Storage

The Storm 2 has definitely improved its memory since the first Storm. The new model has 256MB of flash memory, compared to 128MB with the first Storm, and the embedded multimedia card has doubled capacity to 2 GB. The phone also comes with a 16GB microSD card. All of this combined makes the Storm 2 a powerhouse of storage.

The handset has lots of room for storing files and applications, and a place to store files and a single place to organize songs. It also stores multiple email addresses, numbers, addresses, and instant message names for contacts.

Connectivity

The Storm 2 supports Bluetooth 2.0 in headset or hands-free form and supports the following profiles: dial-up networking use the handset as a modem for laptops, advanced audio distribution, remote control of audio and video, remote phone book access and serial port profile.

The handset also connects to computers via USB and can sync iTunes and Windows Media files. It has GPS and City ID to help locate where the phone is, plus VZ Navigator to give directions and find new places. Users can create and view Microsoft Office documents.

Connecting to Bluetooth is easy, although the profile options are slightly limited and connecting to a computer is simple.

Conclusion

There's nothing really wrong with the Storm 2, there's just not a lot new to blow a reviewer away. The 3.2-megapixel camera would have been considered high-end even a year ago, but it's now falling behind in the race for better quality picture and video recording.

The entertainment options are there, but Verizon doesn't have the largest offering of applications out there, and songs, video clips and games are about all a person can count on for entertainment.

People are more likely to look at this phone because of its messaging options, which include the ever-important ability to keep track of multiple email accounts at once, receive emails in real time, and attach and read documents.

The experience is similar to using email on a computer, except more efficient. It's also handy that Internet connection can be found almost everywhere between Verizon's far-reaching 3G network and the phone's ability to pick up Wi-Fi.

People will also be interested in this phone because they like touch screens that are responsive and accurate. And the phone is accurate most of the time, but it does take time to make a selection on the screen.

Luckily, the screen moves through menu items quickly, and the Internet moves at a swift pace too.

The screen isn't all that colorful, but it's high-resolution, which really shows when watching videos. The storage capacity on the phone is an upgrade from the Storm, and a user can connect to a computer and Bluetooth profiles, although the profiles are limited and a calendar sync option would be nice in any future version of the phone. The audio is loud and clear for the most part, but placing the speaker on the bottom of the phone may have been a mistake. Anyone that likes the design of the Storm will like the Storm 2, because they look like fraternal twins.

The Storm 2 is a good choice for no-nonsense people that find the best use for a phone is communication, whether making calls, writing documents to send to a client, or keeping track of multiple emails. It's not the best fit, however, for people that want loads of new and exciting applications and entertainment options, want to record every second of their life on film or in pictures, or someone who simply needs a physical keypad to be happy with their phone.

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