Category: BlackBerry

Stuff I’ve figured out in my first few hours with the BlackBerry Storm:

• The free version of PocketMac that’s provided by RIM isn’t easy to get working with the Storm. I couldn’t quite do it, after playing around for a half-hour or so. I did see some indication on various forums that it was possible, but I didn’t want to waste too much time on it tonight. I did see some positive mentions of Missing Sync, which I may try out later this week.
• On the PC side, the Outlook contact sync works fine. I didn’t try the calendar sync. I’m not sure if I’ll stick with the PC sync, or switch to the Mac sync. I’ll probably figure that out after I play with Missing Sync.
• The Facebook app on the Storm isn’t nearly as good as the one in the iPhone.
• Overall, the interface is a little weird, but I think I’ll be able to get used to it. I like the fact that you can switch between three keyboards: the SureType and MultiTap keyboards in portrait, and the full QWERTY in landscape.

I broke down and ordered myself a BlackBerry Storm today. I’d been vacillating back and forth between getting a BlackBerry or an iPhone, and I wasn’t quite convinced that the Storm was the way to go if I did get a BlackBerry. I’m not entirely sure I’ll like it, but I’m going to give it a shot. There is, of course, a two-year contract extension to go along with this, and an extra $30 per month for the BlackBerry e-mail & web plan. So, if I don’t like it, I’m pretty much screwed, though I might be able to trade it in for a Curve or something If I really hate it.

I’m optimistic though. Looking through various forum sites, it sounds like most of the problems with the early Storms have been straightened out through software updates. I’m going to keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best.