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[lionelhutz]

I've been looking at the phones for a while and I've narrowed my choices to these two. It'll be on Verizon so carrier is not a factor. For those who have used these please post your pro's and con's. I've read reviews for each and but the limited time someone uses it can only reveal so much. I'd like to get some feedback from people who have used either of these extensively. The main use will be phone, txt messaging, alarm/calendar, and that's about it. Any other feature is a bonus.

 

[Syckx]

I have a Pearl and really like it -- the messaging capabilities with the phone are easily the best of what I have used and the calender is far more advanced that what you are going to get with the Dare. The problem is that you have to get a BlackBerry data plan with the phone whether you are going to use the browser or not. That adds about $30 bucks to your plan a month. I haven't used the LG Dare, but I tend to stay away from touchscreen only phones. If all you are going to do is make calls, text and use the calender and alarm functions, I would recommend the LG enV 2.

 

[Baker]

I just got the Dare last week. I'm liking it a lot so far.

Pros:
- Touchscreen QWERTY pad is awesome. I found it a lot easier to type with my thumbs than the Iphone/touch.
- GUI is cool
- Voice and sound quality are great.
- Battery lasts fucking forever. I charged it six days ago, and I'm still at 2 bars.

Cons: (don't let this dissuade you. I'm just better at nit-picking shit than finding things I like)
- The web browser is pretty useless unless you go to mobile designed sites. Clicking links is really hard.
- Scrolling up and down lists sucks. You have to press really hard.
- You have to learn to put the phone on Lock the second you're done. The first night I owned it, my pocket called at least three people.
- Stock ringtones are god awful disgusting.

 

[lionelhutz]

I have a Pearl and really like it -- the messaging capabilities with the phone are easily the best of what I have used and the calender is far more advanced that what you are going to get with the Dare. The problem is that you have to get a BlackBerry data plan with the phone whether you are going to use the browser or not. That adds about $30 bucks to your plan a month. I haven't used the LG Dare, but I tend to stay away from touchscreen only phones. If all you are going to do is make calls, text and use the calender and alarm functions, I would recommend the LG enV 2.

I didn't know an extra plan was required for the Pearl. The calendar is more for reminders so it doesn't need to sync with Outlook or other programs. I did look at the LG EnV2 but the keypad seemed kind of small. It's probably my 3rd choice right now.

 

[Syckx]

I didn't know an extra plan was required for the Pearl. The calendar is more for reminders so it doesn't need to sync with Outlook or other programs. I did look at the LG EnV2 but the keypad seemed kind of small. It's probably my 3rd choice right now.

Get your hands on the enV -- remember you have 30 days to return the phone if you don't like it. The enV is a great phone for what you're describing. I had the Voyager earlier this year and the novelty of the touchscreen wore of and the sensitivity of the touch screen kept getting worse (the Voyager is an LG, too) so I'm not too big on the whole "touchscreen only phones." Ultimately, it's your phone, but it's the one you're going to use for the next 2 years so make sure you get something you can live with long term.

 

[lionelhutz]

I just got the Dare last week. I'm liking it a lot so far.

Pros:
- Touchscreen QWERTY pad is awesome. I found it a lot easier to type with my thumbs than the Iphone/touch.
- GUI is cool
- Voice and sound quality are great.
- Battery lasts fucking forever. I charged it six days ago, and I'm still at 2 bars.

Cons: (don't let this dissuade you. I'm just better at nit-picking shit than finding things I like)
- The web browser is pretty useless unless you go to mobile designed sites. Clicking links is really hard.
- Scrolling up and down lists sucks. You have to press really hard.
- You have to learn to put the phone on Lock the second you're done. The first night I owned it, my pocket called at least three people.
- Stock ringtones are god awful disgusting.

Thanks. That's what I was looking for. Most of the con's are for things I don't care about or wouldn't use. I did read that somehow you could make your own ringtones but I normally use the standard rings. I also read there is an auto lock feature so you hit the "Send" button to answer a call and once the call ends the phone locks again. You may want to check if that does exist. It sounds easier than remembering to lock it after each use.

 

[lionelhutz]

Get your hands on the enV -- remember you have 30 days to return the phone if you don't like it. The enV is a great phone for what you're describing. I had the Voyager earlier this year and the novelty of the touchscreen wore of and the sensitivity of the touch screen kept getting worse (the Voyager is an LG, too) so I'm not too big on the whole "touchscreen only phones." Ultimately, it's your phone, but it's the one you're going to use for the next 2 years so make sure you get something you can live with long term.

Good point on the touch screen. No one has ever mentioned the sensitivity degradation in their reviews.

 

[Syckx]

Good point on the touch screen. No one has ever mentioned the sensitivity degradation in their reviews.

Like you mention in your thread, it takes time to show up . Go to a corporate store where the phones are on display and try them all out. Just remember the BlackBerry is going to cost you an extra $30 a month over the Dare and enV. I use a Pearl but will probably be going back to an enV (had the first one) for my personal line if/when I establish my business line which I will use a BlackBerry with.

 

[Bad_Boy]

I just got the Dare last week. I'm liking it a lot so far.

Pros:
- Touchscreen QWERTY pad is awesome. I found it a lot easier to type with my thumbs than the Iphone/touch.
- GUI is cool (the custom menu system is very nice, also the choice between themes is nice)
- Voice and sound quality are great.
- Battery lasts fucking forever. I charged it six days ago, and I'm still at 2 bars.
- Camera is great, definitely verizon's best camera phone
- adding music is a breeze (adding ringtones is pretty simple, but takes a few steps)


Cons: (don't let this dissuade you. I'm just better at nit-picking shit than finding things I like)
- The web browser is pretty useless unless you go to mobile designed sites. Clicking links is really hard.
- Scrolling up and down lists sucks. You have to press really hard.
- You have to learn to put the phone on Lock the second you're done. The first night I owned it, my pocket called at least three people.
- Stock ringtones are god awful disgusting.
- music gui isnt the best
- no included stylus, drawing pad is a gimmick without one

I have the phone as well. I agree with all of Baker's points (though locking the phone is no biggie, one button press).
Allow me to add...

From what you said, and what you're looking for. Just texting, calls, and alarms/calanders. I would go with the dare. I have no problem texting despite the touchscreen. Although I havent gotten used to the qwerty keyboard, only just because I'm used to my old clamshell moto krzr. It just feels more natural so I usually text in regular mode. Only reason I would get a blackberry is if i were the business type.

If you do pick up the dare, make sure you calibrate it holding it horizontally with both hands. It was much more accurate after that.

All in all, I haven't regretted buying it at all, it's a great phone.

 

[RiskyChris]

The pearl is a pretty nice phone, but I can't give you any comparison with the dare.

I use it for calendar (syncs with google calendar, really easy to do) and email and shit.

I love the half-QWERTY keyboard.

 

[lionelhutz]

The pearl is a pretty nice phone, but I can't give you any comparison with the dare.

I use it for calendar (syncs with google calendar, really easy to do) and email and shit.

I love the half-QWERTY keyboard.

How is the keypad after a few months use? I read it deteriorated quite a bit.

 

[RiskyChris]

How is the keypad after a few months use? I read it deteriorated quite a bit.

I've had mine since Feb or March, and I haven't noticed a single thing wrong with the keypad. My trackball is a little jacked, and I don't know if that's a widespread problem. It's been like that since I got it, so maybe I should just get it replaced.

There are a lot of keyboard shortcuts that make navigating the system a lot quicker. I can have a text message window open in like, under a second to any contact in my list.

 

[lionelhutz]

I've had mine since Feb or March, and I haven't noticed a single thing wrong with the keypad. My trackball is a little jacked, and I don't know if that's a widespread problem. It's been like that since I got it, so maybe I should just get it replaced.

There are a lot of keyboard shortcuts that make navigating the system a lot quicker. I can have a text message window open in like, under a second to any contact in my list.

Cool. Maybe that was a problem with early models. I saw a video review where the keys would move around a lot after some use instead of just clicking in place. It's hard to describe but it didn't look good. It was almost as if the keys turned to mush and you could move them all over within space on the pad.

 

[RiskyChris]

Cool. Maybe that was a problem with early models. I saw a video review where the keys would move around a lot after some use instead of just clicking in place. It's hard to describe but it didn't look good. It was almost as if the keys turned to mush and you could move them all over within space on the pad.

Oh yeah, my mom has an old style pearl and the keys feel different.

 

[elaments]

Get the Chocolate 3 or a flip shot.

 

[lionelhutz]

Get the Chocolate 3 or a flip shot.

Flip shot?

 

[M3wThr33]

CDMA model coming in October for Sprint, November for Verizon.

 

[lionelhutz]

CDMA model coming in October for Sprint, November for Verizon.

Any word on price? Is that the HTC Diamond?

 

[M3wThr33]

Any word on price? Is that the HTC Diamond?

No. It's the HTC Touch Pro. It's basically the Diamond + a keyboard and more ram. (There's even a camera on the front AND back)

The Diamond is $300 after rebates, so this will probably be more.

 

[nomoment]

Lionel - is there a reason why you narrowed it down to those two?

 

[lionelhutz]

No. It's the HTC Touch Pro. It's basically the Diamond + a keyboard and more ram. (There's even a camera on the front AND back)

The Diamond is $300 after rebates, so this will probably be more.

I'll check it out but it's kind of pricey and I don't know how I feel about Windows Mobile.

 

[lionelhutz]

Lionel - is there a reason why you narrowed it down to those two?

I had a Blackberry w/ AT&T and I miss the full keypad. I don't want a phone that big so the Pearl looked appealing. Although it wouldn't be the same style, I have a pretty good idea what I'm getting with the Pearl. The only thing that would be different is the smaller Qwerty. The LG Dare looked appealing because I considered an iPhone for a long time but can't justify the cost over the 2 yr. contract and the limited storage for music. The LG Dare has a similar GUI and would probably fill my iPhone void.

I haven't looked at either of these in person. I'll probably check them out next time I'm out. I picked these two from online reviews and the Verizon website.

 

[BlackNMild2k1]

What is the reception like on the Dare?
I have a samsung SCHa990 with Verizon and I don't get reception anywhere.

 

[Ermac]

I've had the Pearl since launch (nearly two years now.) and it's a spectacular phone. It's small yet does pretty much everything in wider cousins can do. And it only takes a week or so to get used to the keypad; I can type out messages WAY faster than T9 now. Honestly it's the only phone I've actually kept for the full two years of my contract. I've dropped the thing now and then, and it still looks brand new and works perfect. I'd definitely recommend it.

Plus, the new ones have Wifi and the camera is upgraded (2MP). Definitely worth it.

 

[Wark]

My sister has had a BlackBerry Pearl since launch and I really do like it, but I was tinkering around with the LG Dare at my local Verizon store today and I liked what I saw. The touchscreen QWERTY keyboard, custom menu, and camera quality are really the things that interested me while I was playing around with the phone. I think I'm gonna pick one up in a day or two when they get another shipment in.

 

[lionelhutz]

I've had the Pearl since launch (nearly two years now.) and it's a spectacular phone. It's small yet does pretty much everything in wider cousins can do. And it only takes a week or so to get used to the keypad; I can type out messages WAY faster than T9 now. Honestly it's the only phone I've actually kept for the full two years of my contract. I've dropped the thing now and then, and it still looks brand new and works perfect. I'd definitely recommend it.

Plus, the new ones have Wifi and the camera is upgraded (2MP). Definitely worth it.

How is the call quality on the Pearl?

 

[Ermac]

How is the call quality on the Pearl?

Seems fine by me. But then again I'm not nitpicky when it comes to this. I can hear the other party, and I can hear them clearly. Make a few calls with the demo unit, I think Verizon usually lets you do that.

 

[Fixed2BeBroken]

What is the reception like on the Dare?
I have a samsung SCHa990 with Verizon and I don't get reception anywhere.

eh it's probably something wrong with your phone, as reception should be the same across all phones on verizon's network. I'd take it in and have a tech take a look at it

How is the call quality on the Pearl?

call quality is great on the pearl. As is on the dare as well.

it really comes down to what you are interested in and i guess, your style.

if you want that "new" and "cool" thing, get the dare. It's a really great touch screen phone.

if you are interested in email/internet capabilities, but still want a phone that can do all the other things that multimedia phones can do, get the pearl.

Edit:

Flip shot?

flipshot is just a cool camera phone. but I mean, I wouldn't really get it unless you are really into taking pictures and like a phone that's cool about taking pictures.

and about the Chocolate 3. I also wouldn't go with that if you want the "full package" deal. the Coolest thing about the chocolate 3 is the fm transmitter...but its more of a great music phone than anything. It's not the full package phone.

Now, i'd like to suggest the Voyager. the voyager is awesome. It combines the touch screen of dare, but also a flip open qwerty keyboard like the Envy.

 

[lionelhutz]

eh it's probably something wrong with your phone, as reception should be the same across all phones on verizon's network. I'd take it in and have a tech take a look at it



call quality is great on the pearl. As is on the dare as well.

it really comes down to what you are interested in and i guess, your style.

if you want that "new" and "cool" thing, get the dare. It's a really great touch screen phone.

if you are interested in email/internet capabilities, but still want a phone that can do all the other things that multimedia phones can do, get the pearl.

I have gadget ADD. The only real solution is to get both but that isn't practical. I wish I could lease a phone for a few dollars every month. Then whenever I got tired of my current phone (usually 3-6 months later) I could upgrade and not be out a ton of money.

 

[Fixed2BeBroken]

I have gadget ADD. The only real solution is to get both but that isn't practical. I wish I could lease a phone for a few dollars every month. Then whenever I got tired of my current phone (usually 3-6 months later) I could upgrade and not be out a ton of money.

sign up for myverizon, and you can upgrade annually.

it's not 3-6 months, but it's close enough.

 

[Ermac]

I have gadget ADD. The only real solution is to get both but that isn't practical. I wish I could lease a phone for a few dollars every month. Then whenever I got tired of my current phone (usually 3-6 months later) I could upgrade and not be out a ton of money.

Same, though as I said I actually kept the Pearl for the full contract. Heck my contract expires next month and I'm thinking of just keeping the thing.

Spoiler

I won't though, Nokia NSeries here I come!

 

[lionelhutz]

Spoiler

I won't though, Nokia NSeries here I come!

Any pics of that series?

 

[aoi tsuki]

Any pics of that series?

http://www.nseries.com/index.html

 

[Fixed2BeBroken]

Any pics of that series?

well, if you want to use Nseries, you won't be using it on verizon. that's the major problem with the Nseries, otherwise I'd be using a N96 as we speak because I love that phone.

 

[lionelhutz]

http://www.nseries.com/index.html

That looks decent. I think I want something closer to the full Qwerty. It makes txt messaging so much easier.

 

[Ermac]

That looks decent. I think I want something closer to the full Qwerty. It makes txt messaging so much easier.

Yeah, if you text alot the Pearl or a QWERTY phone would be you best bet. The thing about the NSeries is that they aren't carried by any US carriers that I know of, so you'll have to pay a hefty amount for one. The on I'm interested in is the N79, which was recently announced:

 

[lionelhutz]

I made it to the Verizon store today. Much to my surprise I didn't like either phone in my OP. The Dare seemed too hard to navigate and the Pearl seemed to have a sluggish GUI. I did like the EnV2 and the Glyde. Has anyone used either of these? How is the touchscreen on the Glyde?

 

[WrathOfOtaibah]

I fucking hate the radio ads for the Dare so by default, go with the Pearl.

 

[lionelhutz]

I fucking hate the radio ads for the Dare so by default, go with the Pearl.

I haven't seen the ads but I wasn't impressed with the Pearl. I've scratched both off my list.

 

[RiskyChris]

I made it to the Verizon store today. Much to my surprise I didn't like either phone in my OP. The Dare seemed too hard to navigate and the Pearl seemed to have a sluggish GUI. I did like the EnV2 and the Glyde. Has anyone used either of these? How is the touchscreen on the Glyde?

What didn't you like about the GUI?

 

[Syckx]

I made it to the Verizon store today. Much to my surprise I didn't like either phone in my OP. The Dare seemed too hard to navigate and the Pearl seemed to have a sluggish GUI. I did like the EnV2 and the Glyde. Has anyone used either of these? How is the touchscreen on the Glyde?

As mentioned earlier, I had the first enV and it was easily the best phone I owned and will be going back to it if I decide to split my business and personal line (I need email access, which is why I use a BlackBerry). I cannot overstate how much I loved the enV. It doesn't have the bells and whistles that a smart phone has but it is easily the best "dumb phone" that Verizon has ever carried.

EDIT: The enV has alerts, calender, full QWERTY (one of the few with a dedicated number line) and WAP internet so unless you need email (which the enV can do in a limited capacity), HTML browsing or have a need for a lot of applications I would recommend the enV over any phone Verizon carries.

 

[SolidSquirrel]

I made it to the Verizon store today. Much to my surprise I didn't like either phone in my OP. The Dare seemed too hard to navigate and the Pearl seemed to have a sluggish GUI. I did like the EnV2 and the Glyde. Has anyone used either of these? How is the touchscreen on the Glyde?

From what I understand, there is no reason to choose the Glyde over LG's Voyager. The touch screen, keyboard, and call quality are all better on the Voyager.

The enV2 and Voyager are basically the same phone, but with different exteriors. I think the extra $20 is worth it for a much larger external display and a nicer camera.

 

[Syckx]

From what I understand, there is no reason to choose the Glyde over LG's Voyager. The touch screen, keyboard, and call quality are all better on the Voyager.

The enV2 and Voyager are basically the same phone, but with different exteriors. I think the extra $20 is worth it for a much larger external display and a nicer camera.

I hated the touchscreen on the Voyager. I would go for the enV's buttons each time, though the small exterior screen is nearly useless.

 

[Monroeski]

I'm thinking of getting a pearl, but does it have any MP3 capabilities? I'll really only use it for podcasts or stuff like that, mostly spoken word and not actual music. It would be nice to be able to run those off a phone and not have to go buy and carry around an MP3 player as well.

 

[Syckx]

I'm thinking of getting a pearl, but does it have any MP3 capabilities? I'll really only use it for podcasts or stuff like that, mostly spoken word and not actual music. It would be nice to be able to run those off a phone and not have to go buy and carry around an MP3 player as well.

Yeah, the Pearl has MP3 capabilities.

 

[jonnybryce]

I made it to the Verizon store today. Much to my surprise I didn't like either phone in my OP. The Dare seemed too hard to navigate and the Pearl seemed to have a sluggish GUI. I did like the EnV2 and the Glyde. Has anyone used either of these? How is the touchscreen on the Glyde?

OMG the Glyde is awful. All reviews ripped it apart. It is a mess of a phone. Do not...do not!

The env2 is a great phone. The Dare is, too. It's also surprisingly easy to navigate, the menu has 2 skins and you can create a quick shortcut menu accessed one touch from the home screen so it's really odd to hear navigation as your complaint.

Anyway, yeah. Glyde is a mess. Don't do it. Google for plenty of reviews and reasons.

 

[M3wThr33]

Just, FYI, those N series won't be on Verizon.

Anyways, pricing and details leaked out today for the HTC Diamond and Touch Pro on Sprint.

Diamond:
September. $250 with contract.

HTC Touch Pro:
October 19th. $320 with contract.

 

[lionelhutz]

What didn't you like about the GUI?

It seemed like I got the hour glass icon every time I moved between functions or menus. I like the size and display but the GUI and keypad weren't as nice as I thought.

 

[lionelhutz]

Just, FYI, those N series won't be on Verizon.

Anyways, pricing and details leaked out today for the HTC Diamond and Touch Pro on Sprint.

Diamond:
September. $250 with contract.

HTC Touch Pro:
October 19th. $320 with contract.

Are these coming to any other providers?

 

[lionelhutz]

OMG the Glyde is awful. All reviews ripped it apart. It is a mess of a phone. Do not...do not!

The env2 is a great phone. The Dare is, too. It's also surprisingly easy to navigate, the menu has 2 skins and you can create a quick shortcut menu accessed one touch from the home screen so it's really odd to hear navigation as your complaint.

Anyway, yeah. Glyde is a mess. Don't do it. Google for plenty of reviews and reasons.

I liked the keypad on the Glyde but the icons on the touchscreen seemed kind of small. I read a few reviews when I got home and the call quality was poor on the Glyde. I think I'm probably going to wait for my New Every 2 date next year and seriously consider the EnV2. The reviews were good and it has a full Qwerty keypad.

I really want to like all touchscreen phones. I like the look of the iPhone and LG Dare but I can't type very well on them. I don't have fat thumbs by any means and I can't hit the correct keys to save my life. If I gave it more time I might get better but I don't know if I have the patience.