The Verizon Storm is RIM’s first BlackBerry using a touchscreen as its primary input method. Unlike the current BlackBerry models, which all use hardware QWERTY keyboards, the Verizon Storm will rely on a software keyboard and minimal hardware buttons; however, it will certainly have RIM’s esteemed messaging credentials.
Based around a MultiTouch touchscreen, the Verizon Storm has a somewhat unusual set of cellular capabilities. As well as EV-DO for high-speed CDMA browsing, it also features GSM/GPRS/EDGE/UMTS for high-speed HSDPA/HSUPA connections. Initial specifications suggest the GSM bands are 900/1800MHz, the CDMA 800/1900MHz and UMTS 2100MHz; that would pretty much fix the Verizon Storm to the carrier’s network when in the US, but allow it voice and data access in Europe and Asia.
Other specifications include a speakerphone, GPS for navigation, and minimal hardware buttons (Send/End/Menu/Back on the front panel). The camera is 3-megapixels. With a 624MHz processor, the Verizon Storm could be the fastest BlackBerry yet. However there are doubts that the Verizon Storm will have WiFi; some say a/b/g, others believe Verizon will disable or remove the wireless connection.
The retail box for the Verizon Storm is expected to include not only the touchscreen smartphone itself, but an 8GB SanDisk microSD memory card, stereo headset (using a standard 3.5mm socket), AC travel adapter and USB cable. The Verizon Storm will also, unusually for the CDMA carrier, include a preinstalled SIM card, making the handset suitable for worldwide GSM use when traveling.
Pricing for the Verizon Storm is still uncertain. Likely to be positioned as a flagship handset intended to take on the Apple iPhone 3G, the Verizon Storm will probably command a premium price, perhaps as much as $399 with a new two-year contract.
Although the carrier is still tight-lipped, the Verizon Storm is expected to be announced on Monday, September 15th, with an official launch on November 1st. According to the latest rumors, however, delivery of the handset won’t take place until a week after that, with the Verizon Storm reaching customers’ hands on November 8th.