Foo - LG Dare from Verizon: iPhone wannabe.

I just bought two LG Dare phones from Verizon after shopping the iPhone @ AT&T.

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/04GpgNU1GY51M/340x.jpg


And I really wanted the iPhone. Two major issues:

• My daughter who does like 3000 text messages monthly was convinced that many of her friends (almost all on Verizon) wouldn't text her if she was out-of-plan (easy to go over your text allowance texting out of plan recipients). I think she was correct.

• AT&T's monthly rate charges would have cost me nearly $1,000 extra over the first year alone. I paid full price for two Dare phones, that came to about $900 with tax, cases, etc. I'm sure we'll get a year or more out of them, then we can re-visit iPhones later. I paid full price instead of the subsidized price (that cost me $320 extra on the two units) so we're not so locked into Verizon going forward should we decide to switch in 2009.

• The Verizon LG Dare is CDMA, a GSM iPhone would work in Europe. But we only go to Europe two weeks a year, Verizon has a loaner phone program where the phone costs like nothing and you just pay the high $1.50/min roaming charges while in Europe. That worked great for my trip to Greece and my wife's trip to Italy in July. Very smooth, outstanding service.

The Dare does texting great (fantastic touch screen keypad), GREAT built in camera, GREAT phone, easy interface, it does all the things I actually use a cellphone for. Lousy web browsing (although it works), but it is a real browser. But I don't care about that on my phone, neither does my kid.

Ultimately if I traveled abroad on business, or if I was an on-the-road person who wanted more web access, I might have sprung for the iPhone. But I'm not. The Dare does a few things better: voice dialing for example (iPhones don't do that, go figure). Actually very pleased with the interface on this phone. The touch screen QWERTY keypad is amazing, I can type smoothly with two thumbs, and I have big fingers.

Verizon claims that GSM and CDMA will be replaced with a new protocol that EVERYBODY will be adopting in a year or so. Anybody know anything about this?

Also: the Dare is very nice and compact, light, excellent ergonomics.

$900 holy.... all cellphones are a ripoff though, but that's a lot for a phone that sounds like you'll just be using it for a phone. did you signup for a new plan? you should have got a discount.

$900 holy.... all cellphones are a ripoff though, but that's a lot for a phone that sounds like you'll just be using it for a phone. did you signup for a new plan? you should have got a discount.

Didn't want the discount. Didn't want to be locked into Verizon. The 'discount' was a paltry $160 per phone, or $320. Not enough. It is getting to the point where we all use our phones more than our computers (I don't, but it is becoming more important to me all the time). Considering how heavily we use them, how important they have become and the fact that it is a tax deductible business write off, it wasn't a hard decision.

Review the numbers I quoted about the difference in AT&T's rates vs. Verizon. Two iphones would have been more like $500 with tax and cases, but there would have been about $300 in penalties to leave Verizon, and then $1000 or so in higher charges over the next year. But a bigger issue was my teenage daughter's fear of being left out of the High School text message loop. For a 15 year old that's like losing your oxygen tank in the Death Zone on Everest.

In about ten years the iPhone will be the free model you get with an upgrade.

I can wait.

Should have waited for the Blackberry Bold. At AT&T Sept 15 if rumors are to be believed (I think they are this time).

Anxiously waiting,

Mac

Your daughter has you by the...


Are these 3g capable? What about GPS?

Should have waited for the Blackberry Bold. At AT&T Sept 15 if rumors are to be believed (I think they are this time).

Anxiously waiting,

Mac

Once you go Black, you never go back.

I've been doing it with a Blackberry Curve 8310 from AT&T for the last 6 months. Nothing could be finer.

The iPhone is a piece of crap anyway.

I have the voyager, the phone one step down from the dare. I actually like it better than the Dare since it has the full keypad.

And no my mom and dad did not pay for it, I buy my own useless junk:thumb:

I also have a Blackberry 8820 for AT&T but am not using it. Maybe when my verizon contract is up I will switch over to AT&T to use the blackberry.

patentcad: I thought texting was the same for all companies? I.e. Texting verizon-verizon is no different than verizon-T-mobile. Anyhow if you are willing to pay that much then unlimited texting is only $30 more a month.

Your daughter has you by the...


Are these 3g capable? What about GPS?

It has Verizon navigation, not sure if that's GPS or just RF technology. Don't care. Verizon's 3G network is far more extensive than AT&T's. Tried web surfing, it's reasonably snappy, but the browser is kind of lame compared to an iPhone. Don't care about web surfing. The email on the Dare worked good for sending messages, I won't be retrieving email on my phone, don't care about that either.

For what we use the phones for they're great.

Make no mistake, I want iPhones, but currently we're sort of locked into Verizon for a number of reasons. I can wait. At least we have smart phones now, far easier to use than the phones they replace. I'll be surprised if you can't get iPhones from Verizon and other carriers within 2-3 years or so, regardless of Apple's current agreement with AT&T. Stay tuned.

I did call the Dare an iPhone wannabe. But it actually does a couple of things better than the Apple phone. Bear in mind the average user life on a cell phone in the industry is only 18 months. So the likelihood that we will have different phones two years hence is rather high.

If the phone suits your purposes, then it's a pretty good phone! I personally could go iPhone because it doesn't fulfill all of my needs. I've always thought of that device as a smartphone for those that either have never owned smartphones, but know of Apple devices well or those looking for a 'different' smartphone experience.

It's definitely not a bad device; it just doesn't do what I want it to do. I'm unsure of how well it handles Microsoft Exchange, it doesn't have copy and paste, a lot of the applications are really basic, and the idea of a touch-screen keypad still isn't that convincing for me. On top of all of that, if I know Apple like I know them from my iPod, they probably have stupid limitations on the device as well.

I have a Blackberry 8700, and I can't be any happier.

I have a Crackberry 8700, and I go into convulsions when I'm without it for half an hour.

Fixed.

Depending on where you are, you dont want an iPhone.

Around here, I am getting HORRID reception, dropped calls if I so much as look the wrong way, and "3x faster" 3g internet that never seems to work (all this, and the phone shows 5 bars of 3g).

After exchanging 2 iPhones, and still being in this rut, I figured it is either the network around here, or an inherent flaw in the phone. Seeing as a few towns over, I get nothing but great reception/internet access on the phone, I'm gathering that someone has really screwed up the network in my locality. AT&Ts respone- "Meh.. just keep still while we bend you over".. I should have never switched from VZW..

AT&T is 60-120 days away from a rather massive 3G rollout nationwide, so 3G should improve soon on their network. Verizon's 3G is far superior at this moment. Works here in Orange County, 60 miles outside of Manhattan, a fairly fringe/rural area by Metro Area standards.

AT&T is 60-120 days away from a rather massive 3G rollout nationwide, so 3G should improve soon on their network. Verizon's 3G is far superior at this moment. Works here in Orange County, 60 miles outside of Manhattan, a fairly fringe/rural area by Metro Area standards.

I'm hoping it improves. I'm not sure if the network is just overloaded or what.. the phone worked great for the first couple weeks I had it, then bam, bad service (even with full bars). That led me to believe it was the phone, so I exchanged it. The new one didn't work well, so I exchanged a second time, and the third was just as bad.

Its a shame, as my area, according to the map on ATTs website is in the best 3G coverage. And its not that I dont get all bars- its that it doesnt matter if I have 5 bars or 1- it just doesnt work well. [/rant off]

Once you go Black, you never go back.

I've been doing it with a Blackberry Curve 8310 from AT&T for the last 6 months. Nothing could be finer.


I have the BB Curve and don't like it. Those keys are tiny and hard to press - especially the first time you enter a phone number that's not already in your address book, it's tedious to use those little number keys on the left side. It's also heavy and bulky in the pocket (and nobody with any fashion sense wears their phone).

I am considering a trade back to the BB Pearl, despite the split keyboard.

I'll tell you what: that iPhone is raising the bar, and pushing companies like LG to respond with products like the Dare phone. No iPhone, no Dare. Fewer new innovative Blackberry phones. The competition is a very good thing for consumers.

I have the BB Curve and don't like it. Those keys are tiny and hard to press - especially the first time you enter a phone number that's not already in your address book, it's tedious to use those little number keys on the left side. It's also heavy and bulky in the pocket (and nobody with any fashion sense wears their phone).

I am considering a trade back to the BB Pearl, despite the split keyboard.

My hands are freaking huge for my height. I've never had a problem keying stuff in at the speed of face.

Mine weighs 121 grams with a modified WW case and a 4GB MicroSD card. Pretty dang light for something that does a lot more than for me than my friend's flip crap can do.

What I find ironic is that Windows Mobile is pretty good, especially 6 and 6.1. Writing apps for it is easy, and it supports multiple distribution models, including just slinging the app's .cab file onto the phone and installing.

I wish MS would do something to get back all the developers stampeding to the iPhone.

I also wish T-Mobile would offer something other than the same lame phones it has been offering in the US for the past 2-3 years. People want real smartphones, not 2004-era 200mhz TI OMAP procs, and 128 megs of memory. T-Mobile needs to kick HTC, and get something like the HTC Touch Dual, but with 3G, 16-32 GB onboard encryptable flash as well as a MicroSD slot. Software-wise, T-Mobile needs to see about something similar to the iPhone's graphical voice mail, and work on a UI that is designed for fingers, not stylii. Of course, tethering should be offered (so one can use the phone as a router for a laptop, or even a failover router for a home network)

I just got off the phone with a t-mobile rep for something else (btw - I went to t-mobile strictly for the quality of customer service and was pleasantly reminded of what a good choice I made just now). I told her I was considering switching to AT&T because of the I-phone. She told me, to my surprise, that you can buy unlocked phones and use them with T-mobile's service?

She told me, to my surprise, that you can buy unlocked phones and use them with T-mobile's service?

Oh, that's very naughty. I like it.

I just got off the phone with a t-mobile rep for something else (btw - I went to t-mobile strictly for the quality of customer service and was pleasantly reminded of what a good choice I made just now). I told her I was considering switching to AT&T because of the I-phone. She told me, to my surprise, that you can buy unlocked phones and use them with T-mobile's service?

Is Tmobile a GSM network? If so then yes thats completely within reason. Thats how it works with any phone really.

yes it is - I'm considering it. I've been less than satisfied with my Wing.

It would appear that the biggest problem with the new iPhone is AT&T's fledgling 3G network. I do have to wonder if Apple wrote itself a low-customer satisfaction escape clause in their contract with AT&T. If I were them I certainly would have, since the niftiest cell phone on the planet is only as good as the network that supports it. Hopefully AT&T will get their **** together very soon.

Verizon may not have the iPhone, but they do have their ducks in a row. Their network and support are as good as it generally gets here in the USA. We also have a new Verizon store locally in our town of Chester, 3 miles from here, which is a big convenience for us.

I just got off the phone with a t-mobile rep for something else (btw - I went to t-mobile strictly for the quality of customer service and was pleasantly reminded of what a good choice I made just now). I told her I was considering switching to AT&T because of the I-phone. She told me, to my surprise, that you can buy unlocked phones and use them with T-mobile's service?

In theory, you can use an iPhone on a T-mobile. However You do lose a number of features, such as the App Store (IIRC), the enhanced voice mail, and other iPhone specific features.

Personally, I'd love T-Mobile to carry the iPhone. They desperately need some nonsucking phones for the upper end.

It would appear that the biggest problem with the new iPhone is AT&T's fledgling 3G network.

No kidding. I woke up this morning, and the ATT network walked up to me, kicked me in the nuts, spit on my iPhone and walked away laughing. Now its getting personal...

I'm really in the sticks compared to most people here, and the Verizon 3G network is amazingly good here at my house, on top of a hill in the country, with hundreds of acres of woods around, etc. AT&T doesn't have 3G up here yet, they're saying they will have it within a few months. I don't think Verizon even has 2G, I'm pretty sure they are 100% 3G. It's pretty snappy, web pages load pretty fast, very useable.

Here is a review of the Dare:

http://gizmodo.com/5020820/verizons-lg-dare-full-review-verdict-best-iclone-yet

Fixed.

HORRIBLY incorrect.

Try using a Treo 650 after using a Blackberry. You'll get into convulsions looking at the damned thing!

I'll tell you what: that iPhone is raising the bar, and pushing companies like LG to respond with products like the Dare phone. No iPhone, no Dare. Fewer new innovative Blackberry phones. The competition is a very good thing for consumers.

I agree.

The iPhone definitely set a new standard (and I kind of expected them to, especially after the iPod). RIM is probably going to play with the touchscreen idea, but if they are going to use that same OS, I don't think it'll work out (or if it does, it should be REALLY interesting). I don't know how Windows Mobile is doing, but Microsoft is definitely losing to these two companies.

It seems that most other providers are just throwing in the towel, and hoping that they can keep in business just by capturing the low end market for the people who do a year's subscription and have a "free" phone thrown in.

In theory, you can use an iPhone on a T-mobile. However You do lose a number of features, such as the App Store (IIRC), the enhanced voice mail, and other iPhone specific features.

Personally, I'd love T-Mobile to carry the iPhone. They desperately need some nonsucking phones for the upper end.

I use the 1st Gen iPhone on T-Mo. Unlocked and Jailbroken- No problemo.
I can use the app store and all other features except Visual Voice mail.
I loved my BB Curve and actually traded it for the iPhone. They both
have their good and mediocre points.

Pcad is not buying Apple!?!?!?



OMG the world is comming to an end!!!

Pcad is not buying Apple!?!?!?

OMG the world is comming to an end!!!

It would be harder for me if I were more of a road businessman. I'm not. I'm at a home office 95% of the time. When I'm on the road I have a staff that can monitor my email. And I never fly anywhere on business. I don't care about web surfing or email on the phone, just the phone part, using it for instant messages, the occasional outgoing email to a pal, the alarm clock, calendar, calculator, the camera once in a while. So for that the Dare works fine, it's a huge improvement over the Motorola Razr it replaced.

I do want an iPhone eventually. I'm hoping either AT&T's network improves or the iPhone comes to Verizon in the next couple of years. But Verizon has my bases covered in the meantime, we really like them as a carrier, they're very easy to deal with. That loaner phone arrangement for Europe really worked out GREAT this summer for my wife and I on separate trips to Italy and Greece. I'm actually very happy with this Dare after a week. The web browser blows, but it is very fast, and Verizon's 3G network is friggin EVERYWHERE. That is not at all the case with AT&T at the moment.

Don't worry, I'm purchasing two new Macs (a laptop and a desktop) in the next six months.

I agree with PCad using the Verizon Service, I still have to keep a phone on both networks for best coverage and as a way to make outgoing calls when my iPhone has peak incoming email periods.

That said, Samsung products are superior to LG in that price range when you consider longevity, so I would have s
gone Samsung as the iPhone substitute. FYI I am on four generations now of Samsung WM data phones and have never had a problem. My friends have switched to/from LG a number of times.

Product 'longevity'? Please Steve. I have a 14 year old daughter. You know how she lost her last phone? She left it on her beach towel in Myrtle Beach, SC, while she and her friend chatted with the boys 100 meters away. The tide came in and washed it out to sea. It was two months old. She broke the earlier phone (identical) in 4 months.

Needless to say, the $5 per month per phone insurance/warranty extension for us was sort of a no-brainer. $50 if she drops it in the drink instead of $400+. Me too. I'm on my bicycle with the phone every day. That was worth it to me.

Yup, tweens and teens use or lose these devices; but you'll find that dropping the Samsung product is a far less painful and explosive an experience!

Don't worry, I'm purchasing two new Macs (a laptop and a desktop) in the next six months.

*exhales heavily* you had me worried there for a minute.:twitchy:

I just picked up the Dare for myself...despite pcad buying one first.


Meh, I got two phones, cases, BT earpieces and extra chargers for about what most folks pay for a tank of gas (thanks to my future son-in-law working at a Verizon store). Best of all, my monthly only went up $5 for unlimited data versus $30 for any Blackberry.

enuffs enuff, fanboi !!

Here is the real deal.....accept no substitute !

http://www.crunchgear.com/wp-content/uploads/curve_titanium_side3_1.jpg

After several months with the Dare, we like them better than the Razr phones. But it ain't no iPhone. Ok for the next year or two. We'll see. AT&T service and pricing blows up here. Too pricey, too limiting, we're sticking with Verizon.

Also: the Dare is very nice and compact, light, excellent ergonomics.

Didn't you write about this phone before?

enuffs enuff, fanboi !!

Here is the real deal.....accept no substitute !

http://www.crunchgear.com/wp-content/uploads/curve_titanium_side3_1.jpg

Incorrect.

http://www.mobileguerilla.com/images/blackberry-8700g.jpg

enuffs enuff, fanboi !!

Here is the real deal.....accept no substitute !

http://www.crunchgear.com/wp-content/uploads/curve_titanium_side3_1.jpg

Incorrect.

With any Blackberry comes a $30/mo. boost to my bill. The Dare fills my needs just fine (so far, though I'm still learning all the capabilities) while saving me $300/year. I'm also liking the touchscreen better for my fat thumbs better than any keypad I've tried. My future son in law knows phones like I know bikes, and he recommended the Dare to save me money without adding features I don't need.

I can understand if your business pays for/requires more phone capabilities, but for me it's a good fit. Fun stuff to explore, music, videos, a nice wide screen...I'm happy.

I just pray that the Dare isn't a gateway drug to me buying a Mac. :twitchy:

Verizon claims that GSM and CDMA will be replaced with a new protocol that EVERYBODY will be adopting in a year or so. Anybody know anything about this?

I haven't heard anything and I have relatives working at QCOM and Kyocera. The problem with adopting a new protocol is they will have to update/change all of the installed base stations. I can't see that happening any time soon.

I haven't heard anything and I have relatives working at QCOM and Kyocera. The problem with adopting a new protocol is they will have to update/change all of the installed base stations. I can't see that happening any time soon.

+1

This will not happen unless the government mandates it, and if it does, you can look for cellular phone costs to double (again) to pay for it. GSM is the world standard and always will be. There may be extensions, but backward compatibility will always be maintained. CDMA is dead - Verizon and Sprint just don't want to admit it.

Then again, the US tends to adopt stupid standards that value cheap over compatibility and function. HDTV is an example. The FCC mandated 8VSB instead of COFDM, meaning that the coverage area is 1/8 the size that it would be for COFDM, but it would be a cheap rollout because broadcasters would not have to replace their power amplifiers.

Idiots... /hijack

I haven't heard anything and I have relatives working at QCOM and Kyocera. The problem with adopting a new protocol is they will have to update/change all of the installed base stations. I can't see that happening any time soon.

Correct. Don't hold your breath.

I would never pay $500 for a phone, especially if it were for a kid who had a working phone already.
There was a day before cell phones. You might be more happy if you try to embrace living without one for awhile.

you people are tools


I paid zero for my phone and it cost 36 dollars a month for everyting

I think Pcad made a reasonable decision given his assumptions.
Living without a smartphone is probably the better way to go if possible,
but if your baseline assumptions are about having to support texting and
such then it seems sound.

I personally finally succumbed to the iphone crack. I make lists and spreadsheets
for work in google docs and sync them to my iphone so it functions as an organizer.

Whoever manages to live without a cell gets the bhodisatva biscuit and props.