BlackBerry Storm 2 reviewed

Have you read all the reviews for the BlackBerry Storm 2?

CNET, CrackBerry, Brighthand, Gizmodo, and PC Magazine seem to come to the top of the Google list. I like the review by Gizmodo because it's actually a summary of multiple reviews (although it seems like they have a typo regarding the CNET review which is 3.5 out of 5 stars or "very good")

So, what do you think about the new BlackBerry Storm 2? Are you impressed? Was it worth the upgrade? If I were a health care professional using the older Storm, I would upgrade mainly because you really need more internal RAM for all those medical apps. If you're a pure business user, then 128 MB of RAM for apps is plenty. The same isn't true for medical students and physicians.

The Motorola Droid gets reviewed by Brighthand

Thinking about using a Google Android-powered smartphone? The Motorola Droid has been reviewed by the folks at Brighthand. It's a nice slim slider that reveals a QWERTY keyboard. Yes, it's so slim that you may not think it's a slider. This phone runs Google Android 2.0 which means that you'll get voice-guided turn-by-turn directions when you use the built-in GPS navigation feature on this smartphone.

The HTC Imagio gets reviewed by Brighthand

The HTC Imagio has received its review by the folks over at Brighthand. What's the verdict? It's probably the best iPhone imitator (they didn't say "killer"). If you're stuck on the Verizon network and you're dying for an Apple iPhone, the HTC Imagio may be the best thing you can find until Verizon actually gets the iPhone. Of course, you'll have to use Windows Mobile 6.5 if you get the Imagio, so if you're an "anti-Microsoft" fanatic out there, then you should simply wait for the iPhone.

Here's the summary:

Pros:

* Large, high-resolution screen
* Solid build quality
* Well stocked with software

Cons:

* Inconsistent speed
* Less memory than it should have

Reviews reflect real opinions, but your opinion may be quite different. I enjoy reading reviews, but I find that I generally only agree with about 50-75% of what editors publish in their reviews. To read the full review of the HTC Imagio on Brighthand, click here.

GSM Palm Pre launches in Europe

The GSM version of the Palm Pre has launched in Europe. This means that we may start seeing some of these GSM versions migrate to North America and appear on GSM networks such as AT&T and T-Mobile.

According to the folks at Brighthand, the official launch schedule is Germany on Oct 13, Spain on Oct. 14, and the U.K. and Ireland on Oct. 16. The Palm Pre is a very popular phone among medical professionals who are loyal to Palm. Let's see how webOS competes against Android, iPhone, BlackBerry, and Windows Mobile.

Verizon XV6975 (HTC Whitestone)

Will the Verizon Wireless XV6975 (HTC Whitestone) appear next month? Verizon has already slashed the prices on most of its Windows Mobile smartphones, so new smartphones must be right around the corner.

According to the folks over at Brighthand:

The Whitestone will be the successor to the HTC Touch HD, and will have much in common with its predecessor, including a WVGA screen, mobile broadband, and a tablet design. Windows Mobile 6.1 Pro, 256 MB of RAM, 528 MHz processor, 5 MPx camera, and GPS. It will have a focus on multimedia, and include a small stand so it can hold itself upright when playing movies.

I imagine that it will also qualify for a Windows Mobile 6.5 upgrade once that operating system gets released by Microsoft. I think this smartphone will be a great option for healthcare professionals who are looking for a fast, slim tablet (candybar) that lacks a built-in hardware keyboard. If you like the iPhone design and want to run Windows Mobile, this may be the phone for you! Image source: Brighthand

MotionApps Classic Palm OS Emulator

The folks over at Brighthand have reviewed the MotionApps Classic Palm OS Emulator for the Palm Pre running webOS. Their conclusion?

MotionApps Classic is a transitional aid. It will help long-time Palm OS users switch to the webOS, and help Palm, Inc. get the webOS off the ground.

Will this emulator keep the original Palm OS alive? I doubt it. We're already seeing very sophisticated medical software for other devices and the original Palm OS is simply dead. Remember that the Palm Pre doesn't include a stylus pen so you have to rely on your finger for touch input.

Soaring Palm Pre Sales

According to Brighthand, there have been over 150,000 sales of the Sprint Palm Pre running WebOS. The Palm Pre went on sale earlier this month and it's been a big hit. Will Sprint sell over 4 million Palm Pre smartphones over the next 12 months? Perhaps this is really dependent on the supply. After all, it seems like the demand is high, but the supply is where things are lacking.

BlackBerry Curve 8900

Are you excited about the BlackBerry Curve 8900? It's going to be the thinnest and lightest QWERTY BlackBerry Smartphone.

The folks at Brighthand are saying that it will have Wi-Fi instead of 3G. Did I read that correctly? Doesn't sound right to me. You can get your e-mail anywhere, but you probably can't use it to tether. Image source: Brighthand

Palm Pre: June 7 at Best Buy

Folks at Brighthand have a story about the Palm Pre's availability at Best Buy on June 7. Could this be true?

They also report that the Pre will be priced like this: $200 with a new two-year contract, or $300 for current customers who are upgrading.

I don't usually shop at Best Buy because I tend to do all my shopping online. However, I may need to visit my local Best Buy on June 7 if these rumors end up being substantiated. Image Source: Brighthand.

16 GB Apple iPhone 3G for Half Price

Thanks to the folks at Brighthand for this tip. Get a refurbished 16 GB Apple iPhone 3G for half price! Many people don't like purchasing refurbished merchandise, but I've had my share of good (and bad) luck with refurbished gadgets. Would I buy a refurbished iPhone for half price? Sure! After all, you don't expect that phone to last forever, do you?