How to Evaluate the Blackberry Storm 2

The Blackberry Storm 2 is the latest smartphone on the market. The features include phone (voice dialing), access to email, calendar, contacts, tasks, internet browsing, instant messaging, media (camera, video, music). The Blackberry Storm 2 is a powerful smartphone but how do you know if it is the right smartphone for you. This article will give you some advice on how to evaluate the Blackberry Storm 2 smartphone.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 

   Determine why you need a smart phone. Do you need more then a basic cell phone. Smart phones, PDAs offer many features and functions that do include increased cost. Do you need
   - access to your work and/or personal email?
   - access to the internet on your cell phone?
   - access to your work and/or personal calendar?
   - ability to send text messages
   - ability to listen to music or watch videos on your cell phone?
   These are just a few reasons. Also consider the cost of a calling plan.
   - how many minutes will you use?
   - how many text messages will you send?
   - can you afford to add a data plan?

2. 

   Compare the Smartphones/PDAs currently offered by the phone companies.
   - Are you locked into one particular phone company?
   - Do you have a preference for a particular phone?
   - Based on the answer to step 1 above, do you want a flip phone, a small, light pocket size phone or a heavier hand side phone?
   - Review the various cell phone and data plans offered by the cell phone companies. Does one offer a better plan then the others?
   - What is the cell phone coverage?
   - Will you be able to make and receive calls in your neighborhood?

3. 

   The Blackberry Storm 2 smart phone is a powerful cell phone / hand held productivity tool. The Blackberry Storm 2 offers many features and functions to make it a small mini-computer for most individuals. Besides the phone, the Blackberry Storm 2 smart phone offers
   - voice dialing
   - personal productivity (calendar, contacts, tasks, voice notes)
   - applications (word to go, sheet to go, slideshow to go)
   - internet browsing
   - media (camera, video, music)
   - connections to social websites (flickr, facebook, myspace)
   - messaging (text, IM's, chat, pictures)
   - other (memo pad, calculator, games, password safe)
   - maps
   - ability to download additional software

4. 

   The Blackberry Storm 2, when combined with both home and work computer systems, allows you to stay in touch anytime, anyplace. In today's busy world, the Blackberry Storm 2 allows you to stay in touch with family, friends, co-workers. Whether you prefer to use the phone or send text messages or send emails, the Blackberry Storm 2 offers many ways to communicate. Have a personal call with your family, hold a conference call with co-workers, order something online, perform online banking, take a picture, make a note for later. The features and functions are plenty. The Blackberry Storm 2 will keep you busy learning how to use all of them.

Tips & Warnings

• Research before buying. Ask family, friends, co-workers. Read the online reviews, blogs, message boards. Visit phone stores often and try the cell phone in the store.
• Consider buying insurance.
• Sign up at one of the few Blackberry websites to receive updates.
• Do not wait for the next upgrade on a cell phone. Each cell phone has its pros and cons. Determine if your pros outweigh the cons.

Resources

• BlackBerry.com
• Verizon Wireless
• Amazon
• Crackberry.com
• Newegg.com