The Blackberry Storm, launched with much hype by the maker - Research in Motion (RIM) - has invoked mixed response from the users! The first touch-screen smartphone from RIM directly competes with the Apple's iPhone market, targeting the same set of users - professionals or high-end groups.

The initial expectation from the Storm vaned when it was released with bugs which, however, have been fixed through a new firmware update 4.7.0.75, by Verizon Wireless. The fixing of the security flaw resulted in putting Internet orders behind schedule.

Nevertheless, despite the initial hiccups, the handset is not a bad deal at all, considering the cost of $199, with a two year contract. After all, the Blackberry Storm does have some additional features, which the iPhone lacks!

Most users prefer Storm's extra video multimedia, which the iPhone does not have. The 3.2 megapixel camera of the RIM BlackBerry comes with full video capabilities - variable zoom, flash, and auto focus.

Moreover, Storm's Bluetooth functionality and expandable memory are other features that help it score over the iPhone. Other options, such as multi-tasking or tactile feedback of touch-screen make the Storm a good choice for corporate users.

Yet another user-friendly feature of the Storm, which the iPhone again lacks, is the convenience of battery replacement - it neither requires any technical assistance nor needs to be sent to support center for replacement.

With so many features over and above the iPhone, the 'teething troubles' that Storm currently faces are mostly a part and parcel of most of these devices, the Apple iPhone inclusive!