T&T: Blackberry 'Storm' Phone

[Jeffrey Siegel]

> Curious if you've checked out the new Blackberry 
> Storm touchscreen phone with Verizon service. 
> It would seem to be ideal for use onboard and 
> tethered to a laptop.
> 

The Storm is the first Blackberry based solely around "touch".  I most
certainly was created in response to the Apple iPhone.  The hardware looks
pretty good although I haven't held one yet.

ActiveCaptain has had a poll for the last month asking three questions.  One
of the questions was about the next phone we should be supporting.  I was
blown away by the response.  There were more people that requested
Blackberry support than anything else.  I expected the iPhone to be the
most-asked-for.  It was second.

The issue for Blackberry is that all applications need to be written in J2me
(Java's mobile environment).  It restricts capabilities and makes the
software run slower.  Some of those issues go away as more applications
(like ActiveCaptain) are server-based.  Still, there are fewer applications
for Blackberry than any other platform because of this.

That said, we're modifying our plans so we can have good support for
Blackberry.  There are some major web site capabilities being developed now
along with PC and Mac applications for offline use (the BIGGEST request by
far - offline storage of marinas, anchorages, and local knowledge).  It'll
all be free.  It's starting to become a web-based chartplotter.  Who would
have ever thought we'd see that?  Anyway, Blackberry is front-and-center in
this new development so we can support their devices (especially the Curve,
Bold, and Storm).

Personally, I prefer devices with a keyboard (even a hidden, slide out one).
I'd bet that the next Storm will add that (my "perfect" Storm...).


==================================
Jeffrey Siegel
M/V aCappella
DeFever 53PH
W1ACA/WDB4350
Castine, Maine

www.activecaptain.com
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