The most anticipated mobile phone release from RIM Blackberry has finally come to fruition, the latest Blackberry Storm has now been officially launched as a network exclusive by Vodafone in the UK.
After months of speculation, revised release dates and general blog and forum post rumours this high specification device can now be connected to the full range of Vodafone pay monthly tariffs, but is a network exclusive launch good for the consumer?
Basically, the exclusive deal signed between the manufacturer and the network dictates that the Blackberry Storm can only be sold by the network on one of their many contract packages, the handset will not be available on any other UK network operators so there is no way of comparing prices or for that matter any competition – the Blackberry Storm has been developed solely for Vodafone.
This has obvious implications for consumers as there is no way of knowing whether the networks deals are of value, basically the network can set their own prices as the handset can not be purchased anywhere else, the Storm will be available from select retailers but again Vodafone have the say on pricing so as not to sell themselves short.
This may not be the end of it though and there may be some good news on the horizon, in the past network exclusive mobile phones have popped up as SIM free handsets from independent retailers, if these retailers can secure stocks of the Blackberry Storm there is a chance that they will offer the handset with no network subsidy or contract ties – this will initially work out far more expensive than buying the phone on contract however there are no extra ongoing line rental charges and the user can insert their existing SIM card to retain their current mobile number, account details and any saved contacts.
The Blackberry Storm could be a real candidate for the iPhone killer, in reaction to the release of the iPhone the standard of touchscreen mobile phones has reached new heights recently with the release of the Samsung Omnia, Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 and the LG Renoir and the Blackberry Storm is no exception.
Incorporating an amazing animated touchscreen similar to that of the HTC Touch Diamond, the Blackberry Storm is one of this years big product launches and has already created a buzz in an extremely competitive market, laying testament to the impact this handset is set to make. The Storm also offers a 3.2 megapixel camera, WiFi technology, built in GPS, Blackberry maps, HSDPA and Blackberry operating system.
This is not the first time RIM have made a BlackBerry which seems to appeal to everyone, but it is perhaps the first time they have packaged one inside such a stylish handset! Style is everything in consumer world and phones don’t come much better looking than when they are almost devoid of ugly buttons. It’s not just a pretty face either, as the Storm does everything the casual user demands.
This is both a business tool as well as a pleasure gadget, integrated access to emails for on the move professinals runs alongside an enhanced music player, WiFi connectivity for using theinternet on the go coupled with a high specification camera lens with video support for viewing You Tuibe videos.
For social networking addicts there is the ability to update and connect with friends during the day for those that do not always have access to a computer. Direct access to accounts means it’s easy to change status or add a blog post all from the mobile phone, wherever and whenever.
In conclusion the Blackberry Storm represents the best in technology, design and features that RIM has to offer, as its flagship device the Storm will attract custom from a wide range of consumers including teens looking fro a new cool phone through to businessmen and women seeking that all inclusive communications device.
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