GSM-only BlackBerry Storm spotted

Research in Motion's launch of the BlackBerry Storm on both Verizon and Vodafone will require two separate models, a product sheet leak at BlackBerry News appears to show. Simply labeled as the BlackBerry 9500 versus the 9530 moniker for Verizon's device, the phone would have the same 3.2-megapixel camera, click-feedback touchscreen and GPS of the earlier device but drop CDMA from the design. This would leave only GSM and its related data, including an advanced 7.2Mbps HSDPA link as well as EDGE.

More data about either version of the phone has also become apparent, such as its similarity in storage to the Bold. A basic 1GB of built-in flash memory will be available and likely securable against data theft, while a microSDHC slot adds more. An unusually large 1,400mAh battery is built in and could provide as much as 528 hours of standby time. Video capture is present but also limited: users will either have the option of recording at the native 480x320 resolution of the phone or else an MMS-friendly 176x144.

The existence of a separate Storm model just for GSM networks is said to open the market for the phone, which will be a carrier exclusive in the UK and US but which can potentially sell elsewhere. Canada is most likely to receive the original, CDMA/GSM Storm through an alleged short-term exclusive through Bell.