The BlackBerry Storm has found a home in many gadget fancier’s pockets, despite some dodgy software sitting inside. But did you know you can instantly improve its performance, patch up the holes RIM left open, and make it a much more useful handset?
Follow our simple steps and you’ll soon have the BlackBerry Storm feeling much more like an iPhone beater, and less like an oversized trouser weight.
1) Update The BlackBerry Storm firmware
If you were one of the first to get hold of a BlackBerry Storm, chances are you’re still running its very first firmware. Subsequent versions have much-improved software, and are far more reliable. Upgrading it is simple, but only if you’re using a Windows PC. Load up your web browser and head to the BlackBerry Storm update page. Plug in the BlackBerry Storm using its USB cable and click “Run” on both the downloads offered by the browser
2) Install TalkLock
You can’t have failed to notice the BlackBerry Storm has a habit of doing strange things when you’re on a call – it’s because the phone doesn’t have a proximity sensor, so its touchscreen is still active when you’re on a call. That makes it easy to accidentally put people on hold, or mute the call with your cheek. Thankfully, it’s easy to fix too. Install TalkLock (it’s one of our top five BlackBerry Storm apps), and it’ll lock the screen as soon as your call connects.
3) Boost the BlackBerry Storm’s memory
The BlackBerry Storm comes with a pretty puny 1GB microSD card. Compared to the likes of the iPhone 3G, that’s positively pathetic. Thankfully, the phone supports microSD cards up to 16GB. They’ll set you back just under £45, but will let you use the Storm as a proper MP3 player (it has a full headphone jack, after all) and even use that screen to watch movies too.
4) Use the BlackBerry Storm as a wireless modem
RIM mentioned the BlackBerry Storm can act as a wireless modem for your laptop when they launched the phone, but has since gone a bit quiet about it. That’s because you need to pay extra for their software, and also stump up more for your monthly tariff. That seems a bit stingy to us, since you’ve already paid for unlimited browsing, so check out MobiShark instead. It’s a neat little app, that’ll make the Storm pair with your laptop so it can hop online at full wireless broadband speeds. OK, so you’ll have to pay for the software, but it’ll work just fine on your existing tariff.
5) Accessorise the BlackBerry Storm
We wouldn’t normally plug tacky accessories, but in the case of the BlackBerry Storm they actually improve the overall experience. Top of our list is the BlackBerry Bluetooth Stereo Audio Gateway. It’s simply a Bluetooth adapter for your stereo, but it’ll let the BlackBerry Storm send sounds (stored on that microSD memory card) and act as a wireless music source. If you’re feeling flush, plump for RIM’s official Desktop Charging Stand too, as it’ll position the Storm perfectly to act as a high-tech alarm clock.
Erm, buy an iPhone 3G? I think that’s the quickest way to improve it
One way to instantly improve the Blackberry Storm.
1. Euthanize it.
you have no idea. It’s an amazing phone.