Photos: Vodafone BlackBerry Storm

RIM is chasing both the professional and consumer markets with the Storm. This is a good trick if you can pull it off, but it's fraught with potential pitfalls.

Notably absent from the features list, for example, is Wi-Fi, which some professionals and consumers may find a deal-breaker.

On the other hand, 1GB of built-in storage and a 3.5mm headset jack clearly pander to the consumer, and the Storm is liberally peppered with consumer-friendly applications like FaceBook, YouTube, Google Maps and BlackBerry Maps. Quad-band GSM, 3G/HSDPA, Bluetooth and GPS are integrated, and Vodafone's Find&Go service is free for six months.

The 3.2-megapixel camera will shoot video as well as stills. Our test shots suggest there may be considerable shutter lag to contend with, but RIM is proud of the unit's autofocus capability and auto-flash unit.

The user interface is intriguing. It takes a large leaf from the BlackBerry Bold book, and is a giant step forward from pre-Bold interfaces. An accelerometer swivels the screen when you turn the Storm in your hand.