BlackBerry Storm Launch: Hundreds Queue, Plenty Disappointed

This past weekend saw the launch of the BlackBerry Storm, RIM’s first touchscreen device, as the all business, no nonsense company take one more step into the social world of email and twittering on the go and MySpace Mobile.

Friday’s initial reports hinted that people were pretty excited about the release of the latest handset from the Canadian manufacturer, and reports over the weekend say several stores sold out of the device in just a few hours and many hopeful customers were disappointed.

Reuters today reports that one store in Manhattan had over 200 people queuing outside on Friday morning. Among them was one gentleman who had placed a two pre-orders (one at BestBuy and one at Circuit City) and was let down when he showed up early in the morning to collect his phone. "I guess 8 a.m. in the morning is too late,” said Anthony Lewis, 28. Customers who placed preorders will reportedly receive their handset within five to seven days. Yikes.

While people seem to be dying to get their hands on the phone, what do those who already have it have to say? Well, if you guys are anything to go by, reactions are mixed. Tom’s Guide readers aired their opinions over the weekend and they ranged from hot to cold, and everywhere in between.

One reader said he had purchased the phone and would be returning it at 9 a.m. the next morning, branding it a piece of manure, while another said he had the Storm and stated that it was so good, he’d be selling his iPhone. One reader said that he had gone to Verizon with the intention of buying the Storm but after playing with it, realized it wasn’t all it was cracked up to be and decided its new clickable touchscreen wasn’t suited to copious amounts of typing.

Let us know what you think of the Storm now that all the fuss has died down.