BlackBerry Storm 9530 (aka Thunder) Pre-Release Thread

**GregGebhardt** · 05-13-2008, 02:41 PM

Wow! I am glad to see that RIM is taking care of Verizon. This will really be a different device without a keyboard. I got to have one!

Congrats to Verizon

**pshift** · 05-13-2008, 03:14 PM

I'm glad to see that Verizon is finally getting a world-class exclusive. Only time (and real pics) will tell how this plays out.

**GBVZ** · 05-13-2008, 03:25 PM

So BGR released information this morning about the BlackBerry "Thunder", tagline: The Touchscreen BlackBerry we've all been waiting for.

http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2008/...n-waiting-for/

We all remember the debates when the iPhone was released about whether it would take over the corporate market that BlackBerry has dominated for so long. The main argument against the iPhone was its on-screen keyboard. It was said that it would be difficult to quickly type out an email, without typos, using the on-screen keyboard.

I think it is quite clear that the "Thunder" is RIM's response to the iPhone. I believe that the "Thunder" is aimed at the younger "iPhone" demographic versus the corporate exec. demographic.

I'm excited that it seems to be exclusive to Verizon. I plan on testing it out when it's released... but I'm concerned that I won't like the on-screen keyboard it's sure to have.

**Danny4G** · 05-13-2008, 03:26 PM

I don't plan on paying an ETF and leaving T-Mobile for this device, but I secretly hope my employer one day comes up to me and says: "Sure, we'll not only buy you the new Thunder, we'll pay for the monthly service on an international plan too because you are so awesome!!"

My door is always open to try new toys.

**backdown00** · 05-13-2008, 03:31 PM

Originally Posted by GBVZ

So BGR released information this morning about the BlackBerry "Thunder", tagline: The Touchscreen BlackBerry we've all been waiting for.

http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2008/...n-waiting-for/

We all remember the debates when the iPhone was released about whether it would take over the corporate market that BlackBerry has dominated for so long. The main argument against the iPhone was its on-screen keyboard. It was said that it would be difficult to quickly type out an email, without typos, using the on-screen keyboard.

I think it is quite clear that the "Thunder" is RIM's response to the iPhone. I believe that the "Thunder" is aimed at the younger "iPhone" demographic versus the corporate exec. demographic.

I'm excited that it seems to be exclusive to Verizon. I plan on testing it out when it's released... but I'm concerned that I won't like the on-screen keyboard it's sure to have.

I think this thread might be a little premature? its not expected for at least 1 year+ with the possibility of being put off further.

Is there even an FCC page for this phone yet?

**GBVZ** · 05-13-2008, 03:34 PM

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8330/4.3.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

Perhaps it is a little pre-mature. But I figured since it was announced on BGR, that we could at least discuss the "concept" of it here.

**jrapp** · 05-13-2008, 03:35 PM

Really skeptical about the lack of a physical keyboard. Other than that, looks pretty nice.

**vrs626** · 05-13-2008, 03:36 PM

Originally Posted by backdown00

I think this thread might be a little premature? its not expected for at least 1 year+ with the possibility of being put off further.

Is there even an FCC page for this phone yet?

Did you read the actual BGR post? It says that it will be released Q3 of this year.

**joepocky** · 05-13-2008, 03:47 PM

Originally Posted by vrs626

Did you read the actual BGR post? It says that it will be released Q3 of this year.

Seconded.

**Haoaw** · 05-13-2008, 04:31 PM

I dont like all touchscreen, wish theres a slide keypad

that is all

**dikiem** · 05-13-2008, 04:35 PM

BGR annouce a lot of things, but dang, this is at least a year away....

It will be released Q3, doesn't mean it will reach VZW mainstream Q3. It might be release to VZW to start testing and evaluating and modifying Q3 of this year...

**Mazinga** · 05-13-2008, 04:59 PM

Originally Posted by jrapp

Really skeptical about the lack of a physical keyboard. Other than that, looks pretty nice.

looks just like the iphone....

Also if there is no actual qwerty keyboard then I hope the touch keyboard will be alot better than the iphone or I wouldn't even care for it.

**x ray tech** · 05-13-2008, 05:19 PM

Now with the Thunder and the 9000 series coming out we have something new to wait for. And with Verizons track record it might be quite a wait. Well at least we got the Curve to hold us over.

**backdown00** · 05-13-2008, 05:19 PM

Originally Posted by vrs626

Did you read the actual BGR post? It says that it will be released Q3 of this year.

So are we taking bets then? so I guess what BGR is the truth 100% of the time? what he gave was an estimate based on what his insider sources know. I know many instances where BGR posted an article claiming a date for verizon and it got pushed back, the v9m comes to mind...

I don't know if you are familiar with Verizon, but they are notorious for pushing phones back. Unless confirmed by Verizon, the Q3 date is just a rumor... For instance look at the curve, that was supposed to be released before May. It had at least 4 release dates and that info came from insider sources as well. How about the xv6800, that too was pushed back from a rumored release date. I have my reasons for doubting a Q3 release date...