BlackBerry Storm 2 makes a video

The BlackBerry Storm 2 has made its motion picture debut and there are some surprises. The clicking SurePress keyboard remains part of the handset although the screen stops moving when the power is off; the technology is improved, according to a review from Crackberry, and the screen movement is not as strong as with the original model. There is even a clicking sound that is used for feedback while typing.

Crackberry goes on to rave about the hardware, saying that the sequel is built the way the original should have been produced with tighter tolerances, no gaps shining light through, a better battery door and improved engineering. The OS will probably be about the same between the original Storm and the newer model by the time the latter is released. It is expected that the 9500/9530 will be upgraded to the BlackBerry 5.0 OS (tabbed browsing anyone?) just slightly before or after the Storm 2 sees the light of day.

So it looks like the Storm 2 will come much closer to the being the smartphone that those who lined up for the 9500/9530 last November thought they were buying. This can only be a major positive for RIM. The Canadian manufacturer skated on thin ice when the original Storm was launched, but through upgrades they have turned the unit into a very servicable phone. And unlike many consumer product firms, they actually listened to their customers when it came time to make the Storm 2. Adding Wi-Fi corrects a major mistake. Adding tabbed browsing puts the web experience one step closer to the competition. While it's way too early to make a solid reading on the matter, it does appear that the BlackBerry Storm 2 9550/9520 can recapture the BlackBerry user who vowed never to try another touchscreen 'Berry after the original debacle.

RIM BlackBerry Storm 2 9550 Preliminary Specifications
RIM BlackBerry Storm 2 9520 Preliminary Specifications

source: Crackberry