If you're anxious to get your hands on the new BlackBerry Storm2 -- and I wouldn't blame you if you are -- you won't have to wait much longer. The device will street Wednesday, October 28. Let me say this, any person using the original Storm needs to upgrade to the Storm2.We have all the pieces of the puzzle now except for one -- what will the Storm2 cost? Rumors around the Internet today are suggesting $180. The original Storm sold for $300 on launch day. The $180 price point is very competitive. That puts it at $20 less than the Motorola CLIQ and iPhone 3GS (16GB), but $80 more than the iPhone 3G

Earlier this week I spent a few moments with the Storm2, but today I received an official review unit in the mail from Verizon Wireless. With the review unit came the information that it will be available starting October 28, which is just five days from now. That's exciting in and of itself, but what's more exciting is that this device is definitely a major improvement over the original.

I know a gave the Storm2 a lukewarm reception the other day, but after spending all afternoon using it, I can say without doubt that it is a much better phone than the original. Not only is typing much improved, but the speed and overall usability and stability of the device as vastly superior to the original. Well done, RIM. Too bad this wasn't the phone you released a year ago.

If you're still feeling a bit squeamish about upgrading to the Storm2, let me put your fears to rest.

Upgrade, upgrade, upgrade. You'll be happy you did.

If you don't believe me, just watch this video that I shot this afternoon: