A step up from the 9530, the BlackBerry Storm 2 brings Wi-Fi, an updated OS, and even a bit more memory to tag along. The device still features a 3.25 inch display, a 3.2 megapixel camera, a full HTML browser, and GPS. To compare the BlackBerry Storm 2 and the 9530 side by side was a bit tough, but we did it. So the question that has been haunting everyone's mind is, will the new and improved BlackBerry Storm 2 be able to hold it's own or will it be a failure of a successor? See the full CellPhoneTrek review.

Carriers: Blackberry	Retail Price: $499.99
Manufactured by: Verizon	Contact Price: $199.99

Pros: RIM’s BlackBerry Storm 2 now comes with Wi-Fi support, additional memory, and features an updated OS which brings lots of new features and enhanced user interface. It comes with a redesigned SurePress touch screen too and limited multitouch capabilities.

Cons: RIM’s BlackBerry Storm 2 is not a perfect smart phone and it still has some flaws with its performance. It is not par with the other smart phones released this year. While the BlackBerry Storm 2 has been improved, its touchscreen takes some acclimation.

If you are following Research In Motion's smart phone releases, for sure you are not satisfied with their first touch-screen device, simply because it was not that snappy, performance wise and comes with lots of bugs and issues. Yes, these bugs have been resolved by their software updates, but still, all the damage had been done and had left a bad impression. These are the reasons why there are lots of expectations to their BlackBerry Storm 2, and a lot are hoping that the brand will clear its name and start a new beginning. When I first received my Storm 2 review unit, my first impression is that it is a completely new smart phone inside out. It comes with a revamped SurePress touchscreen which perfectly complements its new BlackBerry operating system. Yes, it now features a better user experience. What’s more is that the brand added Wi-Fi connectivity as well as more memory. Not to mention a slew of enhancements to BlackBerry's basic functions. It seems that the system is stable though I experienced problems browsing the Web and some issues with its usability features. I will tell you more about this later as I go on with my full review of the BlackBerry Storm 2. If you are a BlackBerry fan and wants a a touch screen then the BlackBerry Storm 2 is a good choice. By the way, it is already available for only $179.99 with a two-year service agreement and after a $100 mail-in rebate. RIM’s BlackBerry Storm 2 compared to its original model is somewhat the same size wise as it comes with the same dimensions - 4.4 inches by 2.4 inches by 0.5 inch. It is lightweight too weighing just 5.6 ounces. You will notice some subtle changes as it now comes with a tinted chrome ring around its edges which used to be a silver one in the original version. Its volume rocker which is a customizable convenience key located on the left spine as well as the second shortcut key on the right spine is presented in a soft touch finish, which is almost the same as with the RIM’s BlackBerry Curve 8520.

One notable change is that the BlackBerry Storm 2 is the redesigned SurePress technology. Now, instead of a mechanical suspension system, you can make use of its electronic activators which can be found under the display which provides an impulse and gives you a feel of a click. It's indeed a cool technology as it has several advantages over the original SurePress screen. Firstly, it features a uniform feel to the screen, when you press down on the icons or use its keyboard, you will feel a slight depression around its 4 corners, and its display does not physically move. Moreover, when the smart phone is completely shut down, its screen does not move at all. This SurePress technology allows key rollover and makes typing a lot easier and faster. Now, you can press two keys at the same time. The BlackBerry Storm 2 also features multitouch. You can now use the copy/paste feature by placing a finger at the beginning of of the message and the other at the end, then cut, copy & paste. Other UI enhancements include inertial scrolling, calendar, date, and more animations. There are also 4 navigation controls which are the Talk/End keys, back, and BlackBerry menu key. These controls are integrated into SurePress and they are not anymore separate button. The BlackBerry Storm 2 also features a full QWERTY keyboard which supports both portrait and landscape mode orientation. It is much easier to user and more precise compared to the original Storm. However, I had experienced some errors when typing messages though I know that anyone can easily get a hang of its keyboard. The new BlackBerry Storm 2 also features predictive text and auto correction. The BlackBerry Storm 2 has a 3.2 inches display which is a half-VGA resolution variant that is capable of rendering up to (480x360) pixels of resolution. Its touch screen features accelerometer and a proximity sensor, which will turn off your screen automatically when you're on a call. This will prevent accidental presses, and is a great add on feature. On the top of the Storm 2, you will find its power/lock button as well as the mute button. On the left spine you will find the Micro-USB port while on the right you will see the standard 3.5mm headphone jack. Its SIM card and microSD expansion slots are situated behind the Storm 2’s battery cover. My Storm 2 review unit came with an AC adapter, USB cable, stereo headset, and a 16GB card.

For additional accessories you, please check CellPhoneTrek’s accessories section. RIM’s BlackBerry Storm 2 now brings built-in Wi-Fi, and 50% more memory. It also comes with an updated operating system and some already mentioned UI enhancements. It now runs BlackBerry OS 5.0 and is downloadable from RIM and Verizon’s website. Just so you know, the Storm 2 is the first ever CDMA BlackBerry smart phone that features Wi-Fi. The new OS, BlackBerry OS 5.0 is much faster especially when browsing the Web. Thanks to its faster JavaScript and CSS processing. Like the original Storm unit, the Storm 2 is a world phone that comes with a SIM card. Its dual-mode functionality gives you the freedom to automatically switch from Verizon's CDMA network to international quad-band GSM. Meaning, you can take and make calls as well as receive data while you are on the go. The Storm 2 also supports 2100MHz UMTS/HSDPA frequencies, meaning you can also take advantage of its 3G support overseas, while you are on Verizon's EV-DO Rev. Verizon has 3G coverage in 220 countries and data coverage in 175 countries. Other salient features include on the BlackBerry Storm 2 include speed dial, speakerphone, smart dialing, conference calling, voice-activated dialing, and text and MMS. It also has Bluetooth onboard which allows you to use wireless headsets. It also has stereo Bluetooth, hands-free kits, a serial port, and supports dial-up networking. Other essentials include A-GPS, BlackBerry Maps, , BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES), Lotus Domino, Novell GroupWise. It also has IM support including the BlackBerry Messenger, Windows Live, Yahoo, Google Talk, as well as AIM. It also has Social Networking capabilities and gives users access to Facebook, MySpace, and Flickr via its Application Center. Camera is ok too even if it is just a 3.2-megapixel camera since it has video-recording feature. I have tested the device and I only experienced a few hang ups when loading apps. I am quite impressed with its Call quality and speakerphone as its very clear and almost no background noise. I will definitely recommend this device to those business users since its call, voice, and email capabilities is superb. But for hardcore users, I still prefer the Android devices.