BlackBerry Storm2 to Launch on Verizon Oct. 28th

At the same time, existing Storm (generation one) users will get some love, too. Available for download at www.verizonwireless.com/storm is a new ROM for you early adopters, withnew BlackBerry OS 5.0 software.

The new BlackBerry OS 5.0 for the original Storm (www.verizonwireless.com/storm) will take on the annoyances that have faced Storm users since the device launched. Key to the changes are "faster, more accurate and more natural text input experience, word completion, a virtual QWERTY keyboard in portrait view and enhanced sensitivity when editing, copying and pasting."

Much of the complaints centered around the original Storm were around the experience associated with its virtual keyboard and touchscreen interface. Many of these are directly addressed in the Storm 2.

One thing that can't be addressed via a software download from www.verizonwireless.com/storm is the lack of wi-fi on the original storm. Nowadays, it's becoming a standard feature on new devices, so its omission on the original Storm has been corrected in the new Storm 2.

The new Storm2's tactile feedback touchscreen interface is called SurePress. Reviews and previews so far have said it's a solid improvement over the original Storm's interface. Still, if you have an original Storm and don't feel like paying $179 + a 2 year contract for a Storm2, check out the new ROM from www.verizonwireless.com/storm. It reportedly makes major improvements as well.