As a move to protect their 50+ percent share of the U.S. smart-phone market, Research In Motion (RIM) announced their latest handset. For the first time, RIM is surrendering the physical keypad in favor of a large screen, just like the one on Apple’s iPhone.

Unlike the non-tactile feedback of theiPhone’s glass screen, the Storm’s whole screen possesses the feed of a PC Keyboard. The Storm has 1GB of built-in memory and a microSD card slot that can hold up to 16GB of additional storage. It also has a 3.2-megapixel camera, which has autofocus and a flash.

Like previous Blackberry models, the emphasis is usually on e-mail and business applications, and its products are designed to be managed by corporate technology departments.

It will be available from Verizon Wireless in the U.S. and from Vodafone Group PLC overseas before the holidays, the companies said. Storm is equipped with radios to handle both networks, making international roaming a possibility. No price has been disclosed yet.

Overall, the Storm is an excellent alternative to traditional BlackBerrys.