the amount of places where you are going to get WiFi and NOT get VZW service is very very low, in the grand scheme of things. Unless you typically visit a place where WiFi is available and VZW service isn't (e.g. college dorm/school) then that really should not be a deal breaker...

njso18

@NFLBLitze1:
Yeah yo! I get horrendous 3G bars in my house -- I absolutely must have WI-FI!

Pwnage

I was actually thinking about buying this, but wtf?! NO FUCKING WIFI!!! I NEED WIFI TO SURVIVE!!!
No but seriously, that is a dealbreaker! Why the hell would they do that!!

Pwnage

@iAirmanshirk69:
Same, but they're back now! Look how much I rely on Giz's proper formatting!!
AAAAH!

Pwnage

@purple-pillows: the shit you are taking right now is by far the most potent worst smelling shit I have ever smelled.

Delaportas

Why's no WIFI really a big deal? Is it just to skirt paying for a data plan?

I have a WIFI capable WinMo6Pro phone now, but my phone connects with broadband to VZW anyways... so the browsing and everything goes through 3g... fast and well all the time... only use the WIFI to see if there are networks for me to connect with, using my laptop..

just curious, and may have answered my own question.

om nom de plume

@NFLBLitze1: Wifi is big man and much speedier than a 3G signal when indoors. Im an iPhone users and right when I get home it picks up my signal and im good to go. Wifi allows me to control my iTunes library on my desktop system. Obviously you can use a smartphone without wifi but it really doesnt make sense why the BB folks didnt include it.

It might be even worse than Apple not including cut/copy or video recording on the iPhone, haha.

pdditty

How is a keyboard a con? Use a touchscreen for a year then comment. This phone has no balls. It's an iphone want to be that showed up a little too late. Granted it is probably "better" than the iphone, but they already have all the customers. Plus, CDMA is wack.

swoyekr

no wifi.................
apple figured it out... i want to own your pocket... these guys only want you to make calls....

johnthevulcan

How often are you actually going to be using wifi, i guarentee that atleast 80% percent of the people on this blog "who don't own an iphone", i bet you that there phones don't have wifi.

NFLBLitze1

i have been waiting for a great touch screen phone from verizon... but lack of an app store at launch makes me wonder how great this phone can be at first

purple-pillows

No WIFI is a deal breaker.

Aaron Ortega

@Pwnage: AHH im confused, i had to zume out just to read them lol

iAirmanshirk

@Wess: Pathetic right?

iAirmanshirk

NO WIFI??? WHAT IS THIS??? OH AND BTW WHAAAT IS WRONG WITH THE COMMENTS? THEY'RE ALL TO THE LEFT??? AHHHH!

Pwnage

NO WIFI!!!! WHATTTTTT???!?!?!?!??!

Wess

Blackberry... hahah

iAirmanshirk

@iAirmanshirk69: That is a must on basically all new smartphones! I went to the Verizon store to see if they had any Demo storm units, but nope. I asked whats with the mandatory data plan and they said unlimited data (no txts though). I bet you it has a cap (like 5 GB). I don't wanna go over it though and I am pretty sure that wi-fi is faster than the current network, correct me if i'm wrong.

Wess

Not to mention that Verizon locks the GPS availability so you have to pay a monthly service charge for their VZ Navigator.

Verizon seriously knows how to dick you over with their shitty smartphones. I'm looking to switch to AT&T for that specific reason.

integrate

Don't tell me it doesn't have bluetooth or a microphone or a screen or somethin. C'MON BLACKBERRY!!!! I havn't tried 3G or Verizon's equivalent, but Wi-Fi is pretty fast on the first gen iphone!

Wess

I've been a BlackBerry user for years. I'm on AT&T (Verizon sucks deep around here), so I've been anxious to upgrade my Curve to a Bold. Reading this, though, gives one the impression that the Bold is a turd and that touchscreen is the way to go. So now, instead of a Bold, I might ditch my Blackberry and end up with an iPhone, thanks to the advertising for a Blackberry exclusive. My head hurts.

biker_ray_pa

@NFLBLitze1: Sent from my iPhone

Wess

@swoyekr: Say what you will about CDMA but the signal strength is amazing. It penetrates the concrete and pipe laden walls of my lab like a ***** on a two night pass from ******** with a pound of ****** and a *** on a sleepover with ***** and a ***** ******>

The Lab

@NFLBLitze1: I'm always on wifi on the iphone when at home, at work, at the coffee shop. in short, if i'm not driving, i'm on wifi.

zamafir

No WiFi? Bye Bye...

Cormier6083

Another thing is tethering to your phone with a laptop if wifi isn't available and using your data network to send files. Some apps and files you need a laptop to access and you may need to use an ftp connection. You can't do those things with a smartphone.

I personally find wifi hotspots in D.C. way too few and far between. I tether all the time and without that capability... no thanks.

DustyButt

@njso18: Your missing the point!! WIFI IS FASTER THAN 3G!! ITS ABOUT SPEED, NOT CONNECTIVITY!! We want our webpages to load FASTER. We want our internet based apps to load/refresh FASTER. We want our pornhubdotcom videos to load FASTER. ITS ALL ABOUT SPEED PEOPLE!!

mdawg4624

Love the Blackberry and it wouldn't consider comparing it to that kids toy iPhone... give me a non-novelty, kid-game free, grown up phone any day - but no WiFi - WTF! That being said, there is no technical restrictions that would prevent WiFi so clearly the decision is that of the distributer and not of RIM. Verizon pretty much said to Research in Motion "Nice phone, make sure it doesn't have WiFi and we'll sell 80% of them for you in the United States. Have a nice day." They've taken a cue from Blockbuster and Walmart about product manipulation for product distribution and profit.

BuckCabelas

@Aaron Ortega: I second that. I'm sure it was Verizon demanding BB to NOT include it. This kind of NON SENSE is exactly why Steve and Verizon didn't release the Jesus phone under Verizon. This is my one gripe with them. For too long have they crippled great phones (ie. crippling bluetooth file transfers on some older moto phones back in the day, grrr) so they can 'push' their network and its poor interface upon us.

mdawg4624

@Wess: Uh you'd be correct sir. No way Verizons network is faster than the 30mbps pipe hooked up to my wifi router. This is sad news to me as I have been having recurring dreams about having a BB Storm. Looks like I'll be keeping my iPhone 3g a bit longer....

mdawg4624

@om nom de plume:

You're right. It is. But for good reason... especially here in Canada where data is expensive (i.e. $60/mo for 3 GB).

Andwu

for me the biggest deal about not having wifi is data costs overseas.Even with an unlimited data plan,its only unlimited within the country of purchase.Roaming data costs are unbelievably high.I dont understand how you can target a business crowd without the ability to travel. unless they expect companies to pay the rediculously high prices for data abroad

KingKorg

I'll give it to some that Wifi is a deal breaker. But for the truly mobile person out there - using Wifi in most hotels or public areas blows (I guess unless you are in Italy). 3G all the way.

liveallnight

This may be limited to only certain users, but I found many places in the southern areas of Italy and Sicily where there didn't seem to be any network coverage but there were local wifi hotspots at restaurants and hotels. Made it quite easy to VOIP some messages home.

Diff

I've been using EVDO for years now with Verizon and its better than wifi 90% of the time because its universal (at least Ameri-versal). Wifi is fine if you plan to use your phone with it at home. Why would you bother? At home you have your PC/laptop/whatever.

AndrewJayPollack

u r forgetting people outside US. "we" other people of the world do not usually buy a data plan. So Wi-Fi is more important than anything else.

So BB, how do u really intend to sell this "un-Smart" to the world, if i have no data plan, and no wi-fi, its better to get some old 50$ Sony Ericsson mobile!! and some of them even have wi-fi

medopal

I'm not sure why you would call the iphone a "kids toy". First of all I don' t know too many kids who can afford a $70 a month phone. Second, just because there are a ton of great games available for the iphone, doesn't mean you have to download any of them. Third, what features on the iphone are "novelty"? Have you actually used an iphone before? While I agree there are a lot of stupid apps for the iphone that may make it seem like a "kids toy" it's your choice to download them or not.

dathiene

@NFLBLitze1: If you have a Curve on T-Mo or AT&T, you have WiFi. And the Curve wasn't exactly a failure.

OMG! Ponies!

@Pwnage: Are you complaining about the leftist slant to the commenting here?

OMG! Ponies!

Its been said many times that that was a training document

MatchzMalone

@dathiene: I think the sentiment of the iPhone being a "kids toy" is because its main selling points are that you can use it as an entertainment-phone for games, music, and movies. Most power users are concerned with editing files on the fly (you can't even cut & paste with an iPhone), ftp capabilities (you can't access or upload files for others to retrieve), push email (which is something that's only been in place on an iPhone for three months now), tethering for connecting a laptop (without having to buy a separate network card and basically paying for another line of service or sim swapping), not having an entity limiting the capability of applications because they don't want you to do certain things, etc..

A lot of people don't want things like app stores, could care less about carrying every song ever created everywhere they go, or playing video games. They just want to have communication options and a device that lets them operate with flexibility by having the ability to solve problems "outside the box" and not be tied down by app and hardware restrictions.

I like the iPhone and Storm, but the two things they can't do make them impractical for me. Neither does what I need it to, and I don't like either enough to carry two phones around.

As flawed as WM devices and Sprint are, they are flexible and capable which is what I need to get the job done.

DustyButt

not a dealbreaker for me, i never use wifi unless im at home and if im at home im using my computer so no biggie.

stryker1800

@AndrewJayPollack:

How about at schools or in buildings with overall poor reception but have an available wifi network?

I spend like 40% of my day in places with poor reception (with the VZ network) and I won't have the option of using the available WiFi networks?

Why even bother buying this unless you just want to give the finger to apple for getting it right?

NeoAkira

@OMG! Ponies!:
hahaha no when I checked this post all the comments were oriented to the left of the screen!

Pwnage

@Andwu:

Well at my school where there's poor reception in the underground labs or the concrete thick buildings it is nice to be able to connect to the school's wifi network.

NeoAkira

Hmmmmm, has any one taken a look at the the plans that Verizon is offering? Not looking to good for the storm....and by the way, both the Storm and the Bold are GSM phones BUT like every body has pointed out: No WIFI 4 the Storm.....not going to happen! WIFI on a smart phone is pretty much mandatory in this day and age, and for those who say why WIFI, remember how T-mobile was able to incorporate WIFI with the Curve? for an additional fee, the T-mobile curve was able to jump on any open WIFI network and every incoming and out going call was made through the NET(i.e VOIP) and they were unlimited! if AT&T is smart they will do the same thing...I say the Bold has the advantage in this CIVIL WAR!

gravion17

my thoughts exactly. in addition with a blackberry (current models), you can type faster and use Blackberry Messenger, which almost all the people I do business with use. It is more efficient, has better emailing, sturdier casing, and does not look like an Ipod. There is a reason why corporations prefer blackberries. if i want to listen to music, i'll do that in my personal time. if want to spend 10 minutes going to my phonebook with two hands and multiple touches to call someone and download games and apps - ill buy the iphone

tsunamisurf

@om nom de plume: WiFi is really a deal breaker cause if you leave the country on a business trip a single email with a attachment can end up costing you a few hundred $$$ is your phone goes roaming and pulls it , but if you had WiFi, witch most hotels let you use for free, it cost you nothing

snitch29

i dont need wifi on my 1.5 hour train ride from the Dublin to SF. I need a legit data signal. And thats what CDMA is good for.

Joe Manning

I know it sucks but... how is this news? Everyone knows that Verizon is a group of legendary bastards when it comes to phones. They force manufacturers to cripple or remove features that are "inconvenient" and then plaster a tacky red UI onto everything, all while forcing their bullshit subscription services that everyone hates down peoples' throats. If you hate it, then vote with your dollar and move to a less draconian network. Complaining hasn't done anything for the past decade. I can't see why it would start doing something now.

labrats5

@iAirmanshirk69:
haha i know what you mean man, blackberry.. so 90's

iAirmanshirk

Intersting that Verizon doesn't even take into account that AT&T does have a navigator available, AT&T Navigator (used to be TeleNav). And, really, is the VZ navigator that BIG of a plus? Really?

Hmm...and the whole wi-fi issue I can understand when the storm ends up being released overseas, but here in the US? Meh, not a deal breaker for me...

I personally, am NOT a fan of touch screens...long nails does that for ya...so personally, for me, the Bold would be a better choice.

If I were a fan of CrackBerries...

RandaPanda0283

Regarding the great Wi-Fi debate ... For those of you who don't understand why Wi-Fi is important; 1) It allows you to download an application/file much faster then 3G, 2) It allows you to check your email/search the web without paying roaming fee's, and 3) Wi-Fi is now available places where cellular service is not permitted (i.e. airplanes). Now, if SpecTec gets their $hit together and release a B.B. driver for their MicroSD Wi-Fi card ... problem solved! I'd sacrifice an 8GB SD card for a Wi-Fi card in a heartbeat.

Terp4Life

Yeah lets just hate this phone everyone, c'mon lets find another reason besides wifi to bash... We could even start a website!!! ;op

chrischin

@iAirmanshirk: You're insane.

diabolusunknownTheSecond

No Wi-Fi? Are they joking or what? In 2008? Oh God! THAT´S a dealbreaker.

stopitnow54

It's sad, but I'm tempted to sell my iphone 3g and cancel my att contract to get this. And pretty much the only reason is because I can't copy paste with my iPhone. Now before someone says that I knew I couldnt copy paste when I bought the iPhone, that's true, but I had hope that apple would implement this very simple function by now. This is pathethic. The only thing apple has done is fix their errors so far. Its too bad because I actually kinda like the Iphone

igneous

@NeoAkira: @Andwu: @snitch29:

All of you make valid arguments for yourselves... but seriously for it to be a "dealbreaker" for all of the people I see bitching about it (not just this site)... DOUBTFUL!

... know what you need, know what you use... abide.

om nom de plume

@integrate: Not with the blackberries (do you plural it that way or is it Blackberrys?). They'll still use the interal GPS system for free. At least thats what they've been saying for the storm.

I've always been in agreement about the wi-fi thing. I don't think its necessary at all. The main reason I feel that way is because I was originaly just going to try and get by with a phone and an iPod touch. I figured I'd use the touch for all the cool iPhone stuff and the crap phone for the more pedestrian making calls and what not.

Couldn't do it.

Thought it was just because of where I live and Wifi wasn't prevelant enough but even in big cities its impossible to practically use. At home and work its nice to have the wi-fi but I've also just got a computer so short of the novelty of doing something on my touch I can just use a laptop.

tande04

Isn't verizon using the cdma network? If it is, then it won't be using 3G, it will be using EVDO, which can produce download speeds of around 2mbps. Do you really need faster for web page browsing? maybe for downloads, but anything your download will be tiny considering that an I phone only has 16 gigs of storage. If you're transfering music, use a usb cable, it's fast than wifi. as for not being good for overseas, It's cdma, the only place you can use it is, up here in Canada, the states and i think south korea and other random places. If you're traveling overseas you need gsm and you'd just buy a phone and a card.

ThirzaNarea

@The Lab: Dang.....that's hot.

Kaiser-Machead's Cookie-Powered LEGO Machine

@iAirmanshirk: It was either that or Boysenberry. I think they made the right decision.

Kaiser-Machead's Cookie-Powered LEGO Machine

@om nom de plume:

Deal breaker or not... There is NOBODY on the face of this earth that would NOT want at least the OPTION of using WIFI when roaming, for example. I wouldn't call myself a traveller but I have been out of town at least 3 times in the recent past where I used the WIFI on my nokia 770 and now my iPhone with good cause.

And don't argue for something you don't understand. The ONLY reason that Blackberry didn't add this very basic feature is at the request of cell phone companies that want to force all of their smartphone users to subscribe to a pricey data plan.

Andwu

I really wish T-Mo had gotten this phone, and added wifi.

silverghozt

This is why I'm not with Verizon. They are the kings of forcing cell phone manufacturers to cripple their otherwise very cool phones, all to push services that could already be partially or fully-covered by those features. All the cell service providers do it, but Verizon is the absolute king, uncontested.

hexydes

no wifi? that would be a bitch. but since verizon has those new mandatory data plans i guess it doesn't matter, and since it's 3g it's pretty fast. but this argument that they're posing? i'm a verizon user and i think it's the stupidest, plus physical keyboards are always better.

anus1220

No Wifi?! Maybe I will get an iPhone!

CustomISYD

I think it's a shame that the Storm has no Wi-Fi. That basically renders it into a useless brick without the data plan attached. I might as well throw it into the trash upon the conclusion of my contract because it loses all of its "smart" functionality when it's not connected to a cellular data network.

On the other hand, while the iPhone is far from perfect, it basically becomes an iPod Touch (with a camera) when it's not connected to a mobile carrier's network. Personally, I find this aspect extremely appealing because it's still a fully functional net-enabled portable multimedia device when the phone feature is deactivated. I can still access the web, install new apps, buy/stream music from the net, watch movies/TV shows (via iTunes or the upcoming slingplayer app), and of course use it as an iPod long after I stop using it as a phone.

Given this fact, I believe Verizon has priced the Storm incorrectly. It should be free with contract because you are basically renting the device, as it has no useful value off their network. In light of the fundamental difference (thanks to the lack of Wi-Fi), I think Blackberry has fallen short if their intention was to challenge Apple. I don't foresee people still using the Storm once they stop using it as a phone, unlike they can with the iPhone. Resale value will also be much lower than the iPhone, because why would I buy your used Storm when I can get a new one from Verizon for not much more (since I have to buy the data plan to make it useful anyway)? In fact, I just sold my used 2G iPhone to a Sprint customer for $300 (the cost of a new 3G iPhone) because he acknowledged that it includes the same features as an iPod Touch--which he can use now, AND it has the additiional flexibility of being a phone should he decide to switch carriers in the future. Good luck trying to sell the Storm for close to $200 when you decide to move on.

Just my $0.02.

PH0ENIX1

I don't understand why WIFI is such a big deal. The whole point of a smart phone is that it is a CELL phone that can also browse the web. A phone that works anywhere.

And to everyone that has horrible cell coverage... can the iPhone use WIFI to make phone calls? If you're in the basement of a college building, and you can't make a call... that negates the point of a phone.

I can't imagine buying a smart phone and NOT getting a data plan. Expensive as it is, I want a Storm to carry around and use everywhere. I don't want have to walk around looking for a WIFI hotspot to use my Blackberry.

Take the iPod Touch. It's great if you're near WIFI. But useless if you go outside. A Blackberry shouldn't have that limitation. And it doesn't.

If I'm at home or the office, there are computers everywhere, for real web browsing. I don't have a 24" monitor and Firefox with AdBlock Plus so I can sit in my house using a 3" phone.

The Storm will be my first smart phone. I'm looking forward to being able to browse the web for quick bits of data on my phone... not to replace my current computer with a Blackberry.

MichaelScrip

@PH0ENIX1:

> "I think it's a shame that the Storm has no Wi-Fi. That basically renders it into a useless brick without the data plan attached."

Who would buy a Blackberry without the data plan? That's the whole point! Do you have a data plan on your iPhone? Or do you only use your iPhone on wifi indoors, and just use it for phone calls outside?

There are millions of Blackberries without WIFI. They are doing just fine.

No one thinks about resale value of cell phones... only Apple users. Not a slam against Apple, Apple products do hold their value well. I'm glad you found a buyer for your discarded phone. But I feel sorry for the guy that bought your old iPhone. So he paid $300 for a used device, that he may or may NOT decide to ever use the phone feature? And if he does ever decide to switch carriers, the phone will be even older, possibly broken.

I don't suppose you provide AppleCare... :)

MichaelScrip

@MichaelScrip: No one thinks about resale value of cell phones, really? Have you checked Craigslist or eBay much lately?

My point was that I would still like to use a device such as the Storm/iPhone for some purpose even after I've moved on as far as phones/carriers are concerned. The iPhone can still be used as a Touch if I choose to go to Verizon. What can I do with the Storm if I choose to go to AT&T or T-Mobile?

PH0ENIX1

@MichaelScrip: If you can only use the phone with a data plan, then make it a rental and not a purchase. After all, it's useless after you decide to cancel the data plan.

Plenty of people have stated why Wifi is a big deal to them and given valid reasons for doing so. If you don't care that your device will be a paperweight after changing phones and/or carriers, then good for you and your big fat wallet.

PH0ENIX1

No wifi is the deal breaker for me. I wanted to get one when i first heard about the storm but when the specs came out and they said no wifi. I said Bold here i come!

Elijah86

I work at RIM and so get to use any BB for free as my personal device... and I barely ever use wifi except to WoL my computer when I am lazy.

BhavBhavBhav

I dunno about everyone else but typically when I'm in an area where I have wifi, I also have access to a computer to do my web browsing. I'd really rather not have another radio on a device searching for wifi connections all the time and consuming battery.

PatrickTulskie

Be compassionate. These days, WiFi is still too technically difficult to add to a mobile phone. Besides, you pesky people would use it to steal from the mighty. WiFi is evil! You are evil! Welcome to 1990.

ypctx

WIFI is so yesterday...

scotth0

@PH0ENIX1:

I have 3 old cell phones from the last 6 years that are paperweights. I have a garage full of old computer parts that are taking up space. But somehow, I manage. It's not because I have money to burn, it's just how technology works. Cars and boats can be used for 10 years or more. Electronics aren't so lucky.

If I get a Storm, and after 2 years I get a new phone, the old one gets replaced. $200 for 24 months for a mobile device is pretty good these days. After 2 years, my phones are beat to hell anyway. No one will want my 2008 Storm in 2010. Well, at least I can put a new battery in it!

There's only been 2 iPhone models in the last 16 months. You ran out and bought a 2nd iPhone a year later... so much for longevity. Do you think in another year a first-gen iPhone will be in such demand? iPhones haven't even been around for 2 years yet! Can you imagine the condition of a June 2007 launch iPhone in June 2009?

You have a big fat wallet if you buy a new iPhone every year!

MichaelScrip

Right, I take it you don't have any wifi routers in your home/office then?

PH0ENIX1

@ypctx:
LOL.

PH0ENIX1

@PatrickTulskie:
That's all and good, but what's wrong with providing consumers with MORE choice instead of less? There are other people who DO use the wifi on their smart devices. Proof is the existence of the iPod Touch.

PH0ENIX1

@BhavBhavBhav:
Yeah, I wouldn't care about no wifi if I didn't have to pay for the device/plan either!

PH0ENIX1

@MichaelScrip:
So you're justifying the obsolescence of the device just because you personally don't care about throwing a gadget into the landfill after you're finished with it? That's extremely wasteful. Why not have it include a wifi chip so that you can give it to your kid (or some other person willing to take it off your hands) to keep it out of the city dump?

I never said the iphone was perfect (lack of removable battery does suck), and I never said that I ran out and got a 2nd iphone a year later. You know what happens when you make assumptions.

PH0ENIX1

VzW has good network coverage? Sure. Is there any good reason why this phone doesn't have wifi? No.

Obviously Verizon is trying to force ppl into subscribing to a data plan. Very shameful...

Anyone defending VzW on this subject is likely one of their customers trying to rationalize & accept this castrated device w/o "standard" features like wifi. I don't see how Verizon can even imagine that this phone competes w/ the iphone w/o wifi... not even mentioning the lack of open source applications & marketplace...

AlpineSurfer

just a question... what type of loser uses his phone in his house? lrn2desktop.. unless you cannot afford one, then i think you have bigger problems than wifi

abadomaX

@abadomaX:
Why does it make someone a loser simply because he/she wants to use his/her "smart" device in his own/her house, on his/her broadband connection that he/she's already paying for? If you're happy paying Verizon forever, that's fine, but don't assume others are happy as you are to keep shoveling money into Verizon's pockets long after the contract period is up.

PH0ENIX1

@MichaelScrip:
"News Flash... ALL cell phone become useless bricks when they are replaced."

No, they don't become useless bricks immediately if they have wifi. That was my whole point. Devices with full screens such as the iPhone can continue to function as a portable sling player, iPod, etc., prolonging their life cycle and possibly result in a slower rate of fill at the garbage dump. Is that really a bad thing? Wouldn't you agree that having wifi would be an advantage, not a disadvantage in devices such as the Storm?

PH0ENIX1

@PH0ENIX1:> "If you're happy paying Verizon forever" "keep shoveling money into Verizon's pockets long after the contract period is up."

We will all be shoveling money into carrier's pockets until the day we die.

MichaelScrip

@PH0ENIX1:> "So you're justifying the obsolescence of the device just because you personally don't care about throwing a gadget into the landfill after you're finished with it?"

So... no WIFI = bad for the environment.

I am not an electronics manufacturer. I wasn't in on the meeting with RIM and Verizon where they decided to fuck the environment by not putting in a WIFI chip. All I know is that many electronic devices are thrown out... you can't only blame RIM.

"Asked what he meant by "fastest-growing," Hershkowitz said. "Well, we throw out about 130,000 computers every day in the United States."

And he said over 100 million cell phones are thrown out annually."

[www.cbsnews.com]

The iPhone is the only device that can continue life as an iPod Touch... what do you do with an old Treo, RAZR, or Nokia? Palm Pilot? At some point they ALL will end up in the landfill... whether it's now or later.

News Flash... ALL cell phone become useless bricks when they are replaced.

MichaelScrip

@PH0ENIX1:> "Wouldn't you agree that having wifi would be an advantage, not a disadvantage in devices such as the Storm?"

Yes! I think it would be! But I can't control it. The Storm doesn't have WIFI, nor did Verizon's Curve, Pearl, 8800, 8700, etc. I know other carriers have a Curve with WIFI, but I can't imagine connecting to WIFI to use a Blackberry. Even if it saved on data charges... most people use a Blackberry for push email, which is fine over a cell connection. It would be a hassle to connect to WIFI when you walk in the door... unless it auto-detected or something. I don't know. The only phone I've ever come in contact with that had WIFI is the iPhone. And most of my friends aren't smart enough to use their iPhone in their home with their router. But again, it's not their primary web browser, so they don't rack up ridiculous data charge on their phone. It's a phone... not a computer.

As far as I know, there is only one device with a second life... the iPhone. You can continue to use it as an iPod after you get a new phone. But I don't see anyone carrying an old Treo listening to MP3s. All cell phones in the last couple years play music... but people still chuck out their old phones. Hell, my current dumbphone, Samsung A930, plays music. But I've never plugged in a pair of headphones. Maybe someday all devices can be repurposed... but for the foreseeable future, stuff will get thrown out when people get tired of it.

I was all set to buy a Curve when my contract ran out... but now I'm waiting for a Storm. I couldn't have WIFI on the Curve either, so it doesn't change my opinion.

MichaelScrip

@AlpineSurfer:> "Obviously Verizon is trying to force ppl into subscribing to a data plan."

I don't know about you... but I WANT a data plan with a smart phone. Otherwise, I'd be walking around trying to find WIFI to use any data application.

Do people really get web-browsing smart phones and NOT get a data plan?

MichaelScrip

@mdawg4624: If you're at home why use your phone to surf?

SatyaLelex

Why does VZNavigator get such a bad rap? I know it's not perfect but I always use it on my curve and it's never gotten me lost or told me bad directions.

Is it just the fact that people hate verizon and you have to pay extra for it?

back to the topic at hand... NO WIFI WTF I AM SO OUTRAGTED

wackyd

@MichaelScrip:
"We will all be shoveling money into carrier's pockets until the day we die."
Yes, but the question is how much. If I can use my device on wifi without a data plan, it's much less.

PH0ENIX1

@MichaelScrip:
"Do people really get web-browsing smart phones and NOT get a data?"

YES.

PH0ENIX1

I work for Verizon and any smartphone you will have from now on must have minimum $30 data plan. So since you can't have a smartphone without a data plan you pretty much do not need WIFI (at least that's how VZW looks at it) Personally I like to use EV service over WIFI at least 98% of the time because its availability. VZW has the largest 3G coverage and its speed is pretty darn good for mobile phones. Although it will change in the feature. Once AT$T fully implement their 3G it is going to be pretty wild. PS: VZW is planning on converting over to UMTS. You will see more GSM/CDMA (TruGlobal) phones in near future.

MilburnUmbrellabird

every single bberry that didn't have wifi at it's release has gotten the upgrade in a later model, see the pearl, curve, etc. just wait for it

JenniferBam