[ubizmo]

I've read through the entire stickied thread on getting the Storm to work on ATT and T-Mobile. In fact, I posted in that thread, because last August, I bought an unlocked Storm 1 and tried to get it to work on T-Mobile. In the end, I couldn't get it to hold EDGE, no matter what suggestions I tried, so I sold it and went back to my 8900. But I did enjoy the large screen for the short time that I had it, and now I'm getting the urge to get a Storm 2 and try it. Since August 2009, the OS has changed at least twice. What I don't know is whether the Storm 2 hardware and newer OS are better at holding T-Mobile's EDGE. The vast majority of posts in that stickied thread are by and for ATT subscribers. It's hard for me to get a sense of how successful T-Mobile subscribers have been with the Storm 2. That's why I'm starting this thread.

I note that as late as December 23, in that thread JSanders stated that certain applications that don't use BIS, such as Poynt, eBay, and some others, might be the cause of unstable EDGE issues. Well, I use Poynt, eBay, Upvise, Facebook, WeatherBug, YouMail, Google Maps, UberTwitter, Stitcher, Wunder Radio, Pandora, BeeJive, OperaMini 5, Xenozu, Bolt...I don't know which ones use BIS and which don't.

As much as I'd like a large-screen device again (before the 8900 I had a Sidekick LX), I don't want to have to give up a bunch of the apps that I like to use. I can deal with not being able to use the 3G capability of the Storm 2, but if I have to forfeit apps too, then it's not worth it, and maybe I'll consider the Nexus instead. But I like Blackberry and would like to go with the Storm 2 if it'll work. So I'm asking for T-Mobile subscribers to share their experiences with the Storm 2, how well it works, and whether they think it was worth it. Thanks in advance.

Ubizmo

[JSanders]

Those type of streaming data and non-BIS data apps were and have been the cause of loss of EDGE all along. I had a Pandora developer explain this to me (in much more technical terms) at WES 2009.

While the Storm 1 and 2 will work with Tmobile and AT&T, it does require caution and care.

If you really want a Storm2, remember there ARE two models. Get the 9520.

[ubizmo]

Originally Posted by JSanders

Those type of streaming data and non-BIS data apps were and have been the cause of loss of EDGE all along. I had a Pandora developer explain this to me (in much more technical terms) at WES 2009.

While the Storm 1 and 2 will work with Tmobile and AT&T, it does require caution and care.

If you really want a Storm2, remember there ARE two models. Get the 9520.

I take it, however, that even the 9520 won't hold EDGE with the non-BIS apps installed (or running). Is this correct? If so, I won't pursue the Storm 2 any further; it just wouldn't be worth it for me.

Ubizmo

[JSanders]

Your assumption is not correct.

The 9520 is seamless on EDGE, as is the 9500 (both GSM-only devices). I have both of those and the 9530, I know and see the difference in the way they act.

[jsconyers]

The 9520 is the GSM Storm2. The 9550 is the CDMA Storm2. You shouldn't experience the same issues.

[ubizmo]

Thanks for the clarifications. Now the tricky part will be finding a Storm 2 that I can actually afford to buy.

Ubizmo

[adam.miller7870]

Originally Posted by JSanders

Your assumption is not correct.

The 9520 is seamless on EDGE, as is the 9500 (both GSM-only devices). I have both of those and the 9530, I know and see the difference in the way they act.

i am somewhat confused, but are you saying that the 9550 is running into EDGE/edge issues?

[JSanders]

Used on Att and Tmobile, yes. It works, just tricky.

[adam.miller7870]

Originally Posted by JSanders

Used on Att and Tmobile, yes. It works, just tricky.

its hard finding an unlocked 9520 apparently.

[JSanders]

They are harder to find in the US, yes.

[DaBlackberryBoy]

I think if more apps would be built to allow you to choose whether to run TCP/IP, BIS, BES, etc, it may help. I recently had the EDGE to edge issue again and found that force setting what type of connection to use has alleviated that issue. May want to run through and check that out. FYI, I have not APN set and have EDGE all day now except when T-Mo gets pissed off about something!

[Sonict120]

Originally Posted by JSanders

Your assumption is not correct.

The 9520 is seamless on EDGE, as is the 9500 (both GSM-only devices). I have both of those and the 9530, I know and see the difference in the way they act.

where could you find a 9520 @ because i just check on there site blackberry.com and didnt see one

[JSanders]

Vodafone sells them.
They can be found on eBay.

Buying a BlackBerry off eBay - BlackBerryFAQ

[ubizmo]

Originally Posted by JSanders

Vodafone sells them.
They can be found on eBay.

Buying a BlackBerry off eBay - BlackBerryFAQ

So far I'm not finding them for under $600. As much as I think this is a great device, that's out of my price range. But I'll keep watching eBay; you never know.

Ubizmo

[ubizmo]

I take it, then, that this eBay listing, VERIZON-BLACKBERRY-STORM2-9550-UNLOCKED-STORM-2-9520 is a bit misleading. I sent a message to the seller, asking which is it, 9550 or 9520. He replied that it's his understanding that they are "the same, when unlocked". But my understanding from this thread is that getting this Storm 2 to work on T-Mobile will be tricky, and some of the apps I use will cause it to fall off the EDGE.

Ubizmo

[JSanders]

They are not the same devices unlocked. The CDMA radio band is still on the 9550.

[DaBlackberryBoy]

Storm2 in UK on T-Mobile
BlackBerry Storm 2 9520 Mobile Phone on Pay Monthly

Coming soon for T-Mobile USA
T-Mobile BlackBerry Storm2 Launches This Month | BlackBerry Cool

Quite frankly, I "HOPE" this comes to fruition. Would make my day. Love my Storm 1 but sick of the screen!

[ubizmo]

Originally Posted by DaBlackberryBoy

Storm2 in UK on T-Mobile
BlackBerry Storm 2 9520 Mobile Phone on Pay Monthly

Coming soon for T-Mobile USA
T-Mobile BlackBerry Storm2 Launches This Month | BlackBerry Cool

Quite frankly, I "HOPE" this comes to fruition. Would make my day. Love my Storm 1 but sick of the screen!

I hope the same, bigtime. I've been ready to move to Android, just for that bigger screen, despite all that I like about my 8900. I have no worries about text entry on the Storm 2. Having had a Storm 1 for a short time, I know I can get a feel for it, and my hundreds of auto-texts will bring it right up to speed.

But following the link on the US release only takes me to an article about the UK release, so I'm not sure where blackberrycool is getting the story about T-Mobile US.

Ubizmo

[infernox]

I actually have a brand new unlocked Vodaphone Storm 2 (9520) and haven't touched it yet. A friend from the UK bought it for me as a gift. I'm currently on AT&T and I know that it will work on EDGE fine but no 3G. My wife is on T-Mobile, will it work on 3G there?

[XelhaBB]

I've run my Storm 9530 on Verizon since the beginning and I love it.

However, if you want a touch screen device on TMO, your best bet is an unlocked iPhone. My friend runs his on TMO and it's much cheaper in comparison to the Storm / Black services costs. Additionally, if you work in any of the science fields, there is a plethora of amazing apps available for the iPhone that make life wonderful.

For example, when studying any intricate organ such as the brain or heart, there are apps that allow layered saggital and transverse inspections. This is amazing. I will find it very difficult not to cross over if the iPhone ever comes to Verizon.