Table of Contents
amazon BlackBerry Storm 9530 reviews
Introduction
Released in November 2008, the BlackBerry Storm 9530 was Research In Motion’s (RIM) first foray into the world of touchscreen smartphones. It represented a significant departure from the company’s traditional focus on physical keyboards and was intended to compete with the burgeoning touchscreen market, notably dominated by Apple’s iPhone. The Storm 9530 was a critical piece in BlackBerry’s strategy to evolve and capture a broader audience, especially those seeking a more multimedia-centric device. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the BlackBerry Storm 9530, covering its design, performance, user interface, features, and impact on the smartphone market.
Design and Build Quality
Aesthetic and Ergonomics
The BlackBerry Storm 9530 was a departure from BlackBerry’s typical design language, featuring a full touchscreen interface. With dimensions of 112.5 x 62.2 x 14.2 mm (4.43 x 2.45 x 0.56 in) and weighing 155 grams (5.5 ounces), the Storm was relatively large and heavy compared to many other smartphones of its time. The device had a robust, solid feel, characteristic of BlackBerry’s build quality, and was designed to withstand everyday wear and tear.
The front of the device is dominated by a large 3.25-inch display, which was quite large for its era. The display was encased in a black bezel with a minimalistic design, giving the device a sleek and modern look. The rear of the Storm featured a glossy plastic cover with a 3.2-megapixel camera, which added to the overall aesthetic appeal.
Build Quality
The build quality of the BlackBerry Storm 9530 was solid, with a durable construction that was typical of BlackBerry devices. The device’s materials and assembly were designed to withstand the rigors of daily use. The touchscreen’s responsiveness and the overall sturdiness of the device reflected BlackBerry’s commitment to quality.
However, some users reported issues with the device’s build over time, including the tendency for the touchscreen to become less responsive after prolonged use. This was partly due to the unique SurePress technology that BlackBerry employed, which will be discussed in more detail later.
On the 3.3 inch screen you will find the Pick Up, End call, Back buttons as well as many other familiar keys on the BlackBerry. The two sides of the device are equipped with multi-function buttons, volume control, camera … The top of the BlackBerry 9530 Storm is the key and mute. The back cover of this smartphone is for speakers and cameras.
Experience with the BlackBerry Storm 9530 can be seen RIM continue to show significant improvements on the keyboard in new style.
Compared to when entering data on the iPhone, RIM’s new solution offers a great choice, making it easier for users to type.
However, the QWERTY keyboard caused quite a lot of difficulties initially. If you are not used to it, you can choose the SureType solution instead.
RIM has redesigned the touch screen interface of all BlackBerry models. Larger icon sizes and the presence of three types of keyboards (QWERTY, SureType, and phone keypads) may be available to replace the still-beloved physical keyboard of the BlackBerry brand. If you want to navigate the Storm screen, just tap the tip of your finger on the screen. To select an icon, click on it.
The speed of 500 MHZ of the device is quite fast. Unfortunately, after some major updates, some of the software on Storms is still buggy. Some buttons on the site are hard to click. Camera is also often called undesirable from the mail application.
The BlackBerry Storm is known as a global citizen. It runs on Verizon’s EV-DO Rev A network and supports dual-band CDMA, quad-band EDGE, 2,100-MHz HSDPA. Tested as a PC modem using Windows Vista, the speed measured is 600 – 900 kb / sec when downloading and 350 – 500 kb / sec when uploading files.
In the European market, this smartphone can also connect to the HSDPA 7.2 network for much higher speeds. Unfortunately, the BlackBerry Storm 9530 does not support Wi-Fi. However, with the availability of 3G network, you can completely overcome this limitation at moderate cost.
The BlackBerry Storm 9530 is also quite impressive with the quality of the conversation. Headphones and speakers all sound great. Using technology to reduce noise load down twice, background noise is quite low and voice is stable. Voice mail support is also a significant strength of the BlackBerry Storm 9530.
Compared to the iPhone 3G and BlackBerry Bold, the talk time of the BlackBerry Storm 9530 is a little better, although still lower than the Curve. Video browsing time is 4 hours 32 minutes, a result not bad with a phone.
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Storm runs the new version of BlackBerry OS 4.7, which supports touch features. It integrates a series of familiar applications of a BlackBerry such as mail, music, contacts, browser and touch interface. The next-generation OS offers some additional features compared to 4.6, including the ability to edit text in MSOffice format and HTML email support.
With Storm, you can experience 10 emails, installation is simpler than before. You can also cut, paste text, select multiple messages at once or multiple lines of text using multi-touch gestures. Storm also offers a range of instant messaging applications, such as AIM, ICQ, MSN, Yahoo, and the popular BlackBerry application.
Along with the beautiful large screen, the Storm promises to bring a great multimedia experience. There are four ways to sync music, videos between Storm and Pc. On the other hand, synchronization of Outlook contacts and calendars with Microsoft Outlook 2007 is quite good. The device has a music room that holds up to 879 MB along with 8GB on a microSD card (or up to 16GB) peripheral.
The sound of Storm is great. You can enjoy music in MP3, WMA, and AAC formats. MP4 video of iPhone display beautifully. The WMV video file has a bit of a hassle. Storm can sync playlists from Rhapsody or iTunes. Verizon said it will soon release a video delivery program for V Cast and it will be free.
Browser is also a new version compared to the Bold generation. The page load speed is a bit slower, but still slightly better than what the Bold generation can do. Just double tap on the screen you can increase the size. Browse Youtube on the Storm is quite smooth. Also, if you are not satisfied with Storm’s built-in browser, Opera Mini is not a bad choice.
Powered by a 3.2 MP camera, the Storm owns an LED flash and supports video recording. During the day the picture looks very sharp though slightly pale.
Battery Life
Battery Specifications
The BlackBerry Storm 9530 was equipped with a 1400 mAh lithium-ion battery. This battery capacity was relatively modest by today’s standards but adequate for the device’s specifications.
Battery Performance
The battery life of the BlackBerry Storm 9530 was generally acceptable for typical usage. Users could expect around 6-8 hours of talk time and up to 350 hours of standby time. Battery performance was influenced by factors such as screen brightness, network usage, and application usage. While the battery life was reasonable, it was not exceptional, and users with heavy usage patterns might find themselves needing to recharge more frequently.
Connectivity
Network and Connectivity Options
The BlackBerry Storm 9530 supported a range of connectivity options:
- Cellular Connectivity: The device supported 3G networks, providing reliable mobile data access for web browsing, email, and other online services. 3G connectivity was adequate for the time but has since been surpassed by newer technologies like 4G and 5G.
- Wi-Fi: The Storm included Wi-Fi support, allowing users to connect to wireless networks for faster internet access. This feature was useful for data-intensive tasks and reduced reliance on cellular data.
- Bluetooth: The device featured Bluetooth 2.0, enabling users to connect to compatible devices for wireless audio streaming, file transfer, and other purposes.
GPS and Location Services
The BlackBerry Storm 9530 included built-in GPS functionality, providing users with location-based services and navigation capabilities. The GPS performance was generally accurate, allowing users to utilize mapping applications and location-based services effectively.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Innovative SurePress Technology: The SurePress touchscreen, despite its mixed reception, was a bold attempt to offer tactile feedback on a touchscreen device, which was quite unique at the time. This innovation aimed to provide a more satisfying user interaction and greater accuracy in touch inputs.
- Robust Build Quality: The BlackBerry Storm 9530 was built with durability in mind, featuring a solid construction that was typical of BlackBerry devices. This made it a reliable option for users concerned about the longevity of their device.
- Decent Multimedia Capabilities: For its time, the Storm provided a reasonable multimedia experience with its media player, camera, and support for various audio and video formats. It catered to users who wanted to enjoy media on the go.
- Comprehensive Email and Messaging: The device continued BlackBerry’s strong tradition of excellent email and messaging capabilities. It supported multiple email accounts, SMS, MMS, and BlackBerry Messenger (BBM), providing a robust communication experience.
- Wi-Fi and GPS Support: The inclusion of Wi-Fi and GPS was a significant advantage, allowing users to access faster internet connections and utilize location-based services effectively.
Cons
- SurePress Technology Drawbacks: While innovative, the SurePress technology was not universally embraced. Many users found it less intuitive compared to capacitive touchscreens, and the additional click feedback could slow down interactions.
- Performance Limitations: The processor and RAM of the Storm were relatively modest, leading to performance limitations, especially with resource-intensive applications and multitasking. The device could experience lag and slower response times compared to more powerful competitors.
- Limited App Ecosystem: The BlackBerry App World offered a more limited selection of applications compared to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. This limited the range of third-party apps and games available to users.
- Average Display Quality: The display resolution of 480 x 360 pixels was lower than some competing devices, resulting in less sharp and vibrant visuals. The screen also struggled with glare and reflection in bright conditions.
- Battery Life: While acceptable for moderate use, the battery life was not exceptional. Heavy users might find themselves needing to recharge more frequently, especially with intensive usage of multimedia and connectivity features.
Conclusion
The BlackBerry Storm 9530 represents a fascinating chapter in the history of smartphones. As BlackBerry’s first touchscreen device, it aimed to bridge the gap between traditional physical keyboards and the emerging trend of touch-based interfaces. Despite its innovative SurePress technology and solid build quality, the Storm faced several challenges, including performance limitations, a limited app ecosystem, and mixed user feedback regarding its touchscreen technology.
Impact on the Smartphone Market
The BlackBerry Storm 9530’s impact on the smartphone market was significant in that it highlighted BlackBerry’s willingness to adapt and innovate. While it did not achieve the same level of success as some of its competitors, the Storm paved the way for future touchscreen devices and provided valuable insights into the evolving preferences of smartphone users.
Legacy
The legacy of the BlackBerry Storm 9530 is reflected in its role as a pioneer in BlackBerry’s touchscreen endeavors. It showcased the company’s efforts to innovate and compete in a rapidly changing market, even as it faced challenges from more advanced and popular devices. The Storm’s influence is seen in the subsequent evolution of touchscreen technology and the broader adoption of features that were initially introduced with this device.
Final Thoughts
In retrospect, the BlackBerry Storm 9530 was a bold and ambitious attempt by BlackBerry to enter the touchscreen smartphone market. It offered a range of features and innovations that were notable for its time, but it also faced challenges that ultimately limited its success. The Storm’s unique SurePress technology and robust build quality made it a distinctive device, and its contributions to the evolution of touchscreen smartphones are still remembered.
The BlackBerry Storm 9530 serves as a reminder of the rapid pace of technological change and the continuous pursuit of innovation in the smartphone industry. While it may not have achieved long-term commercial success, its legacy is marked by its role in shaping the development of touchscreen technology and its impact on BlackBerry’s evolution as a smartphone manufacturer.
In conclusion, the BlackBerry Storm 9530 remains an important part of smartphone history, representing a period of transition and experimentation in the industry. Its innovative features, coupled with its challenges, offer valuable lessons and insights for both consumers and manufacturers in the ever-evolving world of mobile technology.