Comparing Blackberrys: Curve vs. Storm2 vs. Tour

[boagman]

Hey all. I'm currently in the market for a new cell phone, and I'm highly considering getting a new Blackberry, and since I'm a Verizon Wireless customer, my Blackberry choices are the Curve, the Storm and Storm2, and the Tour. I've eliminated the Storm from consideration because it's been nearly universally panned in reviews, and for what I'd consider to be adequate reasons.

I'm looking at different reviews online and I'm asking different actual human beings what they think, but I figured I'd throw the question up here as well. I will say that I'm leaning toward the Tour, but I'm half thinking of waiting until the first quarter of next year when the new Tour will come with Wifi, track pad (instead of the problematic trackball that I'm hearing about), etc.

Things I'm most interested in are durability, ease of use, intuitive design, and whether the features are actually functional for what they're supposed to be.

All opinions are welcome, both good and bad, about any of them. Thanks in advance!

[Ed Oscuro]

Older models are also possible...I picked one up some time ago, though it really makes more sense for me to go through Verizon itself to get a new one, instead of a used one from a couple years ago. It's still pretty nice though.

Will be interested in hearing other suggestions on this one - my thought is that price will be the deciding factor; the new models seem fairly similar.

[boagman]

So...I take it from the almost-absolute silence that no one on the board owns any of these Blackberry phones? *Really*?

[JigsawMan]

I love my Nokia N95 - which is now around 2 years old. I have a Blackberry 8800 as well but don't use it. A fewof my firends have the Nokia N97 and it is a fantastic phone. Not sure if you get much Nokia over in the states...

[sjewkestheloon]

I've got a Curve 8520 because it had a deal for unlimited email and internet use over BIS. I'm pleasantly surprised to be honest. I'm not one for corporate twats, so initially felt like an arsehole by association, but now I'm pleased I have the phone because it can do a lot of good stuff.

The main selling points that the phone delivers on for me are:

Good battery life - lasts 4-5 days with moderate use before charging. If you listen to music on it the battery drains in seconds so that's a no go. Running light apps, playing the odd game, browsing the net, anything else is unexpectedly light on battery drain.

Seems durable enough too. I haven't thrown it around but it stays in my pocket most of the time without issue.

Email, yahoo specifically in my case, integrates perfectly and auto pushes whenever mail comes through.

You looking for anything specific?

[boagman]

I've got a Curve 8520 because it had a deal for unlimited email and internet use over BIS. I'm pleasantly surprised to be honest. I'm not one for corporate twats, so initially felt like an arsehole by association, but now I'm pleased I have the phone because it can do a lot of good stuff.

The main selling points that the phone delivers on for me are:

Good battery life - lasts 4-5 days with moderate use before charging. If you listen to music on it the battery drains in seconds so that's a no go. Running light apps, playing the odd game, browsing the net, anything else is unexpectedly light on battery drain.

Seems durable enough too. I haven't thrown it around but it stays in my pocket most of the time without issue.

Email, yahoo specifically in my case, integrates perfectly and auto pushes whenever mail comes through.

You looking for anything specific?

Your points are well-received. In fact, this is exactly the type of feedback I'm looking for. The only real drawback of the Curve, to me anyway, is that it's now an aged piece of hardware, but being that it'd still be my first BB, I'm not sure that would really even matter to me. In fact, it might be an advantage, given that it's been through the grind, so to speak.

I appreciate especially your commentary on its durability and battery life. Thank you.