LG Voyager (VX10000, Verizon Wireless)

Pros: Look, feel, QWERTY keyboard

Cons: Software is sluggish, web browser, battery life

Summary: I was lucky enough to receive a Voyager a few days before the relase date (an error on Verizon's part) so after using the phone for 3 days, here are my thoughts.

The phone looks great and feels very solid. LG made a good choice with their design here.

The touchscreen is ok, but it runs a little slow. I have found once I press a key it takes sometimes up to 2 seconds to get to where I want to go. Found that to be a little frustrating. The touchscreen doesnt smudge like I thought it would. It's a shame the touchscreen isnt more customizable (from what I can tell), some of the menu items are things I don't use much, while others I would like to see on th emain menu are hidden in sub menus...why LG why? The tactile feedback on the touchscreen is fun , but more novelty. You cannot dial a number without looking at your phone which is probably a good thing, driving wise. The touch screen looks great, very colorful and clear.

I believe the touchscreen is there for nothing more than the WOW factor as it really is much slower than dedicated softkeys. I suppose VZW is trying to have that cool factor Iphone competitor.

BEWARE: Battery life is short. I found it to be much shorter than my AT&T 8125. Even with BT turned off, the battery seems to drain so quickly. I have to call VZW to see if there is a solution to this.

The camera quality is ok (for a cell), but like the CNET reveiw says, why no flash? It would have been nice.

The web browser is very hard to use. I had much trouble navigating to where I want to go within a browser and clicking on links was frusrtating. I actually cancelled my web plan because of this. Lack of Wi-Fi is annoying (once again VZW likes those extra $'s) but not surprising.

The QWERTY keyboard is a joy to use, The added space really makes typing a breeze.

Calendar is easy to use, as is the contact book (no where for extra notes though).

Emailing sync was very easy to set up.

I had no problem with Bluetooth connection.

Speakerphone is superb (best I have heard on a cell)

Call quality is great by the way, no problems so far.

I have played around with the music player a little. It is really basic and I can't see this replacing an Ipod especially since you would have to buy an additional memory card to hold the music. You can drag and drop music files now, unlike the old ENV.

Havent used the TV funtion so I cant comment but Im sure it would be good because of the quality of the vibrant screen.

I think the phone is overpiced for what you get. Basically your are paying $300 for a dumbphone with a touchscreen and not much else.

In short, this isn't by any means an "Iphone killer" but it is the best VZW has to offer. My friend has an Iphone and the only reason I don't is its lack of 3G. If the Iphone had 3G I would have bought one. I can't say that the Voyager with it's EVDO is any better however because of its poor browser, so I'm not sure if the Iphone isn't a better choice.

I believe most people who will by this phone will do so for the WOW facotr. The phone itself doesnt offer anything more than some of the other hpones out there (I760 etc). Once people see more and more Voyagers out there, they will be less inclined to jump towards this phone as people want the next best thing that no one else has. I bough this phone for web browsing (big mistake).

So if I had a choice would I do it over? Hmm...Im on the fence (which is why I gave the phone a 6). I like the keyboard but hate the web browser.....if I could I would wait for a 3G Iphone but who knows when that will come out, plus having to deal with subpar AT&T service is no fun.

I would wait a few days and see if www.letstalk.com offers the Voyager for less. I noticed they are selling the Venus for $99 now.