. If AT&T works for you the iPhone is great. If you Jailbreak it you can get full MMS and Copy+Paste now. Plus the best web browser, best screen and best IU of any phone. And Flash is coming to the iPhone. Once Flash is released it's a wrap as far as what phone to get.

I played with the Storm and seriously the screen is horrible and the way it works is a huge gimmick that could be the definition of Epic Fail. I bet within 9 months everyone who owns one will have problems. I played with one for 10 minutes and thought the screen was going to bust right in front of me.

Also iPhone has the Apps store which has tons of apps. If you stay with Verizon I would seriously recommend the LG Dare over the Storm.

You are the very definition of a hater.

for telling the truth? if I'm the definition of a hater than so are reviewers. I haven't seen one shining review of the Storm. The best I've seen is a few "it's not a bad phone" the rest have plenty to blast though. The phone has not been received very well at all.

Engaged tried to like it but didn't, especially so for the click screen

Pc Magazine calls it a failed experience

Wired doesn't like it much either...



why am I a hater because I'm telling the truth? Outside of Blackberry people this phone is getting panned pretty hard. Nobody seems to like the gimmicky screen, and most of the reviewers admit that RIM doesn't has anything close to an iPhone killer here. And that's exactly what RIM was going for with this phone. If you need email get a Bold or a Pearl, the Storm is borderline fail. The clicky screen is really one of worst implemented ideas I've ever seen on a phone.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Originally posted by: QueBert

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero

Originally posted by: QueBert

Originally posted by: iAtticus
How about the Storm vs iPhone?

I could switch to AT&T when my contract is up, really, the iPhone is all I've wanted in a phone and then some, doesn't help that I love all things Apple (they just appeal to me, I'll never give up my PC or reasonably priced electronics that work just as well or better but aren't as pretty, but still...) and I'm only looking at the Storm as an iPhone cope on Verizon.

if you don't need it for Email reasons, there is nothing about the Storm worth it. The screen SUCKS, the OS isn't as responsive as the iPhone. I own a Blackberry, not a Storm though. And I'm not an Apple Fanboi. If you decide to stay with Verizon there are better touch screen phones. If AT&T works for you the iPhone is great. If you Jailbreak it you can get full MMS and Copy+Paste now. Plus the best web browser, best screen and best IU of any phone. And Flash is coming to the iPhone. Once Flash is released it's a wrap as far as what phone to get.

I played with the Storm and seriously the screen is horrible and the way it works is a huge gimmick that could be the definition of Epic Fail. I bet within 9 months everyone who owns one will have problems. I played with one for 10 minutes and thought the screen was going to bust right in front of me.

Also iPhone has the Apps store which has tons of apps. If you stay with Verizon I would seriously recommend the LG Dare over the Storm.

You are the very definition of a hater.

for telling the truth? if I'm the definition of a hater than so are reviewers. I haven't seen one shining review of the Storm. The best I've seen is a few "it's not a bad phone" the rest have plenty to blast though. The phone has not been received very well at all.

Engaged tried to like it but didn't, especially so for the click screen

Pc Magazine calls it a failed experience

Wired doesn't like it much either...



why am I a hater because I'm telling the truth? Outside of Blackberry people this phone is getting panned pretty hard. Nobody seems to like the gimmicky screen, and most of the reviewers admit that RIM doesn't has anything close to an iPhone killer here. And that's exactly what RIM was going for with this phone. If you need email get a Bold or a Pearl, the Storm is borderline fail. The clicky screen is really one of worst implemented ideas I've ever seen on a phone.

I could dig up a thousand reviews that pan elements of the iPhone, but you won't change your mind. I will freely admit the iPhone is a good device, where as you flat out shit on any and all BlackBerry devices, then pan the Storm based solely on a 2 minute play in a store with a device that was shipped with unready code. This was well known. No, it's not ideal, but there were greater things going on behind the scenes that meant it had to be shipped, regardless. The entire review base was carried out on this low quality release code, and they reflect that. Now you have a nice bunch of reviews to link to whenever anyone mentions the Storm. Good for you, you get to look pretty clever on a forum. However, you haven't used the later revisions which are very good and improve on areas highlighted as lacking, such as response times and the addition of the portrait QWERTY keyboard option instead of SureType only in Portrait.

You may well think nothing of the ClickScreen, but for every person that hates it, I'll show you someone who hates the iPhone screen. There are many people who love the ClickScreen and prefer it to the static iPhone input. It's all down to preference, form factor choice and is the reason why we still have keypad, QWERTY and hybrid input devices in the market. Some people hate touch devices. Calling out the Storm only on this is naive.

It ISN'T an iPhone killer, I agree, but when the iPhone is mentioned, the only other devices uttered in the same breath are Storm and maybe the G1. To dismiss it out of hand is just burying your head in the sand.

 

[Tom]

Not sure if Verizon cripples their HTC Touch Pro, but on Sprint it's a fantastic device.

 

[Atty]

Any updates been made to the storm lately that have made it a bit more functional? Any news on it?