I figure a few of you out there own this phone. My cousin is looking into buying one and I offered to help her out by doing a little research. I'm swinging by Verizon tomorrow to check it out but I want to know a few things, particularly from those of you who have experience with the iPhone.

- How do you manage music? Is there Verizon-supplied software that you have to use or can you use a program of your choice (exempting iTunes, naturally)? If you can use your own software, what do you use and how do you like it?

- How expansive is the app store? She's not going to use a ton of apps but will probably use Facebook and casual stuff on the device.

- How are videos handled on the device? She'll want to watch the occasional television show.

- Compared to the iPhone, how would you rate the interface?

And if you have anything you'd like to point out that you like/dislike, feel free to post away. Thanks in advance.

Just out of curiosity, why are you asking compared to the iPhone? If it's because she has that option as well, then I would go with the iPhone.

All her needs seems to be geared towards personal use (Facebook, Music, Movies, TV, etc). Nothing on the market comes close to the iPhone in this market. (android being the next best thing).

As for iTunes, I doubt your asking if other devices can use iTunes (as I am sure you know they can't), but just in case it slipped your mind, only Apple products can connect to iTunes.

Lastly, if she has an iPhone option, it's expected that on June 8th, Apple will announce a new model. This model is expected to have a faster CPU, twice the memory, and twice the storage. It's also expected to have a much better camera (the only thing that truly sucks about the iPhone).

Here is a decent video of the Storm:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IRVs4hXDIU

I have played with it, and while it's a very nice phone, the screen click thing was a little odd. Not sure I liked the entire screen being a button.

Lastly, the best thing about the iPhone, is how simple it is to navigate the App store, install apps on your phone, and generally take advantage of all its features. I am guessing that if she asked for your help, she is less then completely tech savvy. There is noting better then the iPhone for someone who knows very little about this market space.

I'm asking about the iPhone because she briefly considered it (but later decided she didn't want to switch to AT&T) and because I have one so it's a good point of comparison for me.

I also know that Apple will be refreshing the iPhone (which is why I'm still holding on to my original iPhone instead of upgrading to the 3G).

Thanks for the video, Mafoo. I know the iPhone is the best solution for her but, as I said, she doesn't want to switch (she lives in a slightly rural area outside Frisco and AT&T won't work for her).

Ahh, Well the best bet is Android, but that's not coming for a while I don't think. The HTC Touch Diamond is something to consider as well. It's compatible with Windows mobile 6.5 (when it comes out). It's a very nice phone, and might be better for what she would want.

The Storm is great for businesses, with guaranteed email delivery, encryption, the ability to wipe the device if you lose it, and all that other corporate stuff.

For movies, music, and an apps, I would go with the Touch Diamond before I went with the Storm.
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=phoneFirst&action=viewPhoneDetail&selectedPhoneId=4486

Gah, It was the touch Diamond2 I saw reviews on a few weeks ago. Not the first Gen. I know nothing about that phone.

Another option, is to just get two devices. She could get a small cheep phone that's great at being a phone, and get an iTouch or Zune.

The Touch would be far better if she is in range of WiFi most of the time.

Just throwing out ideas :)